8 They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. 9 Nehemiah the governor,y Ezra the priest and scribe,z and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This dayaa is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”ab 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,ac since todayad is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”F,ae