Nehemiah Chapter 8

Reading and hearing the Torah


8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the plaza that was before the Water Gate; and they spoke to Ezraעֶזְרָא
/ˈɛzrə/ also called Ezra the Scribe (עֶזְרָא הַסּוֹפֵר‎ ʿEzrāʾ hasSōfēr) in Chazalic literature, and Ezra the Priest was an important Jewish scribe (sofer) and priest (kohen) in the early Second Temple period. In Greco-Latin Ezra is called Esdras (Greek: Ἔσδρας). His name is probably a shortened Aramaic translation of the Hebrew name עזריהו‎ Azaryahu, “Yah helps”. For more info click here
the scribe to bring the Book of the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
of Mosesמשה
Meaning of the name: Linguist Abraham Yahuda, based on the spelling given in the Tanakh, argues that it combines “water” or “seed” and “pond, expanse of water,” thus yielding the sense of “child of the Nile” click here
, which YAHWEH יְהֹוָה
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here
had commanded to Israel.
8:2 And Ezraעֶזְרָא
/ˈɛzrə/ also called Ezra the Scribe (עֶזְרָא הַסּוֹפֵר‎ ʿEzrāʾ hasSōfēr) in Chazalic literature, and Ezra the Priest was an important Jewish scribe (sofer) and priest (kohen) in the early Second Temple period. In Greco-Latin Ezra is called Esdras (Greek: Ἔσδρας). His name is probably a shortened Aramaic translation of the Hebrew name עזריהו‎ Azaryahu, “Yah helps”. For more info click here
the priest brought the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
before the congregation both of men and women, and all that
understood in hearing , on the first day of the seventh month.
8:3 And he read in it before the plaza that [was] before the Water Gate from the morning until noon, before the men and the women, and those that could understand. And the ears of all the people were [listened] to the Book of the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
.
8:4 And Ezraעֶזְרָא
/ˈɛzrə/ also called Ezra the Scribe (עֶזְרָא הַסּוֹפֵר‎ ʿEzrāʾ hasSōfēr) in Chazalic literature, and Ezra the Priest was an important Jewish scribe (sofer) and priest (kohen) in the early Second Temple period. In Greco-Latin Ezra is called Esdras (Greek: Ἔσδρας). His name is probably a shortened Aramaic translation of the Hebrew name עזריהו‎ Azaryahu, “Yah helps”. For more info click here
the scribe stood on a tower 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.
8:5 And Ezraעֶזְרָא
/ˈɛzrə/ also called Ezra the Scribe (עֶזְרָא הַסּוֹפֵר‎ ʿEzrāʾ hasSōfēr) in Chazalic literature, and Ezra the Priest was an important Jewish scribe (sofer) and priest (kohen) in the early Second Temple period. In Greco-Latin Ezra is called Esdras (Greek: Ἔσδρας). His name is probably a shortened Aramaic translation of the Hebrew name עזריהו‎ Azaryahu, “Yah helps”. For more info click here
opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

Comforting the people

8:6 And Ezraעֶזְרָא
/ˈɛzrə/ also called Ezra the Scribe (עֶזְרָא הַסּוֹפֵר‎ ʿEzrāʾ hasSōfēr) in Chazalic literature, and Ezra the Priest was an important Jewish scribe (sofer) and priest (kohen) in the early Second Temple period. In Greco-Latin Ezra is called Esdras (Greek: Ἔσδρας). His name is probably a shortened Aramaic translation of the Hebrew name עזריהו‎ Azaryahu, “Yah helps”. For more info click here
blessed YAHWEH יְהֹוָה
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here
, the great Elohimאֱלֹהִים
romanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator
. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads, and worshiped to YAHWEH יְהֹוָה
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here
with their noses to the ground.
8:7 Also Jeshuaיֵשׁוּעַ
romanized: Yēšūaʿ, lit. ‘Yahweh is salvation’) was a common alternative form of the name Yehoshua (Hebrew: יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, romanized: Yəhōšūaʿ, lit. ’Joshua’) in later books of the Hebrew Bible and among Jews of the Second Temple period. The name corresponds to the Greek spelling Iesous (Ἰησοῦς), from which, through the Latin IESVS/Iesus, comes the English spelling Jesus meaning salvation. For more info click here
, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, AzariahHebrew: עֲזַרְיָה ‘Ǎzaryāh, “Yah has helped”, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levitesלְוִיִּם
/ˈliːvaɪt/ LEE-vyte;romanized: Lǝvīyyīm) or Levi are Jewish males who claim patrilineal descent from the Tribe of Levi. The Tribe of Levi descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The surname Halevi, which consists of the Hebrew definite article “ה” Ha- (‘the’) plus Levi (‘Levite’) is not conclusive regarding being a Levite; a titular use of HaLevi indicates being a Levite. The daughter of a Levite is a Bat Levi (Bat being Hebrew for ‘daughter’) For more info click here
, caused the people to understand the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
: and the people were in their place.
8:8 So they read aloud clearly in the book in the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
of Elohimאֱלֹהִים
romanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator
, and gave the sense, and caused [them] to understand the reading.
8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the governor, and Ezraעֶזְרָא
/ˈɛzrə/ also called Ezra the Scribe (עֶזְרָא הַסּוֹפֵר‎ ʿEzrāʾ hasSōfēr) in Chazalic literature, and Ezra the Priest was an important Jewish scribe (sofer) and priest (kohen) in the early Second Temple period. In Greco-Latin Ezra is called Esdras (Greek: Ἔσδρας). His name is probably a shortened Aramaic translation of the Hebrew name עזריהו‎ Azaryahu, “Yah helps”. For more info click here
the priest the scribe, and the Levitesלְוִיִּם
/ˈliːvaɪt/ LEE-vyte;romanized: Lǝvīyyīm) or Levi are Jewish males who claim patrilineal descent from the Tribe of Levi. The Tribe of Levi descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The surname Halevi, which consists of the Hebrew definite article “ה” Ha- (‘the’) plus Levi (‘Levite’) is not conclusive regarding being a Levite; a titular use of HaLevi indicates being a Levite. The daughter of a Levite is a Bat Levi (Bat being Hebrew for ‘daughter’) For more info click here
who taught the people, said to all the people, This day is holy to YAHWEH יְהֹוָה
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here
your Elohimאֱלֹהִים
romanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator
; don’t mourn, or weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
.
8:10 Then he said to them, Go eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for [whom] nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our YAHWEH יְהֹוָה
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here
: And don’t  ya’ll
be sorry; for the joy of YAHWEH יְהֹוָה
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here
is your stronghold.
8:11 So the Levitesלְוִיִּם
/ˈliːvaɪt/ LEE-vyte;romanized: Lǝvīyyīm) or Levi are Jewish males who claim patrilineal descent from the Tribe of Levi. The Tribe of Levi descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The surname Halevi, which consists of the Hebrew definite article “ה” Ha- (‘the’) plus Levi (‘Levite’) is not conclusive regarding being a Levite; a titular use of HaLevi indicates being a Levite. The daughter of a Levite is a Bat Levi (Bat being Hebrew for ‘daughter’) For more info click here
[were] silencing all the people, saying, Be quite, for today is holy; and don’t
ya’ll be  grieved.
8:12 And all the people went to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were made known to them.
8:13 And on the second day the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levitesלְוִיִּם
/ˈliːvaɪt/ LEE-vyte;romanized: Lǝvīyyīm) or Levi are Jewish males who claim patrilineal descent from the Tribe of Levi. The Tribe of Levi descended from Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah. The surname Halevi, which consists of the Hebrew definite article “ה” Ha- (‘the’) plus Levi (‘Levite’) is not conclusive regarding being a Levite; a titular use of HaLevi indicates being a Levite. The daughter of a Levite is a Bat Levi (Bat being Hebrew for ‘daughter’) For more infoclick here
, were gathered together to Ezraעֶזְרָא
/ˈɛzrə/ also called Ezra the Scribe (עֶזְרָא הַסּוֹפֵר‎ ʿEzrāʾ hasSōfēr) in Chazalic literature, and Ezra the Priest was an important Jewish scribe (sofer) and priest (kohen) in the early Second Temple period. In Greco-Latin Ezra is called Esdras (Greek: Ἔσδρας). His name is probably a shortened Aramaic translation of the Hebrew name עזריהו‎ Azaryahu, “Yah helps”. For more info click here
the scribe, that they might instruct in the words of the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot
.
8:14 And they found written in the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
which YAHWEH יְהֹוָה
Hebrew Yəhōwā, one vocalization of the Tetragrammaton יהוה‎ (YHWH), the proper name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. It is considered one of the seven names of God in Judaism and a form of God’s name in Christianity. Covenant making covenant keeping GOD. For more info click here
had commanded by (the hand of) Mosesמשה
Meaning of the name: Linguist Abraham Yahuda, based on the spelling given in the Tanakh, argues that it combines “water” or “seed” and “pond, expanse of water,” thus yielding the sense of “child of the Nile” click here
, that the sons of Israel should live in boothsסֻכָּה
çukkâh, sook-kaw’; feminine. booth (rude or temporary shelter) For more info on the festival click here
in the feast of the seventh month:
8:15 And that they should make heard and cause to pass the call in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go out to the mountain, and bring wild olive branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make boothsסֻכָּה
çukkâh, sook-kaw’; feminine. booth (rude or temporary shelter) For more info on the festival click here
, as it is written.

Keeping the Feast of Booths


8:16 So the people went out, and brought in, and made  boothsסֻכָּה
çukkâh, sook-kaw’; feminine. booth (rude or temporary shelter) For more info on the festival click here
for
themselves, each man on the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of Elohimאֱלֹהִים
romanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator
, and in the plaza of the Water Gate, and in the plaza of the Ephraim G
ate.
8:17 And all the congregation of those who had come again out of the captivity made boothsסֻכָּה
çukkâh, sook-kaw’; feminine. booth (rude or temporary shelter) For more info on the festival click here
, and sat under the boothsסֻכָּה
çukkâh, sook-kaw’; feminine. booth (rude or temporary shelter) For more info on the festival click here
. For since the days of Joshua יְהוֹשֻׁעַ
Yəhōšuaʿ,(/ˈdʒɒʃuə/), lit. ‘Yahweh is salvation’) also known as Yehoshua. Yeshua or Y’shua (ישוע; with vowel pointing Hebrew: יֵשׁוּעַ, romanized: Yēšūaʿ) was a common alternative form of the name Yehoshua (Hebrew: יְהוֹשֻׁעַ, romanized: Yəhōšūaʿ, lit. ’Joshua’) in later books of the Hebrew Bible and among Jews of the Second Temple period. The name corresponds to the Greek spelling Iesous (Ἰησοῦς), from which, through the Latin IESVS/Iesus, comes the English spelling Jesus meaning salvation.
the son of Nun to that day the sons of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness.

8:18 Also day by day, from the first day until the last day, he read in the book of the Torahתּוֹרָה‎
Tōrā,/ˈtɔːrə, ˈtoʊrə/; “Instruction”, “Teaching” or “Law”) The first five books of the Bible or also called “the books of Moses” comes from an archery term meaning to shoot.
of Elohimאֱלֹהִים
romanized: ʾĔlōhīm: [(ʔ)eloˈ(h)im]), the plural of אֱלוֹהַּ‎ (ʾĔlōah), is a Hebrew word meaning “gods”. Although the word is plural, in the Hebrew Bible it most often takes singular verbal or pronominal agreement and refers to a single deity particularly the God of Israel In other verses it refers to the singular gods of other nations or to deities in the plural A name for GOD — God The Creator
. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was an assembly, according to the manner.

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