48
And they opened the book of the law to inquire into those matters about which the Gentiles were consulting the images of their idols.
49
They also brought the garments of the priesthood and the first fruits and the tithes, and they stirred up the Nazirites who had completed their days;
50
and they cried aloud to Heaven, saying, "What shall we do with these? Where shall we take them?
51
Thy sanctuary is trampled down and profaned, and thy priests mourn in humiliation.
52
And behold, the Gentiles are assembled against us to destroy us; thou knowest what they plot against us.
53
How will we be able to withstand them, if thou dost not help us?"
54
Then they sounded the trumpets and gave a loud shout.
55
After this Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands and hundreds and fifties and tens.
56
And he said to those who were building houses, or were betrothed, or were planting vineyards, or were fainthearted, that each should return to his home, according to the law.
57
Then the army marched out and encamped to the south of Emmaus.
58
And Judas said, "Gird yourselves and be valiant. Be ready early in the morning to fight with these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary.