By: Alice A. Pickens
When Nehemiah 8:10 was written a very different Hebrew word for JOY was selected. In this scripture we are going to see how this joy is a place of safety, a stronghold and fortress against the enemy. It is a word connected to covenant. This joy is birthed from God Himself because it is the same joy that He has in providing the covenant with us. This Hebrew word that is used for joy is only used three times in the entire Old Testament. This also reinforces Jesus’ words to His disciples in Luke 10:20 to rejoice not in your authority over evil spirits, but that your name is written in Heaven. Doing this allows us to tap into God’s joy that is so powerful.
Luke 10:20 (KJV) 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. Continue Reading
“a special kind of joy”
Before we get into the break down of these Hebrew words, let’s visualize how God feels about providing a covenant with us that provides a way of salvation. There is a myriad of scriptures that describes God’s joy in providing His covenant with us. He proved this over and over again with His longsuffering. But the greatest joy He has is providing His Son for our redemption. No, it does not mean that He enjoyed His Son’s suffering. But it is the same joy that Jesus expressed in Hebrews 12:2.
Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Jeremiah 9:24 (KJV) 24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Psalm 149:4 (KJV) 4 For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation.
Luke 12:32 (KJV) 32 Fear not, little flock ; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
In the context of Nehemiah 8, the Israelite’s had just had the full law read and expounded upon for hours while they stood before the priests. It brought grief to them knowing how far they had strayed from God’s ways. But Nehemiah knew the importance of walking in God’s joy for their stability. I highly recommend reading the whole chapter (if not the whole book to capture the situation & emotions).
Nehemiah 8:10 (KJV) 10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
JOY (2304 Chedvah) Rejoicing, gladness (taken from 2302 Hadah) “A door in the fence” This was based on in ancient Hebrew culture, to pass through a doorway was a act of coming into covenant with the leader of the home. A way, door into a covenant with someone.
PICTURE: Behold, a door in the fence.
(Jesus is the door; He is the one that sealed the covenant for us with our Heavenly Father.) JESUS IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE.
John 10:7-10 (KJV) 7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
John 14:6 (KJV) 6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
When Jesus made it clear that our rejoicing was to be because our name was written in Heaven, there was a reason. Our hope & joy needs to always be based on our “Heavenly Home”, not the distractions of this world. The disciples came back rejoicing because they had exercised power over the spirits. You would think this would be much to rejoice about. Jesus knows that the PLACE OF SAFETY is to keep your rejoicing on being HEAVEN BOUND. Joy misplaced is an open door to distraction and deception. The enemy wants you to find joy in other things so that you will focus on them. We are to focus on eternity and bringing others into an eternal relationship with God through Jesus. Joy misplaced does not bring you strength or safety. Things in this world are always changing and unreliable. Remember this is “a special kind of joy”. The things in earth that bring us joy is a much smaller degree & always changing.
What is the “Joy of the Lord” that is my strength referred to in Nehemiah 8:10? What type of strength is this that I may experience? The “Joy of the Lord” is a level of joy that can only be experienced based on one thing: the covenant that God has made with you and that you have accepted and agreed to. The strength referred to actually means stronghold.
Strength (4581: māʿôz) from <H5810> (`azaz); a fortified place; figurative a defence :- force, fort (-ress), rock, strength (-en), (× most) strong (hold).
The reason this Joy is a place of safety, a stronghold is that it is God’s Joy that is connected to the eternal covenant of redemption that we have come into agreement with. When we accept this covenant, we are linked to the greatest; God Himself. He is our reward which includes tapping into His Joy of providing redemption. This also is why there is so much celebration over a sinner repenting. This joy is powerful, supplying us with a peace and hope unmatched by anything in the earth. This joy is heaven’s link to sustain us in all circumstances.
Genesis 15:1 (KJV) 1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
Luke 15:10 (KJV) 10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
In conclusion: let us keep our focus on the covenant that this joy is rooted in and the one who fulfilled it for us, Jesus Christ who is seated on the right hand of the Father waiting for Him to say, “Go get your Bride”! Let’s tap into this JOY that is God’s Himself that is such a clear expression of His love for us. If He is so filled with joy because He made a way, let’s walk in this joy because we have responded to His gift of life in this covenant that makes Him so happy! In these last days which are filled with greater and greater difficulties and evil, we need this perpetually. Thank God His drawing near is soon and He wants us comforted in this fact. Just as Jesus’ joy was present upon Him because He looked beyond the pain, the shame and the cross, so must our eyes be upon our HEAVENLY HOME!
Colossians 3:1-2 (KJV) 1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Luke 21:28 (KJV) 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
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