1
Nicanor learned that Judas and his men were in the region of Samaria, and so he decided to attack them on a Sabbath, when he could do so without any danger to himself.
2
The Jews who were forced to accompany his army begged him not to do such a cruel and savage thing, but to respect the day that the all-seeing God had honored and made the most holy of all days.
3
Then Nicanor, the lowest creature on earth, asked if there was some sovereign ruler in heaven who had commanded them to honor the Sabbath.
4
And the Jews replied, "Yes; the living Lord, who rules in heaven, commanded us to honor the Sabbath."
5
But Nicanor answered, "I am the ruler on earth, and I order you to take up your weapons and to do what the king commands." However, he did not succeed in carrying out his cruel plan.
6
In his arrogance Nicanor had boasted that he would set up a monument in honor of his victory over Judas.