12
for on that day virtue gave the awards and tested them for their endurance. The prize was immortality in endless life.
13
Eleazar was the first contestant, the mother of the seven sons entered the competition, and the brothers contended.
14
The tyrant was the antagonist, and the world and the human race were the spectators.
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Reverence for God was victor and gave the crown to its own athletes.
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Who did not admire the athletes of the divine legislation? Who were not amazed?
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The tyrant himself and all his council marveled at their endurance,
18
because of which they now stand before the divine throne and live through blessed eternity.
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For Moses says, "All who are consecrated are under your hands."
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These, then, who have been consecrated for the sake of God, are honored, not only with this honor, but also by the fact that because of them our enemies did not rule over our nation,
21
the tyrant was punished, and the homeland purified -- they having become, as it were, a ransom for the sin of our nation.
22
And through the blood of those devout ones and their death as an expiation, divine Providence preserved Israel that previously had been afflicted.