Neh 8:9-12 | ESV | STEP | And Nehemiah , who was the governor , and Ezra the priest and scribe , and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people , This day is holy to the Lord your God ; do not mourn or weep . For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law .

‏ Nehemiah 8:9-12

This Day Is Holy

9 And Nehemiah, who was ^athe governor, and Ezra ^bthe priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ^c“This day is holy to the Lord your God; ^ddo not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and ^esend portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because ^fthey had understood the words that were declared to them.