18 There hasn’t been in our generation, nor is there today, a tribe, a family, a people, or a city among us who worships gods made with human hands as happened in times past.
19 This is the reason why our ancestors were handed over to the sword and to plunder, and they suffered greatly in the presence of our enemies.
20 But we have known no other gods except him.“Therefore, we hope that he won’t forget about us and our generation.
21 If we are captured, so also will the rest of Judea be captured. Then our sanctuary will be plundered, and God will hold us responsible for its ruin with our own blood.
22 He will bring the murder of our families, the captivity of the land, and the destruction of our inheritance down upon our heads, wherever we may be enslaved among the nations. Those who purchase us as slaves will consider us offensive and disgraceful.
23 Our slavery won’t bring us favor. Rather, the Lord our God will turn it into a disgrace.
24 "Now, brothers, let us be an example to those whose lives depend on us. The sanctuary, the temple, and the altar depend on us as well.