6. Here anyone guilty of temple robbery or other similar crimes is thrown down to their death.
7. In this manner the lawless Menelaus died. He didn’t receive a proper burial.
8. This was completely just, since he had committed many sins against the altar whose fire and ashes were holy, so in ashes he died.
9. The king became barbaric in his thoughts and intended to show the Jews far worse things than his father did.
10. When Judas learned of these things, he commanded the community to call on the Lord day and night—now if ever—to help those soon to be deprived of the Law, the homeland, and the holy temple.
11. They were to pray that the people who had recently enjoyed temporary relief not be permitted again to come under the control of slanderous nations.
12. After everyone had prayed in the same manner together—pleading with the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting and lying facedown for three days—Judas called them together and commanded them to report for duty.
13. In consultation with the elders, Judas decided to march out to determine the matter by God’s help before the army of the king could enter Judah and take control of the city.
14. He left the decision to the creator of the universe and called on his men to fight to the death for the laws, temple, city, country, and citizenship. He made the region of Modein his headquarters
15. and gave his men the watchword "God’s Victory." He chose the best of the young men, and attacked the king’s quarters in the enemy camp at night. They killed nearly two thousand men as well as the lead elephant, stabbing its rider.
16. After they filled the camp with fear and panic, they departed in good spirits.
17. This had happened just as the day was dawning because the Lord’s protection had come to Judas’ aid.