Then you must build an altar there to the Lord your God, an altar of stones – do not use an iron tool on them.

Establish your work outside and get your fields ready; afterward build your house.

“Now, my son, may the Lord be with you! May you succeed and build a temple for the Lord your God, just as he announced you would.

Lay siege to it! Build siege works against it. Erect a siege ramp against it! Post soldiers outside it and station battering rams around it.

However, you may chop down any tree you know is not suitable for food, and you may use it to build siege works against the city that is making war with you until that city falls.

Then build an altar for the Lord your God on the top of this stronghold according to the proper pattern. Take the second bull and offer it as a burnt sacrifice on the wood from the Asherah pole that you cut down.”