44
They organized an army, and struck down sinners in their anger and renegades in their wrath; the survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety.
45
And Mattathias and his friends went around 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, 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 scorn 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 ancestors.
51
"Remember the deeds of the ancestors, which they did in their generations; and you will receive great honor and an everlasting name.
52
Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness?
53
Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt.
54
Phinehas our ancestor, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood.