Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Nehemiah 8:1-18
8:1-13:31 NEHEMIAH’S REFORMSFirst reading of the law (8:1-18)The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the sixth month (see 6:15). Israel’s mid-year meetings and festivals were held during the seventh month (Leviticus 23:24,Leviticus 23:27,Leviticus 23:34), so this was a fitting occasion to assemble the people to celebrate the completion of the rebuilt wall (see 7:73b, 8:1). (The same time of the year had been chosen for the dedication of the rebuilt altar more than ninety years... read more
Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Nehemiah 8:10
Nehemiah 8:10. Eat the fat, and drink the sweet Feast before the Lord, as the duty of the day requires you to do. Send portions, &c. For the relief of your poor brethren, who otherwise must mourn while you rejoice. Concerning this duty and practice, see Deuteronomy 16:11; Deuteronomy 16:14; Esther 9:10. For this day is holy Being the first new moon in the year, and the feast of trumpets, (Leviticus 23:24,) and the beginning of this joyful month, in which so many days of thanksgiving... read more