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
And the Levites commanded all the people, saying, "This day is holy; do not be sorrowful."
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.