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Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.
Verse Takeaways
1
A Purpose-Built Platform
Commentators note that the 'pulpit' was not a small stand but a large wooden 'tower' or platform, specially constructed for this event. Its size, large enough to hold Ezra and thirteen other men, underscores the great importance the community placed on the public reading of God's Word.
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Nehemiah
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Commentaries
4
Albert Barnes
On Nehemiah 8:4
18th Century
Theologian
The 13 persons mentioned were probably the chief priests of the course (shift) which was at the time performing the temple service.
Charles Ellicott
On Nehemiah 8:4
19th Century
Bishop
Pulpit of wood.—Literally, a tower of wood. Fourteen persons, however, were on what is afterwards called a platform, or s…
John Gill
On Nehemiah 8:4
17th Century
Pastor
And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had
made for the purpose
…
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Matthew Henry
On Nehemiah 8:1–8
17th Century
Minister
Sacrifices were to be offered only at the door of the temple; but praying and preaching were, and are, services of religion, as acceptably performe…