44
Then the whole community came together to prepare for war and to pray for God's mercy.
45
Jerusalem was as empty as a wilderness; no citizens left or entered the city. The holy Temple was profaned by foreigners, and Gentiles camped in the city's fort; so joy departed from the people of Israel, and the sound of music was heard no more.
46
Then Judas and his men assembled and marched to Mizpah, opposite Jerusalem, because the people of Israel had previously had a place of worship there.
47
In deep mourning, they fasted all that day, put on sackcloth, threw ashes on their heads, and tore their clothes.
48
The Gentiles would have consulted their idols in such a situation, but the Israelites unrolled the book of the Law to search for God's guidance.
49
They brought the priests' robes, the offerings of the first grain, and the tithes, and then they brought in some Nazirites who had completed their vows.
50
The whole community prayed, "Lord, what shall we do with these things? Where shall we take them,
51
now that your holy Temple has been trampled and profaned by Gentiles, and your priests mourn in disgrace?
52
The Gentiles have come to attack and destroy us. You know what they plan to do!
53
If you don't help us, how can we stand up against them?"
54
Then they blew trumpets and shouted loudly.