Nehemiah 8:9-12
This Day Is Holy
9Then Nehemiah, who was the 1,agovernor, and Ezra bthe priest and scribe, and the Levites, who provided the people with understanding, said to all the people, “cThis day is holy to Yahweh your God; ddo 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 of the fat, drink of the sweet, and asend portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.” 11So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” 12Then all the people went away to eat, to drink, ato send portions, and to celebrate with great gladness, bbecause they understood the words which had been made known to them.