8. So they read in the book in the law of God clearly and paid attention, and understood the reading.
9. And Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, and Ezra, the priest and scribe, and the Levites that caused the people to be attentive, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep. For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law.
10. Then he said unto them, Go, eat the fat, and drink sweet wine, and send portions unto those who have nothing prepared; for this day is holy unto our Lord, and not sad; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.
11. So the Levites caused all the people to be silent, saying, Be silent, for the day is holy; neither be ye sad.
12. And all the people went to eat and to drink and to send portions and to rejoice with great joy because they had understood the words that were taught unto them.