Nehemiah 8 4

Nehemiah 8:4 kjv

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.

Nehemiah 8:4 nkjv

So Ezra the scribe stood on a platform of wood which they had made for the purpose; and beside him, at his right hand, stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Urijah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and at his left hand Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

Nehemiah 8:4 niv

Ezra the teacher of the Law stood on a high wooden platform built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam.

Nehemiah 8:4 esv

And Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand.

Nehemiah 8:4 nlt

Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform that had been made for the occasion. To his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah. To his left stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

Nehemiah 8 verses

Nehemiah 8 4 Meaning

Nehemiah 8:4 describes the physical setup for the public reading of the Law of Moses. Ezra the scribe stood upon a specially constructed wooden platform, indicating an elevated and visible position for his pivotal role. He was flanked by thirteen other prominent men, organized with six on his right and seven on his left, signifying their unified support and involvement in this sacred event. This arrangement emphasizes the reverence for God's Word, the solemnity of the occasion, and the corporate leadership invested in teaching the Law to the assembled people.

Nehemiah 8 4 Context

Nehemiah chapter 8 marks a pivotal moment of spiritual revival and covenant renewal after the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. The people had gathered together as one in the square before the Water Gate, expressing a desire to hear the Law of Moses (Neh 8:1). This collective hunger for God's Word indicates a significant shift from the spiritual apathy often seen before the exile. Ezra, the skilled scribe, was instrumental in this spiritual restoration, as his life had been dedicated to studying, practicing, and teaching the Law. Verse 4 details the preparatory arrangements for this central event, specifically highlighting the construction of a unique wooden platform and the surrounding supportive leadership, underscoring the solemnity and organized nature of this public rediscovery of divine instruction, which formed the foundation for their renewed identity and national life.

Nehemiah 8 4 Word analysis

• And Ezra: וְעֶזְרָא (wəezra’).Ezra` means "help" or "God helps." He was not merely a copyist but a learned scholar and interpreter, whose lineage linked him to Aaron. His prominent role highlights divine providence in raising up a leader skilled in God's Word for spiritual restoration.
• the scribe: הַסֹּפֵר (hassôp̄ēr). From sopher, denoting an expert in writing, but also an esteemed scholar and teacher of the Mosaic Law. In post-exilic Judah, scribes gained immense religious and political authority, distinct from prophets and priests in their specific function of preserving and interpreting the Torah. Ezra embodied this elevated function.
• stood: עָמַד (amad). To stand, endure, or take a position. Here, it indicates a posture of authority, readiness, and official action. Standing elevated him for both visibility and audibility to the large congregation.
• upon a pulpit of wood: עַל־מִגְדַּל־עֵץ (‘al-miḡdal-‘ēṣ). Literally, "upon a tower of wood" or "wooden platform/pulpit." Miḡdal typically refers to a military watchtower or an elevated structure. This was not a small lectern but a purpose-built, perhaps multi-tiered, elevated stage designed to give Ezra visibility and ensure his voice carried to thousands. Its construction for this specific sacred purpose emphasizes the profound respect for God's Word and the speaker of that Word.
• which they had made for the purpose: אֲשֶׁר עָשׂוּ לַדָּבָר (‘ăšer ‘āśû laddrāḇār). Lit. "which they had made for the word" or "for the matter/thing." This phrase signifies that the platform was specifically crafted and dedicated for the event of the public reading and teaching of the Law. It was not a pre-existing structure but created intentionally, reflecting the care and planning put into the spiritual instruction of the community.
• and beside him stood: וַיַּעֲמְדוּ אֶצְלֹו (wayya‘amḏû ‘eṣlô). This denotes close proximity and shared standing, signifying joint participation, endorsement, and assistance. The proximity underscores their collective backing of Ezra's authority and the message he was about to deliver.
• 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: These are 13 named men, six on his right and seven on his left. The precise naming indicates their importance as leaders, possibly from various tribal, priestly, or Levitical families. Their presence by Ezra's side signifies corporate leadership, showing that the re-engagement with God's Law was a unified effort supported by diverse elements within the community, lending authority and ensuring that the Law's precepts were heard, understood, and applied by the people.

Nehemiah 8 4 Bonus section

The "pulpit of wood" (מִגְדַּל־עֵץ - migdal-‘etz) being explicitly "made for the purpose" (לַדָּבָר - ladavar, "for the word/matter") reveals a meticulous dedication. This was not an ad-hoc arrangement but a deliberate architectural and spiritual statement. The structure symbolized the centrality of God's Word in their reconstructed community life. The strategic positioning of the named leaders (six on the right, seven on the left) implies not just presence but an organized chain of support, potentially signifying their roles in assisting Ezra with various aspects of the lengthy reading, explanation, and interpretation that followed. This organized leadership structure highlights an early model for liturgical or communal spiritual instruction, foreshadowing later synagogue practices.

Nehemiah 8 4 Commentary

Nehemiah 8:4 provides a crucial glimpse into the reverence and intentionality surrounding the re-establishment of God's Word as central to the life of post-exilic Judah. The construction of a unique "pulpit of wood," literally a "tower" or substantial elevated platform, highlights the gravity of the occasion and the profound respect for the sacred text being presented. This specialized structure ensured Ezra's visibility and audibility to a massive assembly, underscoring that the public reading and understanding of the Law was paramount for the community's spiritual restoration. The meticulous listing of thirteen other prominent men—from varied backgrounds and standing in official positions on Ezra's right and left—further emphasizes that this was not a solo performance. It reflects a corporate commitment from the leadership, symbolizing their collective endorsement, support, and active participation in facilitating the people's engagement with divine instruction. This organizational model created an authoritative setting for spiritual education, demonstrating the need for both skilled, Spirit-filled leadership and widespread, unified support within the community for God's Word to effectively transform a society. It lays the groundwork for communal understanding and application of God's commands, ultimately fostering national revival.

Practical application example: Modern churches or communities often prioritize accessible platforms for teaching (e.g., sound systems, visible stages) to ensure the message reaches all, reflecting the practical wisdom of the Nehemiah event. The named individuals around Ezra exemplify the importance of collaborative ministry, where leaders support one another in delivering and applying God's truth to the community.