Definition: Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah, said, Stand up [and] bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 9:5. It's a really beautiful and important passage about praising God and recognizing His power. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is essentially saying that the Levites – a group of Jewish leaders – were standing up and actively proclaiming their praise and adoration for God. They weren't just saying it, they were believing it and expressing it with overflowing gratitude. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel…” : This refers to a specific group of leaders within the Jewish community – the Levites. They were responsible for maintaining religious traditions and serving as intermediaries between God and the people. “…Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, [and] Pethahiah…” : This lists the specific individuals who participated in this act of praise. It’s a list of prominent Levites who were chosen to express this blessing. “Stand up… and bless the LORD your God…” : This is the core instruction. They weren't just talking about God; they were standing up and offering a sincere, heartfelt blessing – a thank you. “…for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.” This part is incredibly powerful. It means: “For ever and ever” : They were declaring this blessing continuously . It wasn't a one-time event; it was an ongoing expression of their devotion. “Blessed be thy glorious name…” : This is the most important part. “Glorious name” means something incredibly powerful, magnificent, and worthy of praise. It’s saying that God’s name is truly amazing and deserving of our respect and adoration. Overall Meaning: The verse highlights a deep sense of reverence and loyalty to God. The Levites were actively demonstrating their faith by proclaiming God's greatness and power through constant, heartfelt blessing. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty and glory in all aspects of life. Why is this important? This story shows that true worship isn’t just about saying prayers or observing rituals; it’s about actively expressing our gratitude and devotion to God through our actions and thoughts. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, adoration, and loyalty to the divine. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes? Discuss its historical context (where did this happen)?