44
So the congregation gathered to prepare for battle, and to pray and ask for mercy and compassion.
45
Jerusalem was deserted like a wilderness. None of her children moved around. The sanctuary was trampled, and strangers held the elevated fortress. Gentiles lodged there. Joy was taken from Jacob. The flute and the harp were no longer heard.
46
Then they assembled and went to Mizpah, across from Jerusalem, because Israelites used to have a place of prayer there.
47
They fasted for a day and put on mourning clothes, sprinkled ashes on their heads, and tore their garments.
48
In addition, they opened up the Law scroll to find answers to the kinds of questions Gentiles would ask of their idols.