3 Maccabees 2 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021(NRSVUE)

3 Maccabees 2The Prayer of the High Priest Simon[[

1

2“Lord, Lord, king of the heavens and sovereign of all creation, holy among the holy ones, the only ruler, almighty, give attention to us who are suffering grievously from an impious and profane man, puffed up in his audacity and power.

3For you, the creator of all things and the governor of all, are a just ruler, and you judge those who have done anything in insolence and arrogance.

4 and you made them an example to those who should come afterward.

6 readily gave themselves up, since they expected to enhance their reputation by their future association with the king.

32v 28But the majority acted firmly with a courageous spirit and did not abandon their piety, and by paying money in exchange for life they boldly attempted to save themselves from the registration.

33They remained resolutely hopeful of obtaining help, and they abhorred those who separated themselves from them, considering them to be enemies of the nation and depriving them of common fellowship and mutual help.