articlesforchristians

When the time drew near for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong; this is an age of turmoil and violent fury. Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the law and be willing to give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.

• “Remember the deeds that our ancestors performed in their generations, and you shall win great honor and everlasting renown.
• Was not Abraham found faithful when he was put to the test, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness?
• Joseph, in the time of his distress, kept God’s law, and he became the lord of Egypt.
• Phinehas, our ancestor, because of his burning zeal, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood.
• Joshua, for carrying out his commission, became a judge in Israel.
• Caleb, for his testimony in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land.
• David, as a result of his mercy, inherited the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
• Elijah, because of his burning zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven.
• Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, for their faith, were rescued from the flames.
• Daniel, for his innocence, was rescued from the lions’ jaws.
• Therefore, remember that from generation to generation no one who hopes in him will be lacking in strength.
  • Do not fear the words of sinful people, for their glory will turn to dung and worms.
  • Today they are exalted, but tomorrow they are nowhere to be found because they have returned to the dust, and their grandiose schemes have come to naught.
  • My children, draw your courage and strength from the law, for through it glory will be yours.

• “Here is your brother:
  • Simon who I know is a man of sound judgment. Always listen to him, for he will act as your father. 
  • Judas Maccabeus, a mighty warrior from his youth, will be the commander of your army and direct your battles against the peoples. 
• Enroll in your cause all who observe the law, and in this way you will avenge the wrongs perpetrated on your people. 
• Pay back the Gentiles in full, and obey the precepts of the law.”
• Then he blessed them and was gathered to his ancestors. He died in the year one hundred and forty-six and was buried in the tombs of his ancestors in Modein, and all Israel mourned him with great lamentation.
  • Mattathias died in 166 B.C., a year after the beginning of the revolt.

Eulogy of a Hero.

Then his son Judas, who was known as Maccabeus, took his place. All his brothers and all who had allied themselves to his father gave him their support, and they enthusiastically continued to fight for Israel.

• He enhanced the glory of his people, and like a giant he put on his breastplate.
• He girded himself with the armor of warfare, engaging in battles and protecting the camp by his sword.
• In his exploits he was like a lion, like a young lion roaring for prey.
• He pursued and tracked down the wicked, and he cast into the flames those who troubled his people.
• The lawbreakers cowered with terror at his approach; all evildoers were completely confounded.
• Under his leadership deliverance was achieved, as he caused many kings to become embittered,
  but Jacob to be gladdened by his deeds; and his memory is blessed forever.
• He marched through the towns of Judea, destroying the apostates who dwelt there.
• He turned away wrath from Israel, and his renown spread to the ends of the earth, as he saved those that were on the brink of perishing.