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When the time came for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons, "These are times of violence and distress. Arrogant people are in control and have made us an object of ridicule.
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But you, my sons, must be devoted to the Law and ready to die to defend God's covenant with our ancestors.
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Remember what our ancestors did and how much they accomplished in their day. Follow their example, and you will be rewarded with great glory and undying fame.
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Remember how Abraham put his trust in the Lord when he was tested and how the Lord was pleased with him and accepted him.
1
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Joseph, in his time of trouble, obeyed God's commands and became ruler over the land of Egypt.
2
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Phinehas, our ancestor, because of his burning devotion, was given the promise that his descendants would always be priests.
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Joshua was made a judge in Israel because he obeyed the command of Moses.
3
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Caleb brought back a good report to the community and was given a part of the land as a reward.
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David was made king and was given the promise that his descendants would always be kings because of his steadfast loyalty to God.
4
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Elijah, because of his great devotion to the Law, was taken up into heaven.
5
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Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were saved from the flames because they had faith.
6
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Daniel was a man of integrity, and the Lord rescued him from the mouth of the lions.
7
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Take each of these ancestors of ours as an example, and you will realize that no one who puts his trust in the Lord will ever lack strength.
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Don't be afraid of the threats of a wicked man. Remember that he will die and all his splendor will end with worms feeding on his decaying body.
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Today he may be highly honored, but tomorrow he will disappear; his body will return to the earth and his scheming will come to an end.
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But you, my sons, be strong and courageous in defending the Law, because it is through the Law that you will earn great glory.
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"Your brother Simon is wise, so always listen to him as you would to me.
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Judas Maccabeus has been strong all his life; he will be your commander and will lead you in battle against the enemy.
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Call everyone who obeys God's Law to rally around you; then avenge the wrongs done to your people.
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Pay back the Gentiles for what they have done, and always obey the Law and its commands."
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Then Mattathias gave them his blessing and died.