1 Maccabees 2:49-64
The Last Words of Mattathias
Now the days drew near for Mattathi′as to die, and he said to his sons: “Arrogance and reproach have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger. Now, my children, show zeal for the Torah, and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers. “Remember the deeds of the fathers, which they did in their generations; and receive great honor and an everlasting name. Was not Abraham found faithful when tested, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness? Yoseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became adonai of Mitsrayim. Phin′ehas our father, because he was deeply zealous, received the covenant of everlasting priesthood. Yahusha, because he fulfilled the command, became a judge in Yashar’El. Calev, because he testified in the assembly, received an inheritance in the land. David, because he was merciful, inherited the throne of the kingdom for ever. Eli′Yahu because of great zeal for the Torah was taken up into heaven. Hanani′ah, Azari′ah, and Mish′a-el believed and were saved from the flame. Daniel because of his innocence was delivered from the mouth of the lions. “And so observe, from generation to generation, that none who put their trust in him will lack strength. Do not fear the words of a sinner, for his splendor will turn into dung and worms. Today he will be exalted, but tomorrow he will not be found, because he has returned to the dust, and his plans will perish. My children, be courageous and grow strong in the Torah, for by it you will gain honor.
Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) 2:10-15
‘Look at the generations of old, and see; did ever any trust in YAHUAH, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or whom did he ever despise, that called upon him? ‘For YAHUAH is full of compassion and mercy, longsuffering, and very pitiful, and forgives sins, and saves in time of affliction. ‘Woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goes two ways! ‘Woe unto him that is fainthearted! for he believes not; therefore shall he not be defended. ‘Woe unto you that have lost patience! and what will ye do when YAHUAH shall visit you? ‘They that fear YAHUAH will not disobey his word; and they that love him will guard his ways.
Yashar 65:30-34
30 And all the children of Yashar’El were greatly afraid of the Mitsrayim in this matter, and all the children of Yashar’El returned and worked alone without pay.
31 And the children of Yashar’El built Pithom and Rameses, and all the children of Yashar’El did the work, some making bricks, and some building, and the children of Yashar’El built and fortified all the land of Mitsrayim and its walls, and the children of Yashar’El were engaged in work for many years, until the time came when the YAHUAH remembered them and brought them out of Mitsrayim.
32 But the children of Levi were not employed in the work with their brethren of Yashar’El, from the beginning unto the day of their going forth from Mitsrayim.
33 For all the children of Levi knew that the Mitsrim had spoken all these words with deceit to the Yashar’El’ites, therefore the children of Levi refrained from approaching to the work with their brethren.
34 And the Mitsrim did not direct their attention to make the children of Levi work afterward, since they had not been with their brethren at the beginning, therefore the Mitsrim left them alone.
2 Esdras 16:74-78
74 “Hear, my elect,” says Yahuah. “Behold, the days of tribulation are at hand, and I will deliver you from them. 75 Do not fear or doubt, for Elohim is your guide. 76 You who keep my commandments and precepts,” says the Yahuah Elohaynu, “do not let your sins pull you down, or your iniquities prevail over you.” 77 Woe to those who are choked by their sins and overwhelmed by their iniquities, as a field is choked with underbrush and its path overwhelmed with thorns, so that no one can pass through! 78 It is shut off and given up to be consumed by fire.
