Nehemiah 8:9-11

``This Day Is Holy"

9 Then Nehemiah, who was the ¹governor, and Ezra ²the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "³This day is holy to the LORD your God; ⁴do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law.

10 Then he said to them, "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and ⁵send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."

11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."

Nehemiah 8:9-11 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH 8

Ezra being desired to bring forth the book of the law, read it to the people and others, expounded it to them, Ne 8:1-8 and Nehemiah exhorted the people to express joy and gladness on this occasion, which they did, Ne 8:9-12 and observing the feast of tabernacles was in the law commanded to be observed, they kept it very strictly and joyfully, Ne 8:13-18.

Cross References

• 1. Nehemiah 7:65, 70
• 2. Nehemiah 12:26
• 3. Nehemiah 8:2
• 4. Deuteronomy 12:7, 12
• 5. Deuteronomy 26:11-13

Footnotes

• [a]. Heb "Tirshatha," a Persian title