2 Maccabees 15:1-3

New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised

Nicanor’s Arrogance

15 When Nicanor heard that Judas and his troops were in the region of Samaria, he made plans to attack them with complete safety on the day of rest. ² When the Jews who were compelled to follow him said, ‘Do not destroy so savagely and barbarously, but show respect for the day that he who sees all things has honoured and hallowed above other days’, ³ the thrice-accursed wretch asked if there were a sovereign in heaven who had commanded the keeping of the sabbath day.