15 At that time, the king's officers were enforcing the decrees to give up Jewish practice. They came to the town of Modein to make its people offer pagan sacrifice.
14
Then Mattathias and his sons tore their clothes and put on mourning clothes, and they lamented.
15
At that time, the king's officers were enforcing the decrees to give up Jewish practice. They came to the town of Modein to make its people offer pagan sacrifice.
16
Many from Israel came out to them, including Mattathias and his sons.
17
Then the king's officers spoke to Mattathias: "You're a leader, honored and important in this town, and supported by sons and brothers.