so that, when they found themselves assailed by a severe temptation, they remained firm. Let the same maxim be stamped on your heart! Abide by this principle in little things, and then, by God’s grace, you will stand firm in the hour of trial. “Lead us not into temptation!”
Chapter LXXXV.
VALIANT EXPLOITS OF JUDAS MACHABEUS (160 B. C.).
[1 Mach. 1 — 10. 2 Mach. 8 — 15.]
At the time when Antiochus was thus cruelly persecuting the Jews, there was in Judaea a priest named Mathathias, who had five sons. This zealous priest, having learnt that Antiochus had profaned the Temple and nearly destroyed the worship of the true God, was filled with the deepest sorrow. He knew that the wicked king would soon succeed in his impious designs, if the Jews did not offer a vigorous resistance[1].
He, therefore, called upon all who had any zeal for the laws of God to rise up with him, in defence of their sacred rights. Then he and his sons fled to the mountains, where they were soon joined by the valiant men of Israel, and quickly formed a powerful army. They destroyed the altars[2] of the false gods, bravely defended the law of the Lord, and compelled the apostate Jews to leave the country.
After the death[3] of Mathathias, Judas, surnamed Machabeus[4], or the Hammerer, on account of his invincible courage and great valour, assumed the command of the Jewish army. In battle he showed himself brave as a lion — had several engagements with the Syrian generals, and recovered Jerusalem and the Temple. With a sorrowful heart he saw the Temple in its desecrated and desolate state, the altar profaned, and the grass growing in the deserted courts.
- ↑ Resistance. The severe test of conscience put by Antiochus forced the faithful Jews into resistance. The priest Mathathias and his sons placed themselves at the head of those who were resolved to fight for their religion.
- ↑ The altars. Which Antiochus had set up all over the country.
- ↑ After the death. 166 B. C.
- ↑ Machabeus. Because he overcame or, so to speak, hammered down the enemies of the Jews.
