2 Nicanor had forced some of our people to join his army, and they said, “The God who sees everything has appointed the Sabbath to be the most holy day, and it would be vicious and cruel to attack Jews on that day.”
3 But that horrible Nicanor replied, “Did some great ruler in heaven really command you Jews to honor the Sabbath?”
4 “Yes!” they answered. “And that Ruler is the living Lord and King of Heaven.”
5 Then Nicanor remarked, “Well, I'm your ruler here on earth, and I order you to get your weapons and finish the job the king gave you to do.”But Nicanor was unable to carry out his cruel plan.
6 With great pride, Nicanor boasted that he would build a public monument in honor of his victory over Judas and his army.
7 But Judas was certain that the Lord would come to their rescue,
8 and he encouraged his troops by saying, “Don't be afraid when the enemy attacks. Remember God All-Powerful will send help from heaven today, just as he has done in the past.”