1 Now the children of Israel, that dwelt in Judah, heard all that Holofer´nes the chief captain of Nebuchadnez´zar king of the Assyrians had done to the nations, and after what manner he had spoiled all their temples, and brought them to nought.
2 Therefore they were exceedingly afraid of him, and were troubled for Jerusalem, and for the temple of the Lord their God:
3 for they were newly returned from the captivity, and all the people of Judah were lately gathered together: and the vessels, and the altar, and the house, were sanctified after the profanation.
4 Therefore they sent into all the coasts of Samaria, and the villages, and to Beth–ho´ron, and Belmen, and Jericho, and to Choba, and Esor´a, and to the valley of Salem: