And to remember also the lawless destruction of the innocent babies: The proper word here is babies, not “children” (Good News Bible). We may render this clause as “They also prayed that he would do something about the lawless slaughter of innocent babies” or “They also prayed that he would take revenge on those who slaughtered innocent babies unlawfully.”

And the blasphemies committed against his name, and to show his hatred of evil: The blasphemies committed against his name refers especially to attempts to force the Jews to violate God’s Law. It is not a matter of “saying evil things against the Lord” (Good News Bible), but of doing evil things against him—sacrilegious acts rather than spoken blasphemy. Possible alternative renderings for the last half of this verse are “and about the evil things their enemies were doing that showed their contempt of God. They also prayed that he would show them how much he hated evil” and “Our enemies are doing evil things that show their contempt for you. Please show them how much you hate evil.”

In languages that must use direct speech and do not have the passive voice, we suggest the following model for verses 2-4:

• 2 They would pray, “Lord, please have pity on us! People everywhere are oppressing us terribly. Please consider also the pitiful condition of the Temple, which godless men have defiled.” 3 They also prayed, “Lord, please have mercy on Jerusalem. Our enemies are tearing it down and will soon leave it in ruins [or, level it]. Please take revenge on those who have murdered your faithful people, 4 and on those who have slaughtered innocent babies unlawfully. Our enemies are doing evil things that show their contempt for you. Please show them how much you hate evil.”

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.