1 Maccabees 2:49-51

Good News Translation

⁴⁹ 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. ⁵⁰ But you, my sons, must be devoted to the Law and ready to die to defend God's covenant with our ancestors. ⁵¹ 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.