19
Jason changed the nation's way of life and altered its form of government in complete violation of the law,
20
so that not only was a gymnasium constructed at the very citadel of our native land, but also the temple service was abolished.
21
The divine justice was angered by these acts and caused Antiochus himself to make war on them.
22
For when he was warring against Ptolemy in Egypt, he heard that a rumor of his death had spread and that the people of Jerusalem had rejoiced greatly. He speedily marched against them,
23
and after he had plundered them he issued a decree that if any of them were found observing the ancestral law they should die.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.