Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “Today is holy to the LORD your God. Don’t mourn, nor weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 9. Interpreted. S. Jerom renders the same term, made silence, (verse 7) as it was the office of the Levites to keep the people in awe, verse 11. Calmet.—Prot. “taught.” They had also ( Bible.) to instruct. 1 Ezra 8:16. Menochius.—Weep. The Jews had only one feast for mourning, the day of expiation. On all the rest, a holy joy was commended. For the same reason, the Church does not fast on such days. Calmet.—Law, reflecting on the threats denounced against transgressors, which they had so lately witnessed. Tirinus.