Nechemyah 8:12

12 And kol HaAm went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make simchah gedolah, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Nechemyah 8:12 Meaning and Commentary

Nehemiah 8:12

And all the people went their way to eat and to drink
Freely and cheerfully:

and to send portions;
to the poor, who had nothing to eat and drink:

and to make great mirth;
with music, vocal and instrumental:

because they had understood the words that were declared unto them;
the meaning of the several laws read and explained unto them, whereby they better understood their duty, and in what instances and in what manner it was to be performed; how much more reason is there for joy and gladness, when the Gospel, and the doctrines of it, are clearly known and understood? ( Psalms 89:15 Psalms 89:16 ) .

Nechemyah 8:12 In-Context

10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the choice foods, and drink the sweet things, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is kadosh unto Adoneinu; neither be ye grieving; for the chedvah (joy) of Hashem is your strength.

11 So the Levi’im calmed kol HaAm, saying, Be still, for the day is kadosh; neither be ye grieved.

12 And kol HaAm went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make simchah gedolah, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

13 And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the avot of kol HaAm, the Kohanim, and the Levi’im, unto Ezra HaSofer, to understand the words of the Torah.

14 And they found written in the Torah which Hashem had commanded by Moshe, that the Bnei Yisroel should dwell in sukkot in the Chag of the seventh month,