Common English Bible

1 Maccabees 2:2-9 Common English Bible (CEB)

2. He had five sons: John, who had the surname Gaddi;

3. Simon, called Thassi;

4. Judas, called Maccabeus;

5. Eleazar, called Avaran; and Jonathan, called Apphus.

6. Mattathias saw the offensive actions against God that were taking place in Judah and Jerusalem.

7. He said:"Horrible! Why was I born to see this—the ruin of my people,the ruin of the holy city?Why was I born to live there when it was given over to the enemy,and when the sanctuarywas given over to strangers?

8. Her temple has becomelike a person stripped of honor.

9. Her glorious equipmenthas been taken away into exile.Her babies have been killedin her streets,her young peopleby the enemy’s sword.