3 Maccabees 5:5

5 The servants in charge of the Jews went out in the evening, bound the hands of those enduring this distress, and arranged for their continued custody through the night. They expected that the entire race would come to a ruinous end.

3 Maccabees 5:5 In-Context

3 When Ptolemy had given these commands, he went back to his partying, having gathered those of his friends and of the army who were especially hostile toward the Jews.

4 But Hermon the elephant keeper promptly began to carry out the orders.

5 The servants in charge of the Jews went out in the evening, bound the hands of those enduring this distress, and arranged for their continued custody through the night. They expected that the entire race would come to a ruinous end.

6 To the Gentiles it seemed that the Jews were entirely without refuge, since in their chains, distress surrounded them on every side.

7 But with persistent cries and tears they all called upon their almighty Lord and merciful God and father, who rules over every power. They continued to pray