2 Maccabees 14:40

40 because he thought his arrest would be a crippling blow to the Jews.

2 Maccabees 14:40 In-Context

38 During the early days of the revolution he had risked his life for Judaism and had been brought to trial because of his loyalty.

39 Wanting to show clearly how much he disliked the Jews, Nicanor sent more than 500 soldiers to arrest Razis,

40 because he thought his arrest would be a crippling blow to the Jews.

41 The soldiers were about to capture the tower where Razis had gone. They were forcing open the gates to the courtyard, and the order had been given to set the door on fire. Razis realized there was no escape, so he tried to commit suicide with his sword,

42 preferring to die with honor rather than suffer humiliation at the hands of evil men.