4 Maccabees 5:14

Eleazar’s defense

14 When the tyrant had finished pressuring Eleazar to eat forbidden food, Eleazar asked to say something.

4 Maccabees 5:14 In-Context

12 Take pity on your old age, and respect my generous advice.

13 Think about this: if there is some power watching over you and your religion, it will excuse you for any action against the Law if you are compelled to do it."

14 When the tyrant had finished pressuring Eleazar to eat forbidden food, Eleazar asked to say something.

15 Antiochus gave him permission, and Eleazar began to give the following speech:

16 “Antiochus, we are persuaded to live our lives in line with the divine Law! We think that nothing is more compelling than our obedience to the Law.