Books Jesus Read

26

Books Jesus Read

did he not keep the commandments and become lord of Egypt ( Gen 39:9; 41:41–43 )? There was Phineas, zealous and fervent, who won an eternal priesthood ( Num 25:10– 13 ); Joshua, who fulfilled the Word and thereby judged Israel ( Josh 1:1–9 ); Caleb, who testified truly before the congregation, and so received his inheritance in the land ( Num 14:5–10, 24 ); David, who showed Saul mercy, and inherited the throne of the kingdom in perpetuity ( 2 Sam 7:8–17 ); Elijah, who on account of his passion for the law was taken up into heaven ( 2 Kgs 2:1–12 ). Then there were Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, who trusted God to save them from the fiery furnace ( Dan 3 ); and Daniel, whose innocence saved him from the mouths of lions ( Dan 7 )! “Remember, therefore, the generations of old. For all who hope in him never shall grow weary. And do not fear the words of the sinful, for their glory shall become a rotting dung heap. Indeed, the threats of the wicked wither like the wicked themselves, here today and gone tomorrow. Be courageous, dear sons, and strong in the law, for therein lies your glory! “Your bother Simon is wisest in counsel, listen to him and he will be a father to you all. As for Judas the Hammer, he has been a mighty warrior from his youth. Let him command the army and lead you to victory over our enemies. Enlist all those who observe the law. Avenge the wrongs done to our people. Pay back those Gentiles in full for their abuse!” Mattathias blessed his sons and was gathered to his fathers in the 146th year of the Greek kingdom. His sons