Nehemiah 8:1-18
Feb 15, 2026 • Daniel Hancock
Nehemiah 8 records Israel’s spiritual renewal after the wall of Jerusalem is rebuilt.
Ezra publicly reads the Book of the Law to the gathered people at the Water Gate, while Nehemiah and the Levites help explain its meaning so everyone can understand. The people weep when they hear the Law, convicted of their sin, but Nehemiah tells them not to mourn, because “the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
The chapter concludes with the people discovering the command to celebrate the Feast of Booths and joyfully obeying it—marking a renewed commitment to God’s Word and covenant faithfulness.