2 But the Jews who were compelled to follow him said, "No! Don’t destroy with such cruelty and savagery, but respect the day that is honored with holiness above all others by the one who observes all."
3 The repeat offender asked if there was in heaven some mighty one who commanded the keeping of the Sabbath day.
4 They declared, "The living Lord himself, the ruler in heaven, commands us to keep the seventh day."
5 Nicanor replied, "And I am the ruler on earth who commands you to take up arms and to carry out the royal orders." Nevertheless, he didn’t succeed in carrying out his terrible plan.
6 Nicanor, holding his head high with all his boasting, decided to build a public monument marking the defeat of Judas’ forces.
7 But the Maccabee was fully confident in his hope of obtaining the Lord’s help.
8 So he encouraged his troops not to fear the Gentiles’ attack but to remember the aid they had previously received from heaven and to look for victory from the almighty now.