And the one who[was] overthe household,and he who[was] overthe city,the elders,and the guardiansof [the children], sent[word] to Jehu,saying,"We are your servants,allthat you sayto us we will do,we will not makeanymanking;dowhatis goodin your sight."
So they girdedsackclothon their loinsand [put] ropeson their heads,and cameto the kingof Israeland said,"Your servantBen-hadadsays,'Pleaselet me live.'"And he said,"Is he stillalive?He is my brother."
The kingof Israelreplied,"It is according to your word,my lord,O king;I am yours, and allthat I have."
Then he wrotea letterto them a secondtimesaying,"Ifyou are on my side, and you will listento my voice,takethe headsof the men,your master'ssons,and cometo me at Jezreeltomorrowabout this time."Now the king'ssons,seventypersons,[were] with the greatmenof the city,[who] were rearingthem.
Then Hezekiahkingof Judahsentto the kingof Assyriaat Lachish,saying,"I have donewrong.Withdrawfrom me; whateveryou imposeon me I will bear."So the kingof Assyriarequiredof Hezekiahkingof Judahthreehundredtalentsof silverand thirtytalentsof gold.
"Do not listento them; servethe kingof Babylon,and live!Whyshould thiscitybecomea ruin?
"Was it I who conceivedallthispeople?Was it I who broughtthem forth,that You should sayto me, 'Carrythem in your bosomas a nursecarriesa nursinginfant,to the landwhichYou sworeto their fathers'?
"IfanyoneservesMe, he must followMe; and whereI am,thereMy servantwill be also;ifanyoneservesMe, the Fatherwill honorhim.
"So our eldersand allthe inhabitantsof our countryspoketo us, saying,'Takeprovisionsin your handfor the journey,and goto meetthem and sayto them, "We are your servants;nowthen, makea covenantwith us."'
But they saidto Joshua,"We are your servants."Then Joshuasaidto them, "Whoare you and wheredo you comefrom?"
