8:4 Ezra the scribe stood on a towering wooden platform ⁶  constructed for this purpose. Standing near him on his right were Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Masseiah. On his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 8:5 Ezra opened the book in plain view ⁷  of all the people, for he was elevated above all the people. When he opened the book, ⁸  all the people stood up. 8:6 Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people replied “Amen! Amen!” as they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

8:7 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah – all of whom were Levites ⁹  – were teaching the people the law, as the people remained standing. 8:8 They read from the book of God’s law, explaining it ¹⁰  and imparting insight. Thus the people ¹¹  gained understanding from what was read.

8:9 Then Nehemiah the governor, ¹²  Ezra the priestly scribe, ¹³  and the Levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them, ¹⁴  “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of the law. 8:10 He said to them, “Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. ¹⁵  Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

8:11 Then the Levites quieted all the people saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy. Do not grieve.” 8:12 So all the people departed to eat and drink and to share their food ¹⁶  with others ¹⁷  and to enjoy tremendous joy, ¹⁸  for they had gained insight in the matters that had been made known to them.