They found it written …: Found … written is a formula that Nehemiah uses to introduce a quotation or a statement from another writing (see Neh 7.5). Here he refers to the instructions in the law for the feast of the seventh month, which was known as the Festival of Booths (see Ezra 3.4). Commanded by Moses points to the actual command in Lev 23.42. The various instructions for the observance of this festival are found in Lev 23.39-43, namely, to observe it during the seventh month, to live in booths, and to bring branches. Instructions to read the Law to the people every seven years during the Festival of Booths are found in Deut 31.10-13.

Translators may need to restructure this verse in order to express the sequence of events clearly. First the instructions were given by God, then they were written down by Moses, and then the Jewish leaders came to Ezra and the instructions in the Law were read by Ezra to them. The command of God may be stated in indirect speech as in Revised Standard Version or in non-quotation form as in Good News Translation. It is important to convey the sense of command that is expressed in what they read.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .