27 and leaned toward her son. She spoke in her native language and mocked the cruel king:My son, have pity on me! Even before you were born, you grew inside my body for nine months. Then I nursed you at my breast for three years. And until this very day, I have looked after you and taken care of you.
28 Now, I beg you to look at the heavens and the earth and think about what you see. God made all of this out of nothing, and he made us humans in the same way.
29 Don't be afraid of this butcher! Die willingly and show that you are just like your brothers. Then God will have pity and give you back to me on the day he gives me your brothers.
30 While the mother was still speaking, the boy said to the king:What are you waiting for? I'm not going to obey your orders! I only obey God's teachings that Moses gave to our ancestors.
31 You have caused terrible troubles for our people, but you won't escape the punishment God will send on you.
32-33 We have disobeyed God and made him angry with us. So for a little while the living Lord is letting us suffer because he wants to correct us and teach us to do right. But we are still his servants, and he will soon forgive us.
34 King Antiochus, you're the most disgusting and godless creature that ever lived. Stop acting so high and mighty, and stop making foolish promises to yourself as you torture God's people.