1
But when Nicanor understood that Judas was in the places of Samaria, he purposed to set upon him with all violence on the sabbath day.
2
And when the Jews that were constrained to follow him, said: Do not act so fiercely and barbarously, but give honour to the day that is sanctified: and reverence him that beholdeth all things:
3
That unhappy man asked, if there were a mighty One in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.
4
And when they answered: There is the living Lord himself in heaven, the mighty One, that commanded the seventh day to be kept,
5
Then he said: And I am mighty upon the earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king's business. Nevertheless he prevailed not to accomplish his design.
6
So Nicanor being puffed up with exceeding great pride, thought to set up a public monument of his victory over Judas.
7
But Machabeus ever trusted with all hope that God would help them.
8
And he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the nations, but to remember the help they had before received from heaven, and now to hope for victory from the Almighty.
9
And speaking to them out of the law, and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles they had fought before, he made them more cheerful:
10
Then after he had encouraged them, he shewed withal the falsehood of the Gentiles, and their breach of oaths.