33. Some time later Nicanor went to Mount Zion. Some of the priests left the Temple and, along with some of the leaders of the people, went to welcome him with words of peace and to show him the burnt offering that was being sacrificed on behalf of the king.
34. But he ridiculed them and made them ceremonially unclean by spitting on them. He spoke proudly
35. and angrily threatened them with an oath, “Unless Judas and his army are surrendered to me immediately, I will burn this Temple down as soon as I return after my victory.” And he left in a rage.
36. The priests went into the courtyard and stood facing the altar and the Temple. They started weeping and prayed,
37. “Lord, you chose this Temple to bear your name and to be a place of prayer and intercession for your people.
38. Now, take vengeance on this man and his army; let them die in battle. Remember how they spoke evil of you, and let none of them survive.”