But didn’t you drive out the priests(A) of the Lord,(B) the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and make priests of your own as the peoples of other lands do? Whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull(C) and seven rams(D) may become a priest of what are not gods.(E)

10 “As for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not forsaken him. The priests who serve the Lord are sons of Aaron, and the Levites assist them. 11 Every morning and evening(F) they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense(G) to the Lord. They set out the bread on the ceremonially clean table(H) and light the lamps(I) on the gold lampstand every evening. We are observing the requirements of the Lord our God. But you have forsaken him. 12 God is with us; he is our leader. His priests with their trumpets will sound the battle cry against you.(J) People of Israel, do not fight against the Lord,(K) the God of your ancestors, for you will not succeed.”(L)

13 Now Jeroboam had sent troops around to the rear, so that while he was in front of Judah the ambush(M) was behind them. 14 Judah turned and saw that they were being attacked at both front and rear. Then they cried out(N) to the Lord. The priests blew their trumpets 15 and the men of Judah raised the battle cry. At the sound of their battle cry, God routed Jeroboam and all Israel(O) before Abijah and Judah.

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