49 The days of Matityah drew near that he should die, and he said to his sons, “Now pride and scorn have gained strength. It’s a season of overthrow and indignant anger. 50 Now, my children, be zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers. 51 Call to remembrance the actions of our fathers which they did in their generations; and receive great glory and an eternal name. 52 Wasn’t Avraham found faithful in temptation,[ref] and it was reckoned to him for righteousness?[ref] 53 Yosef (Joseph) in the time of his distress kept the commandment,[ref] and became lord of Mitsrayim (Egypt).[ref] 54 Pinhas our father, because he was extremely zealous, obtained the covenant of an eternal priesthood.[ref] 55 Yeshua (Jesus) became a judge in Yisrael (Israel)[ref] for fulfilling the word. 56 Kalev (Caleb) obtained a heritage in the land for testifying in the congregation.[ref] 57 David inherited the throne of a kingdom forever and ever[ref] for being merciful. 58 Eliyah (Elijah) was taken up into heaven[ref] because he was extremely zealous for the law. 59 Hananyah, Azaryah, and Mishael[ref] believed, and were saved out of the flame.[ref] 60 Daniyel was delivered from the mouth of lions for his innocence.[ref]

61 “Thus consider throughout the generations that no one who put their trust in him will lack for strength. 62 Don’t be afraid of the words of a sinful man; for his glory will be dung and worms. 63 Today he’ll be lifted up, and tomorrow he’ll in no way be found, because he’s returned to dust, and his thought has perished. 64 You, my children, be strong, and show yourselves men on behalf of the law; for in it you’ll obtain glory. 65 Listen, Shim’on (Simon) your brother, whom I know to be a man of counsel. Always listen to him. He’ll be a father to you. 66 Yehudah (Judas) Makabi (Maccabaeus) has been strong and mighty from his youth. He’ll be your captain and will fight[fn] the battle of the people. 67 Rally around all the doers of the law, and avenge the wrong done to your people. 68 Repay the Gentiles, and obey the commandments of the law.”

69 He blessed them, and was gathered to his ancestors. 70 He died in[fn] the one hundred and forty sixth year, and his sons buried him in the tombs of his ancestors at Modi’in. All Yisrael (Israel) made great lamentation for him.