¹² In his distress he sought the favor of the Lord his God and humbled^(A) himself greatly before the God of his ancestors.

¹⁹ His prayer and how God was moved by his entreaty, as well as all his sins and unfaithfulness, and the sites where he built high places and set up Asherah poles and idols before he humbled^(A) himself—all these are written in the records of the seers.^[a](B)

²⁰ the headdresses^(A) and anklets and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms,

¹⁷ Groan quietly;^(A) do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban^(B) fastened and your sandals^(C) on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard^(D) or eat the customary food of mourners.^(E)”

²³ You will keep your turbans^(A) on your heads and your sandals^(B) on your feet. You will not mourn^(C) or weep but will waste away^(D) because of^[a] your sins and groan among yourselves.^(E)