1 Maccabees 2:42-47

Common English Bible

Counterattack

⁴² At that time a company of Hasideans,^[a] mighty warriors of Israel, united with them. They offered their lives willingly for the Law. ⁴³ Others who became fugitives to escape their troubles joined them as well and reinforced them. ⁴⁴ Together they organized an army. In their fury, they struck down sinners and renegades. Survivors fled to the Gentiles for safety.

⁴⁵ Mattathias and his friends went around tearing down the altars to other gods.^{[b] 46} They forcibly circumcised boys whom they found uncircumcised within the borders of Israel. ⁴⁷ They hunted down arrogant people, and their missions were successful.