19
But Mattathias answered and said in a loud voice: "Even if all the nations that live under the rule of the king obey him, and have chosen to obey his commandments, everyone of them abandoning the religion of their ancestors,
20
I and my sons and my brothers will continue to live by the covenant of our ancestors.
21
Far be it from us to desert the law and the ordinances.
22
We will not obey the king's words by turning aside from our religion to the right hand or to the left."
23
When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein, according to the king's command.
24
When Mattathias saw it, he burned with zeal and his heart was stirred. He gave vent to righteous anger; he ran and killed him on the altar.
25
At the same time he killed the king's officer who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar.
26
Thus he burned with zeal for the law, just as Phinehas did against Zimri son of Salu.
27
Then Mattathias cried out in the town with a loud voice, saying: "Let every one who is zealous for the law and supports the covenant come out with me!"
28
Then he and his sons fled to the hills and left all that they had in the town.
29
At that time many who were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to live there,