Nehemiah 8:1-9 ▼

1 At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra (help) the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses (drawn out), which the LORD {YHWH} had commanded for Israel (he wrestles with God).

2 On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra (help) the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand.

3 So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

4 Ezra (help) the scribe stood on a high wooden platform built for this occasion. At his right side stood Mattithiah (gift of YHWH), Shema (hear), Anaiah (YHWH has answered), Uriah (YHWH is my light), Hilkiah (my portion is YHWH), and Maaseiah (work of YHWH), and at his left were Pedaiah (YHWH has ransomed), Mishael (who is what God is), Malchijah (my king is YHWH), Hashum (rich), Hash-baddanah (considerate judge), Zechariah (YHWH remembers), and Meshullam (friend).

5 Ezra (help) 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.

6 Then Ezra (help) blessed the LORD {YHWH}, the great God {Elohim}, 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.

7 The Levites—Jeshua (he is saved), Bani (built), Sherebiah (YHWH has scorched), Jamin (right hand), Akkub (insidious), Shabbethai (sabbatical), Hodiah (my majesty is YHWH), Maaseiah (work of YHWH), Kelita (crippled), Azariah (YHWH has helped), Jozabad (YHWH has endowed), Hanan (he is merciful), and Pelaiah (YHWH does wonders)—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places.

8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God {Elohim}, explaining it (translating it) and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read.

9 Nehemiah (YHWH comforts) the governor, Ezra (help) 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 {YHWH Eloheikem}. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.