And Mathathias saw and was grieved, and his reins trembled, and his wrath was kindled according to the judgment of the law, and running upon him he slew him upon the altar:

“Law. Deuteronomy xi. 6., (Menochius) and xiii. 9. Those who attempted to introduce the worship of idols, were to be slain without farther trial. (Calmet) — Mathathias was then judge and high priest. (Worthington) — He acted not though private revenge. (St. Cyprian, exhort. 5.; St. Bernard, ep. 158.) (Worthington)”