so that the noise gave a great sound, insomuch that the people could not know the joyful sound for the noise of the weeping among the people: for the people shouted with a loud cry, so that the noise was heard afar off.

But when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the LORD God of Israel,

and held the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the LORD had made them glad, and turned the heart of the king of Assyria unto them, so that their hands were strengthened in the work of the house of God, which is the God of Israel.

For Ezra prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach the precept and judgment in Israel.

Praised be the LORD God of our fathers, which hath so inspired the king's heart, to garnish the house of God at Jerusalem:

So we fasted, and besought our God for this; and he heard us.

When I heard this, I rent my clothes and my raiment, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat mourning.