Nehemiah 8:9 - 11
ESV - 9 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. 10 Then he said to them, "Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send 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.
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In Nehemiah 8 we read about the people of Israel who just return from the 70 years of Babylonian exile. Ezra the priest read the Book of the Law of Moses to the people gathered by the Water Gate. According with the text, it appeared that many of Israelites present there were not familiar with these writings and the leaders helped them understand what was being read. It seems that most of them did not have an understanding of what it was read to them and needed additional clarification. The realization of their ignorant sinful state apparently deeply grieved the people gathered there. Nehemiah here is trying to cheer people up, telling them to rejoice rather than weep.
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