44. And an assembly was gathered together, so that they would be prepared for battle, and so that they could pray and ask for mercy and compassion.
45. Now Jerusalem was not inhabited, but was like a desert. There was no one who entered or exited from among her children. And the sanctuary was trampled upon, and the sons of foreigners were in the stronghold. This place was the habitation of the Gentiles. And delight was taken away from Jacob, and the music of flute and harp ceased in that place.
46. And they gathered together and came to Mizpah, opposite Jerusalem. For a place of prayer was in Mizpah, in the former Israel.
47. And they fasted on that day, and they clothed themselves with haircloth, and they placed ashes on their heads, and they tore their garments.
48. And they laid open the books of the law, in which the Gentiles searched for the likeness of their idols.