44
And the assembly was gathered that they might be ready for battle: and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
45
Now Jerusalem was not inhabited, but was like a desert: there was none of her children that went in or out: and the sanctuary was trodden down: and the children of strangers were in the castle, there was the habitation of the Gentiles: and joy was taken away from Jacob, and the pipe and harp ceased there.
46
And they assembled together, and came to Maspha over against Jerusalem: for in Maspha was a place of prayer heretofore in Israel.
47
And they fasted that day, and put on haircloth, and put ashes upon their heads: and they rent their garments:
48
And they laid open the books of the law, in which the Gentiles searched for the likeness of their idols: