21
God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
22
We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.
23
Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king's commandment.
24
Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.
25
Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.
26
Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees did unto Zambri the son of Salom.
27
And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.
28
So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.
29
Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness, to dwell there:
30
Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.
31
Now when it was told the king's servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the secret places in the wilderness,