Nehemiah 8:1-18

Verse 1-12

Activities of the First Day of the Seventh Month

Verse 1, And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

I.    It should be stated that Nehemiah 7:73 should be included in chapter 8.

A.  The description of the seventh month.

1.   The seventh month begins the secular year of the Jews.

2.   The first six months is the sacred year and the second six months is the secular year.

B.   The feasts of the seventh month.

1.   Lev. 23:23-25 - The seventh month begins with the Feast of Trumpets - A Time of Rejoicing.

2.   Lev. 23:26-32 - On the tenth day of the seventh month is the Day of Atonement - Salvation is Complete -- Resurrection!!

a.   The Day of Atonement is a great day of rejoicing because it looks forward to the finished work of Christ, plus the finishing of the work of Israel in this world.

b.   It ushers in a day eternal day of unending joy and happiness.

3.   Lev. 23:33-44 describes the  Feast of Tabernacles - Expecting to Dwell in Eternity.

C.   All of these feasts had not been observed while Israel was in captivity, but the people are eager to renew them now that they have the temple rebuilt and the wall around Jerusalem completed.

II.   It is very significant they met together on the first day of the seventh month.

A.  There is no wonder all the people gathered as one man.

1.   There is no doubt in my mind that they had been reading, discussing, and praying to God at home before they ever came to this point.

2.   They began to understand that there was more to God's Word than they previously thought.

3.   They wanted to find out what God's Word said to them, and observe those things.

B.   The gathering of the people to serve God.

1.   It doesn't seem there was any command for the people to assemble together.

2.   They all wanted to serve God, and knew enough to understand that the seventh month was a special month in Jewish religious worship.

C.   It is very interesting to note that although they didn't have proper knowledge of worship, they still had the desire to worship.

1.   These people couldn't have had any convictions of doctrine, for the majority didn't understand the very first thing about doctrine.

2.   They only knew they were supposed to worship God during this month, so they do that.

3.   It is always good to do what you know you ought to do, even though you don't understand all the ramifications of doctrine.

III. Notice that the people requested Ezra the Scribe to bring the book of the law.

A.  They may have been ignorant of God's commands, but they knew where to go to find out.  This is a very great day in Israel.

B.   It is always good when God's people go to God's Word for instruction.

IV. We might ask the question, "Why didn't Ezra the Scribe bring the book of God forward before he was asked?"

A.  Most preachers today would jump at the chance to speak God's Word before ignorant, but willing listeners.

1.   I must say that there is nothing necessarily wrong with that, but it is also true that sometimes preachers seem to "stuff the truth down the throats of their listeners."

B.   To back this point up with scripture, see Acts 16:28-33.

1.   Paul and Silas are in jail at midnight, praying, singing, and worshipping God.

2.   God sends an earthquake and sets every prisoner loose.

3.   The jailer, supposing that all the prisoners are escaped, attempts to commit suicide.

4.   Paul and Silas tell him not to hurt himself, for all the prisoners are there.

5.   Now listen to what happens next.

6.   The jailer calls for a light, springs into the chamber where Paul and Silas are, and falls down before them.

7.   Nobody says a word!

8.   Then the jailer brings them out of the chamber, and speaks, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

9.   Then, and only then, does Paul and Silas tells the jailer he must believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.

C.   Was Paul and Silas wrong to be silent before the jailer who was very obviously troubled?

1.   No, they were not wrong, and Ezra the Scribe is not wrong by waiting until the Jews ask for the Word of God before He brings it forth.

2.   Remember, there is such a thing as casting your pearls before the swine!

Verse 2, And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

I.    Ezra did as he was asked to do.

A.  He was not under dominion of the people, any more than they were under his dominion.

B.   Both were under the dominion of God.

II.   Every person must start where they are.

A.  The seventh month is not really the place to begin serving God.

1.   The place to begin is the first month, not the seventh month.

2.   But: is it better to begin in the seventh month, or wait until the first month?

3.   Obviously, it is better to begin worship in the middle of the year, rather than wait another five months.

B.   You may be an older person who has wasted your youth serving yourself.

1.   Should you continue serving self because you have wasted the first part of your life?

2.   No, you should begin today to serve God.

I.    The people that were present.

A.  All that could hear with understanding.

1.   I don't know what age would begin the age of understanding.

2.   It may be that this age is not a fleshly age, but speaks of the desire to have understanding, regardless of the physical age of the individual.

3.   Therefore, a young person whom God's Holy Spirit touched would have understanding.

4.   An older person whom God's Holy Spirit had not touched would not be present, for they wouldn't have understanding.

B.   This is family worship.

1.   This is as it should be.

2.   Young children should be in the worship services with their parents.

3.   Some would say that young children should be in "children's church" where they can understand what is going on.

4.   But this is not according to the Bible.

5.   Children in the Bible were taught by their parents, because they were following the commands of God.

6.   Children who attend church worship services with their parents soon understand that their parents are worshipping God, which is a great help to them as they grow up.

C.   It is bad to bring toys, cookies, and such into the worship services for the children.

1.   They will not be quiet playing and eating, and they never learn what they are supposed to be doing.

2.   They grow up thinking worship services are supposed to be "fun", and the preacher doesn't have anything to say worth listening to.

3.   Parents should make their children sit still in worship, and listen to the speaker.

4.   This shows a great deal of respect for the spoken Word, and instructs the children as to their proper responsibility during worship.

Verse 3, And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

I.    The street called the water gate has nothing to do with Richard Nixon, who was president of the United States.

A.  This passage has nothing to do with the United States, prophecy, or the coming Anti-Christ.

B.   The term "water gate" gives the location of a gate in the Jerusalem wall through which water was brought into the city.

II.   The reading was in the street, not in the temple.

A.  There was not room in the temple to contain all the people.

B.   Besides that, the people were not supposed to congregate in the temple.

1.   They would gather some of the people in the court of the temple.

2.   But there wouldn't be near enough room in that place for all the people.

C.   They meet in the street so there will be plenty of room for everybody who wants to come.

III. Ezra read until midday.

A.  Midday means half a day, or until about noon.

1.   I'm not sure just exactly what time Ezra started reading, but if he started at 10:00, he would read for two hours.

2.   If he started at 8:00, he would read for four hours.

B.   Regardless of when they got started, it is apparent Ezra read for a good while, while the people listened with understanding.

IV. It is also interesting to note that the people were attentive to the book of the law.

A.  They were not attentive to Ezra, his reading ability, his personality, or his physical appearance.

1.   They were attentive to the reading of the Law of God.

2.   They were attentive for two to four hours.

B.   This is a very long time for ones attention to be on one subject, especially to reading.

1.   This shows the people's desire to hear and understand God's Word.

2.   Some people today believe a preacher has preached too long when he preaches 30 minutes.

3.   I agree with them in some cases.

4.   Some preachers can preach too long when they preach five minutes!

5.   But as long as they are preaching God's Word, they can continue to preach.

C.   How big is your bucket?

1.   Some people just don't bring a very big bucket to worship services.

2.   And when their little bitty bucket gets full, they have all they came after, and want to go home.

3.   Others bring a great big bucket to worship, which never gets full.

4.   So they don't notice when the preacher preaches too long.

Verse 4, 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.

I.    This verse is the first indication that Israel had prepared for this day.

A.  Ezra stood on a pulpit of wood which they had made for that purpose.

B.   There is no mention of who made this pulpit, but God will give that person the proper reward.

C.   There is no mention of who called this great assembly together, but God will give that person the proper reward.

II.   It is very difficult to tell exactly who these men are.

A.  On the left side.

1.   Mattithiah.  There is no record at all of who this man was.

2.   Shema.  There is no record at all of who this man was.

3.   Anaiah.  Nehemiah 10:22 - It is likely Anaiah was a leader of Israel who was "sealed" with the covenant of God.

4.   Urijah.  Nehemiah 3:4,21 - This man worked diligently on the wall.

5.   Hilkiah.  There is no record at all of who this man was.

6.   Maaseiah.  Some of the following men could be this Maaseiah, but it could be that none of them are.

a.   Nehemiah 3:23 - His son, Azariah, repaired the wall by his house.

b.   Nehemiah 10:25 - He was a chief of the people and was sealed with the covenant with God.

c.   Nehemiah 11:5 - Maaseiah was considered a chief of the people who dwelt in Jerusalem.

d.   Nehemiah 11:7 - Could be the same as Nehemiah 8:4, but could be another person with the same name.

e.   Nehemiah 12:41,42 - Here are two priests named Maaseiah, probably not the same man in Nehemiah 8:4.

B.   On the right side.

1.   Pedaiah.  Some of the following men could be this Pedaiah, but it could be that none of them are.

a.   Nehemiah 3:25 - A man who worked on the wall.

b.   Nehemiah 11:7 - A son of Benjamin who was a chief of the people.

c.   Nehemiah 13:13 - A man that was set over the treasuries.

2.   Mishael.  There is no record at all of who this man was.

3.   Malchiah.  Some of the following men could be this Malchiah, but it could be that none of them are.

a.   Ezra 10:25 - One of the men of Israel who had taken strange wives.

b.   Nehemiah 3:14 - A man who worked on the wall.

c.   Nehemiah 3:31 - A goldsmith's son who worked on the wall.

d.   Nehemiah 11:12 - One of the men who worked on the house.

4.   Hashum.  There is no record at all of who this man was.

5.   Hashbadana.  There is no record at all of who this man was.

6.   Zechariah.  There are many, many people named Zechariah who lived during this time period.  It is almost impossible to ascertain just exactly which Zechariah this is.

a.   Ezra 5:1 - A prophet of Israel.

b.   Ezra 8:3,11,16 - Some men of Israel named Zechariah.

c.   Ezra 10:26 - Some men of Israel named Zechariah.

d.   Nehemiah 11:4,5,12, 12:16,35,41 - Some men of Israel named Zechariah.

7.   Meshullam.  Some of the following men could be this Meshullam, but it could be that none of them are.

a.   Ezra 8:16 - A chief man of Israel.

b.   Ezra 10:15 - A Levite.

c.   Nehemiah 3:4,6,10 - Men named Meshullam who worked on the wall.

d.   Nehemiah 6:18 - Daughter had married Johanan, the son of Tobiah.

e.   Nehemiah 10:7 - One of the men who were sealed with the covenant of God.

f.    Nehemiah 10:20 - A chief of the people.

g.   Nehemiah 11:7 - A son of Benjamin.

h.   See also - Nehemiah 11:11, 12:13,16,25,33.

C.   The conclusion is that these men are the leaders of the day.

1.   There is a lot of things that are unknown about them, but God knows all about them.

2.   There are leaders in the church today that are not known by men, but God knows all about them.

Verse 5, And Ezra 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:

I.    Opening the book.

A.  This is a very solemn occasion that directs every eye and ear toward what is in the book.

B.   The people will know that Ezra doesn't read anything except what is in the book of God.

1.   He stands above all the people, so they can see he has nothing in his hands except the Word of God.

2.   There is not a sheet of paper inserted in the Word of God with Ezra's "pet peeves" on it.

II.   Above all the people.

A.  This doesn't mean that Ezra is better than anybody.

B.   It means that he is higher than everybody else.

1.   This gives everybody a chance to see him, and hear him, for they didn't have amplifiers in those days.

2.   There is some debate as to how the people could hear when one man spoke.

3.   I have read in history books, that the problem was solved by placing "criers" at various places to repeat what the speaker said.

4.   In this fashion, there would be no end to the number of people that could hear one speaker.

III. The worship commences.

A.  They stand in respect of God's Word.

1.   They were not so concerned with personal comforts as we are today.

2.   Just a few years ago, churches didn't have padded pews, air conditioners, or very good heat.

3.   People came to hear God's Word because they believed it was important.

4.   I remember when churches got air conditioning, and advertised it as a drawing point.

5.   I wonder how many people would come to church if they had to stand up!

6.   Some can't stand because of physical problems, but they can stand up in their hearts!

B.   Some preachers today have the congregation stand when they read their text as a way to get the people's attention to the Bible, and to show respect for the reading of the Word.

Verse 6, And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

I.    Ezra blessed the Lord.

A.  This doesn't mean that Ezra placed a blessing on God like the pope does his followers.

B.   It means Ezra praised the name of the Lord.

1.   This is the beginning of a good worship service.

2.   It is always good to praise the name, power, and authority of God in the very beginning of our worship and prayer.

II.   The people answered with voice and lifting up of hands.

A.  The people participate in this worship.

1.   Some worship services compels the people to be silent, but not this one.

2.   This worship is not "out of order", for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.

3.   The people lift up their voices and hands to show they agree with the praise Ezra gives to God.

B.   This is not a Pentecostal worship service.

1.   Pentecostals depend on emotions to move their people, not worship of God.

2.   Pentecostals lift their voices in "unknown tongues", and lift their hands, and move their bodies back and forth to stir the emotions, thinking they give God service.

3.   These Jews had first heard words of worship, then lift their voices and hands in agreement.

4.   It must be noted that these Jews are very ignorant of "foundational" truths, but when they hear worship to God, they know what that is, and desire to have a part in it.

III. The people worship God.

A.  This is the third step of this verse.

1.   The first step was Ezra worshipping God by praising Him.

2.   The second step was the people agreeing by lifting up their voice and hands.

3.   The third step is the people worshipping God with their faces to the ground.

B.   The people worship God.

1.   This is the time when the hearts, minds, emotions, and bodies of the people are not being led by another person.

2.   Their hearts, minds, emotions, and bodies are being led by the Holy Ghost.

3.   They bow with their faces to the ground, for they cannot look on the most Holy God.

4.   This reminds me of the publican, who would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breasts, saying, God be merciful to me, a sinner.

C.   What is the difference between the people lifting up their voices and hands, and worshipping God?

1.   It is possible to be in a worship service and agree with everything that is going on, without worshipping.

2.   It is possible to follow the speaker when he glorifies God, and you also glorify God in those things, because he said those things, and you agree.

3.   It is quite another thing for you to worship God without being led by another person, for your heart to "explode" with joy, as your heart and mind races ahead of the speaker to the truth that you know is the truth because the Holy Spirit witnesses to your spirit.

Verse 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.

The Levites who taught the people

1.   Jeshua  (There is between 75 and 90 years between Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 1, therefore, it is possible that those men listed in Ezra 2 and those men in Nehemiah are different.)  There was more than one person named Bani, but it seems this Bani was:

1.   This man was a priest (Neh. 7:39, "The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three")

2.   Jeshua came from Babylon with Zerubbabel, (Neh. 7:7, "Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah").

3.   Jeshua's son Ezer worked on the wall, Neh. 3:19, "And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning [of the wall]".

4.   Jeshua, along with Nehemiah, Ezra, and other Levites encouraged the people to separate themselves from the people of the land and join themselves to God, Neh.  9:4,5, "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.  Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise."

2.   Bani:  (There is between 75 and 90 years between Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 1, therefore, it is possible that those men listed in Ezra 2 and those men in Nehemiah are different.)  There was more than one person named Bani, but it seems this Bani was:

1.   a Levi who came from Babylon with Zerubbabel, (Ezra 2:10, "The children of Bani, six hundred forty and two").

2.   His sons had married strange wives (Ezra 10:29, "And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth"),

3.   They renounced their strange wives and worked on the wall with Nehemiah, Neh. 3:17, "After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part."

4.   Bani along with Nehemiah, Ezra, and other Levites encouraged the people to separate themselves from the people of the land and join themselves to God, Neh.  9:4,5, "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.  Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise."

5.   Bani was one of those that were sealed in the covenant with God.  Neh. 10:13, "Hodijah, Bani, Beninu".

6.   Neh. 11:22, "The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem [was] Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers [were] over the business of the house of God."

3.   Sherebiah  (There is between 75 and 90 years between Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 1, therefore, it is possible that those men listed in Ezra 2 and those men in Nehemiah are different.)  (Note that the man in point # 1 and # 2 is probably the same, but the man in point # 3-6 is different.)

1.   Sherebiah was named among the Levi's that decided not to leave Babylon.  He was encouraged to leave in Ezra 8:18, "And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;"

2.   Sherebiah was one of the priests with the responsibility of carrying the offering of God from Babylon to Israel.  Ezra 8:24, "Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

3.   Sherebiah, along with Nehemiah, Ezra, and other Levites encouraged the people to separate themselves from the people of the land and join themselves to God," Neh.  9:4,5, "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.  Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise."

4.   Sherebiah was one of those that sealed in the covenant with God. Neh. 10:12, "Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,

5.   Sherebiah lead the people in thanksgiving," Neh. 12:8, "Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, [and] Mattaniah, [which was] over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren."

6.   Sherebiah was a chief of the Levites, Neh. 12:24, "And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise [and] to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward."

4.   Jamin's name only appears this one time, and relates that he was a Levi who taught the Jews.

5.   Akkub  (There is between 75 and 90 years between Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 1, therefore, it is possible that those men listed in Ezra 2 and those men in Nehemiah are different.)

1.   Akkub is listed as a porter, from the tribe of Levi.  Ezra 2:42, "The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, [in] all an hundred thirty and nine."

2.   Akkub is the keeper of the gate of Jerusalem. Neh. 11:19, "Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, [were] an hundred seventy and two.  Neh. 12:25 Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, [were] porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates."

6.   Shabbethai

1.   He was one of the Levites who helped untangle the mess concerning the Jews that had married strange wives.  Ezra 10:15, "Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahaziah the son of Tikvah were employed about this [matter]: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them."

2.   When Nehemiah re-established the worship of God, Neh. 11:16, "And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, [had] the oversight of the outward business of the house of God."

7.   Hodijah

1.   Hodijah, was one who encouraged Israel, Neh. 9:5, "Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise."

2.   Hodijah was one who sealed the covenant of God with Israel.  Neh. 10:10, "And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,"

8.   Maaseiah  (Maaseiah's Father, {See point # 1} is Jozadak, the son of Jeshua.  The Maaseiah of point # 2 is different because his father is Ananiah.  It is likely the Maaseiah's of point # 2, 3 and 4 is the same.)

1.   This Maaseiah married a strange wife.  Ezra 10:18, "And among the sons of the priests there were found that had taken strange wives: [namely], of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren; Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah", but put her away according to the law of God, Ezra 10:22.

2.   Maaseiah's son, Azariah, worked on the wall.  Neh. 3:23, "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."

3.   Maaseiah was sealed in the covenant of God with Israel.  Neh. 10:25, "Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,"

4.   Maaseiah was one of the Levitical priest who lead the people in giving thanks unto God at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem.  Neh. 12:41, "And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, [and] Hananiah, with trumpets;"

9.   Kelita

1.   Kelita is one of the Levi's who had married a strange wife.  Ezra 10:23, "Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same [is] Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer."

2.   Kelita is one of the Levi's who were sealed in the covenant of God with Israel.  Neh. 10:10, "And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,"

10.  Azariah.  There are many people by this name, but the following few scriptures seem to be Azariah the priest of this time period.

1.   This Azariah, who worked on the wall, is the son of Maaseiah.  Neh. 3:23, "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."  This seems to be the only father-son team mentioned.  There were probably others, but I didn't find them.

2.   This passage indicates that Azariah lived in Jerusalem.  Neh. 3:24, "After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning [of the wall], even unto the corner."

3.   It is possible that this Azariah came with Zerubbabel, although he would have been very young at the time.  It is more likely that this is another Azariah.  Neh. 7:7, "Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, [I say], of the men of the people of Israel [was this];"

4.   This passage shows this young Levi had remained strong to God's Word, now teaching willing Jews.  Neh. 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."

5.   Azariah was one of the Levi's who were sealed in the covenant of God with Israel.  Neh. 10:2, "Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,"

6.   Azariah was one of the Levitical priest who lead the people in giving thanks unto God at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem.  Neh. 12:33, "And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,"

11.  Jozabad  (There is between 75 and 90 years between Ezra 8 and Nehemiah 1, therefore, it is possible that those men listed in Ezra 2 and those men in Nehemiah are different.)

1.   Jozabad was a Levi who was entrusted with the offering of the Lord on the trip from Babylon to Jerusalem.  Ezra 8:33, "Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him [was] Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them [was] Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;"  This may be another father-son team, because Jozabad's father is Jeshua, who is the first Levi mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7.

2.   It is likely that this Jozabad had married a strange wife, who he put away in order to continue in the Priesthood.  Ezra 10:23, "Also of the Levites; Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah, (the same [is] Kelita,) Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer."

3.   Jozabad is here called one of the chief of the Levites.  Neh. 11:16, "And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, [had] the oversight of the outward business of the house of God."

12.  Hanan

1.   Hanan was sealed in the covenant of God with Israel.  Neh. 10:10, "And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,"

2.   Nehemiah counted Hanan faithful, therefore, gave him the responsibility of distributing funds to the Levites.  Neh. 13:13, "And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them [was] Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office [was] to distribute unto their brethren."

13.  Pelaiah

1.   One of the Levites who were sealed in the covenant of God with Israel.  Neh. 10:10, "And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,"

I.    These names might refer to families instead of individuals.

A.  It would seem logical that there would be more than these 13 Levites who were teaching the Jews.

1.   I suppose there are at least 20,000 to 46,000 Jews at Jerusalem being taught.

2.   It would be a very big job for 13 people to teach this vast number of people.

3.   It may have been that these 13 men are individuals who are heads of their families, and that their sons, who would also be Levites, were teaching the Jews.

B.   It is good that the Levites are doing their work.

1.   A part of their work is instructing the Israelites in worship.

2.   I don't know who trained these Levites, for there is no mention of their learning.

3.   They may have had "on the job training", but I doubt this is the case.

4.   I prefer to believe that God had laid on their heart to study the law of God in anticipation of serving.

II.   Everybody had a job to do.

A.  God had given the job of teaching to the Levites.

B.   God had given the Jews the job of standing in their place, while they listened, comprehended, and obeyed the law of God.

Verse 8, So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

I.    Read in the book of the law of God distinctly.

A.  This means they enunciated the words clearly so the people could understand what was being said.

B.   Some believe they read first in the language of the Jews, then in the language of the Chaldeans.

1.   There is no proof of this, but I believe they did whatever was necessary so people could understand the Word clearly.

2.   If they had to read the words in more than one language, they did it.

3.   Or if they had to give definitions to words as they read, they did that.

C.   I believe there was more to it than just enunciating the word clearly.

1.   It was the "way" the words were spoken.

2.   There was a certain seriousness in handling the Word of God that came through to the people so they would understand the importance of the scripture.

II.   Gave the sense.

A.  This means they gave the proper interpretation as to the meaning of the passage.

1.   They made the passage have good significance to the people.

2.   They gave the proper insight of the entire culture at the time the law was given, so they could properly understand the interpretation of the passage.

B.   There is only one interpretation of scripture, but there may be many applications.

1.   An interpretation is the proper meaning of the passage.

2.   An application is the suitability of a passage for teaching various doctrines, or morals.

C.   They wouldn't give any applications of scripture, for this would only add to the confusion.

1.   Somebody would be sure to get involved in understanding the application, and not be so concerned with the interpretation of the passage.

2.   It is okay to give applications of scripture, but it is more important to give proper interpretation.

III. Caused them to understand the reading.

A.  What happened to cause the people to understand the reading.

1.   Their instructors so taught that the people could discern and consider the law of God.

2.   The listeners were able to perceive, discern, understand and give heed to what was taught.

3.   This implies a personal application of those truths.

B.   This is where the real teaching came into play.

1.   The teacher would have to understand just exactly what the people were thinking, so he could direct their thoughts toward the proper end.

2.   He would have to understand their background so he could instruct them correctly.

C.   I would call this the personal application of scriptural study.

1.   They would be taught more than just the history lessons in the law.

2.   Or how the law applied to the people who lived when the law was given.

3.   They would understand that those things also applied to them.

Verse 9, And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep.  for all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

I.    The unified efforts of the leaders.

A.  The leaders all understood what the law said.

1.   They understood that the law said more than just what to do.

2.   They understood that the law taught how to do it.

B.   There was no disagreement among the leaders.

1.   When church leaders agree, there is greater harmony among the church members, for they are not getting mixed signals from the leaders.

2.   If there is any disagreement between church leaders, they ought to settle those things between themselves, not making their disagreements public, unless absolutely necessary.

C.   It is amazing there was such a variation of beliefs between the leaders and the people.

1.   The leaders had learned from the same verses they read and explained to the listeners.

2.   Why didn't the listeners get the message the leaders gave them?

3.   It wasn't because the leaders didn't understand, or because they didn't give the entire message.

4.   It is because there is a difference between just listening to the message and the practical application of that message.

5.   The leaders had already listened to the message as they studied to teach.

6.   They had already practically applied that message to their own lives as they studied to teach.

7.   The listeners hadn't made that practical application yet.

8.   They are told to be glad on this feast day because that is obeying the law of God.

9.   When they make this practical application of the law, many other points, that were brought out by the leaders, make themselves very clear.

II.   The result of the people understanding what God's word said.

A.  It didn't give them joy.

1.   This is extremely odd in the view of the majority of today's religious exercises.

2.   Most churches today seem to desire that people leave their services in a carefree mood, thinking everything will be okay.

3.   There is very little preaching about sin, or the result of sin, but much preaching about the love of God, and how great things will be when you are saved.

4.   People (being lead by their preachers) seem to think that God never chastens anybody, or has no wrath toward sin and wickedness.

5.   These people didn't get that thought from the Word of God.

B.   Some might declare that these Jews were in sorrow because they read the law and didn't understand grace: that they were under the "dispensation of law", and not under the "dispensation of grace".

1.   These same people will declare that trying to obey the law will always bring sorrow, but understanding that we are not under the law, but under grace will bring joy.

2.   These people don't understand the law or grace.

3.   The law shows a person what they are, and grace shows what God is, and what a person can become by trusting God.

C.   The word of God will bring joy.

1.   The same Word that brought grief can bring joy.

2.   When a person reads the Bible, seeing himself in those verses, he will have grief.

3.   But he can read those exact same verses, seeing God, and will have joy.

Verse 10,  Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

I.    It must be remarked that Nehemiah, or the Levites, didn't read any additional scripture to these people.

A.  They only remarked on the verses already read.

1.   See Numbers 10:10.

B.   The feast days are to be happy days, days of gladness, not days of sorrow.

1.   They are days to remember the grace of God upon their wicked souls, not days to remember their sinfulness.

II.   There are four things they are commanded to do.

A.  Go your way.

1.   There is a time to stay and hear the reading and explanation of God's Word.

2.   There is also a time to leave the study of God's Word and put into action those things that have been learned.

3.   Haggai 2:19, "Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless [you].

4.   If we study and learn, but never put into action those things we have learned, we are failures.

B.   Eat the fat.

1.   This word does not mean to literally eat fat, which would be very icky, but to eat the best there is.

2.   The message Pharaoh gave to Joseph to give to Israel so they would feel more comfortable coming into Egypt.  Gen. 45:18, "And take your father and your households, and come unto me: and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and ye shall eat the fat of the land."

3.   God pronouncing his judgment upon those that trust in gods to eat their best, and cannot give them the best.  Deut. 32:38, "Which did eat the fat of their sacrifices, [and] drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, [and] be your protection."

4.   God condemning pastors who eat the best instead of giving the best to their people.  Ezekiel 34:2-5, "Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD unto the shepherds; Woe [be] to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? {3} Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock. {4} The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have ye bound up [that which was] broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. {5} And they were scattered, because [there is] no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field, when they were scattered."

C.   Drink the sweet.

1.   This simply means to partake of the very best.

D.  Send portions to those that have nothing.

1.   It is better to give than to receive.

2.   This would encourage those that have nothing to be happy about.

3.   True worship always brings with it a desire to give of our earthly possessions.

4.   When we give to others in the name of Christ, it is received in heaven as being given to God.

5.   The word "prepared" means stabilized, which indicates more than just sending some material substance to them.  It indicates doing whatever it takes to stabilize them spiritually.

Verse 11,  So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.

I.    The Levites quieted the people.

A.  This is a thing the Levites could do.

1.   They had learned what the law said, and had taught the people, so the people would naturally continue listening to them.

2.   The people had listened to them as they explained the law, now they will listen as they encourage them.

B.   The word "stilled" means to quiet, or to cause to be inactive.

C.   Hold your peace.

1.   This means almost the same thing as "stilled".

2.   They are admonished to remain quiet and still.

3.   Do not become overly engaged in anxiety, rather think on the good things God has done.

4.   Oftentimes I will think of some very small bad thing, but before long it is a very, very, very large terribly, awful, bad thing!

D.  The reasons for thinking good thoughts.

1.   The day is holy

2.   This is not the time to be grieved.

Verse 12,  And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

I.    It is very amazing that the people obeyed.

A.  They were able to control their emotions.

1.   This is true the vast majority of the time.

2.   1 Cor. 14:32, "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.

B.   There are times when our emotions are very difficult to control.

1.   When a loved one dies.  Genesis 50:1 - Joseph weeps upon Jacob's neck when he dies.

2.   When someone hears about Christ, Luke 1:41, 44.  Elizabeth and John the Baptist hear about the virgin birth of Christ.

C.   It is much better to obey the commands of God rather than obey our emotions.

1.   Our emotions can lead us astray from true worship, and all the time we will "feel" we are truly worshipping.  The process works in reverse from true worship, for the flesh attempts to cause the spirit to worship.  This is the spirit of "Pentecostalism" which is sweeping the world today.

2.   God's Holy Word will never lead us away from true worship, and will give us great emotions from our spirit to our body.

Verse 13-18

Activities of the Second Day of the Seventh Month

Verse 13,  And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.

I.    Notice who has gathered on the second day.

A.  There are three groups of people.

1.   The chief of the fathers of all the people.

2.   The priests.

3.   The Levites.

B.   Compare this verse with verse 1.

1.   In this verse all the people came to Ezra to hear the Words of God.

2.   I suppose the common people have heard enough on one day to do them the rest of their lives!

3.   There are some people that come to church once or twice a year, and think they have learned enough about the Bible to do them the rest of the time.

4.   There are others who hunger and thirst for righteousness, and will come again and again to the Word of God to learn how to serve the living God.

5.   Which category of people are you in?

II.   Notice where they came to.

A.  They returned to the same person who had taught them the day before.

B.   They have a great respect for this man of God and are willing to find out what the Word of God says.

III. Notice what they came for.

A.  Ezra's personality wasn't the reason they came.

1.   A lot of people go to church because they like the preacher.

2.   I hope you like me, but I hope you come to church to hear God's Word, not me!

B.   They came to hear from God.

1.   These people will never give Ezra or Nehemiah any trouble.

2.   They are content to listen to God's Word and do what it says.

3.   People that listen to others, instead of listening to God's Word will always give trouble.

Verse 14,15,  And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month: {15} And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

I.    What they found.

A.  It is absolutely amazing what a person will find in the Bible when they read it!

1.   Here is something they had never heard of, but was truth.

2.   There are many things in the Bible that are truth, but many people will never learn them because they are not willing to sit down and be still and read their Bible

II.   They should publish and proclaim

A.  This feast should not be conducted in secret, but much preparation should be made.

1.   This feast is a symbol of dwelling in eternity.

2.   We should publish and proclaim and prepare much to dwell in eternity.

B.   This feast is not only for those living in Jerusalem, but for those in other cities of Israel.

1.   People other than Jews can celebrate this feast if they are true believers.

2.   Some today believe only Baptists go to heaven, but this isn't what the Bible teaches.

3.   Saved people in the Lord's local churches and saved people not in the Lord's local church will go to heaven.

III. What the booths shall be made out of.

A.  Boughs - branches.

1.   The booths should not be permanent, but temporary.

2.   this symbolizes that the dwelling on this earth is temporary, that the permanent dwelling in heaven is what we are really looking forward to.

B.   The source of the boughs.

1.   They are to go onto the mount.

2.   I suppose this is the mount of Olives, which is located on the east side of Jerusalem.

3.   When Jesus returns, He will stand upon this mountain, and all the world will see Him.

4.   Therefore, these Jews are to look to the coming Saviour, who in time revealed Himself as Jesus Christ, the virgin born son of Mary.

C.   What kind of branches should be used?

1.   Goodly trees - fruit trees.

a.   Israel would eat the fruit, then prune the tree so there would be more fruit the next year.  Then they would use the pruned branches to make the booths.

b.   Nothing would go to waste.

c.   These are "waste" branches just like everything on this earth shall be "wasted".

d.   They will gathered together and burned when the Feast of Tabernacles are finished.

e.   This would certainly be a powerful lesson to those Jews who burned their booth!

f.    They would see the futility of earthly possessions and the grandeur of heavenly possessions.

2.   Palm - royalty.

a.   Christ is royalty.

b.   People threw palm branches during Christ entry into Jerusalem.

3.   Thick - strength - Christ is our strength.

4.   Willow of the brook - fertility - much moisture.  Tree planted by the water.  Ps. 1.

D.  Leviticus 23:43 - To remember coming out of Egypt.

Verse 16,  So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.

I.    Their obedience.

A.  They told the congregation.

1.   This is the first thing they ought to do when they find out a "new" truth.

2.   It would have been much better if the people had come to hear for themselves, because that knowledge will stick with them better and longer.

B.   They obeyed immediately.

1.   They didn't obey when they didn't know, but just as soon as they know, they obey.

2.   This is exactly what we ought to do.

II.   Where they build the booths.

A.  On the roof of their houses.  This would be for personal worship of individual and their families.

B.   In their courts (of their houses).  This would be for personal worship, plus any neighbors who might want to join them in their worship.

C.   In the court of the house of God.  This is for public worship for anybody who didn't have a home in Jerusalem, or a place to worship.

D.  In the court of the Water Gate Street.  This is for public worship for anybody who doesn't live in Jerusalem, or have a proper place to observe the Feast of Booths.

Verse 17,  And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.

I.    Everybody made booths.

A.  This is as it should be, for all the people desire to worship God.

B.   This should show all Israel that their new home isn't permanent.

1.   They now have the completed temple in Jerusalem.

2.   They now have the completed wall around Jerusalem.

3.   They will shortly re-establish worship in Jerusalem.

C.   It is very appropriate, and no "accident", that God showed them this verse at this time.

1.   Some of the Jews might begin to think that since they had all these things, they had all there was.

2.   There is always a lot more than we think.

II.   Some might think it doesn't make any sense to sit under this "makeshift" dwelling to worship God.

A.  Some think it doesn't make much sense to worship God the way He says to worship Him.

1.   We must remember that all God's commands have a purpose in them.

2.   That purpose might not make sense to the natural man, but the spiritual man will have little trouble understanding.

III. Purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles.

A.  Leviticus 23:33-36, 39-44 - Expecting to Dwell in Eternity.

B.   Verse 34 - A seven day feast.

1.   Verse 34 - Starts on the 15th day of the seventh month.

2.   Verse 35,36 - No servile work on the 1st and 8th day.

C.   Verse 36 - Offering made by fire.  As described in Numbers 29:12-39.

D.  Verse 39-43 - Dwelling in booths at the end of harvest (the end of this life.)

1.   Booths - not living in permanent structures.  Looking to live in mansions in eternity.

IV. This hadn't been done since Joshua the son of Nun.

A.  Joshua kept this feast when they had captured some of the land of Canaan and had begun to settle there.

B.   The feast was kept at other times also.

1.   I Kings 8:2 - It appears the Feast of Tabernacles was kept by Solomon.

2.   Ezra 3:4 - The Feast of Tabernacles was also kept by Ezra the Scribe before the foundation of the temple was laid.

C.   The above scriptures does not mean that Verse 17 is in error.

1.   It means the Feast of Tabernacles had not been kept like this since Joshua.

2.   See the comments on verse 18 to continue this thought.

Verse 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.

I.    How the feast was celebrated.

A.  They kept the feast the full seven days.

1.   They read in the book of the law of God each of the seven days.

2.   They kept the celebration with much gladness.

B.   How was this celebration like the celebration in Joshua's day?

1.   They kept the celebration with much gladness.

2.   They kept the celebration by reading in the book of the law of God all the seven days of the feast.