Nehemiah 8:12

12 All the people went away to eat, to drink, 1to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, 2because they understood the words which had been made known 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 Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord . Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."
12 All the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.
13 Then on the second day the heads of fathers' households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law.
14 They found written in the law how the LORD had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel should live in booths during the feast of the seventh month.

Cross References 2

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Lit "make a great rejoicing"
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