Nehemiah 8:9-12

The response of the people 8:9-12

Conviction of their departure from God’s will fell on the people as they heard the Law read. Their initial reaction was to mourn and weep (Nehemiah 8:9). However, the Law specified that the Feast of Trumpets was to be a joyous occasion, so Nehemiah urged them to rejoice in the Lord (Nehemiah 8:10). This joy, as they thought about Yahweh, would strengthen and sustain them as a tonic. Eating the fat (Nehemiah 8:9) means eating the best parts. The exposition of Scripture taught the Israelites God’s will, convicted them of their short-comings, corrected their conduct, and fitted them for righteous living (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16).