36
For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel.
37
Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary and defiled it,
38
insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them, whereupon the city was made a habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own children left her.
39
Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness; her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, her honor into contempt.
40
As had been her glory, so was her dishonor increased, and her excellency was turned into mourning.
41
Moreover King Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people,
42
and every one should leave his laws; so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.
43
Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the Sabbath.
44
For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Judah that they should follow the strange laws of the land,
45
and forbid burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offerings in the temple, and that they should profane the Sabbaths and festival days,
46
and pollute the sanctuary and holy people,