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Now, as God’s law was read, the people began to weep. But Nehemiah (the Persians’ appointed governor),[a] Ezra the priest and scribe, and all the ministering Levites said to the people,

Leaders: This day is sacred to the Eternal One, your God. It is not a day for mourning and weeping.

Ezra: 10 Go back to your homes, and prepare a feast. Bring out the best food and drink you have, and welcome all to your table, especially those who have nothing. This day is special. It is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve over your past mistakes. Let the Eternal’s own joy be your protection!

Levites: 11 Be still. This is sacred time and space. Do not mourn.

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Footnotes

  1. 8:9 Hebrew, the Tirshatha

Then 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.

10 Nehemiah 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.”

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

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