Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priestly scribe, and the Levites who were imparting understanding to the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping when they heard the words of the law.

When I heard these things I sat down abruptly, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.