2:49. Now the days drew near that Mathathias should die, and he said to his sons: Now hath pride and chastisement gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation: 2:50. Now, therefore, O my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers. 2:51. And call to remembrance the works of the fathers, which they have done in their generations: and you shall receive great glory, and an everlasting name. 2:52. Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was reputed to him unto justice? 2:53. Joseph, in the time of his distress, kept the commandment, and he was made lord of Egypt. 2:54. Phinees, our father, by being fervent in the zeal of God, received the covenant of an everlasting priesthood. 2:55. Jesus, whilst he fulfilled the word, was made ruler in Israel. Jesus... That is, Josue. 2:56. Caleb, for bearing witness before the congregation, received an inheritance. 2:57. David, by his mercy, obtained the throne of an everlasting kingdom. 2:58. Elias, while he is full of zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven. 2:59. Ananias and Azarias and Misael, by believing, were delivered out of the flame. 2:60. Daniel, in his innocency, was delivered out of the mouth of the lions. 2:61. And thus consider, through all generations: that none that trust in him, fail in strength. 2:62. And fear not the words of a sinful man, for his glory is dung and worms: 2:63. Today he is lifted up, and tomorrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his earth and his thought is come to nothing. 2:64. You, therefore, my sons, take courage, and behave manfully in the law: for by it you shall be glorious. 2:65. And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel: give ear to him always, and he shall be a father to you. 2:66. And Judas Machabeus, who is valiant and strong from his youth up, let him be the leader of your army, and he shall manage the war of the people. 2:67. And you shall take to you all that observe the law: and revenge ye the wrong of your people. 2:68. Render to the Gentiles their reward, and take heed to the precepts of the law. 2:69. And he blessed them, and was joined to his fathers. 2:70. And he died in the hundred and forty-sixth year: and he was buried by his sons in the sepulchres of his fathers, in Modin, and all Israel mourned for him with great mourning. 1 Machabees Chapter 3 Judas Machabeus succeeds his father, and overthrows Apollonius and Seron. A great army is sent against him out of Syria. He prepares his people for battle by fasting and prayer. 3:1. Then his son Judas, called Machabeus, rose up in his stead. 3:2. And all his brethren helped him, and all they that had joined themselves to his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel. 3:3. And he got his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike armour about him in battles, and protected the camp with his sword.