1 Maccabees 2:49-70

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

The Last Words of Mattathias

⁴⁹ Now the days drew near for Mattathi′as to die, and he said to his sons: “Arrogance and reproach 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 fathers.

⁵¹ “Remember the deeds of the fathers, which they did in their generations; and receive great honor and an everlasting name. ⁵² Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? ⁵³ Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt. ⁵⁴ Phin′ehas our father, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood. ⁵⁵ Joshua, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Israel. ⁵⁶ Caleb, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. ⁵⁷ David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom for ever. ⁵⁸ Eli′jah because of great zeal for the law was taken up into heaven. ⁵⁹ Hanani′ah, Azari′ah, and Mish′a-el believed and were saved from the flame. ⁶⁰ Daniel because of his innocence was delivered from the mouth of the lions.

⁶¹ “And so observe, from generation to generation, that none who put their trust in him will lack strength. ⁶² Do not fear the words of a sinner, for his splendor will turn into dung and worms. ⁶³ Today he will be exalted, but tomorrow he will not be found, because he has returned to the dust, and his plans will perish. ⁶⁴ My children, be courageous and grow strong in the law, for by it you will gain honor.

⁶⁵ “Now behold, I know that Sim′eon your brother is wise in counsel; always listen to him; he shall be your father. ⁶⁶ Judas Maccabe′us has been a mighty warrior from his youth; he shall command the army for you and fight the battle against the peoples.^{[a] 67} You shall rally about you all who observe the law, and avenge the wrong done to your people. ⁶⁸ Pay back the Gentiles in full, and heed what the law commands.”

⁶⁹ Then he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers. ⁷⁰ He died in the one hundred and forty-sixth year^[b] and was buried in the tomb of his fathers at Mo′de-in. And all Israel mourned for him with great lamentation.