16. And many of the people of Israel consented and came to them. But Mattathias and his sons stood firm.
17. And those who had been sent from Antiochus, responding, said to Mattathias: "You are a ruler, and very splendid and great in this city, and you are adorned with sons and brothers.
18. Therefore, approach first, and carryout the order of the king, as all the nations have done, and the men of Judah, and those who remained in Jerusalem. And you and your sons will be among the friends of the king, and enriched with gold and silver and many gifts."
19. And Mattathias responded, and he said with a loud voice: "Even if all nations obey king Antiochus, so that each one departs from the service of the law of his fathers and consents to his commandments,
20. I and my sons and my brothers will obey the law of our fathers.
21. May God be forgiving to us. It is not useful for us to abandon the law and the justices of God.