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Then Mattathias and his friends were joined by a group of devout and patriotic Jews, the strongest and bravest men in Israel, who had all volunteered to defend the Law.
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In addition, everyone who was fleeing from the persecution joined them and strengthened their forces.
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Now that they had an army, they gave vent to their anger by attacking the renegade Jews. Those who escaped were forced to flee to the Gentiles for safety.
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Mattathias and his friends went everywhere tearing down pagan altars
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and circumcising by force every uncircumcised boy they found within the borders of Israel.
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They were also successful in hunting down the arrogant Gentile officials.
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They rescued the Law of Moses from the Gentiles and their kings and broke the power of the wicked King Antiochus.
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When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons, "These are times of violence and distress. Arrogant people are in control and have made us an object of ridicule.
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But you, my sons, must be devoted to the Law and ready to die to defend God's covenant with our ancestors.
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Remember what our ancestors did and how much they accomplished in their day. Follow their example, and you will be rewarded with great glory and undying fame.
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Remember how Abraham put his trust in the Lord when he was tested and how the Lord was pleased with him and accepted him.
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