John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:12
And all the people went their way to eat and to drink ,.... Freely and cheerfully: and to send portions ; to the poor, who had nothing to eat and drink: and to make great mirth ; with music, vocal and instrumental: because they had understood the words that were declared unto them ; the meaning of the several laws read and explained unto them, whereby they better understood their duty, and in what instances and in what manner it was to be performed; how much more reason is there... read more
Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Nehemiah 8:9-12
We may here observe, I. How the people were wounded with the words of the law that were read to them. The law works death, and speaks terror, shows men their sins, and their misery and danger because of sin, and thunders a curse against every one that continues not in every part of his duty. Therefore when they heard it they all wept (Neh. 8:9): it was a good sign that their hearts were tender, like Josiah's when he heard the words of the law. They wept to think how they had offended God, and... read more