1 Maccabees 16:1-3

Common English Bible

16 John went up from Gazara and reported to his father Simon what Cendebeus had done. ² Simon summoned his two oldest boys, Judas and John. He said to them, “My brothers and I, and my father’s family, have fought Israel’s wars from our youth until this day. We have prospered and have delivered Israel many times. ³ But now I’ve become old. By heaven’s mercy, you are mature in years. Take my place and that of my brothers, and go out and fight for our nation. May the help that comes from heaven be with you!”