1 Maccabees 3:1-8

1 Then Judas his son, who was called Maccabeus, took command in his place.

2 All his brothers and all who had joined his father helped him; they gladly fought for Israel.

3 He extended the glory of his people. Like a giant he put on his breastplate; he girded on his armor of war and waged battles, protecting the host by his sword.

4 He was like a lion in his deeds, like a lion's cub roaring for prey.

5 He searched out and pursued the lawless; he burned those who troubled his people.

6 Lawless men shrank back for fear of him; all the evildoers were confounded; and deliverance prospered by his hand.

7 He embittered many kings, but he made Jacob glad by his deeds, and his memory is blessed for ever.

8 He went through the cities of Judah; he destroyed the ungodly out of the land; thus he turned away wrath from Israel.