Nehemiah 8:18 - 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.
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What does "Nehemiah 8:18" mean?
This verse, Nehemiah 8:18, describes the continuing celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as Sukkot) by the returned exiles in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God.": This refers back to Ezra reading the Law to the people, which began earlier in Nehemiah 8. "He" most likely refers to Ezra, although it could refer to a group of Levites appointed to read and explain the law. The key point is that the reading of the Law wasn't a one-time event. It continued every day throughout the entire seven-day festival. This highlights the importance the people placed on understanding and obeying God's word. They weren't just going through the motions of a religious observance; they were actively engaging with Scripture.
"They kept the feast seven days": This refers to the Feast of Tabernacles itself. This feast was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar (the others being Passover and Shavuot/Pentecost). It commemorated the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt and symbolized God's provision and protection. During this time, people would build and live in temporary shelters (tabernacles or booths) made of branches and leaves.
"and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.": The Feast of Tabernacles officially lasted seven days. However, Leviticus 23:36 describes an additional "solemn assembly" or "sacred assembly" on the eighth day. This was a distinct day, separate from the seven-day festival. It was a day of rest and special sacrifice, marking the conclusion of the entire celebratory period. The phrase "according to the ordinance" emphasizes that this eighth day was not an optional addition but was divinely commanded.
In Summary:
Nehemiah 8:18 emphasizes:
The central role of the Law of God: Reading and studying the Law was an integral part of the celebration, not just a preliminary event.
The observance of the Feast of Tabernacles: This festival was kept according to God's instructions, a sign of renewed commitment to the covenant.
The importance of the eighth day: This solemn assembly signified the proper and complete conclusion of the feast, demonstrating obedience to God's specific commands.
This verse shows the spiritual renewal and dedication to God's law that characterized the post-exilic community under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. They weren't just rebuilding the city; they were rebuilding their relationship with God through a commitment to his Word and his prescribed worship.
Nehemiah 8:18 - 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.
What does "Nehemiah 8:18" mean?
This verse, Nehemiah 8:18, describes the continuing celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as Sukkot) by the returned exiles in Jerusalem. Let's break it down:
"Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read in the book of the law of God.": This refers back to Ezra reading the Law to the people, which began earlier in Nehemiah 8. "He" most likely refers to Ezra, although it could refer to a group of Levites appointed to read and explain the law. The key point is that the reading of the Law wasn't a one-time event. It continued every day throughout the entire seven-day festival. This highlights the importance the people placed on understanding and obeying God's word. They weren't just going through the motions of a religious observance; they were actively engaging with Scripture.
"They kept the feast seven days": This refers to the Feast of Tabernacles itself. This feast was one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar (the others being Passover and Shavuot/Pentecost). It commemorated the Israelites' wandering in the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt and symbolized God's provision and protection. During this time, people would build and live in temporary shelters (tabernacles or booths) made of branches and leaves.
"and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.": The Feast of Tabernacles officially lasted seven days. However, Leviticus 23:36 describes an additional "solemn assembly" or "sacred assembly" on the eighth day. This was a distinct day, separate from the seven-day festival. It was a day of rest and special sacrifice, marking the conclusion of the entire celebratory period. The phrase "according to the ordinance" emphasizes that this eighth day was not an optional addition but was divinely commanded.
In Summary:
Nehemiah 8:18 emphasizes:
The central role of the Law of God: Reading and studying the Law was an integral part of the celebration, not just a preliminary event.
The observance of the Feast of Tabernacles: This festival was kept according to God's instructions, a sign of renewed commitment to the covenant.
The importance of the eighth day: This solemn assembly signified the proper and complete conclusion of the feast, demonstrating obedience to God's specific commands.
This verse shows the spiritual renewal and dedication to God's law that characterized the post-exilic community under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah. They weren't just rebuilding the city; they were rebuilding their relationship with God through a commitment to his Word and his prescribed worship.