5 But Nicanor answered, “I am the ruler on earth, and I order you to take up your weapons and to do what the king commands.” However, he did not succeed in carrying out his cruel plan.
6 In his arrogance Nicanor had boasted that he would set up a monument in honour of his victory over Judas.
7 But Judas was fully confident that the Lord would help him,
8 so he urged his men not to be afraid of the enemy. He encouraged them to remember how the Almighty had helped them in times past and to rest assured that he would give them victory this time also.
9 He renewed their hope by reading to them from the Law and the Prophets and by reminding them of the battles they had already won.
10 When his men were ready for battle, he gave them their orders and at the same time pointed out how the Gentiles could not be trusted, because they never kept their treaties.
11 He armed all his men, not by encouraging them to trust in shields and spears, but by inspiring them with courageous words. He also raised their morale by telling them about his dream, a kind of vision that they could trust in.