Nehemiah 8:18

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Nehemiah 8:18 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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.

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

Bible in Basic English BBE

And day by day, from the first day till the last, he was reading from the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast for seven days: and on the eighth day there was a holy meeting, as it is ordered in the law.

Free Bible Version FBV

Ezra read from the Book of the Law of God every day, from the first day to the last. The Israelites observed the festival for seven days, and on the eighth day they met together in assembly, as the Law required.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And he read in the booke of the Lawe of God euery day, from the first day vnto the last day. and they kept the feast seuen dayes, and on the eight day a solemne assemblie, according vnto the maner.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And he readeth in the book of the law of God day by day, from the first day till the last day, and they make a feast seven days, and on the eighth day a restraint, according to the ordinance.

World English Bible WEB

Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. They kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Also day by day, from the first day to 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 to the manner.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And he read in the book of the law of God day by day, from the first day till the last, and they kept the solemnity seven days, and in the eighth day a solemn assembly according to the manner.

Translation for Translators T4T

Every day during that week Ezra read to the people from the scroll that contained the laws that God gave Moses. Then on the eighth day, just as one of the laws of God said that they should do, they gathered together to end the celebration.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 8:18

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 8:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ֠/יִּקְרָא בְּ/סֵ֨פֶר תּוֹרַ֤ת הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ י֣וֹם בְּ/י֔וֹם מִן הַ/יּוֹם֙ הָֽ/רִאשׁ֔וֹן עַ֖ד הַ/יּ֣וֹם הָ/אַחֲר֑וֹן וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ חָג֙ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֔ים וּ/בַ/יּ֧וֹם הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֛י עֲצֶ֖רֶת כַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט

וַ֠/יִּקְרָא qârâʼ H7121 to call Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בְּ/סֵ֨פֶר çêpher H5612 scroll Prep | N-ms

תּוֹרַ֤ת tôwrâh H8451 instruction N-fs

הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

בְּ/י֔וֹם yôwm H3117 day Prep | N-ms

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הָֽ/רִאשׁ֔וֹן riʼshôwn H7223 first Art | Adj

עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 till Prep

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

הָ/אַחֲר֑וֹן ʼachărôwn H314 last Art | Adj

וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

חָג֙ chag H2282 feast N-ms

שִׁבְעַ֣ת shebaʻ H7651 seven Adj

יָמִ֔ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp

וּ/בַ/יּ֧וֹם yôwm H3117 day Conj | Prep | N-ms

הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֛י shᵉmîynîy H8066 eighth Art | Adj

עֲצֶ֖רֶת ʻătsârâh H6116 assembly N-fs

כַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט mishpâṭ H4941 justice Prep | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 8:18

וַ֠/יִּקְרָא qârâʼ H7121 "to call" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

בְּ/סֵ֨פֶר çêpher H5612 "scroll" Prep | N-ms

This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.

Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.

תּוֹרַ֤ת tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" N-fs

The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.

Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law

Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.

הָ/אֱלֹהִים֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

בְּ/י֔וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Prep | N-ms

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

הָֽ/רִאשׁ֔וֹן riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Art | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

הָ/אַחֲר֑וֹן ʼachărôwn H314 "last" Art | Adj

This Hebrew word means last or western, and can refer to something that is behind or following something else. It is used in the Bible to describe things that are late or last in time or location.

Definition: 1) behind, following, subsequent, western 1a) behind, hindermost, western (of location) 1b) later, subsequent, latter, last (of time)

Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: after (-ward), to come, following, hind(-er, -ermost, -most), last, latter, rereward, ut(ter) most. See also: Genesis 33:2; 2 Chronicles 28:26; Psalms 48:14.

וַ/יַּֽעֲשׂוּ ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

חָג֙ chag H2282 "feast" N-ms

A festival or feast is what this Hebrew word describes. It is used in Leviticus 23:2 to describe the festivals of the Lord. The word implies a time of celebration or sacrifice.

Definition: 1) festival, feast, festival-gathering, pilgrim-feast 1a) feast 1b) festival sacrifice

Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) feast (day), sacrifice, solemnity. See also: Exodus 10:9; 2 Chronicles 7:8; Psalms 81:4.

שִׁבְעַ֣ת shebaʻ H7651 "seven" Adj

This word means the number seven, which was considered a special or sacred number. It can also mean seven times or a week, and is used in the Bible to describe completeness or perfection. The KJV translates it as seven or sevenfold.

Definition: 1) seven (cardinal number) 1a) as ordinal number 1b) in combination-17, 700 etc Aramaic equivalent: shiv.ah (שִׁבְעָה "seven" H7655)

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] by) seven(-fold),-s, (-teen, -teenth), -th, times). Compare H7658 (שִׁבְעָנָה). See also: Genesis 4:24; Leviticus 23:15; 2 Samuel 21:6.

יָמִ֔ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

וּ/בַ/יּ֧וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Conj | Prep | N-ms

הַ/שְּׁמִינִ֛י shᵉmîynîy H8066 "eighth" Art | Adj

The Hebrew word for eighth, used to describe order or sequence, like the eighth day of a festival. It appears in 1 Kings 12:32 and Ezekiel 46:1. This number signifies completion or fulfillment.

Definition: eighth (ordinal number)

Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: eight. See also: Exodus 22:29; Numbers 29:35; Zechariah 1:1.

עֲצֶ֖רֶת ʻătsârâh H6116 "assembly" N-fs

In the Bible, this word refers to a solemn assembly or a sacred meeting, often held on a festival or holiday. It appears in the book of Leviticus, describing a gathering of the Israelites. The word is used to describe a special and important event.

Definition: 1) assembly, solemn assembly 1a) assembly (sacred or festive meeting) 1b) assemblage, company, group

Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: (solemn) assembly (meeting). See also: Leviticus 23:36; Nehemiah 8:18; Isaiah 1:13.

כַּ/מִּשְׁפָּֽט mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Prep | N-ms

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 8:18

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 8:18 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:18
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 8:18
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:18
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18
Sermons on Nehemiah 8:18

Context — The Feast of Tabernacles

16And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim. 17The whole assembly that had returned from exile made booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated like this. And there was great rejoicing.

18Day 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.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Numbers 29:35	On the eighth day you are to hold a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work.
2	Leviticus 23:36	For seven days you are to present an offering made by fire to the LORD. On the eighth day you are to hold a sacred assembly and present an offering made by fire to the LORD. It is a solemn assembly; you must not do any regular work.
3	Deuteronomy 31:10–13	Then Moses commanded them, “At the end of every seven years, at the appointed time in the year of remission of debt, during the Feast of Tabernacles, when all Israel comes before the LORD your God at the place He will choose, you are to read this law in the hearing of all Israel. Assemble the people—men, women, children, and the foreigners within your gates—so that they may listen and learn to fear the LORD your God and to follow carefully all the words of this law. Then their children who do not know the law will listen and learn to fear the LORD your God, as long as you live in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.”
4	John 7:37	On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.

Nehemiah 8:18 Summary

Nehemiah 8:18 shows us the importance of reading and following God's Word, as Ezra reads from the Book of the Law of God to the Israelites. This reminds us of the significance of Scripture in our lives, just like in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist says God's Word is a lamp to our feet. The Israelites' celebration in this verse also teaches us about the value of corporate worship and reflection, as seen in Hebrews 10:24-25, where we are encouraged to gather together to spur one another on in love and good deeds. By following their example, we can deepen our relationship with God and grow in our faith.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Ezra reading from the Book of the Law of God in Nehemiah 8:18?

Ezra reading from the Book of the Law of God signifies the importance of God's Word in the lives of the Israelites, reminding them of their covenant with God, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:10-13, where Moses commands the Levites to read the Law to the assembly every seven years.

Why did the Israelites keep the feast for seven days and then hold an assembly on the eighth day?

The Israelites kept the feast for seven days to commemorate their deliverance from exile, and the eighth day assembly was likely a day of reflection and dedication, following the pattern of other biblical festivals, such as the Feast of Tabernacles in Leviticus 23:34-36.

What can we learn from the Israelites' celebration in Nehemiah 8:18?

We can learn the importance of corporate worship, celebration, and reflection on God's Word, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where the early church dedicated themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship.

How does this verse relate to the concept of renewal and restoration in the Bible?

Nehemiah 8:18 illustrates the concept of renewal and restoration, as the Israelites return to their covenant with God, similar to the renewal seen in 2 Chronicles 34:3-7, where King Josiah restores the Temple and renews the covenant with God.

Reflection Questions

What role does the reading of Scripture play in my own life, and how can I prioritize it?
How can I, like the Israelites, reflect on God's deliverance and faithfulness in my life?
In what ways can I participate in corporate worship and celebration, following the example of the Israelites in Nehemiah 8:18?
What are some ways I can dedicate myself to the study and application of God's Word, as seen in this verse?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:18

Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God,.... That is, Ezra; this was done by him every day during the feast, whereas only the first and last days

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 8:18

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18

He read in the book of the law of God; which was commanded to be done at this feast, , though not enjoined to be done every day, as now out of a singular zeal they did.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18

Nehemiah 8:18 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.Ver. 18. Also day by day] Not only on the first and last day ("that great day of the feast," John 7:37), but every day, this good man was at it, being insatiabilis Dei cultor (as Chrysostom saith of St Paul), an insatiable worshipper of God; and accounting quod nimis augusta pietas est, ad legem bonum esse, to do nothing for God more than needs must was too little. And they kept the feast seven days] The people were as willing to hear (and do other holy duties) as Ezra was to preach. So were Chrysostom’ s hearers, who were wont to say that they could better be without the sunlight than Chrysostom’ s daily sermons. So likewise were Calvin’ s hearers at Geneva, where he preached every day in the week for the most part, and had a constant audience that even too admired (some of them at least) his most excellent pains and parts; as Zanchy shows and complains in the Epistle Dedicatory set before his Miscellanies; taxing them of ανθρωπολατρεια, man worship. And on the eighth day was a solemn assembly] Heb. A restraint, viz. from servile works; or a retention, viz. a holding of the congregation together for holy uses. Tremellius rendereth it diem interdicti forbidden day, the Vulgate Latin of Lyra thus, They made a gathering, sc. for necessaries about the Temple. This eighth day thus kept might prefigure the Christian sabbath, that first day of the week.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18

(18) According unto the manner.—For the Azereth, or supplementary feast day, see Leviticus 23:36.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:18

18. he read] i.e. Ezra. This is the usual explanation, so also LXX. ἀνέγνω. Vulg. ‘legit.’ According to another interpretation the 3rd pers. sing. is impersonal = ‘and one read,’ ‘there was reading.’ in the book of the law of God] The command to read at the Feast of Tabernacles only applied to the special usage of the Sabbatic year (Deuteronomy 31:10-11), and it is clear from the context in that passage that Moses in using the words ‘thou shalt read this law’ (Deuteronomy 31:11) is speaking especially of the Deuteronomic law which he is described as having written and committed to the priests in Deuteronomy 31:9 and Deuteronomy 31:26. It is a mistake therefore to connect this reading of ‘the law’ by Ezra with any special obedience to Deuteronomy 31:10-11, unless it be assumed that it was the Sabbatic year, and that the law read was the Deuteronomic law. For neither assumption is there any sufficient warrant. The fact that the reading went on for seven days makes it probable that the whole, or at any rate by far the greater portion, of the Torah was read. the eighth day] This eighth day was not originally part of the feast, but an extra day commanded by the Priestly Law to be observed as ‘an holy convocation’ (Leviticus 23:36; Leviticus 23:39). Its celebration closed, as it were, the festival calendar of the Jewish sacred year. We do not hear of its observance in early times. As we might expect, it is not mentioned in the brief festival notice of Exo 23:16. In Deuteronomy 16:13-17 it is not spoken of, it is only said ‘Seven days shalt thou keep a feast.’ In 1 Kings 8:65-66, we are told that after the Feast of Tabernacles Solomon sent the people away on the 8th day. In the Priestly Law, however, the observance of this 8th day is insisted upon as ‘a holy convocation,’ ‘a solemn assembly,’ on which ‘no servile work’ is to be done, ‘the eighth day shall be a solemn rest’ (Leviticus 23:36; Leviticus 23:39). It is interesting, therefore, to take notice that in 2 Chronicles 7:8-9 the observance of this 8th day is recorded, although not mentioned in the parallel passage, 1 Kings 8:65-66. The Chronicler recounts the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in accordance with his knowledge of the Priestly Law. Our passage agrees with the later observance and with the Priestly Law. The complete disappearance of the originally distinct character of ‘the eighth day’ is shown in 2Ma 10:6 ‘eight days … as in the feast of tabernacles.’ a solemn assembly (Heb. a restrain assembly)] R.V. Marg. ‘Or, closing festival’. LXX. ἐξόδιον. Vulg. ‘collectam.’ The Hebrew word e’ cβreth is used technically here and in Leviticus 23:36; Numbers 29:35; 2 Chronicles 7:9, for the day after the Feast of Tabernacles, and in Deuteronomy 16:8, for the 7th and last day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:18

18. Day by day… he read — The people needed instruction, and the feast of tabernacles afforded a most suitable occasion for the public reading of the law.

Sermons on Nehemiah 8:18

	Sermon	Description
	Nehemiah #3: Chapter 7-12 by Stephen Kaung	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. He describes a gathering in a large tent where people from different backgrounds come together to worship a
	"God Ignites the Embers of Cleansing" by Mark D. Partin	Mark D. Partin emphasizes the importance of spiritual preparedness for revival, highlighting the necessity of a pure heart and a cleansed spirit in order for God to hear our prayer
	Of Public Hearings of the Word. by John Gill	John Gill emphasizes the significance of public hearing of the Word as a vital ordinance in the Christian faith, tracing its roots from the synagogue worship to the early church. H
	(Hebrews) 4-Repentance by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgency of repentance in his sermon on Hebrews 4, focusing on Jesus' declaration during the last day of the feast, where He invites the thirsty to
	Grieving the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worldliness and its impact on society. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a young lady being shocked by a prayer du
	(Pdf Book) My All for Him / 5 Chapters by Basilea Schlink	Basilea Schlink emphasizes the necessity of 'first love' for Jesus, which is crucial for enduring the trials of our time. This love, akin to 'bridal love,' is a powerful force that
	Rivers of Living Water by Bill McLeod	In this sermon, the speaker uses a scenario to illustrate the state of people's lives and minds. He describes a field with a flowing fountain representing life and mind. Several tr