Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.
And Nehemiah which is the Tirshatha,.... Or governor, as Zerubbabel had been, and now Nehemiah, see Ezr 2:63 and Ezra the priest and scribe; see Neh 8:1, and the Levites that taught the people; see Neh 8:7 said unto all the people, this day is holy unto the Lord your God; being both the new moon and the feast of blowing of trumpets: mourn not...
Neh 8:9 The celebration of the feast of the new moon. - Neh 8:9 Then Nehemiah, the Tirshatha (see remarks on Ezr 2:63), and the priest Ezra the scribe, and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord our God.
The law's denunciations brought penitential sorrow for their national sins. But they were commanded to cherish joy and thanks suited to a sacred festival. By sharing portions with the poor, they let their poorer brothers participate in the public rejoicing too.
AI summary
Commenting on Nehemiah 8:9-15