“Then he said to them, ‘Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’” –Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
A brief context of this verse allows us to see the times and situation and understand better the reason for the returned Israelites to rejoice. Nehemiah had left a favored position in exile with the King of Persia (about 445 BC) to return to Jerusalem, lead the repatriated Jews in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem and to rally the Jews as a nation. He faced opposition, derision, attacks, and disunity. But finally the rebuilding of the wall was completed. The scrolls of the Book of the Law were brought before a solemn assembly at the Water Gate, and Ezra, the scribe, read the sacred words in the midst of the people. It was a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving. The people, upon hearing the Word read, raised their hands in praise and cried, “Amen, Amen!” (Neh. 8:6). They cried happy tears, but Nehemiah and Ezra urged the people to prepare a celebratory meal, for “”the day is holy to our Lord…and the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Because they understood the Word of the Lord, they had cause to celebrate. A period of confession and repentance ensued. They also restored the long-neglected Feast of the Booths (or Tabernacles), and for seven days they rejoiced, ate, and read the Word of God in the assembly of the people. The Israelites had not kept the Feast of Booths since the days when Joshua was their leader and they were conquering the Promised Land. Another benefit of this celebration was the restoration of the Feasts of the Booths after such a long period. Joshua died about 1427 B. C. and the people had not observed the celebration since his time, about 1,000 years before. They built booths, or tabernacles, to use for shelter during the seven-day celebration as a reminder of God’s protection of the people when they lived in such booths after their exodus from Egypt. “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” was their heart-felt expression of appreciation for God’s providence. It indicated the sheer joy (delight, happiness, gladness) which is the fruit of a right relationship with God.
On this second day into a brand new year, how can we come into a right relationship with God? Are confession of sins and repentance (turning away from sin) needed? Is a period of thanksgiving in order for God’s bounteous blessings? What gaps in our relationship with God and with others need to be mended? What restoration of meaningful celebrations can remind us, as the festival of booths did for the Israelites, that God protects us, shelters us and shields us from dangers? Do we need to make recommitments to be faithful in church attendance and support? Is this a time to resolve to read and study God’s Word diligently and follow its precepts? “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” Joy permeates the believer’s lifestyle. Because the Lord walks and talks with us daily, we have ‘joy unspeakable and full of glory” (I Peter 1:8). He gives joy, even amidst grief, as He spreads upon us “the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isa. 61:3b).
A brief context of this verse allows us to see the times and situation and understand better the reason for the returned Israelites to rejoice. Nehemiah had left a favored position in exile with the King of Persia (about 445 BC) to return to Jerusalem, lead the repatriated Jews in the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem and to rally the Jews as a nation. He faced opposition, derision, attacks, and disunity. But finally the rebuilding of the wall was completed. The scrolls of the Book of the Law were brought before a solemn assembly at the Water Gate, and Ezra, the scribe, read the sacred words in the midst of the people. It was a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving. The people, upon hearing the Word read, raised their hands in praise and cried, “Amen, Amen!” (Neh. 8:6). They cried happy tears, but Nehemiah and Ezra urged the people to prepare a celebratory meal, for “”the day is holy to our Lord…and the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Because they understood the Word of the Lord, they had cause to celebrate. A period of confession and repentance ensued. They also restored the long-neglected Feast of the Booths (or Tabernacles), and for seven days they rejoiced, ate, and read the Word of God in the assembly of the people. The Israelites had not kept the Feast of Booths since the days when Joshua was their leader and they were conquering the Promised Land. Another benefit of this celebration was the restoration of the Feasts of the Booths after such a long period. Joshua died about 1427 B. C. and the people had not observed the celebration since his time, about 1,000 years before. They built booths, or tabernacles, to use for shelter during the seven-day celebration as a reminder of God’s protection of the people when they lived in such booths after their exodus from Egypt. “The joy of the Lord is your strength,” was their heart-felt expression of appreciation for God’s providence. It indicated the sheer joy (delight, happiness, gladness) which is the fruit of a right relationship with God.
On this second day into a brand new year, how can we come into a right relationship with God? Are confession of sins and repentance (turning away from sin) needed? Is a period of thanksgiving in order for God’s bounteous blessings? What gaps in our relationship with God and with others need to be mended? What restoration of meaningful celebrations can remind us, as the festival of booths did for the Israelites, that God protects us, shelters us and shields us from dangers? Do we need to make recommitments to be faithful in church attendance and support? Is this a time to resolve to read and study God’s Word diligently and follow its precepts? “The joy of the Lord is your strength!” Joy permeates the believer’s lifestyle. Because the Lord walks and talks with us daily, we have ‘joy unspeakable and full of glory” (I Peter 1:8). He gives joy, even amidst grief, as He spreads upon us “the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit” (Isa. 61:3b).
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