15 And the king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came into the city Modi’in to sacrifice. 16 Many of Yisrael (Israel) came to them, and Matityah and his sons were gathered together. 17 The king’s officers answered and spoke to Matityah, saying, “You’re a ruler and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and kindred. 18 Now therefore come first and do the king’s commandment, as all the nations have done, including the men of Yehudah (Judah) and those who remain in Yerushalem (Jerusalem). You and your house will be numbered among the king’s[fn] friends, and you and your sons will be honoured with silver and gold and many gifts.”

19 And Matityah replied with a loud voice, “If all the nations that are in the house of the king’s dominion listen to him, to fall away each one from the worship of his fathers, and have made choice to follow his commandments, 20 yet I and my sons and my kindred will walk in the covenant of our fathers. 21 Far be it from us that we should forsake the law and the ordinances. 22 We won’t listen to the king’s words, to turn aside from our worship, to the right hand, or to the left.”

23 When he’d finished speaking these words, a Yehudi (Jew) came in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modi’in, according to the king’s commandment. 24 Matityah saw it, so his zeal was kindled, and his guts trembled, and he vented his anger according to judgement, and ran and killed him on the altar. 25 He killed the king’s officer, who compelled men to sacrifice, at the same time, and pulled down the altar. 26 He was zealous for the law, even as Pinhas did to Zimri the son of Salu.

27 Matityah cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying, “Anyone who’s zealous for the law and maintains the covenant, let him follow me!” 28 He and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that they had in the city.