Nehemiah 8:10
Verse
Context
Ezra Reads the Law
9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.10Then 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.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Eat the fat, and drink the sweet - Eat and drink the best that you have; and while ye are feeding yourselves in the fear of the Lord, remember those who cannot feast; and send portions to them, that the joy and the thanksgiving may be general. Let the poor have reason to rejoice as well as you. For the joy of the Lord is your strength - This is no gluttonous and drunken festival that enervates the body, and enfeebles the mind: from your religious feast your bodies will acquire strength and your minds power and fervor, so that you shall be able to Do His will, and to do it cheerfully. Religious joy, properly tempered with continual dependence on the help of God, meekness of mind, and self-diffidence, is a powerful means of strengthening the soul. In such a state every duty is practicable, and every duty delightful. In such a frame of mind no man an ever fell, and in such a state of mind the general health of the body is much improved; a cheerful heart is not only a continual feast, but also a continual medicine.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then he said unto them,.... Nehemiah the Tirshatha or governor: go your way; to their own houses, and refresh themselves; it being noon, and they had stood many hours attentive to the reading and expounding of the law: eat the fat, and drink the sweet: not a common meal, but a feast, consisting of the richest provisions, the best of food and liquors and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for the poor, who had no food at home provided for them; the widow, fatherless, and stranger, who at festivals were to partake of the entertainment, Deu 16:11 for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be you sorry; confirming what the Levites had said and exhorted to, Neh 8:9 for the joy of the Lord is your strength; to rejoice, as the Lord commanded them on such days as these, was a means both of increasing their bodily strength and their inward strength, and of fitting them the more to perform their duty to God and men with cheerfulness, which sorrow and heaviness made unfit for; and the joy which has the Lord for its object, and comes from him, is the cause of renewing spiritual strength, so as to run and not be weary, walk and not faint, in the ways of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:10 Rich foods such as meat were eaten only on a special occasion. • Sweet drinks referred to unfermented juice, in contrast to the vinegar of the common laborer (see Ruth 2:14). • It is right to share with those who have need (see Deut 15:11; Job 29:16; Prov 31:20; Matt 6:2-3; Acts 4:34-35).
Nehemiah 8:10
Ezra Reads the Law
9Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.10Then 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.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father
By David Wilkerson4.8K37:27SlanderJOS 23:14NEH 8:10PSA 78:18PSA 78:20MAT 6:33ROM 15:41JN 4:8In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congregation to trust in God's faithfulness. The preacher reminds the audience to immerse themselves in the Word of God to grow stronger in their faith. He also addresses the issue of slander, urging the listeners to confess and repent of any negative thoughts or doubts about God's love and provision. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God is always with His people and will meet all their needs.
Guarding the Sheep
By David Wilkerson3.4K58:58ShepherdNEH 8:10PSA 51:10ISA 43:2EZK 33:3DAN 3:16ACT 20:28In this sermon, the speaker identifies himself as a watchman called by God to warn the Church of Jesus Christ. He expresses his concern about the prosperity gospel and the false teaching that giving money to prosperous evangelists will result in blessings and prosperity. He shares his distress over witnessing a prosperity conference where people were running to give money to the most prosperous preacher, and how this deeply grieved him. The speaker calls on pastors and leaders to listen and take heed to his warning, emphasizing the importance of preaching the true gospel and finding strength and joy in the Lord.
(God Can Solve Every Problem - 3) Lame Man Healed
By Zac Poonen3.0K54:27NEH 8:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and studying God's word. He explains that the word of God is like food for our spirit and that it is necessary for spiritual strength. The speaker encourages the audience to invest in a concordance, a tool that helps locate specific words in the Bible, to aid in their study. He also highlights the power of God's grace behind every commandment and encourages believers to believe in that grace. Lastly, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding God's laws and promises in order to experience His solutions to our problems.
Whatever Happened to Joy
By David Wilkerson2.8K45:29DEU 28:45NEH 8:10PSA 100:2MAT 6:33GAL 6:9PHP 4:42TI 4:16In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various forms of sadness and tragedy that people experience in life, such as illness, death, and uncertainty. However, the speaker emphasizes that the worst tragedy is when someone grows bitter towards Christ. The sermon then shifts to the story of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Bible, where God sends a spirit of sorrow and repentance to the people of Israel. The people gather together and listen to the book of the law being read, and they are deeply moved and weep when they hear the words. The sermon concludes by highlighting the importance of serving God with joy and gladness, even in the midst of trials, and trusting in Him for true peace and confidence.
Live Expressed
By Art Katz2.5K22:34Love Of God1SA 15:3NEH 8:10MAT 6:33MAT 16:23ROM 12:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chapter 10. The speaker emphasizes that personal sympathy and prejudice can hinder our relationship with God and others. Jesus' love for the young man is not heartless, but rather a love that requires tough confrontation for the young man's own benefit. The speaker warns against operating out of human sentiment rather than divine love, as it can lead to immaturity, hinder spiritual growth, and even breed resentment towards others.
The Danger of Doubting
By C.H. Spurgeon2.5K51:55GEN 7:11NEH 8:10PSA 52:1PSA 119:176ISA 55:8EZK 18:24HAB 2:4In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulness. The speaker emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting and hoping, even when we cannot see the outcome. He reminds the audience of God's past faithfulness and urges them to be just to God and not to doubt His promises. The sermon also highlights the danger of doubting God and turning away from Him, using the example of David's sin as a cautionary tale.
Hope and Help for Single Mothers
By Ann Brubaker2.0K1:00:08MothersNEH 8:10PSA 119:11JER 33:3MAT 6:33EPH 1:17PHP 4:6COL 3:16In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and hope in life. They encourage listeners to break the cycle of broken homes and pain, and to set a vision for their children's future. The speaker also highlights the role of mothers in shaping their children's success or failure. They urge listeners to find contentment in God and to recognize that happiness is not dependent on circumstances. The sermon references the Bible, specifically Philippians 4, where Paul expresses his contentment despite being in chains.
What Is Joy?
By Stephen Kaung1.7K1:05:57JoyNEH 8:10PSA 16:11PSA 30:5PSA 51:12PHP 2:1PHP 4:4HEB 12:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that true joy can only be found in the Lord. He quotes several Bible verses that highlight the connection between joy and the Lord. The preacher contrasts the temporary pleasure found in worldly things with the lasting joy found in God. He also emphasizes the importance of Christian fellowship and the role it plays in experiencing joy. Overall, the sermon encourages believers to find their strength and joy in the Lord.
Desiring God - Lesson 2
By John Piper1.6K44:17NEH 8:10PSA 16:11PSA 34:8PSA 37:4PSA 100:2PSA 119:14ISA 61:10JHN 15:11ROM 15:13PHP 4:41TH 5:161PE 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of pursuing joy in God. He believes that God desires for us to have a worldview that centers around His glory and our joy. The preacher mentions that there are twelve points that support the biblical basis for pursuing joy in God, but only briefly touches on them. He also mentions that the first point is the existence of biblical commands to pursue joy in God. The sermon encourages listeners to embrace the offer of infinite joy in God rather than settling for temporary pleasures.
Quote - Ravenhill on Entertainment
By Leonard Ravenhill1.5K00:18Ravenhill QuoteThe Dangers of EntertainmentJoy in the Holy SpiritNEH 8:10PSA 16:11JHN 15:11ROM 14:17GAL 5:22Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes that while he enjoys music and fun, he believes that entertainment serves as a substitute for true joy, which can only be found in the Holy Spirit. He argues that the more one experiences joy through the Holy Ghost, the less one will rely on television or other forms of entertainment. Ravenhill's message challenges listeners to seek genuine joy in their spiritual lives rather than temporary distractions.
Communism, Islam, Sept 11, Soverenty of God - Part4
By Josef Tson1.4K38:07NEH 8:10MAT 6:33JHN 15:11ROM 14:17EPH 4:301TH 1:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of support and partnership in reaching the world with the word of God. He compares the downfall of communism to the potential transformation of Islam into a mission field. The speaker shares a personal story of being interrogated and the impact his sermons had on one of the interrogators. He emphasizes that joy should not be lost in the face of martyrdom and shares a powerful story of God's intervention in his own life. The sermon also touches on the nature of evil and God's unconventional approach to defeating it through the sacrifice of Jesus.
Courage in Christian Ministry
By Josef Tson1.4K1:28:51PersecutionNEH 8:10JHN 15:111TH 1:61PE 1:8In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of being interrogated and beaten by a general in Romania. Despite the physical abuse, he learns to rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through him during these interrogations. The speaker also discusses the connection between liberal theology and communism, and his mission to draw people back to the scriptures. After the revolution in Romania, the speaker gives away all his books as proof of his faith, and experiences a profound transformation when he realizes the joy and glory of the Lord. This transformation leads to a period of fruitful ministry, where he baptizes 850 new converts in just four years.
Joy
By Jim Cymbala1.2K26:46JoyNEH 8:10PSA 100:2JHN 15:11ACT 13:52ROM 14:17PHP 4:41JN 1:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the Lord and counting our blessings instead of focusing on our problems. He highlights that Satan is after our joy because without joy, we cannot effectively serve God or have faith to battle the enemy. The preacher references the early Christian church, where the disciples were described as being filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. He encourages the audience to seek the joy given by the Holy Spirit, which cannot be affected by demons or circumstances. The sermon emphasizes the need to protect and maintain our joy as it is a source of strength and a gift from God.
Ezra's Reading of the Law to the People
By Chuck Smith1.1K25:04Law Of GodEXO 17:6NEH 8:7NEH 8:10MAT 25:35JHN 4:14JHN 7:37ACT 8:8In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of experiencing the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He highlights the joy that comes from understanding and following God's word, as seen in the examples of the apostles and the people of Samaria. Pastor Chuck also discusses the significance of fasting and repentance as a means of seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. He encourages believers to rejoice in the work of the Spirit and to share their blessings with others, particularly the poor.
Position to Stand
By Jim Cymbala95330:18Christian LifeNEH 8:10PSA 36:5PSA 89:1PSA 100:1PSA 136:26PHP 4:4JUD 1:21In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stance of joyful praise in our lives. He encourages listeners to have a fixed heart and to sing and praise God, regardless of the distractions and challenges they may face. The key to maintaining this joyful heart is to be conscious of and live in the atmosphere of God's love, knowing that His love is great and His faithfulness reaches to the skies. The speaker also highlights the danger of allowing worry and distractions to rob us of our song of praise and reminds listeners that God's love and faithfulness are two things that can never be taken away from us.
Revival in the Book of Ezra - Part 2
By Roy Hession82854:47RevivalEZR 3:11NEH 8:10PSA 30:5ISA 53:5JER 29:11ROM 8:1GAL 3:13In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Ezra and the rebuilding of the ruined temple. The speaker begins with a prayer, acknowledging their dependence on God's revelation and assistance in understanding and explaining His word. The sermon addresses the feeling of being under a curse and the dissatisfaction that can arise when prayers go unanswered and situations are difficult. The preacher emphasizes the importance of looking to Jesus, who bore the curse on the cross, and finding joy and freedom in the removal of that curse through faith in Him.
Living in Union With Christ in Dangerous Times - Part 2
By Josef Tson8091:08:34DEU 6:5NEH 8:10JER 31:3JHN 15:9This sermon delves into the concept of living in union with Christ in dangerous times, drawing parallels between historical events like September 11, the collapse of communism, and the rise of Islam. It emphasizes the importance of understanding God's love and desire for a deep, intimate relationship with His people, as well as the transformation that occurs when one loves God and seeks to be like Him through obedience and holiness.
Lord, Remove My Guilt and Shame
By Shane Idleman76546:06NEH 8:10PRO 28:13ISA 43:25ROM 8:282CO 10:3PHP 3:13JAS 4:71JN 1:9This sermon addresses the deep struggle with guilt and shame, particularly focusing on the aftermath of abortion and the burden it brings. The speaker shares personal experiences of regret and the need for confession, repentance, and surrender to God's forgiveness and grace. The message emphasizes the importance of removing guilt and shame by turning to God, bringing every thought captive to Christ, and seeking obedience to overcome strongholds in the mind.
Living in Union With Christ in Dangerous Times 2 of 3
By Josef Tson7231:08:13ChristDEU 6:6NEH 8:10ISA 62:5ZEP 3:171TH 1:6In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a man who wanted to find a girl who would love him for who he was, not for his possessions. The man devised a plan to travel incognito and eventually found the girl he loved. Despite her parents' disapproval, their love grew and the speaker emphasizes the transformative power of love and how it leads to a love for God's commandments. The speaker also shares a personal story of his experience with persecution and how it led to a greater hunger for spiritual things, ultimately resulting in the collapse of communism and the opportunity for missionary work.
Life of Peter
By J.B. Nicholson66645:36NEH 8:10PSA 51:17PRO 3:34ROM 5:82CO 12:9EPH 2:8HEB 4:16JAS 4:61PE 4:101PE 5:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility and how God can use our failures for His glory. It highlights the transformation of Peter, a flawed disciple, into a powerful instrument for God's work, showcasing how God's grace can turn weaknesses into strengths. The message encourages believers to rely on God's grace, trust in His faithfulness, and be willing to humble themselves to strengthen others in their faith journey.
Cd Gv287 Building Blocks
By George Verwer61700:00NEH 1:4NEH 2:12NEH 4:11NEH 4:19NEH 6:10NEH 8:10NEH 13:31In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and discipline in the Christian life. He compares the privileged access to resources and materials that believers in the West have with the struggles faced by believers in the Soviet Union. The speaker challenges the audience to imagine being imprisoned for their faith and how that would change their priorities. He then turns to the story of Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of prayer and reviewing key verses from the book. The sermon also touches on the building blocks of evangelism and study in the Christian life.
Cd Gv499 Prepare for India
By George Verwer58600:00NEH 8:10PRO 4:23MAT 6:33ROM 10:14PHP 4:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and lifestyle when going out into a new part of the world for missionary work. The speaker mentions the need for serious orientation and preparation, highlighting the seriousness of the task at hand. They also mention the challenges that may arise, such as the need for basic survival skills and the overwhelming number of needs and people to attend to. The speaker encourages the audience to stay committed to the mission and to rely on God's strength and guidance throughout their journey.
Purpose of Om Conference
By George Verwer38857:18MissionsNEH 8:10MAT 6:33In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fellowship and learning to walk in the light. He encourages the audience to open up and share their feelings and experiences with others. The speaker also mentions the significance of receiving news about a financial transaction, highlighting that money is not the most important thing to God. The sermon then transitions to a discussion of the Book of Nehemiah Chapter 8, emphasizing the need for unity and collaboration in making decisions and seeking God's confirmation. The speaker acknowledges that the conference time is limited but expresses the desire for more time to delve into God's word.
Revival - Part 14
By Doc Greenway2491:02:34RevivalNEH 8:10PSA 132:16JHN 15:11ROM 8:9GAL 5:22In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of balance in the Christian life. He refers to the concept of balance repeatedly throughout the sermon and highlights the significance of faith, hope, and love, with love being the greatest. The speaker warns against undervaluing eternal things and overestimating temporary things. He encourages believers to prioritize their focus and align their goals with God's purposes. The sermon also emphasizes the need to seek God's guidance and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, particularly in times of uncertainty. The speaker emphasizes the importance of peace as an arbitrator and the peace of God that surpasses understanding. Additionally, the sermon emphasizes the importance of using spiritual gifts for God's purposes and not despising or discrediting them. The speaker concludes by cautioning against legalism and encourages believers to embrace the grace and purpose that God has for their lives.
Exultant Joy
By Joy Dawson381:23:21Knowing GodExultant JoyNEH 8:10PSA 16:11PSA 43:4ISA 41:16LUK 6:22JHN 15:11ROM 14:17PHP 4:4JAS 1:21PE 1:8Joy Dawson emphasizes the significance of exultant joy in the life of a Christian, highlighting that true joy comes from knowing God intimately and fulfilling His conditions for joy. She encourages believers to seek God diligently, maintain a clean heart, and express their joy through praise, regardless of circumstances. Dawson asserts that joy is not dependent on external situations but is rooted in the character of God and our relationship with Him. She calls for a deeper understanding of God's nature, urging the congregation to rejoice in the Lord and to let His joy overflow in their lives. Ultimately, she reminds them that the joy of the Lord is their strength and a powerful witness to the world.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Eat the fat, and drink the sweet - Eat and drink the best that you have; and while ye are feeding yourselves in the fear of the Lord, remember those who cannot feast; and send portions to them, that the joy and the thanksgiving may be general. Let the poor have reason to rejoice as well as you. For the joy of the Lord is your strength - This is no gluttonous and drunken festival that enervates the body, and enfeebles the mind: from your religious feast your bodies will acquire strength and your minds power and fervor, so that you shall be able to Do His will, and to do it cheerfully. Religious joy, properly tempered with continual dependence on the help of God, meekness of mind, and self-diffidence, is a powerful means of strengthening the soul. In such a state every duty is practicable, and every duty delightful. In such a frame of mind no man an ever fell, and in such a state of mind the general health of the body is much improved; a cheerful heart is not only a continual feast, but also a continual medicine.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then he said unto them,.... Nehemiah the Tirshatha or governor: go your way; to their own houses, and refresh themselves; it being noon, and they had stood many hours attentive to the reading and expounding of the law: eat the fat, and drink the sweet: not a common meal, but a feast, consisting of the richest provisions, the best of food and liquors and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared; for the poor, who had no food at home provided for them; the widow, fatherless, and stranger, who at festivals were to partake of the entertainment, Deu 16:11 for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be you sorry; confirming what the Levites had said and exhorted to, Neh 8:9 for the joy of the Lord is your strength; to rejoice, as the Lord commanded them on such days as these, was a means both of increasing their bodily strength and their inward strength, and of fitting them the more to perform their duty to God and men with cheerfulness, which sorrow and heaviness made unfit for; and the joy which has the Lord for its object, and comes from him, is the cause of renewing spiritual strength, so as to run and not be weary, walk and not faint, in the ways of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
8:10 Rich foods such as meat were eaten only on a special occasion. • Sweet drinks referred to unfermented juice, in contrast to the vinegar of the common laborer (see Ruth 2:14). • It is right to share with those who have need (see Deut 15:11; Job 29:16; Prov 31:20; Matt 6:2-3; Acts 4:34-35).