1 Maccabees 3:1-26

Good News Translation

³ Judas brought greater glory to his people.
In his armor, he was like a giant.
He took up his weapons and went to war;
    with his own sword he defended his camp.
⁴ He was like a ferocious lion roaring as it attacks.
⁵ Judas hunted down those who broke the Law
    and set fire to all who oppressed his people.
⁶ In fear of him, lawless men huddled together in terror,
    not knowing which way to turn.
He advanced the cause of freedom by what he did.
⁷ He made life miserable for many kings,
    but brought joy to the people of Israel.
We will praise him forever for what he did.
⁸ He went through the towns of Judea
    and destroyed all the godless men.
He relieved Israel of its terrible suffering.^[a]
9 His fame spread to the ends of the earth,
    as he gathered together those who were threatened with death.

I will make a reputation for myself throughout the empire by defeating Judas and his men, who have no respect for the king's command. ¹⁵ Then he began a new campaign against Judas and was joined by a strong force of godless men who were eager to help him take vengeance on Israel. ¹⁶ When he approached the pass at Beth Horon, Judas went out to meet him with a small group of men. ¹⁷ When Judas' men saw the army coming against them, they asked,
How can our little group of men fight an army as big as that? Besides, we have not eaten all day, and we are tired!

¹⁸ It is not difficult, Judas answered,
for a small group to overpower a large one. It makes no difference to the Lord whether we are rescued by many people or by just a few. ¹⁹ Victory in battle does not depend on who has the largest army; it is the Lord's power that determines the outcome. ²⁰ Our enemies are coming against us with great violence, intending to plunder our possessions and kill our wives and children. ²¹ But we are fighting for our lives and for our religion. ²² When we attack, the Lord will crush our enemies, so don't be afraid of them.