3 Maccabees 5:19-21

Common English Bible

¹⁹ But Hermon pointed out that he had fully carried out the orders at night, and his friends confirmed his story. ²⁰ So the king, with a savagery worse than the tyrant Phalaris, said that the Jews could be grateful for today’s sleep, but “Tomorrow,” he said, “without delay, prepare the elephants in the same way for the destruction of the unseemly Jews.” ²¹ So the king spoke, and when all those present gave their unanimous approval readily and joyfully, they all departed for their own homes.