8 So they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.

9 ^aAnd Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ^b“This day is holy to the Lord your God; ^cdo not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.  ‡

11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.”

12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to ^asend portions and rejoice greatly, because they ^bunderstood the words that were declared to them.  ‡