Nehemiah 8:9-12
Nehemiah 8:9-12 NCV
Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher, and the Levites who were teaching said to all the people, “This is a holy day to the LORD your God. Don’t be sad or cry.” All the people had been crying as they listened to the words of the Teachings. Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy good food and sweet drinks. Send some to people who have none, because today is a holy day to the Lord. Don’t be sad, because the joy of the LORD will make you strong.” The Levites helped calm the people, saying, “Be quiet, because this is a holy day. Don’t be sad.” Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send some of their food to others, and to celebrate with great joy. They finally understood what they had been taught.