But now I have grown old, and you by His mercy are mature in years: Simon knows that he is too old to go into battle again, but is grateful to God that his sons are old enough to take his place with the army. As usual, the writer avoids a direct reference to God, but does allow himself to say His mercy. Translators who are following the writer in avoiding direct references to God may say “Heaven’s mercy” (New Revised Standard Version). An alternative model for this sentence is “But I am an old man now. Heaven [or, The One in Heaven] has shown you kindness by letting you become men [or, become mature].”

Take my place and my brother’s, and go out and fight for our nation, and may the help which comes from Heaven be with you: It may be effective to break this long sentence into several short ones; for example, “Take my place and my brother’s place. Go and fight for our nation. May you receive help from Heaven.”

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.