TRV
Translation
King James 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 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.
World English Bible Messianic
and that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the mountain, and get 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.”
Geneva Bible (1599)
And that they shoulde cause it to bee declared and proclaimed in all their cities, and in Ierusalem, saying, Go forth vnto the mount, and bring oliue branches, and pine branches, and branches of myrtus, and palme branches, and branches of thicke trees, to make boothes, as it is written.
Young's Literal Translation
and that they proclaim and cause to pass over all their cities, (and in Jerusalem,) saying, `Go ye out to the mount, and bring leaves of the olive, and leaves of the oil tree, and leaves of the myrtle, and leaves of the palms, and leaves of thick trees, to make booths as it is written.'
See also
In the KJVVerse 12,509 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Nehemiah 8 verses 13–18
13 ¶ And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
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:
15 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.
16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.
17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.
18 Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
We have here,
I. The people's renewed attendance upon the word. They had spent the greatest part of one day in praying and hearing, and yet were so far from being weary of that new moon and sabbath that the next day after, though it was no festival, the chief of them came together again to hear Ezra expound (Neh 8:13), which they found more delightful and gainful than any worldly pleasure or profit whatsoever. Note, The more we converse with the word of God, if we rightly understand it and be affected with it, the more we shall covet to converse with it, and to increase in our acquaintance with it, saying, How sweet are thy words unto my mouth! Those that understand the scriptures well will still be desirous to understand them better. Now the priests and the Levites themselves came with the chief of the people to Ezra, that prince of expositors, to understand the words of the law, or, as it is in the margin, that they might instruct in the words of the law; they came to be taught themselves, that they might be qualified to teach others. Observe, 1. Though, on the first day, Ezra's humility had set them on his right hand and on his left, as teachers with him (Neh 8:4, Neh 8:7), yet now, they being by trial made more sensible than ever of their own deficiencies and his excellencies, on the second day their humility set them at Ezra's feet, as learners of him. 2. Those that would teach others must themselves receive instructions. Priests and Levites must be taught first and then teach.
II. The people's ready obedience to the word, in one particular instance, as soon as they were made sensible of their duty therein. It is probable that Ezra, after the wisdom of his God that was in his hand (Ezr 7:25), when they applied to him for instruction out of the law on the second day of the seventh month, read to them those laws which concerned the feasts of that month, and, among the rest, that of the feast of tabernacles, Lev 23:34; Deu 16:13. Ministers should preach not only that which is true and good, but that which is seasonable, directing to the work of the day in its day. Here is, 1. The divine appointment of the feast of tabernacles reviewed, Neh 8:14, Neh 8:15. They found written in the law a commandment concerning it. Those that diligently search the scriptures will find those things written there which they had forgotten or not duly considered. This feast of tabernacles was a memorial of their dwelling in tents in the wilderness, a representation of our tabernacle state in this world, and a type of the holy joy of the gospel church. The conversion of the nations to the faith of Christ is foretold under the figure of this feast (Zac 14:16); they shall come to keep the feast of tabernacles, as having here no continuing city. This feast was to be proclaimed in all their cities. The people were themselves to fetch boughs of trees (they of Jerusalem fetched them from the mount of Olives) and to make booths, or arbours, of them, in which they were to lodge (as much as the weather would permit) and to make merry during the feast. 2. This appointment religiously observed, Neh 8:16, Neh 8:17. Then we read and hear the word acceptably and profitably when we do according to what is written therein, when what appears to be our duty is revived after it has been neglected. (1.) They observed the ceremony: They sat in booths, which the priests and Levites set up in the courts of the temple; those that had houses of their own set up booths on the roofs of them, or in their courts; and those that had not such conveniences set them up in the streets. This feast had usually been observed (Ch2 5:3; Ezr 3:4), but never with such solemnity as now since Joshua's time, when they were newly settled, as they were now newly re-settled in Canaan. That man loves his house too well that cannot find in his heart to quit it, awhile, in compliance either with an ordinance or with a providence of God. (2.) They minded the substance, else the ceremony, how significant soever, would have been insignificant. [1.] They did it with gladness, with very great gladness, rejoicing in God and his goodness to them. All their holy feasts, but this especially, were to be celebrated with joy, which would be much for the honour of God, and their own encouragement in his service. [2.] They attended the reading and expounding of the word of God during all the days of the feast, v. 18. They improved their leisure for this good work. Spare hours cannot be better spent than in studying the scriptures and conversing with them. At this feast of tabernacles God appointed the law to be read once in seven years. Whether this was that year of release in which that service was to be performed (Deu 31:10, Deu 31:11) does not appear; however they spent all the days of the feast in that good work, and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, as God had appointed, in which they finished the solemnity the twenty-second day of the month, yet did not separate, for the twenty-fourth day was appointed to be spent in fasting and prayer. Holy joy just not indispose us for godly sorrow any more than godly sorrow for holy joy.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 13–18. Public domain.
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BedeAD 735
Commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah
Go forth, he says, to the mountain, etc. And let us also go forth from a dwelling of general thoughts, to the height of the holy Scriptures to be frequently meditated upon; and let us bring from there, as if olive branches, the fruits of mercy, with which by refreshing the poor, we may simultaneously shade ourselves from the heat of tempting vices; and branches of the most beautiful wood, which the Jews call cedar, indeed, the fruits of charity, which is amongst all virtues the most beautiful and illustrious, through which our Lord ascended the wood of the cross for our salvation. As we imitate His passion to the extent that it is possible, we are certainly protected by the branches of the most beautiful wood. Let us also bring branches of myrtle, in the mortification of desires and all vices. For even the magi, offering myrrh to the Lord, taught typologically that those who belong to Jesus Christ ought to crucify their flesh with its vices and lusts. Likewise, whoever can say: 'For we are the good fragrance of Christ to God, in every place' (II Cor. II), brings myrtle branches to make a shelter for themselves. Let us also bring palm branches, the ornament of the victorious hand, so that we may always carry a mind victorious over gluttony, wrath, greed, and other vices, and always strive to be stronger than all enemies; so that in the future we may be worthy to be consorts of those about whom John speaks in his Apocalypse: 'They stood before the throne in the presence of the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and with palms in their hands' (Rev. VII). Also, branches of woody trees, that is, the adornments of other virtues; with all these we make mystic tabernacles for ourselves, as by being delighted with good works, we draw our entire mind away from worldly enticements.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Nehemiah 8:15 records the specific, widespread proclamation issued throughout Jerusalem and all its surrounding cities, instructing the post-exilic Jewish community to gather various types of tree branches—including olive, pine, myrtle, palm, and other thick, leafy branches—from the nearby 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 and joyful obedience to what had been rediscovered and written in the Law of Moses.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 8:15 employs several effective literary devices that enhance its meaning and impact. Enumeration is prominently used in the listing of various types of "branches"—olive, pine, myrtle, palm, and branches of thick trees. This detailed listing not only provides practical instructions but also emphasizes the abundance of materials available and the communal nature of the gathering, painting a vivid picture 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. These flimsy structures serve as a tangible reminder of God's faithful provision in vulnerable times and the transient nature of human existence. Finally, the phrase "as [it is] written" functions as a powerful Allusion to the Mosaic Law, specifically the commands regarding the Feast of Tabernacles found in Leviticus 23:33-43. This allusion grounds the immediate command in ancient divine revelation, reinforcing the overarching theme of covenant fidelity and the supreme authority of God's Word.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 8:15 stands as a powerful testament to the transformative power of God's Word and the profound joy found in corporate obedience. The immediate and widespread response to the rediscovered command for the Feast of Tabernacles demonstrates a deep 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). 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, reminding them that their security lay not in their own strength but in God's enduring care.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 8:15 offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Just as the Israelites rediscovered and joyfully obeyed God's long-neglected commands, we are called to a continuous, intentional, and fresh engagement with Scripture, allowing its timeless truths to shape every facet of our lives. This verse reminds us that genuine spiritual revival often begins not with grand gestures, but with a humble and eager encounter with God's Word, leading to intentional and joyful obedience in practical ways. The communal effort to gather branches and build booths highlights the indispensable importance of corporate worship and shared spiritual disciplines; faith is not merely an individual pursuit but thrives and is strengthened within the context of a vibrant, obedient community. Furthermore, the Feast of Tabernacles served as a tangible reminder of God's enduring faithfulness through challenging times. In our own "wilderness" experiences—periods of uncertainty, transition, or hardship—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 deep joy and resilience even amidst life's temporary dwellings.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What was the significance of the specific types of branches mentioned in Nehemiah 8:15?
Answer: The specific branches—olive, pine (or oil tree), myrtle, palm, and "branches of thick trees"—were crucial for the construction of the temporary shelters, or sukkot, for the Feast of Tabernacles. While their 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). 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, reinforcing the theme of God's care for His people even in the wilderness.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The temporary booths of the Feast of Tabernacles, commanded in Nehemiah 8:15 and built to commemorate God's dwelling with Israel in the wilderness, powerfully foreshadow Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people. Just as God tabernacled with His people in a temporary structure, the Gospel of John profoundly declares that "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us," literally "tabernacled" among us (John 1:14). Jesus is our ultimate Booth, our true shelter and dwelling place, providing refuge, sustenance, and the very presence of God in our spiritual wilderness journey. The joyous water libation ceremonies associated with Sukkot found their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus' climactic invitation during the feast: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" (John 7:37-38), offering the living water of the Holy Spirit. 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 not in this world, but 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).