16
And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his sons came together.
17
Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias in this manner: "Thou art a ruler, and an honorable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren.
18
Now therefore come thou first and fulfill the king's commandment, as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Judah also and such as remain at Jerusalem. So shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and thy children shall be honored with silver and gold and many rewards."
19
Then Mattathias answered and spoke with a loud voice: "Though all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments,
20
yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers.
21
God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
22
We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our religion either on the right hand or the left."
23
Now when he had left off speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king's commandment.
24
When Mattathias saw this, he was inflamed with zeal and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to show his anger according to judgment. Therefore he ran and slew him upon the altar.
25
Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.
26
Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God as Phinehas did unto Zimri the son of Salu.