Nehemiah 9:4

KJV

¶ Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, [and] Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then stood up {H6965} upon the stairs {H4608}, of the Levites {H3881}, Jeshua {H3442}, and Bani {H1137}, Kadmiel {H6934}, Shebaniah {H7645}, Bunni {H1138}, Sherebiah {H8274}, Bani {H1137}, and Chenani {H3662}, and cried {H2199} with a loud {H1419} voice {H6963} unto the LORD {H3068} their God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the platform of the L'vi'im stood Yeshua, Bani, Kadmi'el, Sh'vanyah, Buni, Sherevyah, Bani and K'nani; they cried out loudly to ADONAI their God.

Berean Standard Bible

And the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani—stood on the raised platform and cried out in a loud voice to the LORD their God.

American Standard Version

Then stood up upon the stairs of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto Jehovah their God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 9:4 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's post-exilic spiritual renewal, depicting a group of Levites ascending a platform to lead the congregation in a fervent, collective cry to the Lord. This verse sets the stage for the profound national prayer of confession and remembrance that follows, underscoring the vital role of spiritual leadership in guiding a community toward corporate repentance and renewed covenant with God. It captures the raw emotion and deep sincerity of a people earnestly seeking divine favor and forgiveness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 9:4 is embedded within a larger narrative of spiritual revival and covenant renewal following the return from Babylonian exile. It immediately succeeds the joyous celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles and the public reading of the Law by Ezra, as detailed in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - The Reading of the Law and Feast of Tabernacles"). The profound impact of hearing God's Word led the people to a deep conviction of sin, prompting a day of fasting, sackcloth, and ashes, and separation from foreigners, as described in [Nehemiah 9:1-3](/nehemiah/9-1 "Nehemiah 9:1-3 - National Repentance and Confession"). This verse initiates the formal act of corporate prayer and confession, with the Levites taking the lead in vocalizing the nation's repentance and adoration. The detailed prayer that follows in [Nehemiah 9:5-38](/nehemiah/9-5 "Nehemiah 9:5-38 - The Great Prayer of Confession") is a direct continuation of the "loud voice" mentioned here.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This event occurs in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period, approximately 444 BC, under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra. The people had recently returned from seventy years of Babylonian captivity, a period understood as divine judgment for their unfaithfulness to the Mosaic Covenant. The Feast of Tabernacles, celebrated in [Nehemiah 8:13-18](/nehemiah/8-13 "Nehemiah 8:13-18 - Celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles"), was a reminder of God's faithfulness during their wilderness wanderings, intensifying their awareness of their own historical disobedience. The Levites, as the designated spiritual instructors, temple servants, and facilitators of worship in Israel, naturally assumed a prominent role in leading this national act of repentance. Their position "upon the stairs" likely refers to an elevated platform or podium, such as the one mentioned in [Nehemiah 8:4](/nehemiah/8-4 "Nehemiah 8:4 - Ezra's Wooden Platform"), designed to ensure visibility and audibility for the large assembly, allowing them to effectively lead the entire congregation in this solemn, public act of prayer.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 9:4 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **indispensable role of spiritual leadership** in guiding God's people toward repentance and renewal. The Levites, named individually, embody this leadership, demonstrating the importance of dedicated individuals in facilitating corporate worship and confession. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the theme of **corporate confession and repentance**, showcasing a unified nation acknowledging its sin and turning back to God. This collective act of humility is a prerequisite for covenant renewal. Thirdly, the "loud voice" underscores the theme of **earnest and heartfelt prayer**, indicating the depth of emotion and sincerity in their supplication. Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **God's accessibility and willingness to hear His people**, even after generations of disobedience, when they genuinely seek Him with contrite hearts, a truth echoed throughout the prophetic tradition, as seen in [Isaiah 55:6-7](/isaiah/55-6 "Isaiah 55:6-7 - Seek the Lord While He May Be Found").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stairs (Hebrew, מַעֲלֶה, _ma'aleh_):** This term refers to an ascent, a rising place, or a step. In this context, it denotes an elevated platform or podium, likely the wooden platform mentioned in [Nehemiah 8:4](/nehemiah/8-4 "Nehemiah 8:4 - Ezra's Wooden Platform"), from which the Law was read. Its significance lies in providing visibility and audibility for the Levites to address the large assembly, symbolizing their prominent and authoritative role in leading the nation's spiritual activities. It signifies a public, official, and visible act of leadership.
* **Cried with a loud voice (Hebrew, קָרָא בְּקוֹל גָּדוֹל, _qara' beqol gadol_):** The verb _qara'_ means "to call, cry out, proclaim." The addition of _beqol gadol_, "with a great voice" or "with a loud voice," intensifies the action, indicating an urgent, fervent, and public declaration. This was not a private whisper but a powerful, audible, and united cry, reflecting deep emotion, earnestness, and a desperate appeal to God. It suggests a profound spiritual burden and a collective outpouring of the heart before the Divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, [and] Chenani,":** This clause identifies the specific individuals who took the lead in this solemn assembly. The listing of names emphasizes their individual responsibility and participation in this significant moment. Their standing "upon the stairs" highlights their elevated position, indicating their role as official leaders and representatives of the people, making them visible and audible to the entire congregation gathered for this national day of confession. The repetition of "Bani" suggests either two individuals with the same name or a scribal variant, but the overall effect is to underscore the collective Levitical presence.
* **"and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.":** This second clause describes the action taken by the named Levites. Their "crying with a loud voice" signifies the intensity, urgency, and public nature of their prayer. It was a fervent, audible appeal, reflecting the deep contrition and earnest desire of the people to seek God's attention and mercy. The phrase "unto the LORD their God" emphasizes their understanding of God's covenant relationship with Israel, affirming their belief that despite their failures, He remained their God, accessible and willing to hear their genuine supplication.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 9:4 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The **listing of names** (Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, Chenani) serves to personalize the leadership and underscore the specific individuals responsible for guiding this pivotal moment of national repentance. This detailed enumeration lends a sense of historical veracity and emphasizes the collective, yet distinct, roles played by the Levites. The **imagery** of "standing upon the stairs" creates a visual of elevation and prominence, signifying the Levites' authoritative and visible position as spiritual facilitators. This elevated stance is not merely practical for audibility but also symbolically represents their leadership role. Furthermore, the phrase "cried with a loud voice" is a powerful auditory **imagery**, conveying the urgency, intensity, and deep emotional sincerity of their prayer. It evokes a sense of desperate appeal and profound spiritual earnestness. Finally, the entire scene functions as **symbolism** for the nation's collective turning back to God, with the Levites acting as mediators and vocalizers of Israel's heart.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 9:4 serves as a powerful theological statement about the nature of corporate worship, the necessity of spiritual leadership, and God's responsiveness to a repentant people. It underscores that genuine spiritual revival often begins with a profound conviction of sin, leading to public confession and earnest prayer. The Levites, acting as intercessors and facilitators, bridge the gap between the people's contrite hearts and God's divine presence. This act of "crying with a loud voice" is not merely an expression of emotion but a theological declaration of dependence on God, acknowledging His sovereignty and their need for His mercy. It reminds us that God desires not just individual piety but also the corporate turning of His people, a unified voice seeking His face.
* [2 Chronicles 29:28-30](/2_chronicles/29-28 "2 Chronicles 29:28-30 - Levites Leading Worship")
* [Ezra 3:10-11](/ezra/3-10 "Ezra 3:10-11 - Levites Leading Praise")
* [Joel 2:12-17](/joel/2-12 "Joel 2:12-17 - A Call to National Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 9:4 offers timeless lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It highlights the profound impact of intentional spiritual leadership, demonstrating how dedicated individuals can guide a congregation into deeper communion with God. The Levites' willingness to stand in a prominent position and lead a fervent, public cry reminds us of the power and importance of corporate prayer, especially when a community seeks to align itself with God's will and confess its shortcomings. It challenges us to consider the sincerity and intensity of our own prayers, both individually and corporately. Are we crying out to the Lord with genuine earnestness, or are our prayers merely routine? This verse encourages us to embrace humility and acknowledge our dependence on God, trusting that He hears the cries of His people when they turn to Him with contrite hearts. It also serves as a call for leaders to courageously facilitate environments where genuine repentance and heartfelt worship can flourish, fostering a community truly seeking God's face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "loud voice" of the Levites challenge the sincerity and intensity of my own prayer life, both private and corporate?**
* **In what ways can spiritual leaders today effectively guide their communities into meaningful corporate confession and worship, mirroring the Levites' role?**
* **What specific areas in my life or in my community require a "loud cry" of repentance and earnest supplication to the Lord?**

### FAQ

**Why are so many Levites named in this verse?**

Answer: The naming of multiple Levites (Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani) serves several purposes. Firstly, it underscores the collective and organized nature of this spiritual leadership. It wasn't a single individual, but a group of designated spiritual guides who led the people. Secondly, it emphasizes the importance and authenticity of the event, providing specific historical detail. These were real individuals with known roles in the community. Thirdly, it might suggest a division of labor or different roles within the leadership of the prayer, perhaps with some leading specific parts of the lengthy prayer that follows in [Nehemiah 9:5-38](/nehemiah/9-5 "Nehemiah 9:5-38 - The Great Prayer of Confession"). The repetition of "Bani" could indicate two distinct individuals with the same name, which was not uncommon in ancient Israel, or a textual variant. Ultimately, the enumeration highlights the broad participation and responsibility of the Levitical order in facilitating the nation's spiritual renewal.

**What is the significance of the Levites standing "upon the stairs"?**

Answer: The phrase "upon the stairs" refers to an elevated platform or podium, likely the wooden platform mentioned in [Nehemiah 8:4](/nehemiah/8-4 "Nehemiah 8:4 - Ezra's Wooden Platform") where Ezra had previously read the Law. Its significance is primarily practical and symbolic. Practically, an elevated position ensured that the Levites were visible and audible to the large assembly gathered for this solemn occasion, allowing them to effectively lead the entire congregation in prayer and confession. Symbolically, standing on a raised platform underscored their authoritative and prominent role as spiritual leaders and representatives of the people before God. It marked the public and official nature of the event, signifying that this was a formal act of national repentance and worship, guided by those designated for spiritual instruction and mediation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 9:4, with its depiction of Levites leading a corporate cry of repentance, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The Levites served as mediators, interceding on behalf of the people and facilitating their access to God. This role, however, was temporary and imperfect, pointing forward to the perfect and eternal mediation of Christ. He is the true and greater High Priest, who, unlike the Levitical priests, offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice, not repeatedly, but "once for all" ([Hebrews 7:27](/hebrews/7-27 "Hebrews 7:27 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). Where the Levites stood on physical stairs to lead a people in a loud cry, Christ ascended to the right hand of the Father, where He "always lives to intercede" for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). The corporate confession led by the Levites prefigures the Church, the new Israel, which continually comes before God through Christ, acknowledging its sin and finding forgiveness and grace through His finished work on the cross ([1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")). The "loud voice" of the Levites anticipates the fervent prayers of the saints, empowered by the Holy Spirit, offered through Christ our Lord, who makes our access to the Father possible ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). Thus, Nehemiah 9:4 points to the profound truth that our access to God and the efficacy of our corporate and individual repentance are secured not by human mediators, but by the perfect and enduring mediation of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest.

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

Nehemiah 8:7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

Nehemiah 10:9

And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;

Nehemiah 10:13

Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.

Nehemiah 9:5

Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

2 Chronicles 20:19

And the Levites, of the children of the Kohathites, and of the children of the Korhites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel with a loud voice on high.

Nehemiah 12:8

Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, [and] Mattaniah, [which was] over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

Lamentations 3:8

Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer.