1 Maccabees 3:42-44

Good News Translation

⁴² Judas and his brothers saw that their situation was getting more and more difficult, with foreign armies camped within their own borders. They also learned that the king had commanded the complete destruction of the people. ⁴³ So they determined to rebuild their ruined nation and fight for their country and the Temple. ⁴⁴ Then the whole community came together to prepare for war and to pray for God's mercy.