Surely you would not destroy the city. You would not destroy 50 good people to kill the evil people. If that happened, then good people and evil people would be the same—they would both be punished. You are the judge of all the earth. I know you will do the right thing.”
Now get up and go speak to your officers. Encourage them! I swear by the Lord that if you don’t go out and do that right now, you won’t have one man with you tonight. And that will be worse than all the trouble you have had since you were a child.”
And it was on the very same day that I was anointed [20] to be the king. These sons of Zeruiah have caused me a lot of trouble. I hope the Lord gives these men the punishment they deserve.”
Now, strong city, {\cf2\super [59]} gather your soldiers.\par They are surrounding us for the attack!\par They will hit the Judge of Israel\par on the cheek with their stick.\par