Nehemiah 8:8-10

International Standard Version

⁸ They read from the Book of the Law of God, distinctly communicating its meaning, so they could understand the reading.

A Declaration to Rejoice

⁹ Because all the people were weeping as they listened to the words of the Law, Nehemiah the governor,^[a] Ezra the priest and scribe, and the descendants of Levi who taught the people told everyone, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” ¹⁰ He also told them, “Go eat the best food, drink the best wine,^[b] and give something to those who have nothing, since this day is holy to our Lord. Don’t be sorrowful, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”