6. The High Priest Joakim, who was in Jerusalem at that time, wrote to the people in the towns of Bethulia and Betomesthaim, which face the Valley of Jezreel near Dothan.
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.
13. The Lord heard their prayers and saw their distress. For many days the people of Judah and Jerusalem continued their fast in front of the Temple of the Lord Almighty.
14. The High Priest Joakim, the priests, and all the others who served in the Lord's Temple, wore sackcloth when they offered the daily burnt offering, the freewill offerings of the people, and the offerings made to fulfil a vow.
15. They put ashes on their turbans and cried out in prayer to the Lord, begging him to have mercy on the whole nation.