14
And Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned greatly.
15
Then the king's officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to make them offer sacrifice.
16
Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled.
17
Then the king's officers spoke to Mattathias as follows: "You are a leader, honored and great in this city, and supported by sons and brothers.
18
Now be the first to come and do what the king commands, as all the Gentiles and the men of Judah and those that are left in Jerusalem have done. Then you and your sons will be numbered among the friends of the king, and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts."
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.