28
at a great assembly of priests, people, officials, and national leaders the following facts were made known to us:
29
Often when wars broke out in the country, Simon son of Mattathias, a priest of the Jehoiarib family, and his brothers risked their lives in protecting our nation, our Temple, and our Law against our enemies. They have brought great glory to our nation.
30
Jonathan united our people and became the High Priest before he died.
31
The enemies of the Jews plotted to invade the land and defile the Temple.
32
Then Simon assumed command and fought for his country. He spent a large amount of his own money to provide weapons and wages for his nation's armed forces.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.