5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was elevated above everyone. As he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God, and with their hands uplifteds all the people said, “Amen, Amen!”t Then they knelt low and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.u

7 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah,v who were Levites,* w explained the lawx to the people as they stood in their places. 8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 9 Nehemiah the governor,y Ezra the priest and scribe,z and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This dayaa is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”ab For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared,ac since todayad is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”F,ae 11 And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still,a since todayb is holy. Don’t grieve.” 12 Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration,c because they had understood the words that were explained to them.