1 Maccabees 2:7-17

7 and said, "Alas! Why was I born to see this, the ruin of my people, the ruin of the holy city, and to live there when it was given over to the enemy, the sanctuary given over to aliens?
8 Her temple has become like a person without honor;
9 her glorious vessels have been carried into exile. Her infants have been killed in her streets, her youths by the sword of the foe.
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.

Footnotes 2

  • [a]. Meaning of Gk uncertain
  • [b]. Other ancient authorities read [has not had a part in her kingdom]
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.