5. So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the passover unto the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem because for a long time they had not done it as it is written.
6. So the posts went with the letters from the hand of the king and his princes throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the king, saying, Ye sons of Israel, return unto the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and he will return to the remnant of you, that are escaped out of the hand of the kings of Assyria.
7. Do not be like your fathers, and like your brethren, who rebelled against the Lord God of their fathers and he gave them over to desolation, as ye see.
8. Therefore, do not be stiffnecked as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the Lord and enter into his sanctuary, which he has sanctified for ever and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.
9. For if ye return unto the Lord, your brethren and your children shall find mercy before those that lead them captive, so that they shall come again into this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away his face from you if ye return unto him.
10. So the posts passed from city to city through the land of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them.
11. Nevertheless, some men of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem.