10
What nation has not inherited her palaces and has not seized her spoils?
11
All her adornment has been taken away; no longer free, she has become a slave.
12
And see, our holy place, our beauty, and our glory have been laid waste; the Gentiles have profaned them.
13
Why should we live any longer?"
14
Then Mattathias and his sons tore their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned greatly.
15
The king's officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the town of Modein to make them offer sacrifice.
16
Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled.
17
Then the king's officers spoke to Mattathias as follows: "You are a leader, honored and great in this town, and supported by sons and brothers.
18
Now be the first to come and do what the king commands, as all the Gentiles and the people of Judah and those that are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons will be numbered among the Friends of the king, and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts."
19
But Mattathias answered and said in a loud voice: "Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to obey his commandments, everyone of them abandoning the religion of their ancestors,
20
I and my sons and my brothers will continue to live by the covenant of our ancestors.