1 Maccabees 2:22-24

New Catholic Bible

²² We will not obey the king’s commands or deviate from our religion to the right hand or to the left.”

²³ As he finished speaking, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein, in accordance with the royal decree. ²⁴ When Mattathias observed this, he became inflamed with zeal. His righteous anger aroused, he sprang forward and slaughtered him on the altar.