Chapter 2 _{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.}

Chapter 3 _{1 Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.2 And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.3 So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.4 In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion's whelp roaring for his prey.5 For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up those that vexed his people.6 Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.}