9
Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father's time.
10
Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:
11
And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the blasphemous nations.
12
So when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.
13
And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.
The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.