Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Then he said {H559} unto them, Go your way {H3212}, eat {H398} the fat {H4924}, and drink {H8354} the sweet {H4477}, and send {H7971} portions {H4490} unto them for whom nothing is prepared {H3559}: for this day {H3117} is holy {H6918} unto our Lord {H113}: neither be ye sorry {H6087}; for the joy {H2304} of the LORD {H3068} is your strength {H4581}.

Then he said to them, "Go, eat rich food, drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who can't provide for themselves; for today is consecrated to our Lord. Don't be sad, because the joy of ADONAI is your strength."

Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye grieved; for the joy of Jehovah is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 records Ezra's powerful words to the Israelite community gathered in Jerusalem after hearing the Law of Moses read. The people, understanding their sin and God's holiness, were weeping. Ezra, along with Nehemiah and the Levites, encouraged them to shift from sorrow to celebration, emphasizing a profound truth about divine joy.

Context

This verse is set during the post-exilic period, around 444 BC, when the Jewish exiles had returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra. The wall of Jerusalem had just been rebuilt, and the people had assembled to hear the Law of God read publicly for the first time in generations. As Ezra read and explained the Law, the people were deeply convicted of their past disobedience and began to weep (Nehemiah 8:9). In response, Ezra commanded them to cease mourning and instead rejoice, because the day was holy to the Lord, and their joy in Him would be their true strength.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mandate for Joy: Despite sincere repentance and conviction of sin, God desires His people to move into joy, especially on a holy day. This joy is not a denial of sin but an embrace of God's grace and forgiveness.
  • Generosity and Compassion: The command to "send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared" highlights the communal aspect of true celebration. It's a call to share blessings with the less fortunate, demonstrating practical love and reinforcing community bonds.
  • The Joy of the LORD as Strength: This is the central message. It signifies that spiritual strength and resilience do not come from human effort or circumstances, but from a deep, abiding joy that originates from God Himself and is found in Him.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the joy of the LORD" (Hebrew: chedvat Yahweh) is significant. It implies a joy that comes from the Lord, a divine gift, and also joy that is found in the Lord, delighting in His character and presence. This is not merely an emotion but a spiritual state. The word for "strength" (Hebrew: ma'oz) can mean a refuge, stronghold, or protection. Thus, the joy of the Lord serves as a powerful spiritual fortress and source of unwavering support for His people.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 8:10 offers timeless principles for believers today:

  • Embrace God's Grace after Repentance: While conviction of sin is necessary, we are not meant to remain in sorrow. God's desire is for us to experience the liberating joy of His forgiveness and salvation by grace.
  • Joy is a Source of Resilience: In challenging times, our strength is not found in our own abilities or resources, but in the deep, abiding joy that comes from our relationship with the Lord. This spiritual joy empowers us to persevere and overcome, as we are reminded that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
  • Celebration Includes Generosity: True spiritual celebration is never self-centered. It naturally extends to caring for others, especially those in need, reflecting God's own generous heart.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 28:7

    The LORD [is] my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

  • Psalms 28:8

    The LORD [is] their strength, and he [is] the saving strength of his anointed.

  • Proverbs 17:22

    ¶ A merry heart doeth good [like] a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:8

    For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.

  • 2 Corinthians 12:9

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

  • Ecclesiastes 9:7

    Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy, and drink thy wine with a merry heart; for God now accepteth thy works.

  • Isaiah 12:1

    ¶ And in that day thou shalt say, O LORD, I will praise thee: though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me.
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