Maccabees

Our for-fathers fought for what was right (Marters for the L-rd)!
Do not be workers of iniquity, stand and be counted for rightcusness!
1Mac. 2
[1] In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.
[2] And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:
[3] Simon; called Thassi:
[4] Judas, who was called Maccabeus:
[5] Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.
[6] And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,
[49] Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:

[50] Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
[51] Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.
[52] Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?
[53] Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and was made lord of Egypt.
[54] Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
[55] Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.
[56] Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received the heritage of the land.
[57] David for being merciful possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
[58] Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up into heaven.
[59] Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of the flame.
[60] Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions.
[61] And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.
[62] Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be dung and worms.
[63] To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.
[64] Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.
[65] And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.
[66] As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people.
[67] Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your people.
[68] Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law.
[69] So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.
[70] And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made great lamentation for him.
[4:9] Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.
[24] After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the
L-rd in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.
[4:11] - For all people, even their torturers, marveled at their courage and endurance, and they became the cause of the downfall of tyranny over their nation. By their endurance they conquered the tyrant, and thus their native land was purified through them.

No comments: