Sanctifie ye a fast] Chap. 2. 15. Appoint a time for this holy exercise, and prepare your selves unto it by all acts of piety and devotion.
call a solmn assembly] Or, day of restraint. Leviticus 23:36.
the elders] The Magistrates and chiefe of the people.
cry unto the LORD] Pray that he would take away the present evils.