Nehemiah 8:12

12 So all the people went home and ate and drank joyfully and shared what they had with others, because they understood what had been read to them.

Nehemiah 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 ) .

Nehemiah 8:12 In-Context

10 Now go home and have a feast. Share your food and wine with those who don't have enough. Today is holy to our Lord, so don't be sad. The joy that the Lord gives you will make you strong."

11 The Levites went around calming the people and telling them not to be sad on such a holy day.

12 So all the people went home and ate and drank joyfully and shared what they had with others, because they understood what had been read to them.

13 The next day the heads of the clans, together with the priests and the Levites, went to Ezra to study the teachings of the Law.

14 They discovered that the Law, which the Lord gave through Moses, ordered the people of Israel to live in temporary shelters during the Festival of Shelters.