Elijahsaidto him, "Elisha,pleasestayhere,for the LORDhas sentme to Jericho."But he said,"As the LORDlives,and as you yourselflive,I will not leaveyou." So they cameto Jericho.
In his daysHielthe BethelitebuiltJericho;he laidits foundationswith the [loss of] Abiramhis firstborn,and setup its gateswith the [loss of] his youngestson Segub,according to the wordof the LORD,whichHe spokeby Joshuathe sonof Nun.
Elijahsaidto Elisha,"Stayhereplease,for the LORDhas sentme as faras Bethel."But Elishasaid,"As the LORDlivesand as you yourselflive,I will not leaveyou." So they wentdownto Bethel.
The motherof the ladsaid,"As the LORDlivesand as you yourselflive,I will not leaveyou." And he aroseand followedher.
He enteredJerichoand was passing through.
Then when he arrivedand witnessedthe graceof God,he rejoicedand [began] to encouragethem allwith resoluteheartto remain[true] to the Lord;
They were continually devoting themselvesto the apostles'teachingand to fellowship,to the breakingof breadand to prayer.
Now Jerichowas tightlyshutbecauseof the sonsof Israel;noonewentout and noonecamein.
Then Joshuamade them takean oathat that time,saying,"Cursedbeforethe LORDis the manwhorisesup and buildsthiscityJericho;with [the loss of] his firstbornhe shall layits foundation,and with [the loss of] his youngestsonhe shall setup its gates."
But Ruthsaid,"Do not urgeme to leaveyou [or] turnbackfrom followingyou; for whereyou go,I will go,and whereyou lodge,I will lodge.Your people[shall be] my people,and your God,my God.
She said,"Oh,my lord!As your soullives,my lord,I am the womanwho stoodherebesideyou, prayingto the LORD.
