4
When they declared, "It is the living Lord himself, the Sovereign in heaven, who ordered us to observe the seventh day,"
5
he replied, "But 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 forces.
7
But Maccabeus did not cease to trust with all confidence that he would get help from the Lord.
8
He exhorted his troops 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 so to look for the victory that 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
When he had aroused their courage, he issued 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.
12
What he saw was this: Onias, who had been high priest, a noble and good man, of modest bearing and gentle manner, one who spoke fittingly and had been trained from childhood in all that belongs to excellence, was praying with outstretched hands for the whole body of the Jews.
13
Then in the same fashion another appeared, distinguished by his gray hair and dignity, and of marvelous majesty and authority.
14
And Onias spoke, saying, "This is a man who loves the family of Israel and prays much for the people and the holy city—Jeremiah, the prophet of God."