mp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a power also of
Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto
them.
1 Mac 3:42
Now when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were
multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their
borders: for they knew how the king had given commandment to
destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;
1 Mac 3:43
They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune
of our people, and let us fight for our people and the
sanctuary.
1 Mac 3:44
Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might
be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and
compassion.
1 Mac 3:45
Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her
children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden
down, and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their
habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the
pipe with the harp ceased.
1 Mac 3:46
Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and
came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the
place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.
1 Mac 3:47
Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast
ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,
1 Mac 3:48
And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had
sought to paint the likeness of their images.
1 Mac 3:49
They brought also the priests' garments, and the firstfruits,
and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had
accomplished their days.
1 Mac 3:50
Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What
shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?
1 Mac 3:51
For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy
priests are in heaviness, and brought low.
1 Mac 3:52
And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to
destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.
1 Mac 3:53
How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O
God, be our help?
1 Mac 3:54
Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.
1 Mac 3:55
And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even
captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties,
and over tens.
1 Mac 3:56
But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed
wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he
commanded that they should return, every man to his own house,
according to the law.
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