12. Moral character itself handed out awards that day, having proved their worth through their endurance. Victory brought immortality through an endless life.
13. Eleazar was the first competitor. The mother of the seven children and the brothers competed also.
14. The tyrant was the opponent, and the world and the human race were the audience.
15. Respect for God won the day and crowned its champions.
16. Who wasn’t amazed at the athletes who were competing in the name of the divine Law? Who wasn’t astonished?
17. The tyrant himself, along with all his political advisors, was amazed at their resistance,