1 Maccabees 13:46-48

New Catholic Bible

⁴⁶ “Do not treat us as our wickedness deserves,” they said, “but according to your mercy.”

⁴⁷ Simon reached an agreement with them and did not destroy them. However, he expelled them from the city, and he purified the houses that contained idols. Then he entered the city with hymns and songs of praise. ⁴⁸ After removing everything from it that was unclean, he settled there people who observed the law. He also strengthened its fortifications and built a residence for himself.