49. When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong; it is a time of disaster and violent wrath.
50. Therefore, my children, be zealous for the law and give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.
51. “Remember the deeds that our ancestors did in their times,and you shall win great honor and an everlasting name.
52. Was not Abraham found faithful in trial,and it was credited to him as righteousness?
53. Joseph, when in distress, kept the commandment,and he became master of Egypt.
54. Phinehas our ancestor, for his burning zeal,received the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
55. Joshua, for executing his commission,became a judge in Israel.