1 Maccabees 1:63

63 Therefore they chose rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats and that they might not profane the holy covenant; so then they died.

1 Maccabees 1:63 In-Context

61 And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew those who had circumcised them.

62 However that be, many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.

63 Therefore they chose rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats and that they might not profane the holy covenant; so then they died.

64 And there was very great wrath upon Israel.