1 Maccabees 2:52-62

52 Remember how Abraham put his trust in the Lord when he was tested and how the Lord was pleased with him and accepted him. 1
53 Joseph, in his time of trouble, obeyed God's commands and became ruler over the land of Egypt. 2
54 Phinehas, our ancestor, because of his burning devotion, was given the promise that his descendants would always be priests.
55 Joshua was made a judge in Israel because he obeyed the command of Moses. 3
56 Caleb brought back a good report to the community and was given a part of the land as a reward.
57 David was made king and was given the promise that his descendants would always be kings because of his steadfast loyalty to God. 4
58 Elijah, because of his great devotion to the Law, was taken up into heaven. 5
59 Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were saved from the flames because they had faith. 6
60 Daniel was a man of integrity, and the Lord rescued him from the mouth of the lions. 7
61 Take each of these ancestors of ours as an example, and you will realize that no one who puts his trust in the Lord will ever lack strength.
62 Don't be afraid of the threats of a wicked man. Remember that he will die and all his splendor will end with worms feeding on his decaying body.

Cross References 7

  • 1. 2.52Genesis 15.6; 22.15-18.
  • 2. 2.53Genesis 39.1--45.28.
  • 3. 2.55, 56Numbers 13.1--14.12.
  • 4. 2.57 2 Samuel 7.16.
  • 5. 2.58 2 Kings 2.9-12.
  • 6. 2.59Daniel 3.8-30.
  • 7. 2.60Daniel 6.1-24;Bel 31-42.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.