Definition: And Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day [is] holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Nehemiah 8:9. It’s a really important and touching passage about a time of crisis and repentance. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Situation: A Plague is Coming: The story starts with a devastating plague affecting the city of Jerusalem. This was a major problem, causing fear and suffering. Nehemiah’s Leadership: Nehemiah, who was in charge of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, was tasked with leading the people through this difficult time. He needed to reassure them. The Problem: The people were crying out in despair – they were mourning and weeping. They weren't just feeling sad; they were overwhelmed by fear and grief. What the Verse Says: “Nehemiah, which [is] the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep.” “Which [is] the Tirshatha?” – This is a tricky part. It means “which plague is coming”? Nehemiah was worried about the spread of this terrible sickness. “and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people”: These are key figures who were responsible for sharing the word of God (the law) and teaching the community. They were a vital part of maintaining faith and understanding the will of God. "said unto all the people..." – This means Nehemiah spoke directly to everyone in the city. "...This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep." - This is the core message. It’s a direct command from Nehemiah: “Do not mourn or weep! Let your hearts be peaceful.” What it Means – The Bigger Picture: The verse essentially says that when God calls for repentance and sorrow, it's important to remember His holiness and goodness. When people are grieving, it’s a sign that they need to turn back to God and seek His comfort and guidance. It was a moment where the community needed to reconnect with their faith and reflect on what truly matters. Why is this important? This story highlights several key ideas: God's Sovereignty: It shows that God is in control, even during times of crisis. The Importance of Faith & Prayer: Nehemiah’s leadership wasn't just about rebuilding walls; it was about reminding the people to trust in God and pray for deliverance. Reverence & Worship: The verse emphasizes the need to show reverence (respect) to God through prayer and a return to His presence. In short, this verse is a reminder that when we are facing hardship, it’s crucial to remember God's goodness and seek His comfort. --- Do you want me to: Explain a specific part of the verse in more detail? Connect this story to other Bible stories or teachings?