1
When Nicanor heard that Judas and his men were in the region of Samaria, he made plans to attack them with complete safety on the day of rest.
2
And when the Jews who were compelled to follow him said, "Do not destroy so savagely and barbarously, but show respect for the day which he who sees all things has honored and hallowed above other days,"
3
the thrice-accursed wretch asked if there were a sovereign in heaven who had commanded the keeping of the sabbath day.
4
And when they declared, "It is the living Lord himself, the Sovereign in heaven, who ordered us to observe the seventh day,"
5
he replied, "And I am a sovereign also, on earth, and I command you to take up arms and finish the king's business." Nevertheless, he did not succeed in carrying out his abominable design.
6
This Nicanor in his utter boastfulness and arrogance had determined to erect a public monument of victory over Judas and his men.
7
But Maccabeus did not cease to trust with all confidence that he would get help from the Lord.
8
And he exhorted his men not to fear the attack of the Gentiles, but to keep in mind the former times when help had come to them from heaven, and now to look for the victory which the Almighty would give them.
9
Encouraging them from the law and the prophets, and reminding them also of the struggles they had won, he made them the more eager.
10
And when he had aroused their courage, he gave his orders, at the same time pointing out the perfidy of the Gentiles and their violation of oaths.
11
He armed each of them not so much with confidence in shields and spears as with the inspiration of brave words, and he cheered them all by relating a dream, a sort of vision, which was worthy of belief.