Nehemiah 8:9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” …
People often view events only from their own perspective—how an event touches or effects the person directly. The Israelites were hearing and understanding, probably for the first time, God’s word. The veil was torn from their eyes, and they were seeing, truly understanding for the first time, the depth of their sin. The horrifying reality of their sin caused them much anguish.
Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our LORD. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
But Nehemiah tells them, essentially, that they are focusing on the wrong thing. They are focusing on and distressed about their sin instead of focusing on and being joyous about their God. Nehemiah stresses that this is a holy day and not to grieve—they finally understand their sin and their God—this is a cause for celebration. God’s joy at their understanding is their strength as they bear the burden of the knowledge of their sin. God is the focus, the reason for celebration, instead of mourning the failures of man.
Nehemiah 8:11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for the reminder that You are the focus, always—Your goodness, Your mercy, Your grace. Help us to keep our eyes and hearts on You always. Help us not to grieve our shortcomings, but to focus on Your joy in our return to You. Draw us closer. Amen.
Nehemiah 8:12 Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.
Have a blessed day.