1
Then his son Judas, who was called Maccabeus, took command in his place.
2
All his brothers and all who had joined his father helped him; they gladly fought for Israel.
3
He extended the glory of his people. Like a giant he put on his breastplate; he bound on his armor of war and waged battles, protecting the camp by his sword.
4
He was like a lion in his deeds, like a lion's cub roaring for prey.
5
He searched out and pursued those who broke the law; he burned those who troubled his people.
6
Lawbreakers shrank back for fear of him; all the evildoers were confounded; and deliverance prospered by his hand.
7
He embittered many kings, but he made Jacob glad by his deeds, and his memory is blessed forever.
8
He went through the cities of Judah; he destroyed the ungodly out of the land; thus he turned away wrath from Israel.
9
He was renowned to the ends of the earth; he gathered in those who were perishing.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.