13
see now, O holy King, that because of our many and great sins we are crushed with suffering, subjected to our enemies, and overtaken by helplessness.
14
In our downfall this audacious and profane man undertakes to violate the holy place on earth dedicated to your glorious name.
15
For your dwelling, the heaven of heavens, is unapproachable by man.
16
But because you graciously bestowed your glory upon your people Israel, you sanctified this place.
17
Do not punish us for the defilement committed by these men, or call us to account for this profanation, lest the transgressors boast in their wrath or exult in the arrogance of their tongue, saying,
18
`We have trampled down the house of the sanctuary as offensive houses are trampled down.'
19
Wipe away our sins and disperse our errors, and reveal your mercy at this hour.
20
Speedily let your mercies overtake us, and put praises in the mouth of those who are downcast and broken in spirit, and give us peace."
21
Thereupon God, who oversees all things, the first Father of all, holy among the holy ones, having heard the lawful supplication, scourged him who had exalted himself in insolence and audacity.
22
He shook him on this side and that as a reed is shaken by the wind, so that he lay helpless on the ground and, besides being paralyzed in his limbs, was unable even to speak, since he was smitten by a righteous judgment.
23
Then both friends and bodyguards, seeing the severe punishment that had overtaken him, and fearing lest he should lose his life, quickly dragged him out, panic-stricken in their exceedingly great fear.