Mattathias begins the Maccabean revolt
At Modin the priest Mattathias refused the king's command to sacrifice, struck down the apostasy before his eyes, and fled to the mountains with his five sons, among them Judas Maccabeus. The people who knew their God stood firm and took action (Daniel 11:32).
32With flattery he will corrupt those who violate the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him. 33Those with insight will instruct many, though for a time they will fall by sword or flame, or be captured or plundered. 34Now when they fall, they will be granted a little help, but many will join them insincerely.
Historical source1 Maccabees 2:15-28open excerpt
Deuterocanonical in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. BibleTimescape presents this text for historical context under its 66-book canon default. About canon labels →
15And the king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came into the city Modin to sacrifice.
16Many of Israel came to them, and Mattathias and his sons were gathered together.
17The king’s officers answered and spoke to Mattathias, saying, “You are a ruler and an honorable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and kindred.
18Now therefore come first and do the commandment of the king, as all the nations have done, including the men of Judah and those who remain in Jerusalem. You and your house will be numbered among the king’s friends, and you and your sons will be honored with silver and gold and many gifts.”
19And Mattathias answered and said 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 chosen to follow his commandments,
20yet I and my sons and my kindred will walk in the covenant of our fathers.
21Far be it from us that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
22We will not listen to the king’s words, to turn aside from our worship, to the right hand, or to the left.”
23When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king’s commandment.
24Mattathias saw it, so his zeal was kindled, and his guts trembled, and he vented his wrath according to judgment, and ran and killed him upon the altar.
25He killed the king’s officer, who compelled men to sacrifice, at the same time, and pulled down the altar.
26He was zealous for the law, even as Phinehas did to Zimri the son of Salu.
27Mattathias cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying, “Whoever is zealous for the law and maintains the covenant, let him follow me!”
28He and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that they had in the city.
World English Bible Classic · Public domain. Source text.