Nehemiah 8:10

Send portions for whom nothing is prepared.

It was the direction of the law that the enjoyment of the great feasts should be extended to the poor, the stranger, the fatherless and the widow (Deuteronomy 16:11-14). Hence, it became customary to send portions to those who were not present as partakers.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.

The joy of the Lord is. very different thing from frivolous mirth. It is. deep religious joy,. delight in his worship,. peaceful trust,. thankfulness for his mercies. Paul bids to "Rejoice in the Lord." It was not wrong that the Jews should mourn over their sins, but they were prohibited from marring. festive occasion with an expression of sorrow. Joy in the Lord strengthens the soul against the day of trial.