25. All the people of Judah, the priests, the Levites, those who came from Israel, the foreigners from Israel and the foreigners living in Judah were very happy.
26. There was much joy in Jerusalem. There had not been a celebration like this since Solomon’s time. He was the son of David and king of Israel.
27. The priests and Levites stood up and blessed the people. And God heard them because their prayer reached heaven, which is his holy home.