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Nehemiah 8:13-18

They Made Booths upon the Roofs

Lyrics · Nehemiah

They Made Booths upon the Roofs

Nehemiah 8:13-18

[Verse 1] On the second day family chiefs gather with priests and Levites. The study discovers Moses' command concerning seventh-month booths. A proclamation is sent throughout Jerusalem and the cities. Olive branches are gathered. [Pre-Chorus] The long night ended, fear released its hold, And every household heard the story told. [Chorus] They Made Booths upon the Roofs, let the feast begin, Joy returned where grief and fear had been. The people sang because the word held true, And every generation learned what God could do. [Verse 2] Branches of thick trees complete the materials. The returned community brings the branches into the city. Booths rise upon household roofs. Temple courts also contain booths. [Bridge] The whole returned congregation dwells in the booths. Such national observance has not occurred since Joshua's days. Very great gladness marks the restored feast. Ezra reads daily for seven days, followed by a solemn eighth-day assembly. [Final Chorus] They Made Booths upon the Roofs, let the feast begin, Joy returned where grief and fear had been. The people sang because the word held true, And every generation learned what mercy still could do. [Outro] The feast became a memory to keep. Joy learned the name of those who once would weep.