Nehemiah 8:17

For since the days of Jeshua, or, surely since the days, as the Hebrew chi is oft used, as hath been noted before. For the following words seem not so much to give a reason of what was last said or done concerning their dwelling in booths, as to contain the holy writer's reflection upon the present celebration of this feast. Had not the children of Israel done so; either,

1. So as to the matter or substance of the thing. So it implies that all this while the feast of tabernacles was not observed; which seems altogether improbable, considering how expressly this was commanded to be celebrated, Le 23, &c, and what excellent kings, and priests, and prophets there had been within that time, such as were persons of great understanding, and most expert and studious in God's word, and therefore could not be ignorant of so plain a duty; and withal so thoroughly pious, and careful, and zealous for God, and the observation of his law and worship, and some of them commended for their universal obedience to all God's commands; and therefore would not be guilty of so gross a neglect. Besides, that this feast was observed is sufficiently implied in 1 Kings 8:2,65 2 Chronicles 7:9, and is particularly expressed Ezra 3:4. Or rather, 2. So, as to the manner and circumstances. They never kept this feast so joyfully, as the next words declare, having not only the same causes of rejoicing which they formerly had, but some special causes to increase their joy, to wit, the remembrance of their stupendous deliverance, both out of the land of their captivity, and out of the hands of their wicked and malicious neighbours ever since their return, and especially now when they were new building the walls of Jerusalem: they never kept it so solemnly and religiously; for whereas at other times only the first and last day of that feast were celebrated with a holy convocation, Leviticus 23:35,36 Joh 7:37, now there was a holy convocation, and the people assembled, and attended upon the reading of the law, every day of this feast, as is noted in the next verse.