Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
Then he said to them, 'Go and enjoy a feast! Eat rich food and drink sweet drinks, and share some with those who don't have anything prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord, so don't be sad or worried, the joy that comes from the Lord is what makes you strong.'
The writer is telling the people to celebrate joyfully and generously because God's joy gives them strength, not sadness or worry.
📚 Historical Context
In the book of Nehemiah, the Israelites had just returned from exile in Babylon and were rebuilding Jerusalem after years of destruction and displacement. When Ezra read the Law of Moses to the assembled people, they were deeply convicted of their sins and began to weep in repentance. Nehemiah, as their leader, urged them to turn their sorrow into joy, declaring the day holy to the Lord and emphasizing celebration as a way to honor God.
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