23
He took the silver and the gold, and the costly vessels; he took also the hidden treasures which he found.
24
Taking them all, he departed to his own land. He committed deeds of murder, and spoke with great arrogance.
25
Israel mourned deeply in every community,
26
rulers and elders groaned, maidens and young men became faint, the beauty of women faded.
27
Every bridegroom took up the lament; she who sat in the bridal chamber was mourning.
28
Even the land shook for its inhabitants, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame.
29
Two years later the king sent to the cities of Judah a chief collector of tribute, and he came to Jerusalem with a large force.
30
Deceitfully he spoke peaceable words to them, and they believed him; but he suddenly fell upon the city, dealt it a severe blow, and destroyed many people of Israel.
31
He plundered the city, burned it with fire, and tore down its houses and its surrounding walls.
32
And they took captive the women and children, and seized the cattle.
33
Then they fortified the city of David with a great strong wall and strong towers, and it became their citadel.