Verse 7 is a summary of what will be described in detail in the following verses 8 and 9.

Also … the Levites, helped the people to understand the law: All those who are named here were Levites. The role of the Levites was to teach the people the meaning of the Law (see 2 Chr 17.7-9). Nine of the thirteen Levites are named elsewhere in Nehemiah. Four, Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, and Hodiah, are found in Neh 9.4-5, where they stood on the platform when the people gathered to confess their sins. These four plus three others, Kelita, Hanan, and Pelaiah, are found in Neh 10.9-13, where they signed the agreement to keep God’s Law. Two others, Shabbethai and Jozabad, are called leaders of the Levites and are mentioned in Neh 11.16.

As indicated by the Revised Standard Version footnote, there is a textual problem with the Levites in this verse. The text reads literally “and the Levites,” with this phrase following the list of names. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and Chouraqui both translate according to MT. Most versions, however, follow the example of the Vulgate and 1 Esdras 9.48 and understand the Levites to be in apposition to the list of names. Translators should follow the example of Revised Standard Version or the model of Good News Translation.

While the people remained in their places: The people stood still while the Levites were explaining the Law. New Jerusalem Bible translates “the people all kept their places.” Nouvelle version Segond révisée says “the people remained standing.” Whether the Levites moved around or stood in the midst of small groups is not indicated. Some translations like Good News Translation interpret this verse to say that the people stood up again from praying and then remained standing in their places while the Levites explained the Law to them.

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 .