⁹The Ammonites also went across the Jordan. They crossed over to fight against Judah, Benjamin and the people of Ephraim. Israel was suffering terribly.

¹⁰Then the people of Israel cried out to the Lord. They said, “We have sinned against you. We have deserted our God. We have served the gods that are named after Baal.”

¹¹The Lord replied, “The Egyptians and Amorites beat you down. So did the Ammonites and Philistines. ¹²And so did the Amalekites and the people of Sidon and Maon. Each time you cried out to me for help. And I saved you from their power.

¹³“But you have deserted me. You have served other gods. So I will not save you anymore. ¹⁴Go and cry out to the gods you have chosen. Let them save you when you get into trouble!”

¹⁵But the people of Israel replied to the Lord. They said, “We have sinned. Do to us what you think is best. But please save us now.” ¹⁶Then they got rid of the strange gods that were among them. They served the Lord. And he couldn’t stand to see Israel suffer anymore.

¹⁷The Ammonites were called together to fight. They camped in the land of Gilead. Then the men of Israel gathered together. They camped at the city of Mizpah.

¹⁸The leaders of Gilead spoke to each other. They said, “Who will lead the attack against the Ammonites? That man will be the ruler of all of the people who live in Gilead.”

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