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.
7
But Judas was fully confident that the Lord would help him,
8
so he urged his men not to be afraid of the enemy. He encouraged them to remember how the Almighty had helped them in times past and to rest assured that he would give them victory this time also.
9
He renewed their hope by reading to them from the Law and the Prophets and by reminding them of the battles they had already won.