55
After this Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands and hundreds and fifties and tens.
56
And he said to those who were building houses, or were betrothed, or were planting vineyards, or were fainthearted, that each should return to his home, according to the law.
57
Then the army marched out and encamped to the south of Emmaus.
58
And Judas said, "Gird yourselves and be valiant. Be ready early in the morning to fight with these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary.
59
It is better for us to die in battle than to see the misfortunes of our nation and of the sanctuary.
60
But as his will in heaven may be, so he will do."
Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright 1952 [2nd edition, 1971] by the 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.