Nehemiah 8:14

And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

And they found {H4672} written {H3789} in the law {H8451} which the LORD {H3068} had commanded {H6680} by {H3027} Moses {H4872}, that the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} should dwell {H3427} in booths {H5521} in the feast {H2282} of the seventh {H7637} month {H2320}:

They found written in the Torah that ADONAI had ordered through Moshe that the people of Isra'el were to live in sukkot during the feast of the seventh month;

And they found written in the Law, which the LORD had commanded through Moses, that the Israelites were to dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month.

And they found written in the law, how that Jehovah had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month;

Commentary

Commentary on Nehemiah 8:14

Nehemiah 8:14 describes a pivotal moment during the spiritual revival in post-exilic Jerusalem. After returning from Babylonian captivity, the Jewish people, under the leadership of Ezra the scribe and Nehemiah the governor, gathered to hear the Law of Moses read and explained. This verse highlights a specific discovery made during their study of the scriptures.

Historical and Cultural Context

Following seventy years of exile in Babylon, a remnant of the Jewish people had returned to Judah. While the temple was rebuilt, the spiritual state of the people needed revitalization. Nehemiah chapter 8 details the public reading of the Law by Ezra, a significant event that reconnected the community with God's commandments. In this context, the people "found written" a command that had seemingly been neglected for a long time: the instruction to observe the Feast of Booths. This rediscovery was not just an academic exercise but a catalyst for immediate and joyous obedience, marking a profound moment of national repentance and renewal.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Rediscovery of God's Word: The verse emphasizes the importance of diligently searching and understanding the Scriptures. The phrase "found written" indicates a fresh encounter with God's instructions, revealing truths that had been overlooked or forgotten.
  • Divine Authority and Obedience: The command is explicitly stated as "which the LORD had commanded by Moses," underscoring its divine origin and timeless relevance. The people's immediate response to obey this command demonstrates their commitment to God's authority.
  • The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot): This verse directly refers to the requirement for the children of Israel to dwell in temporary shelters or "booths" (Hebrew: sukkot) during "the feast of the seventh month." This feast, also known as the Feast of Ingathering, was a time of thanksgiving for the harvest and, more importantly, a profound reminder of God's provision and faithfulness during their forty years of wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus.
  • Joy in Obedience: While not explicitly stated in this verse, the subsequent verses in Nehemiah 8 describe the great joy that accompanied the observance of this rediscovered command, demonstrating that obedience to God's will brings true delight.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "booths," which is the Hebrew word sukkot (ืกึปื›ึนึผืช). These were temporary shelters, often made of branches and leaves, meant to simulate the dwellings of the Israelites during their desert journey. The feast itself is named after these temporary dwellings, hence "Feast of Booths" or "Feast of Tabernacles." The "law" mentioned refers to the Torah (ืชึผื•ึนืจึธื”), which means "instruction" or "teaching," encompassing God's complete revelation to His people, not merely a legal code.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 8:14 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today. Just as the Israelites rediscovered neglected commands, we are called to continually engage with God's Word, allowing it to illuminate areas of our lives that may have drifted from His will. This verse encourages:

  • Regular Scripture Engagement: Make it a priority to read, study, and understand the Bible, allowing it to speak into your life.
  • Obedience as a Path to Joy: The Israelites' joy stemmed from their obedience. When we align our lives with God's commands, we experience His blessing and true satisfaction.
  • Remembering God's Faithfulness: Like the Feast of Booths, we should regularly reflect on God's past provision and faithfulness in our lives and in the history of His people. This builds trust for the future.
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Cross-References

  • Leviticus 23:34 (8 votes)

    Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month [shall be] the feast of tabernacles [for] seven days unto the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 16:13 (6 votes)

    Thou shalt observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:

  • Deuteronomy 16:15 (6 votes)

    Seven days shalt thou keep a solemn feast unto the LORD thy God in the place which the LORD shall choose: because the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all thine increase, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore thou shalt surely rejoice.

  • Leviticus 23:40 (6 votes)

    And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the LORD your God seven days.

  • Leviticus 23:43 (6 votes)

    That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I [am] the LORD your God.

  • John 7:2 (4 votes)

    Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was at hand.

  • Zechariah 14:16 (4 votes)

    ยถ And it shall come to pass, [that] every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles.