36“So now today we are slaves in the land of plenty that you gave our ancestors for their enjoyment! We are slaves here in this good land. 37The lush produce of this land piles up in the hands of the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They have power over us and our livestock. We serve them at their pleasure, and we are in great misery.”

The People Agree to Obey

38^eThe people responded, “In view of all this,^f we are making a solemn promise and putting it in writing. On this sealed document are the names of our leaders and Levites and priests.”