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.