2 Maccabees 13:11-13

Good News Translation

¹¹ to keep their newly restored country from falling into the hands of godless Gentiles. ¹² For three days the people did nothing but lie face down on the ground, fasting and crying, begging the merciful Lord for his help. Then Judas spoke words of encouragement to the people, urging them to get ready for action.

¹³ Afterward, Judas met privately with the Jewish leaders and decided to march out with God's help to battle against the king, rather than to wait for Antiochus to invade Judea and besiege Jerusalem.