3:42: Now Judas and his brothers saw that misfortunes had increased
and that the forces were encamped in their territory. They also learned what
the king had commanded to do to the people to cause their final destruction.
43: But they said to one another, "Let us repair the destruction of our
people, and fight for our people and the sanctuary."
44: And the congregation assembled to be ready for battle, and to pray
and ask for mercy and compassion.
45: Jerusalem was uninhabited like a wilderness; not one of her children
went in or out. The sanctuary was trampled down, and the sons of aliens held
the citadel; it was a lodging place for the Gentiles. Joy was taken from Jacob;
the flute and the harp ceased to play.
46: So they assembled and went to Mizpah, opposite Jerusalem, because
Israel formerly had a place of prayer in Mizpah.
47: They fasted that day, put on sackcloth and sprinkled ashes on their
heads, and rent their clothes.
48: And they opened the book of the law to inquire into those matters
about which the Gentiles were consulting the images of their idols.
49: They also brought the garments of the priesthood and the first fruits
and the tithes, and they stirred up the Nazirites who had completed their days;
50: and they cried aloud to Heaven, saying, "What shall we do with these?
Where shall we take them?
51: Thy sanctuary is trampled down and profaned, and thy priests mourn
in humiliation.
52: And behold, the Gentiles are assembled against us to destroy us;
thou knowest what they plot against us.
53: How will we be able to withstand them, if thou dost not help us?"
54: Then they sounded the trumpets and gave a loud shout.
55: After this Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands
and hundreds and fifties and tens.
56: And he said to those who were building houses, or were betrothed,
or were planting vineyards, or were fainthearted, that each should return to
his home, according to the law.
57: Then the army marched out and encamped to the south of Emmaus.
58: And Judas said, "Gird yourselves and be valiant. Be ready early in
the morning to fight with these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy
us and our sanctuary.
59: It is better for us to die in battle than to see the misfortunes
of our nation and of the sanctuary.
60: But as his will in heaven may be, so he will do."
Web Author: Charles Wohlers
The Lectionary Page