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.
13
Eleazar was the first contestant, the mother of the seven sons entered the competition, and the brothers contended.
14
The tyrant was the antagonist, and the world and the human race were the spectators.
15
Reverence for God was victor and gave the crown to its own athletes.
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.