⁹ Then Nehemiah the governor,^[a] Ezra the priestly scribe,^[b] and the Levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them,^[c] “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of the law. ¹⁰ He said to them, “Go and eat delicacies and drink sweet drinks and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord.^[d] Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

¹¹ Then the Levites quieted all the people saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy. Do not grieve.” ¹² So all the people departed to eat and drink and to share their food^[e] with others^[f] and to enjoy tremendous joy,^[g] for they had gained insight in the matters that had been made known to them.