3:41. And the merchants of the countries heard the fame of them: and they took silver and gold in abundance, and servants: and they came into the camp, to buy the children of Israel for slaves: and there were joined to them the forces of Syria, and of the land of the strangers.
3:42. And Judas, and his brethren, saw that evils were multiplied, and that the armies approached to their borders: and they knew the orders the king had given to destroy the people, and utterly abolish them.
3:43. And they said, every man to his neighbour: Let us raise up the low condition of our people, and let us fight for our people, and our sanctuary.
3:44. And the assembly was gathered, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
3:45. Now Jerusalem was not inhabited, but was like a desert: there was none of her children that went in or out: and the sanctuary was trodden down: and the children of strangers were in the castle, there was the habitation of the Gentiles: and joy was taken away from Jacob, and the pipe and harp ceased there.
3:46. And they assembled together, and came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem: for in Maspha was a place of prayer heretofore in Israel.
3:47. And they fasted that day, and put on haircloth, and put ashes upon their heads: and they rent their garments:
3:48. And they laid open the books of the law, in which the Gentiles searched for the likeness of their idols:
3:49. And they brought the priestly ornaments, and the first fruits and tithes, and stirred up the Nazarites that had fulfilled their days:
3:50. And they cried with a loud voice toward heaven, saying: What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them?