Now in the timeof his distressthissameKingAhazbecameyetmoreunfaithfulto the LORD.
AfterthiseventJeroboamdid not returnfrom his evilway,but againhe madepriestsof the highplacesfrom among allthe people;any who would,he ordained,to be priestsof the highplaces.
When he was in distress,he entreatedthe LORDhis Godand humbledhimself greatlybeforethe Godof his fathers.
Esthersaid,"A foeand an enemyis thiswickedHaman!"Then Hamanbecame terrifiedbeforethe kingand queen.
Callupon Me in the dayof trouble;I shall rescueyou, and you will honorMe."
"Behold,the manwho would not makeGodhis refuge,But trustedin the abundanceof his riches[And] was strongin his [evil] desire."
Wherewill you be strickenagain,[As] you continuein [your] rebellion?The wholeheadis sickAnd the wholeheartis faint.
O LORD,do not Your eyes[look] for truth?You have smittenthem, [But] they did not weaken;You have consumedthem, But they refusedto takecorrection.They have madetheir facesharderthanrock;They have refusedto repent.
"For [there is] a testing;and whatifeventhe rodwhich despiseswill be nomore?" declaresthe LordGOD.
I will goaway [and] returnto My placeUntilthey acknowledgetheir guiltand seekMy face;In their afflictionthey will earnestlyseekMe.
