Neh 8:7 | KingComments | STEP | Ezra is not alone when he reads the law. The thirteen who stand with him ( ), are a witness together with him of what he reads. In addition, thirteen other Levites support the service of Ezra by explaining the law to the people. There is no need for the people to move. The Levites come to the people, bringing the explanation to them (cf. ). The testimony, the law, the Word of God, comes from above, from the podium on which Ezra stands. This symbolically indicates that the Word of God is above the people and also that it is above all doubt. Those who teach, however, should not do so from above, but on the level of God’s people. Servants are not above the people, but are part of them.

‏ Nehemiah 8:7

Explanation of the Law

Ezra is not alone when he reads the law. The thirteen who stand with him (Neh 8:5), are a witness together with him of what he reads. In addition, thirteen other Levites support the service of Ezra by explaining the law to the people. There is no need for the people to move. The Levites come to the people, bringing the explanation to them (cf. Acts 8:30-31).

The testimony, the law, the Word of God, comes from above, from the podium on which Ezra stands. This symbolically indicates that the Word of God is above the people and also that it is above all doubt. Those who teach, however, should not do so from above, but on the level of God’s people. Servants are not above the people, but are part of them.