41
When the traders of the region heard what was said to them, they took silver and gold in immense amounts, and fetters, and went to the camp to get the sons of Israel for slaves. And forces from Syria and the land of the Philistines joined with them.
42
Now Judas and his brothers saw that misfortunes had increased and that the forces were encamped in their territory. They also learned what the king had commanded to do to the people to cause their final destruction.
43
But they said to one another, "Let us repair the destruction of our people, and fight for our people and the sanctuary."
44
And the congregation assembled to be ready for battle, and to pray and ask for mercy and compassion.
45
Jerusalem was uninhabited like a wilderness; not one of her children went in or out. The sanctuary was trampled down, and the sons of aliens held the citadel; it was a lodging place for the Gentiles. Joy was taken from Jacob; the flute and the harp ceased to play.
46
So they assembled and went to Mizpah, opposite Jerusalem, because Israel formerly had a place of prayer in Mizpah.
47
They fasted that day, put on sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on their heads, and rent their clothes.
48
And they opened the book of the law to inquire into those matters about which the Gentiles were consulting the images of their idols.
49
They also brought the garments of the priesthood and the first fruits and the tithes, and they stirred up the Nazirites who had completed their days;
50
and they cried aloud to Heaven, saying, "What shall we do with these? Where shall we take them?
51
Thy sanctuary is trampled down and profaned, and thy priests mourn in humiliation.