Then 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. Then Ezra blessed the LORDEzra, a scribe and priest, plays a pivotal role in the spiritual renewal of Israel. The Hebrew word for "blessed" is "barak," which means to kneel or to praise. This act of blessing the LORD signifies a deep reverence and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and goodness. Ezra's leadership in blessing God sets a tone of worship and gratitude, reminding us of the importance of recognizing God's greatness in our lives. the great God
The phrase "the great God" emphasizes the supremacy and majesty of the LORD. In Hebrew, "ha'elohim ha'gadol" underscores God's unparalleled power and authority. This acknowledgment of God's greatness is crucial in the context of the Israelites, who had returned from exile and were rebuilding their identity as God's chosen people. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and His mighty acts throughout history. and all the people lifted up their hands
Lifting hands in worship is a physical expression of surrender and adoration. This gesture, rooted in ancient Hebrew worship practices, symbolizes openness to God's presence and a desire to receive His blessings. It reflects a communal act of worship, where the entire assembly participates in honoring God, demonstrating unity and collective devotion. and responded, 'Amen, Amen!'
The repetition of "Amen" signifies affirmation and agreement. In Hebrew, "Amen" means "so be it" or "truly." By saying "Amen, Amen," the people express their wholehearted agreement with Ezra's blessing and their commitment to the covenant with God. This response highlights the importance of communal affirmation in worship and the power of spoken agreement in faith. Then they bowed down and worshiped
Bowing down is an act of humility and submission before God. The Hebrew word "shachah" means to prostrate oneself, indicating deep reverence and worship. This physical act of bowing is a powerful expression of acknowledging God's holiness and our own need for His grace and mercy. It reflects a heart posture of worship that is both humble and sincere. the LORD with their faces to the ground
Worshiping with faces to the ground is an ultimate act of humility and reverence. This posture signifies total submission and recognition of God's holiness. In the historical context, it reflects the Israelites' acknowledgment of their dependence on God and their desire to honor Him above all else. It serves as a reminder for us to approach God with humility, recognizing His greatness and our need for His presence in our lives. Persons / Places / Events 1. EzraA scribe and priest who played a crucial role in the spiritual renewal of the Israelites. He led the reading and explanation of the Law to the people. 2. The People of IsraelThe assembly of Israelites who gathered to hear the Law. Their response to Ezra's blessing shows their reverence and commitment to God. 3. JerusalemThe city where this event took place, specifically at the Water Gate, symbolizing a return to the heart of worship and obedience to God. 4. The LawRefers to the Torah, the first five books of the Bible, which Ezra read to the people, leading to their worship and recommitment to God's covenant. 5. The Event of WorshipThis was a significant moment of communal worship and recommitment to God, marked by the people's physical expressions of reverence and agreement. Teaching Points The Power of Blessing GodEzra's blessing of the Lord sets the tone for worship. We are reminded of the importance of starting our gatherings and personal devotions by acknowledging God's greatness. Unified Response in WorshipThe people's collective "Amen" signifies unity in faith and purpose. In our communities, unified worship strengthens our bond and commitment to God. Physical Expressions of WorshipThe lifting of hands and bowing down are outward expressions of inward reverence. Our worship should engage both heart and body, reflecting our total devotion to God. The Role of Scripture in WorshipThe reading of the Law was central to this event. Regular engagement with Scripture is vital for spiritual growth and renewal. Reverence and Humility Before GodBowing with faces to the ground symbolizes humility. We are called to approach God with a humble heart, recognizing His sovereignty and our dependence on Him. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ezra's role as a leader in this passage inspire us to lead others in worship and understanding of God's Word? 2. In what ways can we incorporate the practice of blessing God into our daily lives and communal worship? 3. What significance do physical expressions of worship, such as lifting hands or bowing, have in your personal or communal worship experience? 4. How can we ensure that our response to God's Word is as unified and heartfelt as the Israelites' response in Nehemiah 8:6? 5. Reflect on a time when engaging with Scripture led to a renewed sense of worship and commitment in your life. How can you cultivate this regularly? Connections to Other Scriptures Deuteronomy 27:15-26The people's response of "Amen" echoes the covenantal affirmations found in Deuteronomy, where the Israelites agree to the blessings and curses of the Law. Psalm 95:6This verse calls for worship and bowing down before the Lord, similar to the physical act of worship seen in Nehemiah 8:6. 1 Timothy 2:8Paul encourages lifting holy hands in prayer, which connects to the people's gesture of lifting their hands in agreement and worship. People Akkub, Anaiah, Azariah, Bani, Ezra, Hanan, Hashbadana, Hashum, Hilkiah, Hodiah, Hodijah, Israelites, Jamin, Jeshua, Joshua, Jozabad, Kelita, Levites, Maaseiah, Malchiah, Malchijah, Mattithiah, Meshullam, Mishael, Nehemiah, Nun, Pedaiah, Pelaiah, Shabbethai, Shema, Sherebiah, Uriah, UrijahPlaces Gate of Ephraim, Jerusalem, Water GateTopics Amen, Bent, Blessed, Blesseth, Bow, Bowed, Ezra, Faces, Fell, Ground, Hands, Heads, Lifted, Lifting, Low, Obeisance, Praise, Praised, Responded, Worship, Worshiped, WorshippedDictionary of Bible Themes Nehemiah 8:6 1461 truth, nature of
5138 bowing
5174 prostration
5783 agreement
5865 gestures
5932 response
8626 worship, places
8634 amen
8650 hands, lifting up
8665 praise, reasons
8667 praise, examples Nehemiah 8:1-8 1690 word of God Nehemiah 8:1-9 7209 congregation Nehemiah 8:1-18 1640 Book of the Law
7464 teachers of the law Nehemiah 8:2-6 7359 Feast of Trumpets Nehemiah 8:2-8 1614 Scripture, understanding
7456 synagogue Nehemiah 8:5-6 8627 worship, elements Library January 29. "Send Portions unto them for whom Nothing is Prepared" (Neh. viii. 10).
"Send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared" (Neh. viii. 10). That was a fine picture in the days of Nehemiah, when they were celebrating their glorious Feast of Tabernacles. "Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared." How many there are on every side for whom nothing is prepared! Let us find out some sad and needy heart for whom there is no one else to think or care. …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Joy of the Lord
'The joy of the Lord is your strength.'--Neh. viii. 10. Judaism, in its formal and ceremonial aspect, was a religion of gladness. The feast was the great act of worship. It is not to be wondered at, that Christianity, the perfecting of that ancient system, has been less markedly felt to be a religion of joy; for it brings with it far deeper and more solemn views about man in his nature, condition, responsibilities, destinies, than ever prevailed before, under any system of worship. And yet all deep …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Reading the Law with Tears and Joy
'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. 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. 3. And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate, from the morning until midday, before …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Joy of the Lord, the Strength of his People
LAST Sabbath day in the morning I spoke of the birth of our Saviour as being full of joy to the people of God, and, indeed, to all nations. We then looked at the joy from a distance; we will now in contemplation draw nearer to it, and perhaps as we consider it, and remark the multiplied reasons for its existence, some of those reasons may operate upon our own hearts, and we may go out of this house of prayer ourselves partakers of the exceeding great joy. We shall count it to have been a successful …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871 The Original Text and Its History.
1. The original language of the Old Testament is Hebrew, with the exception of certain portions of Ezra and Daniel and a single verse of Jeremiah, (Ezra 4:8-6:18; 7:12-26; Dan. 2:4, from the middle of the verse to end of chap. 7; Jer. 10:11,) which are written in the cognate Chaldee language. The Hebrew belongs to a stock of related languages commonly called Shemitic, because spoken mainly by the descendants of Shem. Its main divisions are: (1,) the Arabic, having its original seat in the …
E. P. Barrows—Companion to the Bible Twenty-First Day. Holiness and Happiness.
The kingdom of God is joy in the Holy Ghost.'--Rom. xiv. 17. 'The disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Ghost.'--Acts xiii. 52. 'Then Nehemiah said, This day is holy unto the Lord: neither be ye sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. So the Levites stilled the people, saying, Hold your peace; for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved. And all the people went their way to make great mirth, because they had understood the words.'--Neh. viii. 10-12. The deep significance of …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ John's First Testimony to Jesus.
(Bethany Beyond Jordan, February, a.d. 27.) ^D John I. 19-34. ^d 19 And this is the witness of John [John had been sent to testify, "and" this is the matter of his testimony], when the Jews [The term "Jews" is used seventy times by John to describe the ruling classes of Judæa] sent unto him [In thus sending an embassy they honored John more than they ever honored Christ. They looked upon John as a priest and Judæan, but upon Jesus as a carpenter and Galilæan. It is probable that …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Healing a Demoniac in a Synagogue.
(at Capernaum.) ^B Mark I. 21-28; ^C Luke . IV. 31-37. ^b 21 And they [Jesus and the four fishermen whom he called] go into { ^c he came down to} Capernaum, a city of Galilee. [Luke has just spoken of Nazareth, and he uses the expression "down to Capernaum" because the latter was on the lake shore while Nazareth was up in the mountains.] And ^b straightway on the sabbath day he entered into the synagogue and taught. { ^c was teaching them} ^b 22 And they were astonished at his teaching: for he taught …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Scattering of the People
[Illustration: (drop cap A) The Fish-god of Assyria and Babylonia] At last the full punishment for their many sins fell upon God's chosen people. The words of warning written in the fifth book of Moses had told them plainly that if they turned aside and worshipped the wicked idol-gods of Canaan, the Lord would take their country from them and drive them out into strange lands. Yet again and again they had yielded to temptation. And now the day of reckoning had come. Nebuchadnezzar, the great king …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
The Median wars--The last native dynasties of Egypt--The Eastern world on the eve of the Macedonian conquest. [Drawn by Boudier, from one of the sarcophagi of Sidon, now in the Museum of St. Irene. The vignette, which is by Faucher-Gudin, represents the sitting cyno-cephalus of Nectanebo I., now in the Egyptian Museum at the Vatican.] Darius appears to have formed this project of conquest immediately after his first victories, when his initial attempts to institute satrapies had taught him not …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 9 Its Effects.
Among the effects and benefits which in this life accompany and flow from being filled with the Holy Ghost, may be mentioned the following:-- 1. Courage. "Oh, I could not do so and so--I have not the courage," is a reply frequently made by Christian people when asked to undertake some piece of service or other for the Master. The first point to be settled is, "Is that the Master's will for me?" If so, lack of courage is a confession to the lack of the "Fullness of the Holy Ghost." The Spirit-filled …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible Of the Public Fast.
A public fast is when, by the authority of the magistrate (Jonah iii. 7; 2 Chron. xx. 3; Ezra viii. 21), either the whole church within his dominion, or some special congregation, whom it concerneth, assemble themselves together, to perform the fore-mentioned duties of humiliation; either for the removing of some public calamity threatened or already inflicted upon them, as the sword, invasion, famine, pestilence, or other fearful sickness (1 Sam. vii. 5, 6; Joel ii. 15; 2 Chron. xx.; Jonah iii. …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Joy
'The fruit of the Spirit is joy.' Gal 5:52. The third fruit of justification, adoption, and sanctification, is joy in the Holy Ghost. Joy is setting the soul upon the top of a pinnacle - it is the cream of the sincere milk of the word. Spiritual joy is a sweet and delightful passion, arising from the apprehension and feeling of some good, whereby the soul is supported under present troubles, and fenced against future fear. I. It is a delightful passion. It is contrary to sorrow, which is a perturbation …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Assurance
Q-xxxvi: WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHICH FLOW FROM SANCTIFICATION? A: Assurance of God's love, peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of grace, and perseverance therein to the end. The first benefit flowing from sanctification is assurance of God's love. 'Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.' 2 Pet 1:10. Sanctification is the seed, assurance is the flower which grows out of it: assurance is a consequent of sanctification. The saints of old had it. We know that we know …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Man's Chief End
Q-I: WHAT IS THE CHIEF END OF MAN? A: Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever. Here are two ends of life specified. 1: The glorifying of God. 2: The enjoying of God. I. The glorifying of God, I Pet 4:4: That God in all things may be glorified.' The glory of God is a silver thread which must run through all our actions. I Cor 10:01. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.' Everything works to some end in things natural and artificial; …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Ezra-Nehemiah
Some of the most complicated problems in Hebrew history as well as in the literary criticism of the Old Testament gather about the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Apart from these books, all that we know of the origin and early history of Judaism is inferential. They are our only historical sources for that period; and if in them we have, as we seem to have, authentic memoirs, fragmentary though they be, written by the two men who, more than any other, gave permanent shape and direction to Judaism, then …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Nehemiah 8:6 NIVNehemiah 8:6 NLTNehemiah 8:6 ESVNehemiah 8:6 NASBNehemiah 8:6 KJV
Nehemiah 8:6 Commentaries
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