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.”
9 Judas encouraged his troops by reading to them from their sacred Scriptures and by reminding them of the battles they had already won.
10 The troops were now excited and eager to fight. So Judas gave them their orders and pointed out that Gentiles never kept their promises.
11 His words offered them more hope and encouragement than their shields and spears.Judas gave his troops further encouragement by telling them what he had seen in a dream—one that he knew they could trust. He said:
12 I saw Onias the high priest. He was both gentle and kind, as well as humble and honest. He also had a gift for speaking and had been brought up well. In my dream, Onias was praying for the whole nation, with his arms outstretched.