Nehemiah 8 Devotional

Feasting After the Tears

“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.””Nehemiah 8:10 (BSB)

The people gather as one in the square by the Water Gate and ask Ezra to bring out the Book of the Law (8:1). He reads from daybreak until noon, and all who can understand listen attentively (8:3). They stand as he opens it, then answer Amen and bow low (8:5-6). Levites explain the reading so the people can understand it (8:7-8).

Hearing the Law brings tears (8:9). But the leaders tell the people this day is holy to the LORD and not a day for grief. They are to eat rich food, drink something sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, because gladness in the LORD is what makes his people strong (8:10). So they rejoice greatly, because they understood the words made known to them (8:12), and they keep the Feast of Booths with a joy not seen since the days of Joshua (8:17). The word that brought tears also led to a feast. The strength you need today comes from his joy, not from your own effort.

To think about: How could you receive God's word today as a reason for joy and not only as a measure of your failures?