3 Maccabees 4:2-4

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

² But among the Jews there was indescribable mourning, lamentation, and tearful cries and groans; everywhere their hearts were burning, and they groaned because of the unexpected destruction that had suddenly been decreed for them.^{(A) 3} What district or city, or what habitable place at all, or what streets were not filled with mourning and wailing for them? ⁴ For with such a harsh and ruthless spirit were they being sent off, all together, by the generals in every city that at the sight of their unusual punishments even some of their enemies, perceiving the common object of pity before their eyes, reflected on the uncertainty of life and shed tears at the most miserable expulsion of these people.