Since Mattathias was respected by the local populace, the king’s representative tried to convince him to participate in a pagan sacrifice — to save his own life and to set an example for the rest of the populace.
Kuna kohalik elanikkond pidas Matatjast lugu, üritas kuninga esindaja teda veenda osalema paganliku ohvri toomises — sellega oleks ta päästnud omaenda elu ja andnud ka eeskuju ülejäänud elanikele.