³¹ But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, “Are you going to plead Baal’s cause?^(A) Are you trying to save him? Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning! If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar.”

³⁸ Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.^{(A) 39} But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”^(B)