39 The temple was barrenjust like a desert,and its festivals and Sabbathsbecame times of sorrowand of shame.Jerusalem had lost all respect.
40 Shame and sorrow replacedits former glory and pride.
41-42 Antiochus wanted everyone in his kingdom to follow the same customs. So he made a law that said, “You must give up the traditions of your ancestors.”
43 The Gentiles obeyed the king, and many Jews gladly accepted his religion. They offered sacrifices to idols and broke the laws of the Sabbath.
44 Messengers from Antiochus brought letters, telling everyone in Jerusalem and in all the towns of Judea about this law. They said:You must obey the king's law and accept these new customs.
45 Don't offer sacrifices in the temple or celebrate the Sabbath and your other festivals.
46 Make the temple and everything in it unfit for the worship of your God.