He ordered<n id="1" /> the people living in Jerusalem<n id="2" /> to contribute the portion prescribed for the priests and Levites so they might be obedient<n id="3" /> to the law of the <sc>Lordsc>.

<p class="poetry">They encourage one another to carry out their evil deed.<n id="1" />p> <p class="poetry">They plan how to hide<n id="2" /> snares,p> <p class="poetry">and boast,<n id="3" /> &#8220;Who will see them?&#8221;<n id="4" />p>

Then with smooth words he will defile<n id="1" /> those who have rejected<n id="2" /> the covenant. But the people who are loyal to<n id="3" /> their God will act valiantly.<n id="4" />

Joab<n id="1" /> said, &#8220;If the Arameans start to overpower me,<n id="2" /> you come to my rescue. If the Ammonites start to overpower you,<n id="3" /> I will come to your rescue.

The priests should receive the silver they need from the treasurers and repair any damage to the temple they discover.&#8221;<n id="1" />p>

Joab<n id="1" /> said, &#8220;If the Arameans start to overpower me,<n id="2" /> you come to my rescue. If the Ammonites start to overpower you,<n id="3" /> I will come to your rescue.

<p class="poetry">So now, do not mock,p> <p class="poetry">or your chains will become heavier!p> <p class="poetry">For I have heard a message about decreed destruction,p> <p class="poetry">from the sovereign master, the <sc>Lordsc> who commands armies, against the entire land.<n id="1" />p>

<p class="poetry">Though at this time your ropes are slack,<n id="1" />p> <p class="poetry">the mast is not secured,<n id="2" />p> <p class="poetry">and the sail<n id="3" /> is not unfurled,p> <p class="poetry">at that time you will divide up a great quantity of loot;<n id="4" />p> <p class="poetry">even the lame will drag off plunder.<n id="5" />p>