23
We were happy to serve your father, to live by what he said and to follow his commands.
24
For this reason the sons of our people besieged the citadel and became hostile to us; moreover, they have put to death as many of us as they have caught, and they have seized our inheritances.
25
And not against us alone have they stretched out their hands, but also against all the lands on their borders.
26
And behold, today they have encamped against the citadel in Jerusalem to take it; they have fortified both the sanctuary and Beth-zur;
27
and unless you quickly prevent them, they will do still greater things, and you will not be able to stop them."
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.