8:10Nehemiah 8:10

On a holy feast day in Jerusalem Ezra stood on a raised platform and opened the Book of the Law of Moses with its foundation in the Ten Commandments, and with priests and Levites he read distinctly and explained it in the people's own tongue because intermarriage had corrupted their Hebrew, and when the returned captives understood they wept over their sins and the blessings lost through disobedience that had led to exile.MH 281.5–6+4 They were told not to remain in grief and mourning over sin, for the day was holy to the Lord and was to be kept as a joyful privilege in gratitude for being restored to hearing and understanding Scripture and for divine mercy.MH 281.5–6+3 Their rejoicing was to be expressed by enjoying rich produce and sweet drink that God had provided and by sending portions of food to those for whom nothing was prepared and who had nothing, a sharing that extends to both material and spiritual blessings with those who have received little, using what remains so nothing is wasted.MH 281.5–6+3 The joy of the Lord is the strength of His people, so the life of faith is to be marked by victory and joy in God rather than sadness, murmuring and self-depreciation, and by glad, steadfast service instead of sorrow.Ms 156, 1902, par. 17–20+3 Faithful self-denying service and earnest effort to advance the message and save others bring this joy and strength, so that even the weak become strong, receive the Lord's commendation, and find peace now and joy with Him hereafter.8T 33.2–3+3

The gathering was a covenant assembly held at Jerusalem for the Feast of Trumpets, when Ezra blessed God and the people answered Amen and bowed in worship.PK 661.1–2 Ezra stood on a raised wooden platform before a large listening assembly and held open the Book of the Law of Moses, with the Ten Commandments set forth as the foundation of what was read.PK 661 Intermarriage with other nations had corrupted the Hebrew language, so Ezra, together with priests and Levites, read the book of the law distinctly and explained its principles in the language of the people so that all would understand the reading.PK 661.3

When the returned captives heard the law read they wept as they recognized their sins.MH 281.5–6+1 Their sorrow recalled the blessings they had lost through disobedience, and the national sins that had led to exile.Ms 41, 1900, par. 37–39

The people who wept when the law was read and their sins were brought to mind were told not to stay in grief or mourning over sin, for the day was holy to the Lord and was to be received as a joyful privilege rather than a day for continued sorrow.MH 281.5–6+2 Their sorrow had arisen as the law recalled the blessings lost through disobedience and the national sins that had led to exile, but having been restored to hearing Scripture and understanding it they had reason to rejoice and praise God for His mercy.Ms 41, 1900, par. 37–39 That mercy itself gave reason for gladness, so the religious instruction of the day was followed by gratitude for divine blessings.Ms 41, 1900, par. 37–39+1

They were to celebrate by eating rich food from the produce of the land and drinking what was sweet, enjoying well what God provided.MH 281.5–6+4 At the same time they were to send portions of food to those for whom nothing was prepared and who had nothing.MH 281.5–6+4 That sending means sharing both spiritual and material blessings with others, especially those who have received little or nothing, and using what remains so that nothing is wasted.Ms 156, 1902, par. 21

Holy occasions are therefore to be met with gladness and generosity rather than sorrow, enjoying what God provides and sharing with those who have nothing prepared.Ms 49, 1898, par. 3 They call for gladness, gratitude and praise for the privileges of belonging to God and being His children, especially the plan of redemption and the hope of the coming of Christ, instead of dwelling in sorrow.Ms 49, 1898, par. 3+1 In that glad service the joy of the Lord gives strength.Ms 49, 1898, par. 3+1

The joy of the Lord is the strength of believers, and after hearing and understanding God's law they are not to remain in grief over sin but to rejoice because the day is holy to the Lord, celebrating with good food and drink and sharing portions with those who have none.Ms 156, 1902, par. 17–20+3 The Christian life is therefore to be characterized by faith, victory, and joy in God, not by sadness and self-depreciation.GC88 477.3+1 When Christ's love fills the heart, it prepares the person to receive the power God gives.RH Mar 31, 1904 Christ's loving compassion and grace fill and soften the heart, preparing it to receive the power needed to overcome opposition.Ms 89, 1903, par. 16

Remembering that God is true and that all His ways are just and right strengthens people to surrender each day to Him and do His will, and trusting His truth, justice, and wisdom gives this strength.Ms 165, 1902, par. 11+1 When a person has Christ, the joy found in the Lord and the riches of God's grace fill the heart and flow out to others in praise, bringing contentment and rest in God.Lt 53, 1893, par. 10 This strength is experienced by serving God with gladness and living steadfastly in His work rather than murmuring and sorrow.Ms 49, 1898, par. 1 Faithful, self-denying service for God and others brings this joy and strength, so that even the weak become strong and receive the Lord's commendation.8T 33.2–3+3

Such faithfulness in service brings peace in this life and joy with the Lord in the life to come.8T 33.2–3+1 This joy is connected with faith that works through love and purifies the soul, so that receiving Christ by faith replaces a gloomy spirit with rejoicing even amid trials.Lt 200, 1899, par. 15–16 The Lord's joy is desired in believers' souls as they work together for the salvation of their children and neighbors.Ms 19, 1909, par. 27 Church members who make earnest, decided efforts to advance the message live in the joy of the Lord, and such effort is followed by success.RH Jan 13, 1903

Bringing cheerfulness and the joy of the Lord into work produces greater good, and in caring for the sick, keeping patients cheerful and giving pleasant words of instruction blesses them during their stay and continues to influence them after they return home.Lt 120, 1907, par. 5 This joy in the Lord is something believers come to understand through a precious experience with the Lord.Lt 149, 1900, par. 16–19 That joy is a privilege believers can express in their countenances, helping them stand free from the influence of frivolous things.Ms 74, 1911, par. 10 The joy of the Lord is connected with the blessing and comfort of souls in God.MH 8.3