1 Maccabees 1:44

44 The king sent messengers carrying letters to Jerusalem and the surrounding towns of Judah. He directed Jews to follow customs that had been unknown in the land.

1 Maccabees 1:44 In-Context

42 giving up their local customs. The Gentile nations all readily accepted the king's command.

43 Many Jews also willingly adopted the king's religion. They sacrificed to idols and violated the Sabbath.

44 The king sent messengers carrying letters to Jerusalem and the surrounding towns of Judah. He directed Jews to follow customs that had been unknown in the land.

45 He banned the regular practices of entirely burned offerings, sacrifices, and drink offerings in the sanctuary. He banned the observance of sabbaths and feast days.

46 The sanctuary and its priests were to be defiled.