23
They rallied each other to attack with weapons and to die courageously for the sake of the law of their ancestors, creating a great uproar in the holy place. The old men and the elders were barely able to restrain them, but turned them at last to the same stance of prayer.
24
Now the crowd in front of the temple was occupied in praying,
25
but the elders standing near the king tried in many ways to turn his arrogant mind from the scheme that he had conceived.
26
But he, being made bold and ignoring all their arguments, began to make his approach, determined to carry out his plan.
27
So when those who were near him saw this, they turned together with the people to appeal to the one who was fully able to come to their aid and not to overlook this insolent transgression.