Nehemiah 8:8-10

English Standard Version

⁸ They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly,^[a] and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

This Day Is Holy

⁹ And Nehemiah, who was ^(A)the governor, and Ezra ^(B)the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ^(C)“This day is holy to the Lord your God; ^(D)do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. ¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and ^(E)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.”