48
And they laid open the books of the law, in which the Gentiles searched for the likeness of their idols:
49
And they brought the priestly ornaments, and the firstfruits and tithes, and stirred up the Nazarites that had fulfilled their days:
50
And they cried with a loud voice toward heaven, saying: What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them?
51
For thy holies are trodden down, and are profaned, and thy priests are in mourning, and are brought low.
52
And behold the nations are come together against us to destroy us: thou knowest what they intend against us.
53
How shall we be able to stand before their face, unless thou, O God, help us?
54
Then they sounded with trumpets, and cried out with a loud voice.
55
And after this Judas appointed captains over the people, over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens.
56
And he said to them that were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, that they should return every man to his house, according to the law.
57
So they removed the camp, and pitched on the south side of Emmaus.
58
And Judas said: Gird yourselves, and be valiant men, and be ready against the morning, that you may fight with these nations that are assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary.