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.
27
And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, "Whosoever is zealous for the law and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me!"
28
So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.
29
Then many who sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness to dwell there,
30
both they and their children and their wives and their cattle, because afflictions increased sorely upon them.
31
Now when it was told the king's servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem in the City of David, that certain men who had broken the king's commandment had gone down into the secret places in the wilderness,
32
a great number pursued after them and, having overtaken them, they encamped against them and made war against them on the Sabbath day.