Nehemiah 8:15

KJV

And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as [it is] written.

KJV (with Strong's)

And that they should publish {H8085} and proclaim {H5674}{H6963} in all their cities {H5892}, and in Jerusalem {H3389}, saying {H559}, Go forth {H3318} unto the mount {H2022}, and fetch {H935} olive {H2132} branches {H5929}, and pine {H8081} branches {H6086}{H5929}, and myrtle {H1918} branches {H5929}, and palm {H8558} branches {H5929}, and branches {H5929} of thick {H5687} trees {H6086}, to make {H6213} booths {H5521}, as it is written {H3789}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and that they were to announce and pass the word in all their cities and in Yerushalayim, "Go out to the mountains, and collect branches of olives, wild olives, myrtles, palms, and other leafy trees to make sukkot, as prescribed."

Berean Standard Bible

So they proclaimed this message and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hill country and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.”

American Standard Version

and that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and branches of wild olive, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 8:15 details the specific, widespread proclamation issued throughout Jerusalem and the surrounding cities, instructing the post-exilic Jewish community to gather various types of tree branches—olive, pine, myrtle, palm, and other thick trees—from the surrounding mountains. This command was given for the immediate construction of temporary shelters, or "booths," to properly observe the long-neglected Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), in direct obedience to what was found written in the rediscovered Law of Moses.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct consequence of the spiritual revival ignited by Ezra's public reading of the Law in [Nehemiah 8:1-8](/nehemiah/8-1 "Nehemiah 8:1-8 - Ezra Reads the Law"). Immediately preceding this verse, [Nehemiah 8:13-14](/nehemiah/8-13 "Nehemiah 8:13-14 - Discovery of the Feast of Tabernacles") describes how, on the second day of the reading, the leaders, priests, and Levites discovered the neglected command regarding the Feast of Tabernacles in the Law. [Nehemiah 8:15](/nehemiah/8-15 "Nehemiah 8:15 - Proclamation for Booths") then describes the immediate and enthusiastic response: a widespread proclamation to gather materials for the booths. This sequence highlights the people's eager obedience and commitment to restoring proper worship and national identity after decades of exile and neglect. The narrative pivots from initial weeping over sin ([Nehemiah 8:9](/nehemiah/8-9 "Nehemiah 8:9 - People Weep at the Law")) to joyful, communal action, setting the stage for the grand celebration described in subsequent verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 8 occur in the post-exilic period, around 444 BC, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, the walls of Jerusalem had just been rebuilt, signifying physical restoration. However, spiritual restoration was paramount. The people had been away from the land and the Temple for generations, and many of God's laws had fallen into disuse or forgotten. The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Pentecost), designed to commemorate God's faithful provision during Israel's forty years of wandering in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters ([Leviticus 23:43](/leviticus/23-43 "Leviticus 23:43 - Purpose of Booths")). It also served as a harvest festival, celebrating God's bounty. The rediscovery and diligent observance of this feast symbolized a profound return to covenant faithfulness and a re-establishment of their identity as God's chosen people, living under His Law in the Promised Land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Foremost is **Obedience to God's Word**, as the immediate and widespread action to "publish and proclaim" the command demonstrates a profound commitment to following God's rediscovered instructions. This obedience is a hallmark of the spiritual **Revival and Restoration** taking place in Jerusalem, signifying a return to a right relationship with God after the exile. The act of building booths emphasizes **Remembrance of God's Faithfulness and Provision**, reminding the people of their wilderness journey and God's past care, thereby fostering trust for the future. Furthermore, the communal gathering of branches and the subsequent celebration underscore themes of **Community and Corporate Worship**, highlighting the unity and shared joy found in collective adherence to God's commands, as encouraged by Nehemiah's exhortation to "eat the fat, and drink the sweet... for the joy of the LORD is your strength" in [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Publish and Proclaim (Hebrew, _shâma‛_ and _qârâ’_):** The KJV translates two distinct Hebrew verbs here, emphasizing the comprehensive and authoritative nature of the instruction. _Shâma‛_ (שָׁמַע) means "to hear, listen, obey," but in the Hiphil stem, it can mean "to cause to hear, announce, proclaim." _Qârâ’_ (קָרָא) means "to call, summon, proclaim, read." Together, they convey a public, official, and widespread declaration, ensuring that the command reached every household and was understood as a divine imperative. This was not a suggestion but an urgent, binding decree.
* **Booths (Hebrew, _sukkot'_):** The plural of _sukkah_ (סֻכָּה), meaning "tent, booth, tabernacle, shelter." These were temporary dwellings, typically constructed from branches and leaves, designed to be flimsy and permeable, symbolizing the transient nature of Israel's journey through the wilderness. The command to make booths was a tangible, annual reminder of God's people's dependence on Him during their forty years of wandering before entering the Promised Land, and His faithful provision in that vulnerable state.
* **Branches of thick trees (Hebrew, _‛êts ‛âbôth'_):** This phrase (עֵץ עָבֹת) refers to leafy, dense branches, distinct from the specific types of trees mentioned (olive, pine, myrtle, palm). According to rabbinic tradition and the requirements for a proper _sukkah_, these "thick trees" were crucial for the roof covering, providing shade while still allowing the stars to be seen through them. This detail highlights the meticulous adherence to the Law's requirements, ensuring the booths were constructed according to divine specification, not mere human convenience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying":** This phrase emphasizes the immediate, widespread, and authoritative nature of the command. The instruction was not confined to Jerusalem but extended to "all their cities," indicating a unified national effort to obey God's Law. The use of "publish and proclaim" highlights the urgency and the public declaration, ensuring no one was ignorant of the divine directive. This was a call to action for the entire restored community.
* **"Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees":** This is the core instruction for gathering materials. "Go forth unto the mount" indicates that the necessary resources were readily available in the surrounding natural environment, symbolizing God's provision for their obedience. The specific mention of olive, pine (or oil tree), myrtle, and palm branches aligns with the general requirements for the Feast of Tabernacles found in [Leviticus 23:40](/leviticus/23-40 "Leviticus 23:40 - Materials for Sukkot"). The inclusion of "branches of thick trees" ensured sufficient material for the construction of the temporary dwellings, providing shade while maintaining the symbolic openness of the _sukkah_. This detail underscores the communal effort and the tangible act of obedience.
* **"to make booths, as [it is] written":** This concluding clause clearly states the purpose of gathering the branches—to construct the temporary shelters for the Feast of Tabernacles. The phrase "as [it is] written" is crucial, serving as the ultimate justification and authority for their actions. It signifies that their obedience was not based on human tradition or convenience, but on the direct, rediscovered commands of God's Law. This highlights the foundational principle of biblical authority guiding the spiritual revival.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several effective literary devices. **Repetition** is evident in the listing of various "branches"—olive branches, pine branches, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of thick trees. This enumeration not only provides specific details for the task but also emphasizes the abundance of materials and the communal nature of the gathering, creating a vivid image of the people's collective effort. **Symbolism** is central to the "booths" themselves, which represent the temporary dwellings of the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, serving as a tangible reminder of God's faithful provision and their transient nature as sojourners. Finally, the phrase "as [it is] written" functions as an **allusion** to the Mosaic Law, specifically [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Leviticus 23:33-43 - The Feast of Tabernacles"), grounding the immediate command in ancient divine revelation and reinforcing the theme of covenant fidelity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 8:15 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of God's Word and the joy found in corporate obedience. The immediate and widespread response to the rediscovered command for the Feast of Tabernacles demonstrates a profound spiritual hunger and a willingness to align their lives with divine instruction. This act of obedience was not a burdensome duty but a joyful communal endeavor, leading to "very great gladness" ([Nehemiah 8:17](/nehemiah/8-17 "Nehemiah 8:17 - Great Gladness")). Theologically, it underscores that true national and spiritual restoration begins with a return to the foundational truths of God's covenant and a practical outworking of His commands. The Feast itself, with its emphasis on remembering God's past faithfulness in the wilderness, served to cultivate a deep sense of gratitude and dependence on Him for future provision.

* [Leviticus 23:33-43](/leviticus/23-33 "Institution of the Feast of Tabernacles")
* [Deuteronomy 31:10-13](/deuteronomy/31-10 "Reading of the Law Every Seven Years")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Your Word is a Lamp")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 8:15 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites rediscovered and joyfully obeyed God's long-neglected commands, we are called to a continuous engagement with Scripture, allowing its truths to shape our lives. This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual revival often begins with a fresh encounter with God's Word, leading to intentional and joyful obedience. The communal effort to gather branches and build booths highlights the importance of corporate worship and shared spiritual disciplines; faith is not merely individual but thrives in community. Furthermore, the Feast of Tabernacles served as a tangible reminder of God's enduring faithfulness through challenging times. In our own "wilderness" experiences, we are encouraged to intentionally remember God's past provision and care, building "memorials" of gratitude that strengthen our trust in His ongoing presence and future promises. This active remembrance transforms our perspective, fostering joy even amidst life's temporary dwellings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "long-neglected" commands or truths in God's Word might God be calling me or my community to rediscover and obey today?**
* **How can I more intentionally "publish and proclaim" God's truth, not just with my words, but through my actions and lifestyle, to those around me?**
* **In what ways can I, like the Israelites gathering branches, actively participate in communal worship and service that builds up the body of Christ?**
* **What are some practical ways I can "make booths" in my life—tangible reminders of God's faithfulness and provision—to strengthen my faith during uncertain times?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the specific types of branches mentioned in Nehemiah 8:15?**

Answer: The specific branches—olive, pine, myrtle, palm, and "branches of thick trees"—were crucial for the construction of the temporary shelters, or _sukkot_, for the Feast of Tabernacles. While the primary purpose was practical, providing shade and structure for the temporary dwelling, they also carried symbolic weight and were explicitly commanded in the Law ([Leviticus 23:40](/leviticus/23-40 "Leviticus 23:40 - Materials for Sukkot")). Palm branches (lulav) and branches of thick trees (likely leafy, dense branches like myrtle and willow) were also used in processions and as part of the "four species" held during the festival, symbolizing the beauty and bounty of the land, and perhaps the diverse unity of the people. The act of gathering these specific branches from the "mount" emphasized the people's direct obedience to God's detailed instructions and their reliance on His natural provision.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The temporary booths of the Feast of Tabernacles, commanded in [Nehemiah 8:15](/nehemiah/8-15 "Nehemiah 8:15 - Proclamation for Booths") and built to commemorate God's dwelling with Israel in the wilderness, powerfully foreshadow Christ. Just as God tabernacled with His people in a temporary structure, the Gospel of John declares that "the Word became flesh and [dwelt among us](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")," literally "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). Jesus is our ultimate Booth, our true shelter and dwelling place, providing refuge and sustenance in our spiritual wilderness journey. The joy and water libation ceremonies associated with Sukkot found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' invitation during the feast: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Jesus' Invitation at the Feast")). The temporary nature of the booths also points to the transient nature of our earthly lives, reminding us that our true and eternal home is found in Christ. He is the Lamb of God who leads us through the wilderness of this world to the promised land of eternal life, where God will ultimately "dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Leviticus 23:40

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 23:4

¶ These [are] the feasts of the LORD, [even] holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons.

Deuteronomy 16:16

Three times in a year shall all thy males appear before the LORD thy God in the place which he shall choose; in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles: and they shall not appear before the LORD empty:

Matthew 21:1

¶ And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples,

Genesis 8:11

And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her mouth [was] an olive leaf pluckt off: so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth.

Judges 9:48

And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that [were] with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid [it] on his shoulder, and said unto the people that [were] with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, [and] do as I [have done].

Judges 9:49

And all the people likewise cut down every man his bough, and followed Abimelech, and put [them] to the hold, and set the hold on fire upon them; so that all the men of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand men and women.