8
At the suggestion of Ptolemy a decree was issued to the neighboring Greek cities, that they should adopt the same policy toward the Jews and make them partake of the sacrifices,
9
and should slay those who did not choose to change over to Greek customs. One could see, therefore, the misery that had come upon them.
10
For example, two women were brought in for having circumcised their children. These women they publicly paraded about the city, with their babies hung at their breasts, then hurled them down headlong from the wall.
11
Others who had assembled in the caves near by, to observe the seventh day secretly, were betrayed to Philip and were all burned together, because their piety kept them from defending themselves, in view of their regard for that most holy day.
12
Now I urge those who read this book not to be depressed by such calamities, but to recognize that these punishments were designed not to destroy but to discipline our people.
13
In fact, not to let the impious alone for long, but to punish them immediately, is a sign of great kindness.
14
For in the case of the other nations the Lord waits patiently to punish them until they have reached the full measure of their sins; but he does not deal in this way with us,
15
in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterward when our sins have reached their height.
16
Therefore he never withdraws his mercy from us. Though he disciplines us with calamities, he does not forsake his own people.
17
Let what we have said serve as a reminder; we must go on briefly with the story.
18
Eleazar, one of the scribes in high position, a man now advanced in age and of noble presence, was being forced to open his mouth to eat swine's flesh.