2. He had five sons: John, who was called Gaddi;
3. Simon, who was called Thassi;
4. Judas, who was called Maccabeus;
5. Eleazar, who was called Avaran; and Jonathan, who was called Apphus.
6. When he saw the sacrileges that were being committed in Judah and in Jerusalem,
7. he said:“Woe is me! Why was I bornto see the ruin of my people,the ruin of the holy city—To dwell thereas it was given into the hands of enemies,the sanctuary into the hands of strangers?
8. Her temple has become like a man disgraced,
9. her glorious vessels carried off as spoils,Her infants murdered in her streets,her youths by the sword of the enemy.
10. What nation has not taken its share of her realm,and laid its hand on her spoils?
11. All her adornment has been taken away.Once free, she has become a slave.
12. We see our sanctuary laid waste,our beauty, our glory.The Gentiles have defiled them!
13. Why are we still alive?”
14. Then Mattathias and his sons tore their garments, put on sackcloth, and mourned bitterly.
15. The officers of the king in charge of enforcing the apostasy came to the city of Modein to make them sacrifice.
16. Many of Israel joined them, but Mattathias and his sons drew together.
17. Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias: “You are a leader, an honorable and great man in this city, supported by sons and kindred.