52 The Gentiles have come to attack and destroy us. You know what they plan to do!
53 If you don't help us, how can we stand up against them?”
54 Then they blew trumpets and shouted loudly.
55 After that, Judas divided his men into groups of ten, fifty, a hundred, and a thousand, placing officers in charge of each group.
56 Then, in obedience to the Law, he sent home everyone who had recently been married, or built a house, or planted a vineyard, as well as anyone who was afraid.
57 Finally, the army marched out and took up positions south of Emmaus,
58 where Judas said to them: “Prepare yourselves for battle and be courageous! Be ready early tomorrow morning to fight these Gentiles who have joined forces to attack us and destroy us and our Temple.