Nehemiah 8:8-12

New International Version

⁸They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear^[a] and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.

⁹Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites^(A) who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”^(B) For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

¹⁰Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing^(C) prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy^(D) of the Lord is your strength.”

¹¹The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

¹²Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy,^(E) because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.

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Footnotes

Nehemiah 8:8 Or God, translating it

Psalm 16:9-11

New International Version

⁹Therefore my heart is glad^(A) and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest secure,^(B)
¹⁰because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,^(C)
    nor will you let your faithful^[a] one^(D) see decay.^(E)
¹¹You make known to me the path of life;^(F)
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,^(G)
    with eternal pleasures^(H) at your right hand.^(I)

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Footnotes

Psalm 16:10 Or holy

Psalm 68:3-6

New International Version

³But may the righteous be glad
and rejoice^(A) before God;
may they be happy and joyful.

⁴Sing to God, sing in praise of his name,^(B)
    extol him who rides on the clouds^[a]^(C);
    rejoice before him—his name is the Lord.^(D)
⁵A father to the fatherless,^(E) a defender of widows,^(F)
    is God in his holy dwelling.^(G)
⁶God sets the lonely^(H) in families,^[b]^(I)
    he leads out the prisoners^(J) with singing;
    but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land.^(K)