2 Maccabees 15:17-19

Common English Bible

¹⁷ Judas’ eloquent and powerful words urged them on to courage and made the young men’s spirits brave. They determined not to prepare for a long campaign but to attack honorably and fight hand-to-hand with all courage. In this way the matter would be decided, as danger faced their city, the holy things, and the temple. ¹⁸ They weren’t as concerned for their women and children, or their brothers and relatives, as they were for the holy temple. ¹⁹ Those trapped in the city were also very anxious, fearful of an attack in the open.