3 Maccabees 3:1-2

Revised Standard Version

The Jews and Their Neighbors

3 When the impious king comprehended this situation, he became so infuriated that not only was he enraged against those Jews who lived in Alexandria, but was still more bitterly hostile toward those in the countryside; and he ordered that all should promptly be gathered into one place, and put to death by the most cruel means. ² While these matters were being arranged, a hostile rumor was circulated against the Jewish nation^[a] by men who conspired to do them ill, a pretext being given by a report that they hindered others^[b] from the observance of their customs.