⁷ But as for you, be strong^(A) and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”^(B)

⁸ When Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Azariah son of^[a] Oded the prophet, he took courage. He removed the detestable idols^(C) from the whole land of Judah and Benjamin and from the towns he had captured^(D) in the hills of Ephraim. He repaired the altar^(E) of the Lord that was in front of the portico of the Lord’s temple.

⁹ Then he assembled all Judah and Benjamin and the people from Ephraim, Manasseh and Simeon who had settled among them, for large numbers^(F) had come over to him from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him.