41
So they made this decision that day: "Let us fight against every man who comes to attack us on the sabbath day; let us not all die as our brethren died in their hiding places."
42
Then there united with them a company of Hasideans, mighty warriors of Israel, every one who offered himself willingly for the law.
43
And all who became fugitives to escape their troubles joined them and reinforced them.
44
They organized an army, and struck down sinners in their anger and lawless men in their wrath; the survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety.
45
And Mattathias and his friends went about and tore down the altars;
46
they forcibly circumcised all the uncircumcised boys that they found within the borders of Israel.
47
They hunted down the arrogant men, and the work prospered in their hands.
48
They rescued the law out of the hands of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner gain the upper hand.
49
Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he said to his sons: "Arrogance and reproach have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger.
50
Now, my children, show zeal for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.
51
"Remember the deeds of the fathers, which they did in their generations; and receive great honor and an everlasting name.