2 Maccabees 15:1-3

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition

Nicanor’s Arrogance

15 When Nica′nor heard that Judas and his men were in the region of Samar′ia, he made plans to attack them with complete safety on the day of rest. ² And when the Jews who were compelled to follow him said, “Do not destroy so savagely and barbarously, but show respect for the day which he who sees all things has honored and hallowed above other days,” ³ the thrice-accursed wretch asked if there were a sovereign in heaven who had commanded the keeping of the sabbath day.