49
Then Attharates said to Ezra the chief priest and reader, and to the Levites who were teaching the multitude, and to all,
50
"This day is holy to the Lord"—now they were all weeping as they heard the law—
51
"so go your way, eat the fat and drink the sweet, and send portions to those who have none;
52
for the day is holy to the Lord; and do not be sorrowful, for the Lord will exalt you."
53
The Levites commanded all the people, saying, "This day is holy; do not be sorrowful."
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.