Matthew Poole and continuators on Nehemiah 8:15

15 And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount , & fetch olive-branches, & pine-branches, and myrtle-branches, and palm-branches, and branches of thick trees , to make booths, as it is written.

i. e. And they found this also written, which is to be supplied out of the former verse, that they should, &c. which, though it be not particularly required, so as is expressed in the words here following, yet in the general is required by vertue of that precept, Levit. 23 4. Numb. 10. 10. And according to this translation, it must be understood in the close of this verse, that they did accordingly publish and proclaim, &c. But these words may be rendred, which (as this Hebrew word is rendred here, v. 14. and most commonly) also (so the particle vau is used, Isa. 6. 1. Ier. 1. 3.) also they did publish, &c. For so they did, as is evident and acknowledged; and it seems fit that so much should be expressed; and these words being so particular and proper to this special occasion, seem to intimate, that this is rather an historical relation of what they now did, than a declaration of that which the law required them to do, which was but in very general terms, and not so exact and particular as this following precept is said to be.

The mount of Olives, which was next Ierusalem, and stored with Olive-branches, and probably with the rest here mentioned: for these trees may seem to have been planted here abouts principally, for the use of this capital City in this very feast, which, though long neglected, should have been celebrated once every year. And therefore this place seems to be here designed as the most eminent place, but with an usual Synecdoche, this place being put for any place nearest to the several cities of Judah, where these branches were to be procured.

Of which see on Levit. 23. 34, Deut. 16. 13.