49
Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he said to his sons: "Arrogance and reproach have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger.
47
They hunted down the arrogant men, and the work prospered in their hands.
48
They rescued the law out of the hands of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner gain the upper hand.
49
Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he said to his sons: "Arrogance and reproach have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger.
50
Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.
51
"Remember the deeds of the fathers, which they did in their generations; and receive great honor and an everlasting name.
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.