20
For his sake also our father Abraham was zealous to sacrifice his son Isaac, the ancestor of our nation; and when Isaac saw his father's hand wielding a sword and descending upon him, he did not cower.
21
And Daniel the righteous was thrown to the lions, and Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were hurled into the fiery furnace and endured it for the sake of God.
22
You too must have the same faith in God and not be grieved.
23
It is unreasonable for people who have religious knowledge not to withstand pain."
24
By these words the mother of the seven encouraged and persuaded each of her sons to die rather than violate God's commandment.
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.