18. And when they had said these things, there happened a great weeping and a loud lamentation within the assembly. From everyone and for many hours, with one voice, they cried out to God, saying:
19. "We have sinned like our fathers, we have acted unjustly, we have committed iniquity.
20. May you have mercy on us, for you are pious, or with your own scourges avenge our iniquities, but do not be willing to deliver those trusting in you to a people who are ignorant of you,
21. so that they may not say among the Gentiles, 'Where is their God?' "
22. And when, being weary from these outcries, and tired from these weepings, they became silent,
23. Uzziah, rising up covered in tears, said: "Be steadfast in soul, brothers, and let us wait these five days for mercy from the Lord.
24. For perhaps he will break off his indignation and give glory to his own name.
25. But if, with five days passing, help does not arrive, we will accomplish the words that you have spoken."