2 Maccabees 4:16

16 By reason thereof sore calamity came upon them; for they held them to be their enemies and avengers whose custom they followed so earnestly and unto whom they desired to be like in all things.

2 Maccabees 4:16 In-Context

14 the priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar, but, despising the temple and neglecting the sacrifices, they hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise after the game of discus called them forth,

15 not standing by the honors of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all.

16 By reason thereof sore calamity came upon them; for they held them to be their enemies and avengers whose custom they followed so earnestly and unto whom they desired to be like in all things.

17 For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God, but the time followig shall declare these things.

18 Now when the game that was held every fifth year was kept at Tyre, the king being present,