1 Maccabees 1:20-28
New Catholic Bible
20 After his return from his conquest of Egypt in the year one hundred and forty-three, Antiochus advanced upon Israel and Jerusalem with a massive force. 21 In his arrogance he entered the sanctuary and removed the golden altar, the lampstand for the light with all its fixtures, 22 the table for the loaves of offering, the libation cups and bowls, the golden censers, the curtain, and the crowns. He stripped off all the gold decorations on the front of the temple, 23 and he seized the silver and gold and precious vessels and all the hidden treasures he could find. 24 Taking all this, he returned to his own country, having caused great bloodshed and boasted arrogantly of what he had accomplished.
25 There was great mourning throughout Israel,
26 and the rulers and the elders groaned.
Girls and young men wasted away,
and the beauty of the women waned.
27 Every bridegroom raised up laments,
and the bride sat mourning in her bridal chamber.
28 The land trembled for its inhabitants,
and the entire house of Jacob was clothed in shame.
