And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.”
So the Levites stilled all the people,.... Made them quiet and easy, being backed by the governor: saying, hold your peace; refrain from weeping and mourning: for the day is holy; a festival, set apart for joy and gladness: neither be ye grieved; inwardly; as they were not to show any signs of sorrow outwardly, so they were not to cherish grief inwardly.
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
Neh 8:11 The Levites also strove to pacify the people, saying: “Hold your peace, i.e., give over weeping, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.”