1 Maccabees 1:51

51 In this way, Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people, and commanded the Jewish communities to offer pagan sacrifices, town by town.

1 Maccabees 1:51 In-Context

49 All of this was intended to make them forget the Law and change its regulations.

50 Whoever didn't obey the king would die.

51 In this way, Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people, and commanded the Jewish communities to offer pagan sacrifices, town by town.

52 Many Jewish people, those who abandoned the Law, followed suit and did evil in the land.

53 The king's inspectors drove Israel into hiding in every place of refuge they had available.