8
Indeed it would be proper to inscribe upon their tomb these words as a reminder to the people of our nation:
9
"Here lie buried an aged priest and an aged woman and seven sons, because of the violence of the tyrant who wished to destroy the way of life of the Hebrews.
10
They vindicated their nation, looking to God and enduring torture even to death."
11
Truly the contest in which they were engaged was divine,
12
for on that day virtue gave the awards and tested them for their endurance. The prize was immortality in endless life.
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.