1 Maccabees 2:50-60

50 But you, my sons, must be devoted to the Law and ready to die to defend God's covenant with our ancestors.

51 Remember what our ancestors did and how much they accomplished in their day. Follow their example, and you will be rewarded with great glory and undying fame.

52 Remember how Abraham put his trust in the Lord when he was tested and how the Lord was pleased with him and accepted him. ¹

53 Joseph, in his time of trouble, obeyed God's commands and became ruler over the land of Egypt. ²

54 Phinehas, our ancestor, because of his burning devotion, was given the promise that his descendants would always be priests.

55 Joshua was made a judge in Israel because he obeyed the command of Moses. ³

56 Caleb brought back a good report to the community and was given a part of the land as a reward.

57 David was made king and was given the promise that his descendants would always be kings because of his steadfast loyalty to God. ⁴

58 Elijah, because of his great devotion to the Law, was taken up into heaven. ⁵

59 Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were saved from the flames because they had faith. ⁶

60 Daniel was a man of integrity, and the Lord rescued him from the mouth of the lions. ⁷

Cross References

• 1. 2.52Genesis 15.6; 22.15-18.
• 2. 2.53Genesis 39.1--45.28.
• 3. 2.55, 56Numbers 13.1--14.12.
• 4. 2.57 2 Samuel 7.16.
• 5. 2.58 2 Kings 2.9-12.
• 6. 2.59Daniel 3.8-30.
• 7. 2.60Daniel 6.1-24;Bel 31-42.