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Then Ezra (the priest who studied God's Law), Nehemiah (the ruler) and the Levites who were teaching the people said to all the people, ‘Do not cry or weep. Today is a special holy day for the Lord your God.’

They said this because the people were weeping. The words of the Law had made them sad. 10 Nehemiah said to the people, ‘Go to your homes and eat some good food. Drink sweet drinks. Share your food and your drink with people who do not have enough for themselves. This is a holy day for our Lord, so do not be sad. The Lord will give you joy so that you can be strong.’

11 The Levites also comforted the people. They said, ‘Do not weep. Today is a holy day, so do not be sad.’

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Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites(A) who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.”(B) For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing(C) prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy(D) of the Lord is your strength.”

11 The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.”

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