The Call to Remain Faithful to the Torah

1 Israelite children, descendants of the seed of Abraham, obey this law and be pious in every way, 2 knowing that religious reasoning is master of the emotions, not only of sufferings from within but also of those from outside. 3 So those who gave up their bodies to suffering for the sake of piety were not only admired by people, but were also counted worthy of a divine inheritance. 4 Because of them the nation gained peace, and by restoring obedience to the law in the homeland, they defeated the enemy. 5 The tyrant Antiochus was punished on earth, and is being punished now that he is dead. For when he was completely unable to force the people of Jerusalem to live like foreigners and abandon the customs of their ancestors, he left Jerusalem and marched against the Persians.

The Mother's Recollection of Her Family

6 The mother of the seven sons also spoke these righteous words to her children: 7 “I was a pure virgin⁠a and did not leave my father’s house, and I guarded the rib from which woman was built. 8 No seducer in the desert or deceiver in the field ruined me, nor did the seducer, the deceitful snake, defile the purity of my virginity.⁠b 9 I lived with my husband through the years of my youth, and when these sons had grown up, their father died. He was fortunate, for he lived a life blessed with children and never knew the grief of losing them. 10 While he was still with you, he taught you the law and the prophets. 11 He read to you about Abel killed by Cain, Isaac offered as a burnt offering, and Joseph in prison. 12 He told you about the zealous Phinehas, and taught you about Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael in the fire. 13 He praised Daniel in the lions’ den and called him blessed. 14 He reminded you of the scripture of Isaiah that says, “Even if you pass through fire, the flame will not burn you.”⁠c 15 He sang to you the words of David the psalmist, who says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous.” 16 He quoted to you the proverb of Solomon, which says, “It is a tree of life for those who do his will.” 17 He used to confirm what Ezekiel said: “Will these dry bones live?”⁠d 18 Nor did he forget to teach you the song that Moses taught, which says, 19 ‘I kill and I make alive.’ This is your life and the length of your days.”

The Fate of the Tyrant and the Martyrs

20 How bitter was that day, and yet not bitter, when the bitter Greek tyrant quenched fire with fire in his cruel cauldrons, and in his boiling rage brought the seven sons of the daughter of Abraham to the torture machine and to all his tortures again! 21 He blinded the pupils of their eyes, cut out their tongues, and put them to death with various tortures. 22 For these crimes divine justice has pursued and will pursue the cursed tyrant. 23 But the sons of Abraham, together with their victorious mother, are gathered into the chorus of their ancestors, having received pure and immortal souls from God. 24 To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.⁠e