# who understood the service of Yahweh

This was the reason that he spoke encouragingly to them. AT: "because they understood the service of Yahweh" or "because they served Yahweh skillfully" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-distinguish]])

# So they ate throughout the festival

The word "they" refers to the people of Israel.

# making confession to Yahweh

Possible meanings are 1) "confession" here refers to saying that God is great. AT: "praising Yahweh" or 2) "confession" here refers to admitting their sins. AT: "confessing their sins to Yahweh"