45. Jerusalem was desertedlike a wilderness.None of her children moved around.The sanctuary was trampled,and strangers held the elevated fortress.Gentiles lodged there.Joy was taken from Jacob.The flute and the harpwere no longer heard.
46. Then they assembled and went to Mizpah, across from Jerusalem, because Israelites used to have a place of prayer there.
47. They fasted for a day and put on mourning clothes, sprinkled ashes on their heads, and tore their garments.
48. In addition, they opened up the Law scroll to find answers to the kinds of questions Gentiles would ask of their idols.
49. They also brought out the priestly garments as well as early produce and tenth-part gifts. They stirred up nazirites, who had completed the duration of their solomn promises.
50. Then they cried aloud to heaven:"What should we do with these people?Where should we take them?
51. Your sanctuary is trampled and degraded.Your priests mourn in humiliation.
52. The Gentiles are gathered here against us,planning to destroy us.You know what they are plotting.
53. How will we be able to withstand themif you don’t help us?"
54. Then they blew the trumpets and gave a loud shout.
55. Judas appointed leaders of the people in charge of thousands and hundreds and fifties and tens.
56. In keeping with the Law, he told all who were building houses or were about to get married or were planting a vineyard or were fainthearted to go home.