8 ¹ all the people gathered together^(A) at the square in front of the Water Gate.^(B) They asked the scribe Ezra^(C) to bring the book of the law of Moses^(D) that the Lord had given to Israel. ² On the first day of the seventh month,^(E) the priest Ezra^(F) brought the law^(G) before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding.

⁹ Nehemiah the governor,^(A) Ezra the priest and scribe,^(B) and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, ‘This day^(C) is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’^(D) For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the law.