Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Word: FERN
Pronounce: maw-oze'
Strong: H4581
Orig: (also mauwz \i maw-ooz'\i0\plain\f3\fs21\cf23 ); or mahoz \i maw-oze'\i0\plain\f3\fs21\cf23 (also ma,uz \i maw-ooz'\i0\plain\f3\fs21\cf23 ; from 5810; a fortified place; figuratively, a defence:--force, fort(-ress), rock, strength(-en), (X most) strong (hold). H5810
Use: TWOT-1578a Noun Masculine
Grk Strong: G407 G2478 G4714
- 1) place or means of safety, protection, refuge, stronghold
1a) place of safety, fastness, harbour, stronghold
1b) refuge (of God) (fig.)
1c) human protection (fig.)
I had always thought it was our joy in the LORD spoken of here. In re-evaluating it however the verse is saying the LORD's Joy is our strength. The meanings of strength in this word are listed above from Strong's Concordance.
What is Jesus' Joy?
To do the will of the Father in going to the cross
Hebrews 12:2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of
faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
The Joy of Jesus is given to us, beloved of Him
John 15:11 These things I have spoken to you so that my you may be
in you, and that your joy may be made full.
As we read the Bible, begin to notice about the Joy of Jesus. I have just begun to notice. It is not about me primarily but Christ having Joy to give. To give us strength, protection refuge to name a few areas. Our Joy originates in Christ. His joy originates in His Father.