11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve."
11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
11 So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, "Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved."
11 The Levites calmed the people, "Quiet now. This is a holy day. Don't be upset."
11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."
11 And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, "Hush! Don't weep! For this is a sacred day."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 8:11
Commentary on Nehemiah 8:9-12
(Read Nehemiah 8:9-12)
It was a good sign that their hearts were tender, when they heard the words of the law. The people were to send portions to those for whom nothing was prepared. It is the duty of a religious feast, as well as of a religious fast, to draw out the soul to the hungry; God's bounty should make us bountiful. We must not only give to those that offer themselves, but send to those out of sight. Their strength consisted in joy in the Lord. The better we understand God's word, the more comfort we find in it; the darkness of trouble arises from the darkness of ignorance.