5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people because he was standing above them. As he opened it, all the people stood up.
6 Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people responded, 'Amen, Amen,' lifting up their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
7 The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—helped the people understand the Law as they stood in their places.
8 They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read.
9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all of them, '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.