¹² So some of^[a] the Ephraimite family leaders, Azariah son of Jehochanan, Berechiah son of Meshillemoth, Jechizkiah son of Shallum, and Amasa son of Hadlai confronted^[b] those returning from the battle. ¹³ They said to them, “Don’t bring those captives here! Are you planning on making us even more sinful and guilty before the Lord?^[c] Our guilt is already great, and the Lord is very angry at Israel.”^{[d] 14} So the soldiers released the captives and the plunder before the officials and the entire assembly.