1. The Ruach Elohim came upon Azariah the son of Oded.
2. He went out to meet Asa, and said to him, “Listen to me Asa, all Judah and Benjamin. Adonai is with you as long as you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you. But if you forsake Him, He will spurn you.
3. For many days Israel was without the true God, without a teaching kohen and without Torah.
4. But in their distress they turned to Adonai, the God of Israel, and sought Him, and He was found by them.
5. In those times there was no shalom for anyone coming or going, for there were many conflicts among all the inhabitants of the lands.
6. Nation was crushed by nation and city by city, for God troubled them with every kind of distress.
7. But you, chazak! Do not let your hands be slack for there is reward for your labor.”