DailyBible

Nehemiah 8:4 · KJV

"And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam."

King James Version

What does Nehemiah 8:4 mean? →

Passage Context

2And 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.
3And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
4And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
6And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

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Reflection Questions

1

What role do leaders play in your faith community?

2

How do you feel about standing up for your beliefs in public?

3

When have you felt inspired by a leader's example?

Life Application

leadership

Consider how you can be a positive influence in your community.

faith

Support leaders in your community by participating in their initiatives.

People in This Verse

AnaiahOT

A leader who stood alongside Ezra, representing the community's commitment.

First appearance: Nehemiah 8:4

EzraOT

A scribe and priest who played a key role in the return of the Jewish exiles and the re-establishment of the Law in Jerusalem.

First appearance: Ezra 7:1

HashbadanaOT

A leader who stood with Ezra, representing the collective effort to restore faith.

First appearance: Nehemiah 8:4

HashumOT

A leader present during the reading, showing the importance of community involvement.

First appearance: Nehemiah 8:4

HilkiahOT

Hilkiah was the high priest during King Josiah's reign, instrumental in the religious reforms that led to the discovery of the Book of the Law. His leadership was pivotal in restoring true worship in Judah.

First appearance: 2 Kings 22:8

MaaseiahOT

The son of the king who was killed by Zichri, representing the vulnerability of royal figures during times of unrest.

First appearance: 2 Chronicles 28:7

MalchiahOT

Malchiah was the son of a goldsmith who contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His work reflects the dedication of ordinary citizens in the restoration efforts.

First appearance: Nehemiah 3:31

MattithiahOT

A Levite and the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, Mattithiah was responsible for overseeing the preparation of offerings in the temple.

First appearance: 1 Chronicles 9:31

MeshullamOT

A leader who stood with Ezra, showcasing the collaborative effort in restoring the Law.

First appearance: Nehemiah 8:4

MishaelOT

A leader present during the reading, underscoring the importance of unity in faith.

First appearance: Nehemiah 8:4

PedaiahOT

A leader who stood with Ezra, representing the diverse voices in the community.

First appearance: Nehemiah 8:4

ShemaOT

Another leader present during the reading of the Law, emphasizing community support.

First appearance: Nehemiah 8:4

UrijahOT

Urijah was a priest during the reign of Ahaz who followed the king's orders regarding the altar. His actions reflect the challenges faced by religious leaders in a politically charged environment.

First appearance: 2 Kings 16:10

ZechariahOT

Zechariah, the son of Shelemiah, was noted for his wisdom and counsel. His involvement highlights the generational aspect of service in the temple.

First appearance: 1 Chronicles 26:14

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