Read Verse Keyword Strong's
Prev

Nehemiah 8:18

Next

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.

Also day {H3117} by day {H3117}, from the first {H7223} day {H3117} unto the last {H314} day {H3117}, he read {H7121} in the book {H5612} of the law {H8451} of God {H430}. And they kept {H6213} the feast {H2282} seven {H7651} days {H3117}; and on the eighth {H8066} day {H3117} was a solemn assembly {H6116}, according unto the manner {H4941}.

Also they read every day, from the first day until the last day, in the scroll of the Torah of God. They kept the feast for seven days; then on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the rule.

Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God. The Israelites kept the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day they held an assembly, according to the ordinance.

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 ordinance.

Commentary

Nehemiah 8:18 describes the diligent observance of the Feast of Tabernacles by the Israelites who had returned from Babylonian exile, emphasizing Ezra the scribe's continuous reading of the Law of God throughout the festival.

Context

This verse concludes the narrative of a profound spiritual revival in Jerusalem during the time of Nehemiah and Ezra. After the rebuilding of the city walls, the people gathered to hear Ezra read the Law of God, resulting in confession, repentance, and a renewed commitment to God's covenant. The celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34) was a direct outcome of this spiritual awakening, as the people rediscovered and obeyed God's commands after many years of neglect.

Key Themes

  • Sustained Engagement with God's Word: The phrase "day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God" highlights an extraordinary commitment to the scriptures. This wasn't a one-time event, but a continuous, daily immersion in divine instruction, fostering deep understanding and obedience.
  • Joyful Obedience and Celebration: The keeping of the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days, culminating in the "solemn assembly" on the eighth day, demonstrates the people's joyful compliance with God's commands. This festival was a time of remembrance of God's provision in the wilderness and a celebration of His faithfulness.
  • Spiritual Revival and Restoration: This passage vividly portrays a community being restored not just physically but spiritually. The rediscovery and application of God's Law led to a vibrant celebration of His appointed times, signifying a return to the covenant relationship.
  • Divine Order and Tradition: The phrase "according unto the manner" underscores the importance of following God's prescribed ways for worship and celebration, as detailed in the Law.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "solemn assembly" (Hebrew: עֲצֶרֶת, 'atseret) refers to a concluding festive assembly, often marking the end of a major festival. It signifies a day of holy convocation, set apart for worship and reflection, emphasizing the sacredness of the occasion and the cessation from ordinary labor.
  • "Book of the law of God" (סֵפֶר תּוֹרַת הָאֱלֹהִים, sepher torat ha'Elohim) refers to the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament, containing God's instructions and commandments for His people.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 8:18 serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of God's Word. Just as Ezra diligently read the Law daily, believers today are encouraged to cultivate a consistent habit of daily Bible reading and meditation. This continuous engagement deepens our understanding, strengthens our faith, and guides our lives. The joyous celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles also teaches us that obedience to God's commands is not burdensome but leads to profound spiritual joy and communal blessing. Our corporate worship and assembly, like the "solemn assembly," are vital for reinforcing faith and strengthening community.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Numbers 29:35 (5 votes)

    On the eighth day ye shall have a solemn assembly: ye shall do no servile work [therein]:

  • Leviticus 23:36 (5 votes)

    Seven days ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: on the eighth day shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD: it [is] a solemn assembly; [and] ye shall do no servile work [therein].

  • Deuteronomy 31:10 (3 votes)

    And Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of [every] seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, in the feast of tabernacles,

  • Deuteronomy 31:13 (3 votes)

    And [that] their children, which have not known [any thing], may hear, and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as ye live in the land whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.

  • John 7:37 (1 votes)

    ¶ In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.