7 Menelaus was put to death in that way, without even having the privilege of a burial,
8 and that was just what he deserved. He had often profaned the sacred ashes of the altar fire in the Temple, and now he met his death in ashes.
9 King Antiochus arrogantly continued his barbaric invasion of Judea, intending to deal with the Jews more harshly than his father had ever done.
10 When Judas learnt of this, he told the people to pray to the Lord day and night, because they were in danger of losing their Law, their country, and their holy Temple. As never before, they needed his help and protection
11 to keep their newly restored country from falling into the hands of godless Gentiles.
12 For three days the people did nothing but lie face downwards on the ground, fasting and crying, begging the merciful Lord for his help. Then Judas spoke words of encouragement to the people, urging them to get ready for action.
13 Afterwards, Judas met privately with the Jewish leaders and decided to march out with God's help to battle against the king, rather than wait for Antiochus to invade Judea and besiege Jerusalem.