4
And the nation through them obtained peace, and having renewed the observance of the law in their country, drove the enemy out of the land.
5
And the tyrant Antiochus was both punished upon earth, and is punished now he is dead; for when he was quite unable to compel the Israelites to adopt foreign customs, and to desert the manner of life of their fathers,
6
then, departing from Jerusalem, he made war against the Persians.
7
And the righteous mother of the seven children spake also as follows to her offspring: I was a pure virgin, and went not beyond my father's house; but I took care of the built-up rib.
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No destroyer of the desert, ravisher of the plain, injured me; nor did the destructive, deceitful snake, make spoil of my chaste virginity; and I remained with my husband during the period of my prime.
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And these my children, having arrived at maturity, their father died: blessed was he! for having sought out a life of fertility in children, he was not grieved with a period of loss of children.
10
And he used to teach you, when yet with you, the law and the prophets.
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He used to read to you the slaying of Abel by Cain, and the offering up of Isaac, and the imprisonment of Joseph.
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And he used to tell you of the zealous Phinehas; and informed you of Ananias and Azarias, and Misael in the fire.
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And he used to glorify Daniel, who was in the den of lions, and pronounce him blessed.
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And he used to put you in mind of the scripture of Esaias, which saith, Even if thou pass through the fire, it shall not burn thee.