48
And they opened the book of the law to inquire into those matters about which the Gentiles consulted the likenesses of their gods.
49
They also brought the vestments of the priesthood and the first fruits and the tithes, and they stirred up the nazirites who had completed their days;
50
and they cried aloud to Heaven, saying, "What shall we do with these? Where shall we take them?
51
Your sanctuary is trampled down and profaned, and your priests mourn in humiliation.
52
Here the Gentiles are assembled against us to destroy us; you know what they plot against us.
53
How will we be able to withstand them, if you do not help us?"
54
Then they sounded the trumpets and gave a loud shout.
55
After this Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands and hundreds and fifties and tens.
56
Those who were building houses, or were about to be married, or were planting a vineyard, or were fainthearted, he told to go home again, according to the law.
57
Then the army marched out and encamped to the south of Emmaus.
58
And Judas said, "Arm yourselves and be courageous. Be ready early in the morning to fight with these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary.