8:9 Then Nehemiah the governor, 3 Ezra the priestly scribe, 4 and the Levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them, 5 “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of the law. 8:10 He said to them, “Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. 6 Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
8:11 Then the Levites quieted all the people saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy. Do not grieve.” 8:12 So all the people departed to eat and drink and to share their food 7 with others 8 and to enjoy tremendous joy, 9 for they had gained insight in the matters that had been made known to them.