4. They replied, “It is the living Lord, the ruler in heaven, who commands the observance of the sabbath day.”
5. Then he said, “I, the ruler on earth, command you to take up arms and carry out the king’s business.” Nevertheless he did not succeed in carrying out his cruel plan.
6. In his utter boastfulness and arrogance Nicanor had determined to erect a public victory monument over Judas and his companions.
7. But Maccabeus remained confident, fully convinced that he would receive help from the Lord.
8. He urged his men not to fear the attack of the Gentiles, but mindful of the help they had received in the past from Heaven, to expect now the victory that would be given them by the Almighty.