1 Maccabees 2:49-70

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

The Last Words of Mattathias

⁴⁹ Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. ⁵⁰ Now, my children, show zeal for the law and give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.

⁵¹ “Remember the deeds of the ancestors, which they did in their generations, and you will receive great honor and an everlasting name.^{(A) 52} Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness?^{(B) 53} Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and became lord of Egypt.^{(C) 54} Phinehas our ancestor, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood.^{(D) 55} Joshua, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Israel.^{(E) 56} Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land.^{(F) 57} David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom forever.^{(G) 58} Elijah, because of great zeal for the law, was taken up into heaven.^{(H) 59} Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael believed and were saved from the flame.^{(I) 60} Daniel, because of his innocence, was delivered from the mouth of the lions.^(J)

⁶¹ “And so observe, from generation to generation, that none of those who put their trust in him will lack strength.^{(K) 62} Do not fear the words of sinners, for their splendor will turn into dung and worms.^{(L) 63} Today they will be exalted, but tomorrow they will not be found, for they will have returned to the dust, and their plans will have perished. ⁶⁴ My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor.^(M)

⁶⁵ “Here is your brother Simeon, who I know is wise in counsel; always listen to him; he shall be your father.^{(N) 66} Judas Maccabeus has been a mighty warrior from his youth; he shall command the army for you and fight the battle against the peoples.^{[a](O) 67} You shall rally around you all who observe the law and avenge the wrong done to your people. ⁶⁸ Pay back the nations in full, and obey the commands of the law.”

⁶⁹ Then he blessed them and was gathered to his ancestors. ⁷⁰ He died in the one hundred forty-sixth year and was buried in the tomb of his ancestors at Modein. And all Israel mourned for him with great lamentation.^(P)