1
O reason of the children, tyrant over the emotions! O religion, more desirable to the mother than her children!
2
Two courses were open to this mother, that of religion, and that of preserving her seven sons for a time, as the tyrant had promised.
3
She loved religion more, religion that preserves them for eternal life according to God's promise.
4
In what manner might I express the emotions of parents who love their children? We impress upon the character of a small child a wondrous likeness both of mind and of form. Especially is this true of mothers, who because of their birthpangs have a deeper sympathy toward their offspring than do the fathers.
5
Considering that mothers are the weaker sex and give birth to many, they are more devoted to their children.
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.