43
They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune of our people, and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary.
44
Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
45
Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden down, and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the pipe with the harp ceased.
46
Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.
47
Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,
48
And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their images.
49
They brought also the priests' garments, and the firstfruits, and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days.
50
Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?
51
For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, and brought low.
52
And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.
53
How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O God, be our help?