Nehemiah 8:14,15 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Bible Comments

And they found written in the law Upon Ezra's information, and through their discourse with him; that the children of Israel should dwell in booths As a memorial of their dwelling in tents in the wilderness, a representation of the tabernacle state of God's people in this world, and a type of the holy joy of the gospel church. They that diligently search the Scriptures, will find those things written there which they had forgotten, or not duly considered before. And that they should publish That is, they also found that written; Saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive-branches Namely, the mount of Olives, which was next Jerusalem, and stored with olive-trees, and probably with the other trees here mentioned: for these trees seem to have been planted there, and in the neighbouring parts, principally for the use of the city in this very feast, which, though long neglected, ought to have been celebrated every year. And this place seems here to be referred to as being the most eminent, but to be put for any place near to the cities of Judah where these branches could be procured.

Nehemiah 8:14-15

14 And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded bye Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:

15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.