50. And they cried aloud to Heaven: “What shall we do with these, and where shall we take them?
51. For your sanctuary has been trampled on and profaned, and your priests are in mourning and humbled.
52. Now the Gentiles are gathered together against us to destroy us. You know what they plot against us.
53. How shall we be able to resist them unless you help us?”
54. Then they blew the trumpets and cried out loudly.
55. After this Judas appointed officers for the people, over thousands, over hundreds, over fifties, and over tens.
56. He proclaimed that those who were building houses, or were just married, or were planting vineyards, and those who were afraid, could each return home, according to the law.
57. Then the army moved off, and they camped to the south of Emmaus.
58. Judas said: “Arm yourselves and be brave; in the morning be ready to fight these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary.
59. It is better for us to die in battle than to witness the evils befalling our nation and our sanctuary.
60. Whatever is willed in heaven will be done.”