I shall prove myself worthy of my old age.
I shall have left the young a noble example.
Eleazar thus proved himself a sage .
His name remembered for ever in the temple.

He resolved to die with honour
Rather than live with his disgrace .
He ensured his own people’s future.
For him it was not enough to save face.

He could have taken an act of kindness.
Because of long standing friendship with him.
They all now questioned his stubbornness.
His fortitude great , his face grim.

I know I would not show such bravery.
But what if we too were forced into slavery.

……..

We may not be brave
But we can support belief
That is all we do

…….

See 2 Maccabees 6: 18-31