3 Maccabees 3:24-26

Revised Standard Version

²⁴ Therefore, fully convinced by these indications that they are ill-disposed toward us in every way, we have taken precautions lest, if a sudden disorder should later arise against us, we should have these impious people behind our backs as traitors and barbarous enemies. ²⁵ Therefore we have given orders that, as soon as this letter shall arrive, you are to send to us those who live among you, together with their wives and children, with insulting and harsh treatment, and bound securely with iron fetters, to suffer the sure and shameful death that befits enemies. ²⁶ For when these all have been punished, we are sure that for the remaining time the government will be established for ourselves in good order and in the best state.