| Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” | Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” |
| But in your great mercy you did not put an end to them or abandon them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. | Nevertheless, in your great mercies you did not make an end of them or forsake them, for you are a gracious and merciful God. |
