January 27, 2013, Ukufunda Okokuqala

The Book of Nehemiah 8: 2-6, 8-10

8:2 Ngakho-ke, Ezra the priest brought the law before the multitude of men and women, and all those who were able to understand, on the first day of the seventh month.
8:3 And he read it openly in the street which was before the water gate, kusukela ekuseni kuze kube semini, in the sight of the men and women, and those who understood. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the book.
8:4 Then Ezra the scribe stood upon a step of wood, which he had made for speaking. And standing beside him were Mattithiah, kanye noShemaya, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, kanye noMahaseya, on his right. And on the left were Pedaiah, UMishayeli, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, uZakariya, kanye noMeshulamu.
8:5 And Ezra opened the book before all the people. For he stood out above all the people. And when he had opened it, all the people stood up.
8:6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people responded, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. And they bowed down, futhi bakhonza uNkulunkulu, facing the ground.
8:8 And they read from the book of the law of God, distinctly and plainly, so as to be understood. And when it was read, they did understand.
8:9 Then Nehemiah (the same is the cupbearer) and Ezra, the priest and scribe, kanye namaLevi, who were interpreting for all the people, kusho: “This day has been sanctified to the Lord our God. Do not mourn, and do not weep.” For all of the people were weeping, as they were listening to the words of the law.
8:10 Wathi kubo: “Hamba, eat fat foods and drink sweet drinks, and send portions to those who have not prepared for themselves. For it is the holy day of the Lord. And do not be sad. For the joy of the Lord is also our strength.”