Nehemiah 8:12

And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.

Ver. 12. And all the people went their way to eat] To do all that they were directed to do. They had been in the furnace of mortification; and now they were willing to be cast into the mould of God's word, and to be whatsoever the Lord would have them to be. They were only his clay and wax, a willing people, waiting for his law.

And to make great mirth] i.e. All kind of honest jollity; for the better exciting their hearts to true thankthlness.

Because they had understood the words] Not the threatenings only to the refractory, but the promises also to the penitent and obedient. The Levites had taught them, doubtless, as the truth is in Jesus, that God therefore threateneth that he may not punish, and desireth to be disarmed, Amos 4:12; that he giveth to do what he commandeth to be done; that his mercy is from everlasting to everlasting to them that fear him, to them that keep his covenant, and that think upon his commandments to do them, qui faciunt praecepta, etsi non perfieiant, that are doing at it, though they are far from perfection, Psalms 103:18. This was very comfortable; this put into them that joy of the Lord which was their strength; this more cheered them than all their good cheer of their peace offerings.