Definition: And 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.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Nehemiah 8:2. It's a really important moment in how God wanted to teach his people about righteousness and worship. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God wanted to make sure his people were following exactly the rules he gave them, so they could be truly holy. He wanted to give them a clear, understandable guide for how to live righteously. Let's unpack it: “And Ezra the priest brought the law before…” : This means Ezra, a leader of the Jewish people, took responsibility for teaching and explaining God’s laws (the rules) to everyone in the community. “…both of men and women…” : This is key! It meant that everyone – both men and women – could understand what was being taught. It wasn't just for a select few. "...and all that could hear with understanding..." : Ezra was giving the law to everyone who had the ability to listen and comprehend it. "...upon the first day of the seventh month." : This is the crucial part! The first day of the seventh month is when God specifically set aside a specific time for this teaching – a special day dedicated to learning about his laws. So, what's the big takeaway? This verse highlights that God wants his people to be informed and engaged with his teachings. It was a deliberate act of teaching and making sure everyone understood the important rules he established. It shows that God values participation and understanding in his plan for his community. In short, it's about making sure everyone has access to the truth so they can live righteously. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this passage to a larger theme in the Bible (like obedience or community)?