Nehemiah 8:7-13

7Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites explained the Law to the people while the people remained in their place. 8They read from the book, from the Law of God, 1translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading.

9Then Nehemiah, who was the 23governor, and Ezra 4the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “5This day is holy to the Lord your God; 6do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the Law. 10Then he said to them, “Go, eat the festival foods, drink the sweet drinks, and 7send 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 8refuge.” 11So the Levites silenced all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12Then all the people went away to eat, drink, 9to send portions, and to 10celebrate a great feast, 11because they understood the words which had been made known to them.

13Then on the second day the heads of fathers’ households of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe so that they might gain insight into the words of the Law.