Page:Philip Birnbaum - ha-Siddur ha-Shalem (The Daily Prayer Book,1949).pdf/741

716 Immediately king Antiochus dispatched his governor Nicanor with a large body of troops. He came to the Jewish city of Jerusalem and massacred many people; he set up a heathen altar in the Temple, concerning which the God of Israel had said to his faithful prophets: "There will I establish my residence forever.” In that very place they slaughtered a swine and brought its blood into the holy court. When Yoḥanan ben Mattathias heard of this deed, he was filled with rage and his face changed color. In his heart he drew a plan of action, Whereupon he made himself a dagger, two spans long and one span wide, and concealed it under his clothes. He came to Jerusalem and stood at the royal gate, calling to the gate-keepers: "I am Yoḥanan ben Mattathias; I have come to appear before Nicanor.” The guards informed Nicanor that the high priest of the Jews was standing at the door. “Let him enter!” Nicanor said.

Yoḥanan was admitted to Nicanor, who said: "You are one of the rebels who rebel against the king and do not care for the welfare of his government!" Yoḥanan replied: “My lord, I have come to you; whatever you demand I will do.” “If you wish to do as I please,” said Nicanor, "then take a swine and sacrifice it upon the altar. You shall wear royal clothes and ride the king’s own horse; you shall be counted among the king’s close friends.” To this, Yoḥanan answered; “My lord, I am afraid of the Israelites; if they hear that I have done such a thing they will stone me. Let everyone leave your presence, so as not to inform them.” Immediately Nicanor ordered everybody out.

At that moment Yoḥanan ben Mattathias raised his eyes to heaven and prayed: "My God and God of my fathers Abraham,