1
Then the children of Israel, who dwelt in the land of Juda, hearing these things, were exceedingly afraid of him.
2
Dread and horror seized upon their minds, lest he should do the same to Jerusalem and to the temple of the Lord, that he had done to other cities and their temples.
3
And they sent into all Samaria round about, as far as Jericho, and seized upon all the tops of the mountains:
4
And they compassed their towns with walls, and gathered together corn for provision for war.
5
And Eliachim the priest wrote to all that were over against Esdrelon, which faceth the great plain near Dothain, and to all by whom there might be a passage of way, that they should take possession of the ascents of the mountains, by which there might be any way to Jerusalem, and should keep watch where the way was narrow between the mountains.
6
And the children of Israel did as the priest of the Lord Eliachim had appointed them,
7
And all the people cried to the Lord with great earnestness, and they humbled their souls in fastings, and prayers, both they and their wives.
8
And the priests put on haircloths, and they caused the little children to lie prostrate before the temple of the Lord, and the altar of the Lord they covered with haircloth.