26. And now they have laid siege to the fort in Jerusalem and are planning to take it. They have also fortified the Temple and Bethzur.
27. Unless you act immediately, they will do even more, and you will not be able to stop them.”
28. When the king heard this, he was furious. He brought together all the army commanders, the cavalry officers, and his most trusted advisers.
29. He also hired mercenary soldiers from other countries and from the Greek islands.