When did Ezra read the Law to the people?
Ezra reads the book of the law before all the people at the water gate in Jerusalem.
Ezra Reads the Law took place c. 444 BC at Jerusalem, before the water gate, during the Exile & Return period of Bible history. The account is recorded in Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV). Ezra reads the book of the law before all the people at the water gate in Jerusalem.
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading." — Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV)
Gathered as one man before the water gate, the returned exiles asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses. He read from morning till midday; the Levites gave the sense, and the people wept, then rejoiced and kept the feast of tabernacles.
c. 444 BC
Jerusalem, before the water gate
Key KJV Scriptures
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading."
"Neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
Why It Matters
The scene is the great Old Testament model of Scripture-centred worship: read distinctly, explained clearly, received obediently, and answered with joy.
Key People
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'water gate' in Nehemiah 8?
A gate on the east side of Jerusalem near the Gihon spring, large enough to hold the assembled returned exiles for the public reading of the law.
When did ezra reads the law happen?
Ezra Reads the Law is dated c. 444 BC, placing it in the Exile & Return era of biblical history. See Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV).
Where did ezra reads the law take place?
Scripture places ezra reads the law at Jerusalem, before the water gate.
Who was involved in ezra reads the law?
The key figures are Ezra, Nehemiah, The Levites.
Where is ezra reads the law in the Bible?
You can read about it in Nehemiah 8:8, Nehemiah 8:10 (King James Version).
Why does ezra reads the law matter?
The scene is the great Old Testament model of Scripture-centred worship: read distinctly, explained clearly, received obediently, and answered with joy.
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