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. ¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared,^(E) since today^(F) is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”^{[a](G) 11} And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still,^(H) since today^(I) is holy. Don’t grieve.” ¹² Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration,^(J) because they had understood the words that were explained to them.