28
I beseech you, my child, to look at the heaven and the earth and see everything that is in them, and recognize that God did not make them out of things that existed. Thus also mankind comes into being.
29
Do not fear this butcher, but prove worthy of your brothers. Accept death, so that in God's mercy I may get you back again with your brothers."
30
While she was still speaking, the young man said, "What are you waiting for? I will not obey the king's command, but I obey the command of the law that was given to our fathers through Moses.
31
But you, who have contrived all sorts of evil against the Hebrews, will certainly not escape the hands of God.
32
For we are suffering because of our own sins.
33
And if our living Lord is angry for a little while, to rebuke and discipline us, he will again be reconciled with his own servants.
34
But you, unholy wretch, you most defiled of all men, do not be elated in vain and puffed up by uncertain hopes, when you raise your hand against the children of heaven.
35
You have not yet escaped the judgment of the almighty, all-seeing God.
36
For our brothers after enduring a brief suffering have drunk of everflowing life under God's covenant; but you, by the judgment of God, will receive just punishment for your arrogance.
37
I, like my brothers, give up body and life for the laws of our fathers, appealing to God to show mercy soon to our nation and by afflictions and plagues to make you confess that he alone is God,
38
and through me and my brothers to bring to an end the wrath of the Almighty which has justly fallen on our whole nation."