So what will happen to God’s people? Abject surrender isn’t an option for them - they couldn’t risk the destruction of the Temple. So they prepare for war, desperately defending the mountain passes into their land, and fortifying the towns and villages. Thankfully the harvest is in, so the oncoming army can’t burn their crops. They might be in for a siege.
And they remember God. Unlike the Biblical accounts of Israel and Judah under threat, the people are faithful in prayer and reliance on God. This is a sign that we’re reading a stylised story - more of a legend than fact - the other nations’ surrender is extreme and abject, Judah’s fortitude is noble and bold.
The people are united in begging God to protect them, there would hardly be enough sackcloth in the whole city to cover everyone is their earnest prayer and fasting.
And God heard their distress.
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