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:
49
And they brought the priestly ornaments, and the firstfruits and tithes, and stirred up the Nazarites that had fulfilled their days:
50
And they cried with a loud voice toward heaven, saying: What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them?
51
For thy holies are trodden down, and are profaned, and thy priests are in mourning, and are brought low.
52
And behold the nations are come together against us to destroy us: thou knowest what they intend against us.
53
How shall we be able to stand before their face, unless thou, O God, help us?
54
Then they sounded with trumpets, and cried out with a loud voice.