Nehemiah 8:10

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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."

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 8:10 records Ezra's transformative charge to the post-exilic Israelite community in Jerusalem. Having just heard the Law of Moses read, the people were overcome with sorrow and conviction due to their past disobedience. In response, Ezra, alongside Nehemiah and the Levites, redirected their focus from lament to celebratory feasting and generous sharing, declaring the day holy to the Lord. His pivotal instruction, "neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength," reveals a profound theological truth: true spiritual strength and resilience are not rooted in human effort or circumstance, but in a divinely given, abiding joy found in God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the pivotal eighth chapter of Nehemiah, which marks a spiritual revival among the returned exiles. Following the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership, the people gather on the first day of the seventh month (Tishri) in the square before the Water Gate. Ezra, the scribe, publicly reads from the Book of the Law of Moses from morning until midday, with the Levites assisting in its explanation so the people could understand what was read, as detailed in [Nehemiah 8:7-8](/nehemiah/8-7 "Nehemiah 8:7-8 - Understanding the Law"). As the Law was expounded, the people began to weep, recognizing their sin and the vast chasm between their lives and God's holy commands, as depicted in [Nehemiah 8:9](/nehemiah/8-9 "Nehemiah 8:9 - The People's Sorrow"). It is precisely at this moment of profound conviction and sorrow that Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites intervene, commanding them to cease their mourning and instead embrace a divinely mandated celebration, culminating in the powerful declaration of [Nehemiah 8:10](/nehemiah/8-10 "Nehemiah 8:10 - The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, approximately 444 BC. The Jewish people, having returned from Babylonian captivity, were in the process of re-establishing their national and religious identity. The public reading of the Law was a momentous event, symbolizing a renewed covenant commitment after generations of neglect. The first day of the seventh month, Tishri 1, was Rosh Hashanah (Feast of Trumpets), a holy day marked by solemn assembly and trumpet blasts, initiating a period of reflection leading up to the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) on Tishri 10. However, the immediate command to "eat the fat, and drink the sweet" and to "send portions" points forward to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot), which began on Tishri 15, as described later in [Nehemiah 8:13-18](/nehemiah/8-13 "Nehemiah 8:13-18 - Celebration of Sukkot"). This festival was characterized by joy, feasting, and communal sharing, commemorating God's provision in the wilderness. Ezra's instruction, therefore, shifts the people from a natural, yet prolonged, sorrow over sin to a commanded, Spirit-empowered joy appropriate for a holy day, anticipating the festive spirit of Sukkot and emphasizing that true repentance leads not to despair but to the liberating joy of God's grace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Divine Mandate for Joy**, demonstrating that while genuine repentance for sin is necessary, God's ultimate desire for His people is not perpetual sorrow but a movement towards celebration rooted in His grace and forgiveness. This joy is not superficial but a deep spiritual state. Secondly, the command to "send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared" underscores the theme of **Generosity and Compassion**. True spiritual celebration is inherently communal and outward-focused, compelling believers to share their blessings with the less fortunate and reinforcing the bonds of community, reflecting God's own benevolent character, as seen in the Law's provisions for the poor and vulnerable (e.g., [Deuteronomy 15:7-8](/deuteronomy/15-7 "Deuteronomy 15:7-8 - Care for the Poor")). Finally, and most profoundly, the declaration "the joy of the LORD is your strength" introduces the theme of **Divine Strength and Resilience**. This phrase posits that spiritual fortitude and the capacity to endure challenges do not originate from human effort, circumstances, or even the absence of sorrow, but from an abiding, God-given joy that serves as a spiritual fortress and an inexhaustible wellspring of power for His people, echoing similar sentiments found in [Psalm 28:7](/psalm/28-7 "Psalm 28:7 - The Lord is My Strength").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Joy (Hebrew, _ḥedvah'_):** This noun, derived from the verb _ḥādāh_ (to rejoice), signifies a deep, profound gladness or delight. Unlike fleeting happiness, _ḥedvah_ refers to a spiritual state of exultation that originates from God and is found in Him. In this context, it is not merely an emotion but a divinely imparted strength, a wellspring of resilience that transcends circumstances. The phrase "the joy of the LORD" can be understood as joy *from* the Lord (a gift) and joy *in* the Lord (delighting in His character and presence).
* **Strength (Hebrew, _ma'oz'_):** This noun refers to a stronghold, a refuge, a place of defense, or a source of protection and power. It conveys the idea of a secure, unyielding foundation. When paired with "joy of the LORD," it implies that this divine joy acts as an impregnable fortress, a spiritual bulwark against despair, weakness, and the challenges of life. It is the very essence of spiritual fortitude and resilience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet":** Ezra's initial command is a directive to cease mourning and engage in celebratory feasting. "Eat the fat" refers to the choicest, richest parts of the meat, indicative of abundance and celebration. "Drink the sweet" refers to sweet drinks, likely unfermented wine or fruit juices, also signifying festivity and delight. This command is a practical instruction for celebrating a holy day, shifting the focus from penitence to the enjoyment of God's provision.
* **"and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared":** This clause introduces a crucial element of communal responsibility and generosity. True celebration, especially on a holy day, is not self-centered but extends to the less fortunate. It is a practical demonstration of love and compassion, ensuring that all members of the community, regardless of their economic status, can participate in the joy and abundance of the feast. This reflects the Mosaic Law's emphasis on caring for the poor, the sojourner, the orphan, and the widow.
* **"for [this] day [is] holy unto our Lord":** This provides the theological rationale for the command to celebrate and share. The holiness of the day (Rosh Hashanah, and implicitly anticipating Sukkot) demands a response of joy and worship, not prolonged sorrow. God's presence and His designation of the day as holy transform it into an occasion for rejoicing in His goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of acknowledging sin.
* **"neither be ye sorry":** This is a direct prohibition against continued mourning. While their initial sorrow was a righteous response to conviction, Ezra commands them to move beyond it. This is not a dismissal of genuine repentance but an insistence that sorrow should not define their posture before a gracious God, especially on a holy day. It is a call to embrace the liberating truth of God's forgiveness and restorative grace.
* **"for the joy of the LORD is your strength.":** This is the climactic and most profound statement of the verse. It provides the ultimate reason for ceasing sorrow and embracing joy. The strength of God's people does not come from their own efforts, their circumstances, or even their sorrow over sin, but from a divine joy that originates from and is centered in the Lord Himself. This joy acts as a spiritual bulwark, enabling them to overcome adversity, persevere in obedience, and live victoriously.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 8:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The pervasive use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Go your way, eat... drink... send... neither be ye sorry") creates a sense of direct, authoritative command, emphasizing that the shift from sorrow to joy is not merely an option but a divine mandate. The phrase "eat the fat, and drink the sweet" serves as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where specific parts (rich food and drink) represent the whole concept of festive celebration and abundance. The most significant device is the **Metaphor** in "the joy of the LORD is your strength." Here, an abstract quality (joy) is equated with a concrete, tangible attribute (strength/fortress), vividly illustrating that divine joy functions as an impregnable source of spiritual power and resilience. Furthermore, the verse presents a stark **Contrast** between the people's initial sorrow ("neither be ye sorry") and the commanded joy, highlighting the transformative power of God's presence and His gracious provision.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 8:10 encapsulates a profound theological truth: that genuine repentance, while necessary, is ultimately meant to lead to the liberating joy of God's grace and forgiveness. The people's sorrow was a right response to their sin and God's holiness, but God's desire for His people is not to remain in condemnation but to experience the restorative power of His presence. The command to celebrate and share demonstrates that true spiritual vitality is communal and outward-focused, reflecting God's own generous and compassionate nature. Most importantly, the verse reveals that spiritual strength is not self-generated but is a divine endowment, flowing from a deep, abiding joy in the Lord Himself. This joy acts as a spiritual fortress, enabling believers to withstand adversity, persevere in obedience, and live victoriously in His presence. It underscores that our resilience in faith is directly proportional to our delight in God, rather than our circumstances.

* [Psalm 16:11](/psalm/16-11 "Psalm 16:11 - Fullness of Joy in God's Presence")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")
* [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - God of Hope Fills with Joy and Peace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 8:10 offers timeless principles for believers navigating the complexities of faith and life. In a world often marked by sorrow, anxiety, and the weight of personal failings, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that while conviction of sin is a necessary and healthy spiritual experience, God's ultimate desire for His people is not to remain in despair, but to embrace the liberating joy found in His forgiveness and presence. This joy is not a superficial emotion, but a deep, abiding spiritual strength that empowers us to face challenges, overcome adversity, and persevere in our walk with God. It challenges us to shift our focus from our shortcomings to God's unfailing grace, and to understand that true resilience comes from delighting in Him. Furthermore, the command to share with those who have nothing reminds us that our spiritual blessings and celebrations are never meant to be self-contained; they must overflow into acts of generosity and compassion, reflecting God's own heart for the vulnerable and strengthening the bonds of community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of God's grace influence my response to personal conviction and sorrow?**
* **In what ways can I practically "eat the fat and drink the sweet" in my own life, embracing God's goodness and provision?**
* **How can I actively "send portions" to those in need, ensuring my joy is shared and not self-centered?**
* **When I feel weak or overwhelmed, how can I intentionally cultivate "the joy of the LORD" as my source of strength?**
* **What does it mean for my daily life that joy is not just an emotion, but a spiritual "strength" or "fortress"?**

### FAQ
**Why were the people weeping, and why did Ezra tell them to stop?**

Answer: The people were weeping because, as Ezra publicly read and explained the Law of Moses, they understood its profound truths and recognized the vast extent of their own and their ancestors' disobedience to God's commands. This was a righteous sorrow, born of conviction and repentance. However, Ezra told them to stop weeping because the day was "holy unto our Lord." While acknowledging sin is vital, God's ultimate desire for His people, especially on a designated holy day, is not despair but to move into the joy of His grace, forgiveness, and covenant relationship. The sorrow had served its purpose of bringing them to repentance; now it was time to embrace the liberating joy that comes from God, which would be their true strength. This shift from sorrow to joy is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in [Psalm 30:5](/psalm/30-5 "Psalm 30:5 - Weeping May Remain for a Night, but Joy Comes in the Morning").

**What does "the joy of the LORD is your strength" truly mean for believers today?**

Answer: This powerful statement means that our spiritual resilience, fortitude, and ability to endure challenges do not originate from our own inherent capabilities, favorable circumstances, or even the absence of difficulty. Instead, true strength comes from a deep, abiding joy that has its source in the Lord Himself. It is a joy that flows from knowing Him, trusting His promises, delighting in His character, and experiencing His presence. This divine joy acts as an inner fortress, empowering us to persevere through trials, resist temptation, and live faithfully, even when external circumstances are difficult. It's not a call to superficial happiness, but to a profound, Spirit-given gladness that sustains and empowers, as described in [Philippians 4:13](/philippians/4-13 "Philippians 4:13 - I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 8:10, with its powerful declaration that "the joy of the LORD is your strength," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The people's sorrow over sin, though righteous, pointed to their desperate need for a perfect sacrifice and a new covenant that could truly cleanse and empower. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), perfectly atoned for humanity's sin, making true and lasting forgiveness possible. His finished work on the cross transforms our sorrow into a joy rooted not in our own efforts or obedience, but in His perfect righteousness imputed to us. The "joy of the LORD" that Ezra spoke of is now fully realized through the indwelling Holy Spirit, whom Christ promised to send as our Helper and Comforter, filling believers with "joy in the Holy Spirit" ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit")). Christ Himself is our strength, and the joy we experience in Him is the very wellspring of our spiritual resilience, enabling us to overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, just as He promised His disciples, "your joy no one will take from you" ([John 16:22](/john/16-22 "John 16:22 - Your Sorrow Will Turn into Joy")). In Him, our repentance leads not to despair, but to an unshakeable, eternal joy that empowers us for faithful living and service.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.