47
set up altars and cultic groves and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine's flesh and unclean beasts;
48
that they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation,
49
to the end they might forget the law and change all the ordinances.
50
"And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king," he said, "he should die."
51
In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Judah to sacrifice, city by city.
52
Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit, every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land,
53
and drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for succor.
54
Now the fifteenth day of the month of Chislev, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and built idol altars throughout the cities of Judah on every side,
55
and burned incense at the doors of their houses and in the streets.
56
And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burned them with fire.
57
And whosoever was found with any book of the testament or if any were committed to the law, the king's commandment was that they should put him to death.