2 Maccabees 14:13-15

Common English Bible

¹³ with written orders to kill Judas and scatter those with him, and to install Alcimus as high priest of the greatest temple. ¹⁴ The Judean Gentiles who had fled from Judas joined Nicanor in large numbers, thinking that they would benefit from the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews.

¹⁵ When they heard about Nicanor’s advance and the support he had from the Gentiles, the Jews sprinkled themselves with earth. They prayed to the one who had established his own people forever and who always helped them by intervening on their behalf.