¹⁰ Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared,^(A) since today^(B) is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.”^[a](C)

¹² Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration,^(A) because they had understood the words that were explained to them.

²² because during those days the Jews gained relief from^(A) their enemies. That was the month when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday.^(B) They were to be days of feasting,^(C) rejoicing, and of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.