1 Maccabees 1:51

51 In such words he wrote to his whole kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people and commanded the towns of Judah to offer sacrifice, town by town.

1 Maccabees 1:51 In-Context

49 so that they would forget the law and change all the ordinances.

50 He added, "And whoever does not obey the command of the king shall die."

51 In such words he wrote to his whole kingdom. He appointed inspectors over all the people and commanded the towns of Judah to offer sacrifice, town by town.

52 Many of the people, everyone who forsook the law, joined them, and they did evil in the land;

53 they drove Israel into hiding in every place of refuge they had.