2 Maccabees 15:36-38

Revised Standard Version

³⁶ And they all decreed by public vote never to let this day go unobserved, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month— which is called Adar in the Syrian language—the day before Mor′decai’s day.

The Compiler’s Epilogue

³⁷ This, then, is how matters turned out with Nica′nor. And from that time the city has been in the possession of the Hebrews. So I too will here end my story. ³⁸ If it is well told and to the point, that is what I myself desired; if it is poorly done and mediocre, that was the best I could do.