2 Maccabees 14:6-8

Common English Bible

⁶ “The Jews called Hasideans, whose leader is Judas the Maccabee, maintain a warlike policy and rebel frequently, not permitting the kingdom to have peace. ⁷ Deprived of my ancestral glory—I speak of course of the high priesthood—I have now come here, ⁸ first out of a sincere concern for the king’s interests and second out of regard for my fellow citizens. Through the recklessness of those mentioned earlier, the entire nation is in a state of misfortune.