65. “Here is your brother Simeon who I know is a wise counselor; listen to him always, and he will be a father to you.
66. And Judas Maccabeus, a mighty warrior from his youth, shall be the leader of your army and wage the war against the nations.
67. Gather about you all who observe the law, and avenge your people.
68. Pay back the Gentiles what they deserve, and observe the precepts of the law.”
69. Then he blessed them, and he was gathered to his ancestors.
70. He died in the year one hundred and forty-six, and was buried in the tombs of his ancestors in Modein, and all Israel mourned him greatly.