22. And they went to the king, and they said: "How long will you not act with judgment and vindicate our brothers?
23. We resolved to serve your father, and to walk according to his precepts, and to obey his edicts.
24. And because of this, the sons of our people have alienated themselves from us, and they have put to death as many of us as they could find, and they have torn apart our inheritances.
25. And they have not extended their hand against us only, but also against all within our borders.
26. And behold, this day they have taken a position near the stronghold of Jerusalem to occupy it, and they have fortified the stronghold of Bethzur.
27. And, unless you quickly act to prevent them, they will do greater things than these, and you will not be able to subdue them."
28. And the king was angry when he heard this. And he called together all his friends, and the leaders of his army, and those who were over the horsemen.
29. But there even came to him mercenary armies from other kingdoms and from the islands of the sea.
30. And the number of his army was one hundred thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and thirty-two elephants trained for battle.