⁹ That is why our ·ancestors [fathers] ·were killed in battle [^Lhave fallen by the sword] and our sons, daughters, and wives ·were [are] taken captive. ¹⁰ Now I, Hezekiah, ·have decided [intend] to make an ·agreement [covenant; treaty] with the Lord, the God of Israel, so ·he will not be angry with us anymore [^Lhis burning anger will turn away from us]. ¹¹ My sons, don’t ·waste any more time [be negligent now]. The Lord chose you to stand ·before him [in his presence], to ·serve [minister to] him, to be his ·servants [ministers], and to burn incense to him.”