52. The Gentiles are gathered here against us,planning to destroy us.You know what they are plotting.
53. How will we be able to withstand themif you don’t help us?"
54. Then they blew the trumpets and gave a loud shout.
55. Judas appointed leaders of the people in charge of thousands and hundreds and fifties and tens.
56. In keeping with the Law, he told all who were building houses or were about to get married or were planting a vineyard or were fainthearted to go home.
57. Then the army went on the march and camped south of Emmaus.
58. Judas said: "Arm yourselves and be fearless. Be ready early in the morning to fight these Gentiles who have gathered here against us to destroy us and our sanctuary.
59. It would be better for us to die fighting than to see the misfortunes of our nation and the sanctuary.
60. Whatever may be heaven’s will, that’s what the heavenly one will do."