1 Maccabees 2:17
King James VersionSource notes
“Then answered the king’s officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:”
Context
14Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourned very sore.
15In the mean while the king’s officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them sacrifice.
16And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his sons came together.
17Then answered the king’s officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:
18Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king’s commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king’s friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.
19Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though all the nations that are under the king’s dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:
20Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers.