Day 20: The book found again

Nehemiah 8:1-12 (OTB)

¹All the people gathered together as one in the square before the Water Gate, and they requested Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. ²So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which included men, women, and all who could understand, on the first day of the seventh month. ³He read from it aloud from early morning until midday in front of the square before the Water Gate, in the presence of men, women, and those who could understand, and all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law. ⁴Ezra the scribe stood on a high wooden platform constructed for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah; and on his left were Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. ⁵Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, for he was above them; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. ⁶Ezra praised the Lord, the great God, and all the people responded, “Amen, Amen!” while lifting their hands. Then they bowed down and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. ⁷The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—explained the Law to the people while they stood in their places. ⁸They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and providing the meaning so that the people understood what was read. ⁹Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “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. ¹⁰Nehemiah said, “Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” ¹¹The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not be grieved.” ¹²Then all the people departed to eat and drink, to share portions of food, and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been explained to them.