Nehemiah 8:8
Verse
Context
Ezra Reads the Law
7The 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. 8So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So they read in the book - For an explanation of this verse, see the observations at the end of the chapter, Neh 8:17 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
So they read in the book,.... Ezra and those with him; he first began to read and expound, and when weary they relieved him, and did the same: in the law of God distinctly; which was the book they read in, and which they read plainly and intelligibly, so as to be heard and understood; this seems to respect the clear and distinct pronunciation of the words of it, and not the explanation or meaning of it, which is after expressed; some think the sense is, that they first read it in Hebrew, and then translated it into Chaldee, that the people might better understand it, being just come out of Babylon, where they had been used to the Chaldee language; but though this was a practice in later times, it does not seem to have obtained so early, or that there was a necessity of it: and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading; not hereby how to read it, but chiefly to understand what was read, that they might clearly know their duty to God and men: the Talmudists (q) give the meaning of the text thus; "by the law of God" they understand the Scripture; by the phrase "distinctly", the Targum or translation of it into Chaldee; by "the sense", the verses or the accents; and by "the reading", the distinction of the accents: some think from hence came the practice of reading the law in the synagogues every sabbath day, Act 13:15. (q) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 37. 2. & Megillah, fol. 3. 1. & Hieros. Megillah, fol. 74. 4.
Nehemiah 8:8
Ezra Reads the Law
7The 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. 8So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Death & Resurrection
By T. Austin-Sparks5.4K30:55DeathNEH 8:8PSA 119:18PSA 119:105ISA 43:25JHN 16:13ACT 1:82TI 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the central message of the New Testament is about Jesus Christ. The focus is on his crucifixion and resurrection, which is highlighted in all four narratives of his life. The speaker also points out that while only a few people claim to have seen Jesus after his resurrection, the majority of early Christians lived their lives based on the reality of this event. The sermon emphasizes the importance of personally experiencing the power of Jesus' resurrection and continually seeking to know him more deeply.
The Mighty Presence of God - Part 1 (Cd Quality)
By T. Austin-Sparks3.8K17:30Presence of GodGEN 1:27NEH 8:8PSA 46:10MAT 18:20JHN 1:14ACT 17:28REV 21:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need to look beyond the physical representation of the Bible and seek the deeper spiritual reality it represents. The central figure in the Bible is identified as God's Son, Jesus Christ. The speaker highlights the importance of God's purpose being fulfilled through His people, who are called to be in a close relationship with Him. The sermon also emphasizes the consequences of straying from God's will and the need for discipline and instruction to bring believers back into alignment with Him.
The Joy of the Lord Is Your Strength
By Carter Conlon2.5K54:00JoyNEH 8:8PSA 103:12ISA 6:5MAT 6:33LUK 15:7ROM 5:8In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Paul and Silas in prison and how God miraculously set them free. The earthquake that shook the prison opened all the doors and loosed the prisoners' bands. The prison keeper, fearing punishment, was about to kill himself, but Paul stopped him and assured him that everyone was still there. The prison keeper, moved by this display of God's power, asked Paul what he needed to do to be saved. The preacher emphasizes the joy that comes from knowing the mercy of God and the depth of salvation in Jesus Christ. He also highlights the importance of the preaching of God's Word, which exposes our unrighteousness and leads to repentance. The sermon concludes with a message of revival and the promise of the Spirit of God breaking forth in a special way.
The Blood, the Call, the Promise
By David Smith1.9K1:33:48GospelEZR 8:5NEH 8:8MAT 6:33ACT 2:4ROM 3:28GAL 3:2EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the word of God. He criticizes the idea that listening to a message in a language one cannot understand is holy, calling it a deception and bondage. The preacher prays for those who are resistant to the gospel, asking for God's mercy to reveal His glory and shake them to life. He concludes by urging listeners to see the beauty of Christ, to approach God as their Father, and to understand the righteousness and fear of God. The preacher references the story of Ezra reading from the book of the law and the response of the people, as well as passages from Psalms and the importance of accepting Jesus as Lord.
Our Attitude Toward God
By Chuck Smith1.4K25:05AttitudeJOS 3:51SA 15:22NEH 8:8PSA 37:5ECC 4:4ECC 5:1MAT 6:33In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the emptiness of a life lived solely for material possessions and temporal things. He emphasizes the importance of living for Christ and the eternal inheritance that awaits believers. Solomon's observations in the book of Ecclesiastes highlight the futility of pursuing wealth and success without God. Pastor Chuck encourages listeners to focus on the eternal and not be consumed by the temporary pleasures of this world.
Death Comes to All
By Chuck Smith85425:04DeathJOS 3:5NEH 8:8ECC 2:1ECC 9:3MAT 16:24JHN 15:81CO 10:31In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the inevitability of death and the importance of wisdom in life. He emphasizes that no matter how well or evilly we live, death is a common event for all. Solomon's philosophy of "eat, drink, and be merry" is contrasted with the teachings of Jesus, who calls us to deny ourselves and follow Him. Pastor Chuck shares the story of a wise man who saved a city but was forgotten, highlighting the value of wisdom even when it is despised. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to live for the glory of God rather than seeking personal pleasures.
6. the Priority of the Word
By Chuck Smith2The Importance of ScriptureExpositional PreachingNEH 8:8ISA 28:13DAN 12:3MAT 13:8ACT 20:271TI 4:13Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the Word of God in preaching, advocating for a systematic approach to teaching the entire Bible from Genesis to Revelation. He argues that this method allows pastors to declare the whole counsel of God, addressing both inspiring and difficult topics without bias. Smith highlights the need for patience in ministry, as true growth and understanding of God's Word take time, contrasting it with the fleeting success of flashy ministries. He encourages a commitment to expositional preaching, where the focus is on reading, understanding, and applying Scripture. Ultimately, he reminds the congregation that lasting fruit comes from a deep and consistent engagement with God's Word.
Lord! Save Our Children!
By Conrad Murrell0DEU 21:18NEH 8:8PSA 127:3PRO 22:6ISA 55:11MRK 16:16ACT 16:31ROM 3:1ROM 9:161CO 7:14Conrad Murrell preaches on the importance of understanding and interpreting the Scriptures correctly to avoid harmful consequences like a wrong view of salvation and misplaced trust in the promises of the Bible. He addresses the common misconceptions around raising children, emphasizing that children are born with a sinful nature and that external influences alone cannot guarantee their salvation. Murrell delves into various Bible verses, such as Proverbs 22:6, to explain that proper training shapes outward behavior but does not ensure genuine repentance and conversion. He concludes by highlighting the necessity of God's mercy in the salvation of children, debunking false hopes associated with passages like Acts 16:31 and 1 Corinthians 7:14.
Public Reading of Scripture
By A.W. Tozer0Public Reading of ScriptureReverence for God's WordNEH 8:8PSA 119:105ISA 55:11MAT 4:4JHN 1:1ROM 10:17COL 3:161TI 4:132TI 3:16HEB 4:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of the public reading of Scripture, urging that it should be done with care and reverence. He critiques the poor quality of Scripture reading in contemporary churches, suggesting that a lack of attention to this practice diminishes the perceived importance of God's Word. Tozer argues that even though many own personal copies of the Bible, the public reading remains essential and should be a memorable experience for the congregation. He calls for a commitment to articulate and intelligent readings that honor the sacredness of the Scriptures. Tozer concludes with a prayer for humility and diligence in the act of reading God's Word aloud.
Public Bible-Reading as Part of Worship
By A.W. Tozer0Public WorshipReverence for ScriptureNEH 8:8PSA 19:7PSA 119:105ISA 55:11ROM 10:17COL 3:161TI 4:132TI 3:16HEB 4:12REV 1:3A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of loving the Bible in order to read it effectively in public worship. He argues that true reverence for the Scriptures cannot be faked, and that a reader must feel the solemnity of God's Word to convey its message authentically. Tozer warns against the pitfalls of artificiality in delivery and stresses the need for readers to understand the text deeply, allowing it to speak for itself without personal embellishments. He encourages beginners to practice reading aloud in private to develop their skills and cultivate a respectful and dignified approach to Scripture reading. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a higher standard of Bible reading in Protestant churches, asserting that it is the responsibility of the readers to elevate this practice.
The King James Only Controversy
By Anton Bosch0NEH 8:8JHN 1:14ACT 20:28ROM 5:2GAL 1:6EPH 4:11TI 1:4TIT 3:9HEB 11:172PE 1:211JN 4:9Anton Bosch delves into the King James Only controversy, highlighting the debate around the KJV and the misconceptions perpetuated by some King James Only proponents. He discusses the history of the KJV, the translators' agenda, mistakes in translation, and the manuscripts used. Bosch explains why he personally does not use the KJV for teaching, emphasizing the importance of clarity and understanding in conveying God's Word. He concludes by addressing the unnecessary nature of the KJO controversy and the need to focus on the core truths of the Christian faith.
Letters: Rev. j.h.thomson, Hightae (1)
By Andrew Bonar0Spiritual NourishmentUnderstanding God's WordNEH 8:8PRO 11:25GAL 6:61TI 5:182TI 2:15Andrew Bonar addresses Rev. J.H. Thomson, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's law as exemplified by Ezra and his followers. He encourages the recipient to reflect on the wisdom of the biblical precept regarding the ox that treads out the corn, suggesting that they are receiving spiritual nourishment that strengthens their labor. Bonar also shares that he has written a preface for Samuel Rutherford's sermons and seeks Thomson's feedback on it. The letter conveys a sense of camaraderie and mutual support in their spiritual endeavors.
The Word of God
By A.W. Tozer0Public Reading of ScriptureReverence for God's WordNEH 8:8PSA 19:7PSA 119:105ISA 55:11MAT 4:4ROM 10:17COL 3:161TI 4:132TI 3:16HEB 4:12A.W. Tozer emphasizes the significance of reading the Word of God with clarity and reverence in public settings. He critiques the poor quality of Scripture reading in contemporary worship, arguing that it undermines the importance of the Word. Tozer insists that despite the widespread availability of the Bible, public reading remains essential and should be done with excellence to honor its sacredness. He encourages leaders in worship to develop their reading skills, as effective communication of Scripture can profoundly impact the congregation's perception of its value. Ultimately, Tozer calls for a revival of respect and skill in the public reading of the Scriptures.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
So they read in the book - For an explanation of this verse, see the observations at the end of the chapter, Neh 8:17 (note).
John Gill Bible Commentary
So they read in the book,.... Ezra and those with him; he first began to read and expound, and when weary they relieved him, and did the same: in the law of God distinctly; which was the book they read in, and which they read plainly and intelligibly, so as to be heard and understood; this seems to respect the clear and distinct pronunciation of the words of it, and not the explanation or meaning of it, which is after expressed; some think the sense is, that they first read it in Hebrew, and then translated it into Chaldee, that the people might better understand it, being just come out of Babylon, where they had been used to the Chaldee language; but though this was a practice in later times, it does not seem to have obtained so early, or that there was a necessity of it: and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading; not hereby how to read it, but chiefly to understand what was read, that they might clearly know their duty to God and men: the Talmudists (q) give the meaning of the text thus; "by the law of God" they understand the Scripture; by the phrase "distinctly", the Targum or translation of it into Chaldee; by "the sense", the verses or the accents; and by "the reading", the distinction of the accents: some think from hence came the practice of reading the law in the synagogues every sabbath day, Act 13:15. (q) T. Bab. Nedarim, fol. 37. 2. & Megillah, fol. 3. 1. & Hieros. Megillah, fol. 74. 4.