This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. Here Nehemiah tells background information about his demeanor before the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
Here Nehemiah is referred to by his face because the face shows one's emotions. AT: "Why are you so sad" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
This speaks of Nehemiah being sad as if his heart were sad, since the heart is often considered the center of emotions. AT: "You must be very sad" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])