16. Now truly, whoever saw the countenance of the high priest was wounded in mind. For his face and the changing of its color declared the inner sorrow of the soul.
17. For this one man was so immersed in grief and in physical dread that it was clear to those who beheld him that sorrow had affected his heart.
18. And now, others flowed together in flocks from the houses, pleading and making public supplication, on behalf of the place, which soon might be brought into contempt.
19. And the women, wrapped with haircloth around the chest, flowed together through the streets. And even the virgins, who were cloistered, rushed forth to Onias, and others rushed to the walls, and, truly, certain ones looked through the windows.
20. But every one of them, stretching forth their hands toward heaven, made supplication.
21. For the expectation of the mixed multitude, and of the great priest in agony, would have endowed anyone with pity.
22. And indeed, these called upon almighty God, so that the trust that had been entrusted to them would be preserved with all integrity.
23. But Heliodorus completed the same thing that had been decreed, being himself present in the place, with his attendants, near the treasury.