13 They're going to eat the offerings that have been dedicated to God and have been set aside for the priests who serve him in the Jerusalem temple. These offerings include the first harvests of wheat and ten percent of their wine and olive oil. Only the priests are supposed to touch these things,
14 but even the people of Jerusalem have already broken that law. So my own people in Bethulia have sent messengers to ask the religious leaders in Jerusalem if the same thing could be done here.
15 On the same day that these messengers return with the news, the people in Bethulia will begin eating these foods. That's when you will be able to defeat them.
16 As soon as I realized what was happening, I hurried away from Bethulia. God has sent me here to help you do things that will shock everyone in the world. I am your servant,
17 but I am still a faithful worshiper of the God of Heaven. I will stay here in this camp, and each night I will go into the valley to pray to God, and he will tell me when the Israelites have sinned.
18 Then I will immediately tell you, so you can lead your army into battle. The Israelites won't have a chance to defend themselves.
19 After that victory, I will lead you through Judea until we reach Jerusalem, where I will crown you king in front of everyone. You will rule them as if they were sheep without a shepherd. Not even a dog will growl and oppose you.God has told me these things will happen, and he sent me to tell you as well.