For the day is holy to the Lord: The governor repeats these words to explain why the people should celebrate (see the comments above on verse 50).

And do not be sorrowful, for the Lord will exalt you: The people were weeping because they heard the Law and realized they had not been living by it, but the governor assures them that God will exalt them, that is, restore the former glory of Judah, now that they have the Law to live by once again. Contemporary English Version renders this sentence as “Don’t be sad. The Lord will make us strong again.”

Here are alternative models for this verse:

• This day is holy to the Lord, so don’t be sorrowful. The Lord will make our nation strong once again.”

• We are setting this day apart to honor the Lord. So don’t be….”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.