Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 8:7
Jeshua was a common name in the Bible, given to several men, including a leader who helped the Israelites return from exile. He is mentioned in the book of Ezra, where he is called a son of Jehozadak and a father of Joiakim.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.2; son of: Jehozadak (H3087); father of: Joiakim (H3113); also called Jeshua at Ezr.2.2; 3.2,8; 4.3; 5.2; 1x12.1,7,10,26; Another name of ye.ho.shu.a (יְהוֹשׁוּעַ "Joshua" H3091J) § Jeshua = "he is saved" 1) son of Nun of the tribe of Ephraim and successor to Moses as the leader of the children of Israel; led the conquest of Canaan 2) son of Jehozadak and high priest after the restoration 3) a priest in the time of David who had charge of the 9th course 4) a Levite in the reign of Hezekiah 5) head of a Levitical house which returned from captivity in Babylon 6) father of a builder of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 7) a town in southern Judah reinhabited by the people of Judah after the return from captivity
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: Jeshua. See also: 1 Chronicles 24:11; Nehemiah 7:11; Nehemiah 12:26.
Bani, meaning built, was the name of several Israelites, including a Gadite warrior, a Levite, and a man from Judah. One Bani returned from captivity with Zerubbabel, as noted in Ezra 2:10.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.2.10; also called Binnui at Neh.7.15; Also named: bin.nuy (בִּנּוּי "Binnui" H1131) § Bani = "built" 1) a Gadite, one of David's mighty warriors 2) a Levite of the line of Merari, and forefather to Ethan 3) a man of Judah of the line of Pharez 4) "children of Bani" returned from captivity with Zerubbabel 5) one or up to three Levites in Nehemiah's time
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Bani. See also: 2 Samuel 23:36; Nehemiah 3:17; Nehemiah 11:22.
Sherebiah was a Levite who helped Ezra read the Law and sealed a covenant with Nehemiah after the Exile. His name means Jehovah has scorched, reflecting his connection to a powerful God. He's mentioned in Nehemiah 10:12.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.10.12 § Sherebiah = "Jehovah has scorched" a Levite who assisted Ezra at the reading of the Law and who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Sherebiah. See also: Ezra 8:18; Nehemiah 9:5; Nehemiah 12:24.
Jamin was an Israelite and the second son of Simeon, mentioned in Genesis 46:10. His name means 'right hand' and he was a founder of the family of Jaminites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.7 § Jamin = "right hand" 1) the 2nd son of Simeon; founder of the family of Jaminites 2) a Judaite, the 2nd son of Ram the Jerahmeelite 3) a Levite who helped Ezra interpret the Law
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Jamin. See also H1144 (בִּנְיָמִין). See also: Genesis 46:10; 1 Chronicles 2:27; Nehemiah 8:7.
Akkub refers to five different Israelites, including a descendant of David and a Levite gatekeeper, mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7. They lived during the time of Exile and Return. Akkub means insidious.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.8.7 § Akkub = "insidious" 1) son of Elioenai and descendant of David through Zerubbabel 2) a head of a family returning from exile 3) head of a family of temple slaves returning from exile 4) a Levite gatekeeper 5) a Levite who helped Ezra expound the law to the people 6) a Levite gatekeeper after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Akkub. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:24; Nehemiah 7:45; Nehemiah 12:25.
Shabbethai was a Levite who lived during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, as mentioned in Nehemiah 11:16, and his name means 'sabbatical' or 'rest'. He played a role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, as recorded in the book of Nehemiah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.11.16 § Shabbethai = "sabbatical" a Levite in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Shabbethai. See also: Ezra 10:15; Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 11:16.
Hodiah means my majesty is Jehovah, and was the name of three Israelites, including two Levites in Ezra and Nehemiah's time. They lived during the Exile and Return period. Hodiah is mentioned in Nehemiah 10:18.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.10.18 § Hodijah = "my majesty is Jehovah" 1) a Levite in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah 2) another Levite at the same time 3) a chief of the people at the same time
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Hodijah. See also: Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 9:5.
Maaseiah means work of Jehovah, a name given to 16 Israelites, including a descendant of Jeshua in Ezra's time. It symbolizes God's action in their lives. Maaseiah is mentioned in Jeremiah 35:4.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.4; son of: Shallum (H7967S) § Maaseiah = "work of Jehovah" 1) a descendant of Jeshua who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 2) a priest of the sons of Harim who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 3) a priest of the sons of Pashur who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 4) a descendant of Pahath-moab who had taken a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 5) father of Azariah 6) one who stood on the right hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people 7) a Levite who assisted when Ezra read the law to the people 8) one of the heads of the people whose descendants signed the covenant with Nehemiah 9) a Benjamite ancestor of Sallu 10) a priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 11) another priest who took part in the musical service at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem under Ezra 12) father of Zephaniah the prophet in the reign of Zedekiah 13) father of Zedekiah the false prophet in the time of Jeremiah 14) a Levite of the 2nd rank who David appointed to sound with psalteries on Alamoth 15) son of Adaiah and one of the captains of hundreds in the reign of king Joash of Judah 16) an officer of high rank in the reign of king Uzziah 17) son of king Ahaz of Judah who was killed by Zichri in the invasion of Judah by king Pekah of Israel 18) governor of Jerusalem in the reign of Josiah 19) son of Shallum and a Levite of high rand in the reign of king Jehoiakim of Judah 20) ancestor of Baruch and Seraiah and a priest
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: Maaseiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 15:18; Nehemiah 8:4; Jeremiah 21:1.
Kelita was another name for Kelaiah, a Levite who lived during the time of Ezra. His name means crippled and he is mentioned in Ezra 10:23.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.23; also called Kelita at Ezr.10.23; Another name of qe.la.yah (קֵלָיָה "Kelaiah" H7041) § Kelita = "crippled" 1) a Levite who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra 1a) also 'Kelaiah'
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Kelita. See also: Ezra 10:23; Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 10:11.
Azariah was the name of nineteen different Israelites, including a king of Judah and a friend of Daniel who was renamed Abednego by King Nebuchadnezzar. His name means Jehovah has helped.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.1.6; also called Abednego at Dan.2.49; 3.12,13,14,16,19,20,22,23,26,28,29,30; § Azariah = "Jehovah has helped" 1) son of king Amaziah of Judah and king of Judah himself for 52 years; also 'Uzziah' 2) the godly friend of Daniel who Nebuchadnezzar renamed Abednego; one of the three friends who with Daniel refused to make themselves unclean by eating food from the king's table which went against the dietary laws which God had given the Jews; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord 2a) also, 'Abednego' (H5664 or H5665) 3) son of Nathan and an officer of Solomon; perhaps David's grandson and Solomon's nephew 4) a prophet in the days of king Asa of Judah 5) son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and brother to 5 6) another son of king Jehoshaphat of Judah and brother to 4 7) a priest, son of Ahimaaz, grandson of Zadok and high priest in the reign of king Solomon 8) the high priest in the reign of king Uzziah of Judah 9) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah; probably same as 18 10) a Kohathite Levite, father of Joel in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah 11) a Merarite Levite, son of Jehalelel in the reign of king Hezekiah of Judah 12) a Kohathite Levite, son of Zephaniah and ancestor of Samuel the prophet 13) a Levite who helped Ezra in instructing the people in the law 14) son of Jeroham and one of the temple captains of Judah in the time of queen Athaliah; probably the same as 21 15) son of Maaseiah who repaired part of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah 16) one of the leaders who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel 17) a man who assisted in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah; probably the same as 10 18) son of Johanan, one of the captains of Ephraim in the reign of king Ahaz of Judah 19) a Judaite, son of Ethan of the sons of Zerah 20) a Judaite, son of Jehu of the family of the Jerahmeelites and descended from Jarha the Egyptian slave of Sheshan; probably one of the captains of the time of queen Athaliah and the same as 15 21) a priest, son of Hilkiah 22) a priest, son of Johanan 23) son of king Jehoram of Judah; probably clerical error for 'Ahaziah' 24) son of Meraioth 25) son of Hoshaiah and one of the proud men who confronted Jeremiah
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: Azariah. See also: 1 Kings 4:2; 2 Chronicles 21:2; Jeremiah 43:2.
Jozabad, meaning 'Jehovah has endowed', was the name of ten Israelites, including a Korhite Levite and one of David's warriors. They lived during the time of Exile and Return.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.11.16 § Jozabad or Josabad = "Jehovah has endowed" 1) a Korhite Levite, 2nd son of Obededom, and one of the porters of the temple and of the storehouse there in the time of David 2) one of David's mighty warriors 3) another of David's mighty warriors 4) four other priests or Levites
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Josabad, Jozabad. See also: 1 Chronicles 12:5; Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 11:16.
Hanan was a common name in the Bible, given to several Israelites, including a son of Igdaliah and a mighty warrior of King David, meaning 'he is merciful'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.4; son of: Igdaliah (H3012) § Canan or Hanan = "he is merciful" 1) one of the chief people of the tribe of Benjamin 2) last of the 6 sons of Azel, a descendant of Saul 3) son of Maachah, one of David's mighty warriors 4) father of some sons who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 5) one of the Levites who assisted Ezra in his public exposition of the law 6) one of the heads of the people who also sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 7) another of the chief laymen who also sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 8) son of Zaccur, grandson of Mattaniah whom Nehemiah made one of the storekeepers of the provisions collected as tithes. Same as 5 ? 9) son of Igdaliah
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: Canan. See also: 1 Chronicles 8:23; Nehemiah 8:7; Jeremiah 35:4.
Pelaiah means Jehovah does wonders and is the name of three Israelites, including a descendant of David and a priest who helped Ezra expound the law.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.8.7 § Pelaiah = "Jehovah does wonders" 1) son of Elioenai and a descendant of David in the royal line 2) a priest who helped Ezra to expound the law to the people and also sealed the covenant with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Pelaiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:24; Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 10:11.
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Refers to a standing place, like in 1 Kings 17:1 where Elijah stands before King Ahab.
Definition: standing place
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: place, ([phrase] where) stood, upright. See also: 2 Chronicles 30:16; Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 13:11.
Context — Ezra Reads the Law
5Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up.
6Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and with their hands uplifted, all the people said, “Amen, Amen!” Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
7The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places.
8So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.
9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Nehemiah 9:4 |
And the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani—stood on the raised platform and cried out in a loud voice to the LORD their God. |
| 2 |
Leviticus 10:11 |
so that you may teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses.” |
| 3 |
Nehemiah 3:23 |
Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house, and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house. |
| 4 |
Ezra 10:22–23 |
From the descendants of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah. Among the Levites: Jozabad, Shimei, Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. |
| 5 |
Malachi 2:7 |
For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. |
| 6 |
Nehemiah 12:24–25 |
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. |
| 7 |
Deuteronomy 33:10 |
He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law to Israel; he will set incense before You and whole burnt offerings on Your altar. |
| 8 |
Nehemiah 11:19 |
And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men. |
| 9 |
Ezra 8:18 |
And since the gracious hand of our God was upon us, they brought us Sherebiah—a man of insight from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel—along with his sons and brothers, 18 men; |
| 10 |
Nehemiah 10:18 |
Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, |
Nehemiah 8:7 Summary
[Nehemiah 8:7 shows that the Levites played a key role in teaching the people about God's Law, and this is an important part of worship and community, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:11-13 and Acts 2:42. The Levites helped the people understand the Law, which is similar to how we learn and grow in our faith today. By studying and obeying God's Word, we can deepen our relationship with Him and live according to His will, as described in Psalms 119:105 and Matthew 22:37-40.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What role did the Levites play in instructing the people in Nehemiah 8:7?
The Levites played a crucial role in instructing the people in the Law, as seen in Nehemiah 8:7, and this is consistent with their role as teachers and leaders in Israel, as described in Deuteronomy 33:10 and 2 Chronicles 17:7-9.
Why were the people standing in their places during the instruction?
The people were standing in their places as a sign of respect and reverence, similar to when Ezra opened the book and all the people stood up in Nehemiah 8:5, and this posture is also seen in other instances of worship and instruction, such as in Psalms 119:120.
What is the significance of the names of the Levites listed in Nehemiah 8:7?
The names of the Levites listed in Nehemiah 8:7 may indicate their specific roles or areas of expertise in instructing the people, and the inclusion of their names adds to the historical and cultural context of the passage, similar to the listing of names in other biblical genealogies, such as in 1 Chronicles 6:1-15.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in Nehemiah 8?
Nehemiah 8:7 is part of a larger scene of worship and instruction, where the people are gathered to hear the Law and respond in reverence and repentance, as seen in Nehemiah 8:6 and 9, and this theme is consistent with the importance of worship and instruction throughout the Bible, such as in Deuteronomy 31:11-13 and Acts 2:42.
Reflection Questions
- What role do I play in instructing others in the ways of God, and how can I fulfill this role more effectively?
- In what ways can I demonstrate reverence and respect for God's Word, as the people did in Nehemiah 8:5-7?
- How can I balance the importance of understanding and obeying God's Law with the need for worship and reverence, as seen in Nehemiah 8:7-9?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principles of Nehemiah 8:7 to my own life and community, such as through teaching, mentoring, or leading others in worship?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 8:7
Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites,.... That is, others of them besides those named; for they
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:7
Caused the people to understand the law; as well the words, which being Hebrew, now needed to be translated into the Chaldee or Syriac language, which was now and henceforth the common language of that people, who together with their religion had also in a great part lost their language; as also the sense and meaning of them; they expounded the mind and will of God in what they read, and applied it to the people’ s present condition, as they saw fit, as the manner of the prophets generally was. And hence the people were so deeply affected with it. The people stood in their place, i.e. in their several places and stations into which the company seems to have been distributed for conveniency of hearing; it not being likely that so vast a congregation could distinctly hear one man’ s voice. Or, by their stations, i.e. by the several stations of the Levites and persons last named; who seem to have had several scaffolds, by comparing this with , upon which they stood, as Ezra did upon his pulpit, .
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:7
Nehemiah 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.Ver. 7. Also Jeshua, and Bani, &c., caused the people to understand the law] As the audience was great, so, great was the company of preachers, Psalms 68:11. The people were too many to be taught by one; therefore they made sundry companies and congregations, and had several teachers; as had likewise those primitive Christians, Acts 6:1, when once they grew numerous. And the people stood in their places] Heb. And the people upon their stand; they kept their stations according to their divisions; not shuffling or shifting from preacher to preacher, but abiding and attending with utmost intention and retention.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 8:7
7. Also Jeshua &c.] Of the 13 names here mentioned we find four, i.e. Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Hodiah, mentioned among the Levites in chap. Nehemiah 9:5, and seven, i.e. Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Kelita, Hanan, Pelaiah, among the Levites in chap. Nehemiah 10:9-14. Perhaps these seven were representative of Levitical houses, whose names they bore; if so, the remaining six mentioned here, whose names do not occur again, possibly represented branches of some other Levitical families mentioned under different collective names in chaps. 10 and 12. The LXX. here only gives the first three names. Hodijah] R.V. Hodiah.and the Levites] So the LXX.
But 1 Esdr. οἱΛευῖαι, Vulg. ‘Levitζ,’ omitting the copula which gives the better rendering. The ‘copula’ if the text is correct, must define the list of names just given in the sense of ‘even.’ The writer adds that they were Levites. The rendering ‘And the Levites’ in the sense of ‘And all the rest of the Levites’ would give a scene of confusion. For the use of the copula = ‘even,’ cf. Nehemiah 8:13. But very possibly the words have been interpolated. caused the people … the law] i.e. they expounded what Ezra read. We must suppose that only short passages were read at a time. stood in their place] Literally, ‘And the people were upon their standing.’ LXX. καὶὁλαὸςἐντῇστάσειαὐτοῦ. Cf. 2 Chronicles 30:16, ‘And they stood in their place,’ 2 Chronicles 35:10. It will be noticed that in this passage the Levites share with the priests the duty of instructing the people out of the Law; and we are led to infer that this was customary from the Chronicler’s statements in 2 Chronicles 15:3; 2 Chronicles 17:8-9; 2 Chronicles 35:3. In the Levitical law we only find the priests entrusted with this duty (Leviticus 10:10-11).
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 8:7
The names here (and in Nehemiah 9:4, Nehemiah 9:5; Nehemiah 10:9) seem not to be the personal appellations of individuals, but rather designations of Levitical families, the descendants respectively
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:7
7. And the Levites — Or, even the Levites. We understand that the persons named in this verse were all Levites, in distinction from the priests named in Nehemiah 8:4.
Sermons on Nehemiah 8:7
| Sermon | Description |
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(Guidelines) Read the Bible
by J. Vernon McGee
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching and teaching the Word of God. He quotes Dr. Morgan who said that inspiration is 95% perspiration, highlighting th |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.7 & 8
by Zac Poonen
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of praising God and worshiping Him before delving into the explanation of scriptures. The people in Jerusalem were attentive t |
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Ezra's Reading of the Law to the People
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He highlights the joy that comes from understanding and follo |
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Guidelines for Growth - Part 3
by J. Vernon McGee
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of meditating on the Word of God and how television can distract families from spiritual growth. He highlights the decline in |
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The Fellowship of His Suffering
by David Wilkerson
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In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern about the commercialization and profit-driven motives within the ministry. He criticizes the hiring of a promotion man and a |
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The Glory of God and Missions
by Paul Washer
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In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of how to reconcile the idea that God does everything for Himself with the belief that God is a loving God who loves people. He u |
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Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 4.-- Wednesday--(Continued)
by J.H. Newman
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J.H. Newman preaches on the dangers of being rich and living a luxurious life without caring for the poor, emphasizing the need for repentance, mortification, and self-denial to le |