53
and drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for succor.
54
Now the fifteenth day of the month of Chislev, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and built idol altars throughout the cities of Judah on every side,
55
and burned incense at the doors of their houses and in the streets.
56
And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burned them with fire.
57
And whosoever was found with any book of the testament or if any were committed to the law, the king's commandment was that they should put him to death.
58
Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the cities.
59
Now the five and twentieth day of the month they sacrificed upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God,
60
at which time, according to the commandment, they put to death certain women that had caused their children to be circumcised.
61
And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew those who had circumcised them.
62
However that be, many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.
63
Therefore they chose rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats and that they might not profane the holy covenant; so then they died.