47. And they pursued after the sons of pride, and the work prospered in their hand.
48. And they rescued the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of the kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.
49. And the days of Mattathias drew near that he should die, and he said to his sons, Now have pride and rebuke gotten strength, and a season of overthrow, and wrath of indignation.
50. And now, my children, be you⌃ zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
51. And call to remembrance the deeds of our fathers which they did in their generations; and receive great glory and an everlasting name.
52. Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness?
53. Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt.
54. Phinehas our father, for that he was zealous exceedingly, obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
55. Joshua for fulfilling the word became a judge in Israel.
56. Caleb for bearing witness in the congregation obtained a heritage in the land.