38. So the troops attacked them on the Sabbath. They died, with their wives and children and livestock, as many as one thousand people.
39. When Mattathias and his friends learned about this, they deeply mourned for the dead.
40. They said to each other: "If we all do as our people have done and refuse to fight against the Gentiles for our lives and our commandments, they will soon eliminate us from the earth."
41. So they decided that day: "We will fight against anyone who comes to attack us on the Sabbath. Let’s not all die as our people did in their hiding places."
42. At that time a company of Hasideans, mighty warriors of Israel, united with them. They offered their lives willingly for the Law.
43. Others who became fugitives to escape their troubles joined them as well and reinforced them.
44. Together they organized an army. In their fury, they struck down sinners and renegades. Survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety.
45. Mattathias and his friends went around tearing down the altars to other gods.
46. They forcibly circumcised boys whom they found uncircumcised within the borders of Israel.
47. They hunted down arrogant people, and their missions were successful.
48. They rescued the Law from the power of the Gentiles and kings, and they never let the sinner regain power.
49. Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he spoke to his sons: “Arrogance and contempt are present everywhere. It is a time of ruin and raging anger.
50. Now, my children, demonstrate zeal for the Law, and give your lives for our ancestors’ covenant.
51. “Remember the deeds of the ancestors, which they did in their day, and you will inherit great honor and everlasting remembrance.
52. Wasn’t Abraham found faithful when he was tested, and it was considered righteousness?
53. Joseph kept the commandment in the time of his distress, and he became ruler of Egypt.
54. Our ancestor Phinehas received the covenant of everlasting priesthood because he was deeply zealous.
55. Joshua became a judge in Israel because he fulfilled the command.
56. Caleb received an inheritance in the land because he testified in the assembly.
57. David inherited the throne of the kingdom forever because he was merciful.