44. And the congregation was gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask for mercy and compassion.
45. And Jerusalem was without inhabitant as a wilderness, there was none of her offspring that went in or went out; and the sanctuary was trodden down, and the sons of strangers were in the citadel, the Gentiles lodged therein; and joy was taken away from Jacob, and the pipe and the harp ceased.
46. And they gathered themselves together, and came to Mizpeh, over against Jerusalem; for in Mizpeh was there a place of prayer aforetime for Israel.
47. And they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and put ashes upon their heads, and tore their clothes,
48. and laid open the book of the law, concerning which the Gentiles were wont to inquire, seeking the likenesses of their idols.
49. And they brought the priests’ garments, and the first fruits, and the tithes: and they stirred up the Nazarites, who had accomplished their days.
50. And they cried aloud toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these men, and whither shall we carry them away?
51. And your holy place is trodden down and profaned, and your priests are in heaviness and brought low.
52. And, behold, the Gentiles are assembled together against us to destroy us: you know what things they imagine against us.