נחמיה, פרק י״ב, פסוק מ״ג

The completion of Jerusalem's reconstruction and the raising of its protective walls awakened a deep joy among the people [שטיינזלץ]. The resulting celebrations were marked by massive offerings. This greatness in the sacrifices indicates either a vast number of offerings brought by the people or that the animals chosen for the occasion were exceptionally large and well-fed [מצודת דוד, מלבי״ם].

The true source of this celebration was not the festive meals themselves. Rather, God was the one who placed this happiness directly into their hearts [מצודת דוד]. Because this joy was divine and spiritual in nature, it spread to everyone, including the women and children. Even the youngest children, who could not necessarily understand the historical magnitude of the rebuilt walls, were caught up in the spiritual elevation that encompassed the entire city [מלבי״ם]. This intense, God-given gladness echoed so loudly that the sounds of Jerusalem's celebration could be heard from far away.