7. He ordered them to occupy the mountain passes which led into the land of Judah, where it would be easy to withstand an attack, since the approach was only wide enough for two people at a time to pass.
8. The Israelites carried out the orders given to them by the High Priest Joakim and the Council which met in Jerusalem.
9. The leaders of Israel prayed earnestly to God and fasted.
10. They put on sackcloth — they and their wives, their children, their livestock, and every resident foreigner, every slave and hired labourer.