1. When Nicanor learned that Judas and his companions were in the territory of Samaria, he decided he could attack them in complete safety on the day of rest.
2. The Jews who were forced to accompany him pleaded, “Do not massacre them so savagely and barbarously, but show respect for the day which the All-seeing has exalted with holiness above all other days.”
3. At this the thrice-accursed wretch asked if there was a ruler in heaven who prescribed the keeping of the sabbath day.
4. They replied, “It is the living Lord, the ruler in heaven, who commands the observance of the sabbath day.”