Charles Ellicott Commentary Nehemiah 8:11

"So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved." — Nehemiah 8:11 (ASV)

So the Levites: As before, what Ezra said was repeated to the people in various directions by the Levites. But there was evidently an almost irrepressible emotion.