John Trapp on Nehemiah 8:12

Verſe 12. And all the people went their way to eat] To do all that they were directed to do. They had been in the Furnace of mortification: and now they were willing to be caſt into the mould of Gods Word, and to be whatſoever the Lord would have them to be. They were only his clay and wax, a willing people, wayting for his Law.

And to make great mirth] i.e. All kind of honeſt jollity: for the better exciting their hearts to true thankfulneſſe.

Becauſe they had underſtood the words] Not the threatnings only to the refractary; but the promiſes alſo, to the penitent and obedient. The Levites had taught them, doubtleſſe, (as the truth is in Jeſus) that God therefore threateneth that he may not puniſh, and deſireth to be diſarmed, Amos. 4.12. that he giveth to do, what he commandeth to be done, that his mercy is from everlaſting to everlaſting to them that fear him, to them that keep his Covenant, and that think upon his Commandements to do them, qui faciunt praecepta, etſi non perficiant, that are doing at it, though they are farre from perfection.Pſal. 103.18. This was very comfortable: this put into them that joy of the Lord which was their ſtrength: this more cheared them, then all their good chear of their peace-offerings.