Whether out of freedom or fear the results were the same. It is forbidden to worship false "gxds" (Halakhically Jews are required to die rather than do this), and Mattityahu killed him.
>>”It is forbidden to worship false “gxds” (Halakhically Jews are required to die rather than do this), and Mattityahu killed him. “
Not to begin an argument, but as a rhetorical question, meant to provoke thought and introspection: Jewish people do not worship, today, as required by the Hebrew Bible. Even though one can say that it is no longer possible, such worship is still required. Is the casuistry making this possible intellectually and spiritually satisfying?
[This is not a condemnation: very few Christians bother to follow their own scriptures, either.]
DG