1 Maccabees 2:56-66

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. 1
58 Elijah, because of his great devotion to the Law, was taken up into heaven. 2
59 Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were saved from the flames because they had faith. 3
60 Daniel was a man of integrity, and the Lord rescued him from the mouth of the lions. 4
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.
63 Today he may be highly honored, but tomorrow he will disappear; his body will return to the earth and his scheming will come to an end.
64 But you, my sons, be strong and courageous in defending the Law, because it is through the Law that you will earn great glory.
65 "Your brother Simon is wise, so always listen to him as you would to me.
66 Judas Maccabeus has been strong all his life; he will be your commander and will lead you in battle against the enemy.

Cross References 4

  • 1. 2.57 2 Samuel 7.16.
  • 2. 2.58 2 Kings 2.9-12.
  • 3. 2.59Daniel 3.8-30.
  • 4. 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.