44 And the assembly was gathered that they might be ready for battle: and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
45 Now Jerusalem was not inhabited, but was like a desert: there was none of her children that went in or out: and the sanctuary was trodden down: and the children of strangers were in the castle, there was the habitation of the Gentiles: and joy was taken away from Jacob, and the pipe and harp ceased there.
46 And they assembled together, and came to Maspha over against Jerusalem: for in Maspha was a place of prayer heretofore in Israel.
47 And they fasted that day, and put on haircloth, and put ashes upon their heads: and they rent their garments:
48 And they laid open the books of the law, in which the Gentiles searched for the likeness of their idols:
49 And they brought the priestly ornaments, and the firstfruits and tithes, and stirred up the Nazarites that had fulfilled their days:
50 And they cried with a loud voice toward heaven, saying: What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them?