14
Then Mattathias and his sons tore their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned greatly.
15
The king's officers who were enforcing the apostasy came to the town of Modein to make them offer sacrifice.
16
Many from Israel came to them; and Mattathias and his sons were assembled.
17
Then the king's officers spoke to Mattathias as follows: "You are a leader, honored and great in this town, and supported by sons and brothers.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.