Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The people gathered together in the open space before the water gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of the law that the Lord had commanded Israel.

Ezra stood on a platform with Mattithiah and others beside him, and he read from the book of the law to all who could hear. The people listened attentively from morning until midday. When Ezra opened the book, everyone stood up.

Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and the people responded with a resounding "Amen." They lifted their hands in worship, bowed their heads, and prostrated themselves before the Lord with their faces to the ground.

The Levites explained the law to the people. Ezra and his helpers read from the book of God's law distinctly, giving the sense so everyone could understand.

Nehemiah, the governor, and Ezra told the people, "Today is holy unto the Lord your God. Don't mourn or weep because you're hearing the words of the law." They encouraged everyone to eat rich foods and drink fine wines, sending portions to those who had nothing prepared, since this day was a celebration.

The Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still for today is holy; don't be grieved." The crowd went their way, rejoicing with great joy because they'd finally understood the words declared unto them.

On the second day, leaders, priests, and Levites gathered with Ezra to understand the law further. They discovered a command from the Lord that the Israelites should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month.

The people were instructed to publish this message throughout their cities and Jerusalem, saying: "Go out and gather olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches, and branches of thick trees to make booths as it's written." They went out, gathered these materials, and made booths on their rooftops, in courtyards, and in God's house courtyards.

The Israelites, who had returned from exile, built these temporary shelters and sat under them. It was the first time since Joshua son of Nun that they'd done this, and there was very great joy among the people.

For seven days, Ezra read from the book of the law every day. On the eighth day, a solemn assembly was held according to established custom.