Clarke's Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:9
Verse 9. Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha] This puts it out of doubt that, when the Tirshatha is mentioned, Nehemiah himself is intended, Tirshatha being the name of his office. Mourn not, nor weep.] This is a holy day to God: a day appointed for general rejoicing in Him who has turned our captivity, restored to us his law, and again established among us his ordinances.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 9. And Nehemiah which is the Tirshatha , etc.] Or governor, as Zerubbabel had been, and now Nehemiah, (see Ezra 2:63) and Ezra the priest and scribe ; (see Nehemiah 8:1,2), and the Levites that taught the people ; (see Nehemiah 8:7) said unto all the people, this day is holy unto the Lord your God ; being both the new moon and the feast of blowing of trumpets: mourn not, nor weep ; which was unsuitable to a festival, and especially such an one as this, in which trumpets were to be blown, and gladness to be shown, ( Numbers 10:10) for all the people wept when they heard the words of the law ; perceiving they had not kept it, but had broke it in many instances, and so liable to the wrath and judgment of God in case of disobedience.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9-12 - It was a good sign that their hearts were tender, when they heard the words of the law. The people were to send portions to those for who nothing was prepared. It is the duty of a religious feast, as well a of a religious fast, to draw out the soul to the hungry; God's bount should make us bountiful. We must not only give to those that offe themselves, but send to those out of sight. Their strength consisted i joy in the Lord. The better we understand God's word, the more comfor we find in it; the darkness of trouble arises from the darkness of ignorance.
Original Hebrew
ויאמר 559 נחמיה 5166 הוא 1931 התרשׁתא 8660 ועזרא 5830 הכהן 3548 הספר 5608 והלוים 3881 המבינים 995 את 853 העם 5971 לכל 3605 העם 5971 היום 3117 קדשׁ 6918 הוא 1931 ליהוה 3068 אלהיכם 430 אל 408 תתאבלו 56 ואל 408 תבכו 1058 כי 3588 בוכים 1058 כל 3605 העם 5971 כשׁמעם 8085 את 853 דברי 1697 התורה׃ 8451
