39 When Moses spoke these words to all the Israelites, the people began to mourn a great deal. 40 Moreover, they got up early in the morning and tried to go up to the top of the mountain, saying: “Here we are ready to go up to the place that Jehovah spoke about, for we have sinned.”+ 41 But Moses said: “Why are you going beyond the order of Jehovah? This will not succeed. 42 Do not go up, for Jehovah is not with you; and you will be defeated by your enemies.+ 43 For the A·malʹek·ites and the Caʹnaan·ites are there to face you,+ and you will fall by the sword. Because you turned away from following Jehovah, Jehovah will not be with you.”+

44 However, they presumptuously went toward the top of the mountain,+ but the ark of Jehovah’s covenant and Moses did not move away from the middle of the camp.+ 45 Then the A·malʹek·ites and the Caʹnaan·ites who were dwelling in that mountain came down and struck them, scattering them as far as Horʹmah.+