16:1
Matityahu ben Yochanan, a kohen, refuses the royal demand to offer unlawful sacrifice.
16:2
When another man steps forward to comply, Matityahu kills him together with the royal officer and overturns the imposed altar.
16:3
He and his sons flee to the hills, gathering those zealous for Torah and those escaping persecution.
16:4
After early losses among people unwilling to defend themselves on Shabbat, the resistance decides that preservation of life permits defensive battle.
16:5
Before death Matityahu charges his sons to remain courageous and appoints Yehudah to lead the fighting.