^{8 Ref} And they read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.

^{9 Ref} And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto Jehovah your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.