21
God's sense of justice was provoked by these things, so God caused Antiochus himself to start a war against the nation.
22
While Antiochus was at war with Ptolemy in Egypt, he heard that the people in Jerusalem had celebrated when they heard a rumor about his death. So Antiochus rushed off to attack them.
23
After he had defeated them, he gave an order that anyone who was caught following the traditional Jewish Law should be put to death.
24
However, his orders had no effect on the people's commitment to keep the Law. He saw that they simply ignored his threats and punishments.
25
Even women were thrown down from a cliff headfirst along with their infants because they continued to circumcise their sons, though they were fully aware that they would suffer the consequences.