Chapter 2 _{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.}

Chapter 3 _{1 Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.}