He himself will crush them before us: He himself refers to God. This phrase may be rendered “Heaven itself” to keep the author’s way of referring to God. Before us means “in front of us,” that is, as we advance. Good News Bible says “When we attack” (Good News Bible). The whole clause may be rendered “Heaven [or, The One in Heaven] will crush them [or, wipe them out] as we move forward [or, attack].”

As for you, do not be afraid of them: Good News Bible provides a good model for this clause, saying “so don’t be afraid of them.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.