23 However, godly thinking strengthened her to ignore her natural love for her children. Godly thinking created in her a masculine courage in the middle of this suffering.
24 Even though she saw the destruction of seven children and the various devices of torture, the excellent mother ignored all these things because of her faithfulness toward God.
25 Her life was like a courtroom, and many powerful voices were speaking out—nature, family, a parent’s love, and the instruments of torture set out for her children.
26 This mother held two ballots in her hand: the first sentenced her children to death; the second rescued them.
27 She chose not to seek the kind of rescue that would keep her seven sons safe for a short time.
28 This daughter of devout Abraham remembered her ancestor’s endurance.
29 You are the mother of the whole nation. You stood up for the Law, defended the godly way of life, and won the contest that was raging deep inside you.