58 They were unrelenting in attacking Israelites, all those who were identified as law-observant month after month throughout the towns.
59 On the twenty-fifth day of the month they offered sacrifice on the altar built over the altar for entirely burned offerings.
60 In keeping with the decree, they killed women who had circumcised their sons.
61 They hanged the infant boys from their mothers’ necks. The king’s agents also killed the families of the women as well as those who had performed the circumcisions.
62 But many in Israel stood strong, and they resolved in their hearts not to eat impure food.
63 They chose to die rather than to be defiled by the food or to dishonor the holy covenant. And they did die.
64 A great anger came against Israel.