Nehemiah 8 7

Nehemiah 8:7 kjv

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.

Nehemiah 8:7 nkjv

Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law; and the people stood in their place.

Nehemiah 8:7 niv

The Levites?Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan and Pelaiah?instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there.

Nehemiah 8:7 esv

Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law, while the people remained in their places.

Nehemiah 8:7 nlt

The Levites ? Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah ? then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places.

Nehemiah 8 verses

Nehemiah 8 7 Meaning

Nehemiah 8:7 details the significant role of specific Levites, identified by name, along with the broader body of Levites, who were instrumental in expounding the Law of God to the people of Israel assembled in Jerusalem. Their task was to ensure the gathered people not only heard the sacred text read by Ezra but deeply understood its meaning and implications. This collective effort facilitated spiritual comprehension, reinforcing the covenant between God and His people, as the people remained steadfastly attentive, poised to receive instruction.

Nehemiah 8 7 Context

Nehemiah 8 marks a pivotal moment of spiritual revival for the returned exiles in Jerusalem. Following the rebuilding of the walls, the people, by their own accord, gathered before the Water Gate to hear Ezra, the scribe and priest, read from the Book of the Law of Moses (Neh 8:1). Ezra stood on a wooden platform and read for hours (Neh 8:3), signifying the supreme authority of God's Word. Nehemiah 8:7 elaborates on the active involvement of a named group of Levites, and other unnamed Levites, who worked in concert with Ezra. While Ezra read, these Levites acted as interpreters and explainers, making the complex ancient Hebrew Law understandable to a populace that might have been less familiar with it due to generations in exile, possibly speaking Aramaic or a different dialect of Hebrew. Their role was crucial in ensuring true comprehension, transitioning the gathering from merely a reading to a deep, transformative encounter with God's instructions. The phrase "and the people stood in their place" underscores their continued reverence and sustained attention throughout this profound session of divine instruction.

Nehemiah 8 7 Word analysis

• Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites:

  • This extensive list of names indicates specific individuals, likely prominent or appointed Levites. Their individual recognition highlights their significant, active participation in the teaching process, rather than just being a faceless collective.
  • The explicit mention of "and the Levites" after the named individuals implies that beyond these specific leaders, a wider group of the Levite class was also engaged in this work, demonstrating a coordinated, extensive effort to teach. The Levites were God's appointed teachers of the Law (Deut 33:10).

• caused the people to understand:

  • The Hebrew verb used here for "understand" is yāḇîn (יָבִין), derived from the root bin (בִּין), which means to "discern," "perceive," "distinguish," or "be instructed." It's not merely about hearing the words, but grasping their meaning, implication, and application.
  • This phrase denotes an active pedagogical process. The Levites did not just read or translate; they provided explanation, elucidation, and possibly simplified language or contextual understanding to bridge any gaps for the hearers. It highlights a vital function of spiritual leaders to interpret God's truth for the common person.

• the Law:

  • Refers to the Torah (תּוֹרָה), primarily the Pentateuch, the first five books of Moses, which contains God's commandments, statutes, and ordinances given to Israel.
  • This term signifies the foundational covenant instruction for Israel, vital for their relationship with God and proper communal living. The focus on "the Law" emphasizes adherence to God's established revelation.

• and the people stood in their place:

  • This clause is a continuation of the reverence shown in Nehemiah 8:5, where the people stood when Ezra opened the book.
  • Their sustained posture of "standing in their place" denotes not only continued respect and reverence for God's Word but also their attentiveness, readiness to receive, and a sense of steadfast commitment during the lengthy and intensive teaching session. It symbolizes their spiritual discipline and eagerness to be instructed.

Nehemiah 8 7 Bonus section

The active "causing to understand" by the Levites likely involved methods such as paraphrase, exposition, or perhaps even translation into the common tongue of the time, possibly Aramaic, which many had adopted during the exile. This act was crucial for the restoration of Israel's covenant life, emphasizing that spiritual growth stems from an informed heart and mind, not blind adherence. The systematic nature of this teaching session – Ezra reading, Levites explaining – set a precedent for communal learning and biblical literacy, which later found expression in synagogue traditions. It also demonstrates the critical partnership between those who proclaim the Word and those who are equipped to facilitate its understanding, reflecting a holistic approach to discipleship where accessibility and clarity are paramount. This communal education was foundational for re-establishing a society rooted in God's righteousness.

Nehemiah 8 7 Commentary

Nehemiah 8:7 provides a vivid picture of practical spiritual instruction in post-exilic Israel. It portrays a critical shift from mere ritualistic reading to genuine comprehension of God's Word. The meticulous naming of several Levites emphasizes the individual commitment and shared responsibility within the priestly tribe to educate the community. These Levites acted as spiritual interpreters, bridging the gap between the sacred text and the understanding of the people, who might have lost fluency in classical Hebrew or simply required help grasping the nuances of the Law after generations in exile. This deep and broad engagement underscores that knowing God's commands requires diligent explanation and reception. It illustrates an early model of teaching that prioritizes accessibility and clear understanding for the layperson. The people's unwavering attention, maintaining their standing posture, reflects a profound hunger for God's truth and a willingness to commit to its precepts, forming the bedrock for the national spiritual renewal that followed. This verse subtly highlights that while the divine Word is inherently powerful, human agency, guided by the Holy Spirit and equipped for teaching, is essential in bringing that power to bear effectively upon the hearts and minds of people.