1 Maccabees 2:51-64
New Catholic Bible
51 “Remember the deeds that our ancestors performed in their generations,
and you shall win great honor and everlasting renown.
52 Was not Abraham found faithful when he was put to the test,
and it was reckoned to him as righteousness?
53 Joseph, in the time of his distress, kept God’s law,
and he became the lord of Egypt.
54 Phinehas, our ancestor,[a] because of his burning zeal,
received the covenant of everlasting priesthood.
55 Joshua, for carrying out his commission,
became a judge in Israel.
56 Caleb, for his testimony in the assembly,
received an inheritance in the land.
57 David, as a result of his mercy,
inherited the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
58 Elijah, because of his burning zeal for the law,
was taken up into heaven.
59 Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, for their faith,
were rescued from the flames.
60 Daniel, for his innocence,
was rescued from the lions’ jaws.
61 Therefore, remember that from generation to generation
no one who hopes in him will be lacking in strength.
62 Do not fear the words of sinful people,
for their glory will turn to dung and worms.
63 Today they are exalted, but tomorrow they are nowhere to be found
because they have returned to the dust,
and their grandiose schemes have come to naught.
64 My children, draw your courage and strength from the law,
for through it glory will be yours.
Footnotes
- 1 Maccabees 2:54 Phinehas, our ancestor: by connecting Mattathias with the priest Phinehas, grandson of Aaron (Num 15:10-13), the author wishes to attest to the legitimacy of the priesthood of the Hasmoneans, which will later be contested.
