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.

Also Jeshua {H3442}, and Bani {H1137}, and Sherebiah {H8274}, Jamin {H3226}, Akkub {H6126}, Shabbethai {H7678}, Hodijah {H1941}, Maaseiah {H4641}, Kelita {H7042}, Azariah {H5838}, Jozabad {H3107}, Hanan {H2605}, Pelaiah {H6411}, and the Levites {H3881}, caused the people {H5971} to understand {H995} the law {H8451}: and the people {H5971} stood in their place {H5977}.

The L'vi'im Yeshua, Bani, Sherevyah, Yamin, 'Akuv, Shabtai, Hodiyah, Ma'aseiyah, K'lita, 'Azaryah, Yozavad, Hanan and P'layah explained the Torah to the people, while the people remained in their places.

The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places.

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

Commentary

Commentary on Nehemiah 8:7

Nehemiah 8:7 details the crucial role played by a specific group of Levites and other named individuals in the spiritual revival of the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. Following the return from Babylonian captivity, there was a profound desire among the people to reconnect with God's Law.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative in Nehemiah chapter 8, which describes a pivotal moment of spiritual renewal. After the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership, the people gathered in the open square before the Water Gate. Ezra the scribe read from the Book of the Law of God from morning until midday, and the people listened attentively. Nehemiah 8:7 specifically highlights the role of the Levites and others who assisted Ezra. This event signifies a deep commitment to restoring the covenant relationship with God after generations of exile and neglect.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Teaching and Understanding God's Word: The primary action described is the Levites "caused the people to understand the law." This was not merely a public reading but involved active interpretation and explanation, ensuring that the common people, many of whom may have lost fluency in ancient Hebrew or needed clarification, grasped the divine instructions. This underscores the vital importance of making God's Word accessible and comprehensible.
  • The Role of Spiritual Leaders: The individuals listed – Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, and others, along with the Levites – served as facilitators and teachers. They acted as a bridge between the written Law and the understanding of the congregation, demonstrating the essential function of spiritual instruction and leadership in the community.
  • Community Engagement and Reverence: The phrase "and the people stood in their place" signifies their respectful posture and readiness to receive instruction. It reflects a collective hunger for truth and a communal commitment to learning and obeying God's statutes, fostering a spirit of unity and devotion.
  • Spiritual Revival and Restoration: This systematic teaching of the Law was a foundational element of the post-exilic spiritual awakening, leading to repentance, joy, and a renewed commitment to God's covenant as seen in subsequent verses.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "caused the people to understand the law" implies more than just reading aloud. The verb for "understand" (בִּין - bin) suggests discerning, gaining insight, and comprehending deeply. It indicates that the Levites likely translated portions into Aramaic (the common language of the time) and expounded upon the meaning, ensuring that the congregation truly grasped the implications of what was being read. This active explanation is further elaborated in Nehemiah 8:8.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 8:7 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Value of Clear Teaching: It emphasizes the necessity of clear, understandable teaching of God's Word. Those who teach Scripture have a responsibility to not only read it but to explain its meaning and application, making it accessible to all.
  • Importance of Biblical Literacy: Just as the people in Nehemiah's time eagerly sought to understand the Law, believers are encouraged to diligently study and seek to comprehend the Scriptures.
  • Communal Learning: The scene highlights the benefit of communal worship and learning, where individuals gather to hear and understand God's truth together, fostering spiritual growth and unity within the body of Christ. This echoes the early church's devotion to the apostles' doctrine and fellowship.
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Cross-References

  • Nehemiah 9:4 (7 votes)

    ¶ 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.

  • Leviticus 10:11 (5 votes)

    And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the LORD hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses.

  • Nehemiah 3:23 (4 votes)

    After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.

  • Ezra 10:22 (4 votes)

    And of the sons of Pashur; Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethaneel, Jozabad, and Elasah.

  • Ezra 10:23 (4 votes)

    Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same [is] Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.

  • Malachi 2:7 (3 votes)

    For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he [is] the messenger of the LORD of hosts.

  • Nehemiah 8:4 (2 votes)

    And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.