Many of them died because they refused to fight on the Sabbath. Later, however, they reclaimed the temple. Judas encouraged the people: “It is easy for many to be hemmed in by a few, for in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between saving by many or by few. It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven.” (NRSV, I Maccabees 3:18–19)

To celebrate the event, they established the Festival of Lights, or Hanukkah.