Study Desk

They read from the book, from the Law of God, ^(F1)translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.

Then Nehemiah, who was the ^(F1)(C1)governor, and Ezra ^(C2)the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "^(C3)This day is holy to the LORD your God; ^(C4)do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law.

Then he said to them, "Go, eat the festival foods, drink the sweet drinks, and ^(C1)send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your ^(F1)refuge."

So the Levites silenced all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."

Then all the people went away to eat, drink, ^(C1)to send portions, and to ^(F1)celebrate a great feast, ^(C2)because they understood the words which had been made known to them.