1 Maccabees 2:24
King James VersionSource notes
“Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.”
Context
21God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
22We will not hearken to the king’s words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.
23Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king’s commandment.
24Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.
25Also the king’s commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.
26Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees did unto Zambri the son of Salom.
27And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.