In the times of old in the land of Israel, a grand assembly of people found themselves gathered in the broad place before the water gate. UNITED with a single purpose, they beseeched Ezra the scribe to bring forth the book of God’s law as passed down through Moses under Jehovah’s command. Ezra, the esteemed priest, heed their call and brought the law before the assembly on the first day of the seventh month. Men, women, young, and old stood attentive as Ezra read from the holy book from morning till midday.
The congregation stood before the broad space by the water gate, their ears cast upon the sacred words of the Law. Standing on a wooden pulpit, crafted with intention, Ezra was flanked by his cohorts: Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah stood to his right, while Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam stood to his left. Ezra, in his elevated position, opened the book and the crowd rose in unison.
With the opening of the holy book, Ezra blessed Jehovah, the great God, and the people reciprocated with a reverberating “Amen, Amen,” their hands lifted towards the heavens. They worshipped Jehovah, bowing their heads and laying their faces to the ground in humble adoration.
A band of Levites, consisting of Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, and others lent their knowledge, teaching the people, enabling them to understand Jehovah’s sacred law. As the law echoed around them, the people wept, deeply moved by the words of the law.
However, Nehemiah—the governor, Ezra—the priest and scribe, and the Levites urged the people to rejoice, insisting that the day was holy unto Jehovah. They encouraged the congregation to feast heartily and send portions to those who had none. The Levites urged the people to experience joy rather than grief, asserting that the joy they derived from Jehovah was their strength.
Embracing the instructed serenity, the people retreated to feast, drink, and make merry because they now comprehended the words declared to them. Portions were sent to the needy, and a grand celebration erupted among the people.
The next day, the influential figures, priests, and Levites congregated with Ezra to heed the words of law. They discovered passages commanding the children of Israel to dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month.
Excitement abounded as they published this discovery throughout the city and Jerusalem, directing people to gather assorted branches for the construction of booths. Obedient to the call, the people constructed booths on their rooftops, courtyards, and in the places of worship, especially the broad place by the water gate.
The essence of unity and obedience followed the captives who returned, they too dwelled in the booths. It was a sight unseen since the days of Jeshua, the son of Nun, and it brought boundless joy and gladness. From the first day to the last, Ezra read from the book of God’s law, and the people celebrated for seven days. The eighth day marked a solemn congregation, adhering to the ordinance and concluding the celebration.
