51
I was ashamed to ask the king for infantry, cavalry, and an escort for safety from our enemies,
52
because we told the king, "The Lord's guidance will be with those who diligently seek after him, until everything is put right again."
53
So we prayed to our Lord about these things, and we obtained mercy.
54
I chose twelve of the leaders of the priestly families, Sherebiah and Hashabiah, and ten of their companions.
55
I weighed out for them the silver, the gold, and the holy equipment from the Lord's house, which the king himself, his advisors, the officials, and all Israel had contributed.