2nd Maccabees 1
1 The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem
and in the land of Judea, wish unto the brethren, the Jews that are throughout
Egypt health and peace:
2 God be gracious unto you, and remember
his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful
servants;
3 And give you all an heart to serve him,
and to do his will, with a good courage and a willing mind;
4 And open your hearts in his law and
commandments, and send you peace,
5 And hear your prayers, and be at one
with you, and never forsake you in time of trouble.
6 And now we be here praying for you.
7 What time as Demetrius reigned, in the
hundred threescore and ninth year, we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity
of trouble that came upon us in those years, from the time that Jason and
his company revolted from the holy land and kingdom,
8 And burned the porch, and shed innocent
blood: then we prayed unto the Lord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices
and fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.
9 And now see that ye keep the feast of
tabernacles in the month Casleu.
10 In the hundred fourscore and eighth
year, the people that were at Jerusalem and in Judea, and the council,
and Judas, sent greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus' master,
who was of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that were
in Egypt:
11 Insomuch as God hath delivered us from
great perils, we thank him highly, as having been in battle against a king.
12 For he cast them out that fought within
the holy city.
13 For when the leader was come into Persia,
and the army with him that seemed invincible, they were slain in the temple
of Nanea by the deceit of Nanea's priests.
14 For Antiochus, as though he would marry
her, came into the place, and his friends that were with him, to receive
money in name of a dowry.
15 Which when the priests of Nanea had
set forth, and he was entered with a small company into the compass of
the temple, they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come in:
16 And opening a privy door of the roof,
they threw stones like thunderbolts, and struck down the captain, hewed
them in pieces, smote off their heads and cast them to those that were
without.
17 Blessed be our God in all things, who
hath delivered up the ungodly.
18 Therefore whereas we are now purposed
to keep the purification of the temple upon the five and twentieth day
of the month Casleu, we thought it necessary to certify you thereof, that
ye also might keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles, and of the fire,
which was given us when Neemias offered sacrifice, after that he had builded
the temple and the altar.
19 For when our fathers were led into
Persia, the priests that were then devout took the fire of the altar privily,
and hid it in an hollow place of a pit without water, where they kept it
sure, so that the place was unknown to all men.
20 Now after many years, when it pleased
God, Neemias, being sent from the king of Persia, did send of the posterity
of those priests that had hid it to the fire: but when they told us they
found no fire, but thick water;
21 Then commanded he them to draw it up,
and to bring it; and when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded
the priests to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the
water.
22 When this was done, and the time came
that the sun shone, which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great
fire kindled, so that every man marvelled.
23 And the priests made a prayer whilst
the sacrifice was consuming, I say, both the priests, and all the rest,
Jonathan beginning, and the rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did.
24 And the prayer was after this manner;
O Lord, Lord God, Creator of all things, who art fearful and strong, and
righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King,
25 The only giver of all things, the only
just, almighty, and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble,
and didst choose the fathers, and sanctify them:
26 Receive the sacrifice for thy whole
people Israel, and preserve thine own portion, and sanctify it.
27 Gather those together that are scattered
from us, deliver them that serve among the heathen, look upon them that
are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art our God.
28 Punish them that oppress us, and with
pride do us wrong.
29 Plant thy people again in thy holy
place, as Moses hath spoken.
30 And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving.
31 Now when the sacrifice was consumed,
Neemias commanded the water that was left to be poured on the great stones.
32 When this was done, there was kindled
a flame: but it was consumed by the light that shined from the altar.
33 So when this matter was known, it was
told the king of Persia, that in the place, where the priests that were
led away had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had purified
the sacrifices therewith.
34 Then the king, inclosing the place,
made it holy, after he had tried the matter.
35 And the king took many gifts, and bestowed
thereof on those whom he would gratify.
36 And Neemias called this thing Naphthar,
which is as much as to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.
2nd Maccabees 2
1 It is also found in the records, that
Jeremy the prophet commanded them that were carried away to take of the
fire, as it hath been signified:
2 And how that the prophet, having given
them the law, charged them not to forget the commandments of the Lord,
and that they should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver
and gold, with their ornaments.
3 And with other such speeches exhorted
he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts.
4 It was also contained in the same writing,
that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the
ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed
up, and saw the heritage of God.
5 And when Jeremy came thither, he found
an hollow cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar
of incense, and so stopped the door.
6 And some of those that followed him
came to mark the way, but they could not find it.
7 Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed
them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that
God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.
8 Then shall the Lord shew them these
things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as
it was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might
be honourably sanctified.
9 It was also declared, that he being
wise offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.
10 And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord,
the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed
Solomon also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt
offerings.
11 And Moses said, Because the sin offering
was not to be eaten, it was consumed.
12 So Solomon kept those eight days.
13 The same things also were reported
in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; and how he founding a library
gathered together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David,
and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.
14 In like manner also Judas gathered
together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had, and
they remain with us,
15 Wherefore if ye have need thereof,
send some to fetch them unto you.
16 Whereas we then are about to celebrate
the purification, we have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye
keep the same days.
17 We hope also, that the God, that delivered
all his people, and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the
priesthood, and the sanctuary,
18 As he promised in the law, will shortly
have mercy upon us, and gather us together out of every land under heaven
into the holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and
hath purified the place.
19 Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus,
and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication
of the altar,
20 And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes,
and Eupator his son,
21 And the manifest signs that came from
heaven unto those that behaved themselves manfully to their honour for
Judaism: so that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and
chased barbarous multitudes,
22 And recovered again the temple renowned
all the world over, and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were
going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour:
23 All these things, I say, being declared
by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.
24 For considering the infinite number,
and the difficulty which they find that desire to look into the narrations
of the story, for the variety of the matter,
25 We have been careful, that they that
will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to
memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have
profit.
26 Therefore to us, that have taken upon
us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat
and watching;
27 Even as it is no ease unto him that
prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring
of many we will undertake gladly this great pains;
28 Leaving to the author the exact handling
of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.
29 For as the master builder of a new
house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set
it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof:
even so I think it is with us.
30 To stand upon every point, and go over
things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first
author of the story:
31 But to use brevity, and avoid much
labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.
32 Here then will we begin the story:
only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish
thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.
2nd Maccabees 3
1 Now when the holy city was inhabited
with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness
of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,
2 It came to pass that even the kings
themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best
gifts;
3 Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his
own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.
4 But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin,
who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about
disorder in the city.
5 And when he could not overcome Onias,
he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of
Celosyria and Phenice,
6 And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem
was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches,
which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable,
and that it was possible to bring all into the king's hand.
7 Now when Apollonius came to the king,
and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose out
Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him
the foresaid money.
8 So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey;
under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed
to fulfil the king's purpose.
9 And when he was come to Jerusalem, and
had been courteously received of the high priest of the city, he told him
what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came,
and asked if these things were so indeed.
10 Then the high priest told him that
there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:
11 And that some of it belonged to Hircanus
son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had
misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver,
and two hundred of gold:
12 And that it was altogether impossible
that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it to the
holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the
temple, honoured over all the world.
13 But Heliodorus, because of the king's
commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into the
king's treasury.
14 So at the day which he appointed he
entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout
the whole city.
15 But the priests, prostrating themselves
before the altar in their priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon him
that made a law concerning things given to he kept, that they should safely
be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.
16 Then whoso had looked the high priest
in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the
changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.
17 For the man was so compassed with fear
and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him,
what sorrow he had now in his heart.
18 Others ran flocking out of their houses
to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.
19 And the women, girt with sackcloth
under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were
kept in ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked
out of the windows.
20 And all, holding their hands toward
heaven, made supplication.
21 Then it would have pitied a man to
see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the
high priest being in such an agony.
22 They then called upon the Almighty
Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those that
had committed them.
23 Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that
which was decreed.
24 Now as he was there present himself
with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince
of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come
in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were
sore afraid.
25 For there appeared unto them an horse
with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering,
and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it
seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.
26 Moreover two other young men appeared
before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel,
who stood by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave
him many sore stripes.
27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the
ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with
him took him up, and put him into a litter.
28 Thus him, that lately came with a great
train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out,
being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged
the power of God.
29 For he by the hand of God was cast
down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.
30 But they praised the Lord, that had
miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple; which a little afore
was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled
with joy and gladness.
31 Then straightways certain of Heliodorus'
friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him
his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.
32 So the high priest, suspecting lest
the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus
by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.
33 Now as the high priest was making an
atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside
Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as
for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:
34 And seeing that thou hast been scourged
from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they
had spoken these words, they appeared no more.
35 So Heliodorus, after he had offered
sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his
life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.
36 Then testified he to all men the works
of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.
37 And when the king Heliodorus, who might
be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,
38 If thou hast any enemy or traitor,
send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape
with his life: for in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power
of God.
39 For he that dwelleth in heaven hath
his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth
them that come to hurt it.
40 And the things concerning Heliodorus,
and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.
2nd Maccabees 4
1 This Simon now, of whom we spake afore,
having been a betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias,
as if he ha terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.
2 Thus was he bold to call him a traitor,
that had deserved well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was
so zealous of the laws.
3 But when their hatred went so far, that
by one of Simon's faction murders were committed,
4 Onias seeing the danger of this contention,
and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did
rage, and increase Simon's malice,
5 He went to the king, not to be an accuser
of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:
6 For he saw that it was impossible that
the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the
king did look thereunto.
7 But after the death of Seleucus, when
Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias
laboured underhand to be high priest,
8 Promising unto the king by intercession
three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue
eighty talents:
9 Beside this, he promised to assign an
hundred and fifty more, if he might have licence to set him up a place
for exercise, and for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen,
and to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.
10 Which when the king had granted, and
he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation
to Greekish fashion.
11 And the royal privileges granted of
special favour to the Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus,
who went ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting
down the governments which were according to the law, he brought up new
customs against the law:
12 For he built gladly a place of exercise
under the tower itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection,
and made them wear a hat.
13 Now such was the height of Greek fashions,
and increase of heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of
Jason, that ungodly wretch, and no high priest;
14 That the priests had no courage to
serve any more at the altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the
sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place
of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth;
15 Not setting by the honours of their
fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all.
16 By reason whereof sore calamity came
upon them: for they had them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom
they followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in all
things.
17 For it is not a light thing to do wickedly
against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.
18 Now when the game that was used every
faith year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present,
19 This ungracious Jason sent special
messengers from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred
drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers
thereof thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not
convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.
20 This money then, in regard of the sender,
was appointed to Hercules' sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof,
it was employed to the making of gallies.
21 Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus
was sent into Egypt for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus,
understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs, provided for
his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa, and from thence to Jerusalem:
22 Where he was honourably received of
Jason, and of the city, and was brought in with torch alight, and with
great shoutings: and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.
23 Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus,
the aforesaid Simon's brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to
put him in mind of certain necessary matters.
24 But he being brought to the presence
of the king, when he had magnified him for the glorious appearance of his
power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three
hundred talents of silver.
25 So he came with the king's mandate,
bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel
tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.
26 Then Jason, who had undermined his
own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the
country of the Ammonites.
27 So Menelaus got the principality: but
as for the money that he had promised unto the king, he took no good order
for it, albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it:
28 For unto him appertained the gathering
of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.
29 Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus
in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor
of the Cyprians.
30 While those things were in doing, they
of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the
king's concubine, called Antiochus.
31 Then came the king in all haste to
appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.
32 Now Menelaus, supposing that he had
gotten a convenient time, stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple,
and gave some of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus and the
cities round about.
33 Which when Onias knew of a surety,
he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that
lieth by Antiochia.
34 Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus
apart, prayed, him to get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto,
and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths; and
though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of
the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.
35 For the which cause not only the Jews,
but many also of other nations, took great indignation, and were much grieved
for the unjust murder of the man.
36 And when the king was come again from
the places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of
the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was slain
without cause.
37 Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry,
and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour
of him that was dead.
38 And being kindled with anger, forthwith
he took away Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading
him through the whole city unto that very place, where he had committed
impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord
rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved.
39 Now when many sacrileges had been committed
in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof
was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus,
many vessels of gold being already carried away.
40 Whereupon the common people rising,
and being filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men,
and began first to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man
far gone in years, and no less in folly.
41 They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus,
some of them caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust,
that was next at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and those
that set upon them.
42 Thus many of them they wounded, and
some they struck to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but
as for the churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.
43 Of these matters therefore there was
an accusation laid against Menelaus.
44 Now when the king came to Tyrus, three
men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:
45 But Menelaus, being now convicted,
promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would
pacify the king toward him.
46 Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king
aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to
be of another mind:
47 Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus
from the accusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief:
and those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the
Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.
48 Thus they that followed the matter
for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer
unjust punishment.
49 Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved
with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.
50 And so through the covetousness of
them that were of power Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing
in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens.
2nd Maccabees 5
1 About the same time Antiochus prepared
his second voyage into Egypt:
2 And then it happened, that through all
the city, for the space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen
running in the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band
of soldiers,
3 And troops of horsemen in array, encountering
and running one against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude
of pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and glittering of
golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.
4 Wherefore every man prayed that that
apparition might turn to good.
5 Now when there was gone forth a false
rumour, as though Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand
men, and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that were upon
the walls being put back, and the city at length taken, Menelaus fled into
the castle:
6 But Jason slew his own citizens without
mercy, not considering that to get the day of them of his own nation would
be a most unhappy day for him; but thinking they had been his enemies,
and not his countrymen, whom he conquered.
7 Howbeit for all this he obtained not
the principality, but at the last received shame for the reward of his
treason, and fled again into the country of the Ammonites.
8 In the end therefore he had an unhappy
return, being accused before Aretas the king of the Arabians, fleeing from
city to city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and
being had in abomination as an open enemy of his country and countrymen,
he was cast out into Egypt.
9 Thus he that had driven many out of
their country perished in a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians,
and thinking there to find succour by reason of his kindred:
10 And he that had cast out many unburied
had none to mourn for him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre
with his fathers.
11 Now when this that was done came to
the king's car, he thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing
out of Egypt in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,
12 And commanded his men of war not to
spare such as they met, and to slay such as went up upon the houses.
13 Thus there was killing of young and
old, making away of men, women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.
14 And there were destroyed within the
space of three whole days fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were
slain in the conflict; and no fewer sold than slain.
15 Yet was he not content with this, but
presumed to go into the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that
traitor to the laws, and to his own country, being his guide:
16 And taking the holy vessels with polluted
hands, and with profane hands pulling down the things that were dedicated
by other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the place, he
gave them away.
17 And so haughty was Antiochus in mind,
that he considered not that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins
of them that dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the
place.
18 For had they not been formerly wrapped
in many sins, this man, as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged,
and put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus the
king sent to view the treasury.
19 Nevertheless God did not choose the
people for the place's sake, but the place far the people's sake.
20 And therefore the place itself, that
was partaker with them of the adversity that happened to the nation, did
afterward communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and as it was
forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord being reconciled,
it was set up with all glory.
21 So when Antiochus had carried out of
the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste
unto Antiochia, weening in his pride to make the land navigable, and the
sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind.
22 And he left governors to vex the nation:
at Jerusalem, Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more
barbarous than he that set him there;
23 And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides,
Menelaus, who worse than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the citizens,
having a malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews.
24 He sent also that detestable ringleader
Apollonius with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay
all those that were in their best age, and to sell the women and the younger
sort:
25 Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending
peace, did forbear till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews
keeping holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves.
26 And so he slew all them that were gone
to the celebrating of the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons
slew great multitudes.
27 But Judas Maccabeus with nine others,
or thereabout, withdrew himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains
after the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs continually,
lest they should be partakers of the pollution.
2nd Maccabees 6
1 Not long after this the king sent an
old man of Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers,
and not to live after the laws of God:
2 And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem,
and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of
Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the
place.
3 The coming in of this mischief was sore
and grievous to the people:
4 For the temple was filled with riot
and revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do
with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought
in things that were not lawful.
5 The altar also was filled with profane
things, which the law forbiddeth.
6 Neither was it lawful for a man to keep
sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.
7 And in the day of the king's birth every
month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices;
and when the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in
procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.
8 Moreover there went out a decree to
the neighbour cities of the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against
the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers
of their sacrifices:
9 And whoso would not conform themselves
to the manners of the Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man
have seen the present misery.
10 For there were two women brought, who
had circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about
the city, the babes handing at their breasts, they cast them down headlong
from the wall.
11 And others, that had run together into
caves near by, to keep the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip,
were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves
for the honour of the most sacred day.
12 Now I beseech those that read this
book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they
judge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening
of our nation.
13 For it is a token of his great goodness,
when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.
14 For not as with other nations, whom
the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness
of their sins, so dealeth he with us,
15 Lest that, being come to the height
of sin, afterwards he should take vengeance of us.
16 And therefore he never withdraweth
his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never
forsake his people.
17 But let this that we at spoken be for
a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter
in a few words.
18 Eleazar, one of the principal scribes,
an aged man, and of a well favoured countenance, was constrained to open
his mouth, and to eat swine's flesh.
19 But he, choosing rather to die gloriously,
than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came
of his own accord to the torment,
20 As it behoved them to come, that are
resolute to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for love of
life to be tasted.
21 But they that had the charge of that
wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him
aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was lawful
for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice
commanded by the king;
22 That in so doing he might be delivered
from death, and for the old friendship with them find favour.
23 But he began to consider discreetly,
and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the
honour of his gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education
from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he
answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave.
24 For it becometh not our age, said he,
in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar,
being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange religion;
25 And so they through mine hypocrisy,
and desire to live a little time and a moment longer, should be deceived
by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.
26 For though for the present time I should
be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand
of the Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.
27 Wherefore now, manfully changing this
life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth,
28 And leave a notable example to such
as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy
laws. And when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment:
29 They that led him changing the good
will they bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches
proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.
30 But when he was ready to die with stripes,
he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy
knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure
sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am well content to suffer
these things, because I fear him.
31 And thus this man died, leaving his
death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not
only unto young men, but unto all his nation.
2nd Maccabees 7
1 It came to pass also, that seven brethren
with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law
to taste swine's flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.
2 But one of them that spake first said
thus, What wouldest thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather
than to transgress the laws of our fathers.
3 Then the king, being in a rage, commanded
pans and caldrons to be made hot:
4 Which forthwith being heated, he commanded
to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost
parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.
5 Now when he was thus maimed in all his
members, he commanded him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and
to be fried in the pan: and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space
dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die manfully, saying
thus,
6 The Lord God looketh upon us, and in
truth hath comfort in us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to their
faces, declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants.
7 So when the first was dead after this
number, they brought the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they
had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt
thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy body?
8 But he answered in his own language,
and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment in order, as
the former did.
9 And when he was at the last gasp, he
said, Thou like a fury takest us out of this present life, but the King
of the world shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting
life.
10 After him was the third made a mocking
stock: and when he was required, he put out his tongue, and that right
soon, holding forth his hands manfully.
11 And said courageously, These I had
from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive
them again.
12 Insomuch that the king, and they that
were with him, marvelled at the young man's courage, for that he nothing
regarded the pains.
13 Now when this man was dead also, they
tormented and mangled the fourth in like manner.
14 So when he was ready to die he said
thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God
to be raised up again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection
to life.
15 Afterward they brought the fifth also,
and mangled him.
16 Then looked he unto the king, and said,
Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt;
yet think not that our nation is forsaken of God;
17 But abide a while, and behold his great
power, how he will torment thee and thy seed.
18 After him also they brought the sixth,
who being ready to die said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer
these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore marvellous
things are done unto us.
19 But think not thou, that takest in
hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.
20 But the mother was marvellous above
all, and worthy of honourable memory: for when she saw her seven sons slain
within the space of one day, she bare it with a good courage, because of
the hope that she had in the Lord.
21 Yea, she exhorted every one of them
in her own language, filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her
womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,
22 I cannot tell how ye came into my womb:
for I neither gave you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the
members of every one of you;
23 But doubtless the Creator of the world,
who formed the generation of man, and found out the beginning of all things,
will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as ye now regard
not your own selves for his laws' sake.
24 Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised,
and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet
alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths,
that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from
the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his friend,
and trust him with affairs.
25 But when the young man would in no
case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her that
she would counsel the young man to save his life.
26 And when he had exhorted her with many
words, she promised him that she would counsel her son.
27 But she bowing herself toward him,
laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, spake in her country language on this
manner; O my son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine months in my womb,
and gave thee such three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up
unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.
28 I beseech thee, my son, look upon the
heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made
them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.
29 Fear not this tormentor, but, being
worthy of thy brethren, take thy death that I may receive thee again in
mercy with thy brethren.
30 Whiles she was yet speaking these words,
the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment:
but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers
by Moses.
31 And thou, that hast been the author
of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.
32 For we suffer because of our sins.
33 And though the living Lord be angry
with us a little while for our chastening and correction, yet shall he
be at one again with his servants.
34 But thou, O godless man, and of all
other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with
uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God:
35 For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment
of Almighty God, who seeth all things.
36 For our brethren, who now have suffered
a short pain, are dead under God's covenant of everlasting life: but thou,
through the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.
37 But I, as my brethren, offer up my
body and life for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God that he would
speedily be merciful unto our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues
mayest confess, that he alone is God;
38 And that in me and my brethren the
wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.
39 Than the king' being in a rage, handed
him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.
40 So this man died undefiled, and put
his whole trust in the Lord.
41 Last of all after the sons the mother
died.
42 Let this be enough now to have spoken
concerning the idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.
2nd Maccabees 8
1 Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were
with him, went privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together,
and took unto them all such as continued in the Jews' religion, and assembled
about six thousand men.
2 And they called upon the Lord, that
he would look upon the people that was trodden down of all; and also pity
the temple profaned of ungodly men;
3 And that he would have compassion upon
the city, sore defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground; and
hear the blood that cried unto him,
4 And remember the wicked slaughter of
harmless infants, and the blasphemies committed against his name; and that
he would shew his hatred against the wicked.
5 Now when Maccabeus had his company about
him, he could not be withstood by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord
was turned into mercy.
6 Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt
up towns and cities, and got into his hands the most commodious places,
and overcame and put to flight no small number of his enemies.
7 But specially took he advantage of the
night for such privy attempts, insomuch that the fruit of his holiness
was spread every where.
8 So when Philip saw that this man increased
by little and little, and that things prospered with him still more and
more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, to
yield more aid to the king's affairs.
9 Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the
son of Patroclus, one of his special friends, he sent him with no fewer
than twenty thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole generation
of the Jews; and with him he joined also Gorgias a captain, who in matters
of war had great experience.
10 So Nicanor undertook to make so much
money of the captive Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand
talents, which the king was to pay to the Romans.
11 Wherefore immediately he sent to the
cities upon the sea coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and
promising that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent,
not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon him from the Almighty
God.
12 Now when word was brought unto Judas
of Nicanor's coming, and he had imparted unto those that were with him
that the army was at hand,
13 They that were fearful, and distrusted
the justice of God, fled, and conveyed themselves away.
14 Others sold all that they had left,
and withal besought the Lord to deliver them, sold by the wicked Nicanor
before they met together:
15 And if not for their own sakes, yet
for the covenants he had made with their fathers, and for his holy and
glorious name's sake, by which they were called.
16 So Maccabeus called his men together
unto the number of six thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with
terror of the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, who
came wrongly against them; but to fight manfully,
17 And to set before their eyes the injury
that they had unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of
the city, whereof they made a mockery, and also the taking away of the
government of their forefathers:
18 For they, said he, trust in their weapons
and boldness; but our confidence is in the Almighty who at a beck can cast
down both them that come against us, and also all the world.
19 Moreover, he recounted unto them what
helps their forefathers had found, and how they were delivered, when under
Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished.
20 And he told them of the battle that
they had in Babylon with the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand
in all to the business, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the Macedonians
being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an hundred and twenty thousand
because of the help that they had from heaven, and so received a great
booty.
21 Thus when he had made them bold with
these words, and ready to die for the law and the country, he divided his
army into four parts;
22 And joined with himself his own brethren,
leaders of each band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each
one fifteen hundred men.
23 Also he appointed Eleazar to read the
holy book: and when he had given them this watchword, The help of God;
himself leading the first band,
24 And by the help of the Almighty they
slew above nine thousand of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most
part of Nicanor's host, and so put all to flight;
25 And took their money that came to buy
them, and pursued them far: but lacking time they returned:
26 For it was the day before the sabbath,
and therefore they would no longer pursue them.
27 So when they had gathered their armour
together, and spoiled their enemies, they occupied themselves about the
sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had preserved
them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy distilling upon them.
28 And after the sabbath, when they had
given part of the spoils to the maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the
residue they divided among themselves and their servants.
29 When this was done, and they had made
a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled
with his servants for ever.
30 Moreover of those that were with Timotheus
and Bacchides, who fought against them, they slew above twenty thousand,
and very easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves
many spoils more, and made the maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged
also, equal in spoils with themselves.
31 And when they had gathered their armour
together, they laid them up all carefully in convenient places, and the
remnant of the spoils they brought to Jerusalem.
32 They slew also Philarches, that wicked
person, who was with Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.
33 Furthermore at such time as they kept
the feast for the victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes, that
had set fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house; and
so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.
34 As for that most ungracious Nicanor,
who had brought a thousand merchants to buy the Jews,
35 He was through the help of the Lord
brought down by them, of whom he made least account; and putting off his
glorious apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive
servant through the midland unto Antioch having very great dishonour, for
that his host was destroyed.
36 Thus he, that took upon him to make
good to the Romans their tribute by means of captives in Jerusalem, told
abroad, that the Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could
not be hurt, because they followed the laws that he gave them.
2nd Maccabees 9
1 About that time came Antiochus with dishonour
out of the country of Persia
2 For he had entered the city called Persepolis,
and went about to rob the temple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude
running to defend themselves with their weapons put them to flight; and
so it happened, that Antiochus being put to flight of the inhabitants returned
with shame.
3 Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was
brought him what had happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.
4 Then swelling with anger. he thought
to avenge upon the Jews the disgrace done unto him by those that made him
flee. Therefore commanded he his chariotman to drive without ceasing, and
to dispatch the journey, the judgment of God now following him. For he
had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come to Jerusalem and make
it a common burying place of the Jew s.
5 But the Lord Almighty, the God of Isreal,
smote him with an incurable and invisible plague: or as soon as he had
spoken these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came upon
him, and sore torments of the inner parts;
6 And that most justly: for he had tormented
other men's bowels with many and strange torments.
7 Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from
his bragging, but still was filled with pride, breathing out fire in his
rage against the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey: but it came
to pass that he fell down from his chariot, carried violently; so that
having a sore fall, all the members of his body were much pained.
8 And thus he that a little afore thought
he might command the waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the condition
of man) and weigh the high mountains in a balance, was now cast on the
ground, and carried in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all the manifest
power of God.
9 So that the worms rose up out of the
body of this wicked man, and whiles he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh
fell away, and the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army.
10 And the man, that thought a little
afore he could reach to the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry
for his intolerable stink.
11 Here therefore, being plagued, he began
to leave off his great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself by
the scourge of God, his pain increasing every moment.
12 And when he himself could not abide
his own smell, he said these words, It is meet to be subject unto God,
and that a man that is mortal should not proudly think of himself if he
were God.
13 This wicked person vowed also unto
the Lord, who now no more would have mercy upon him, saying thus,
14 That the holy city (to the which he
was going in haste to lay it even with the ground, and to make it a common
buryingplace,) he would set at liberty:
15 And as touching the Jews, whom he had
judged not worthy so much as to be buried, but to be cast out with their
children to be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them
all equals to the citizens of Athens:
16 And the holy temple, which before he
had spoiled, he would garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy
vessels with many more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges belonging
to the sacrifices:
17 Yea, and that also he would become
a Jew himself, and go through all the world that was inhabited, and declare
the power of God.
18 But for all this his pains would not
cease: for the just judgment of God was come upon him: therefore despairing
of his health, he wrote unto the Jews the letter underwritten, containing
the form of a supplication, after this manner:
19 Antiochus, king and governor, to the
good Jews his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:
20 If ye and your children fare well,
and your affairs be to your contentment, I give very great thanks to God,
having my hope in heaven.
21 As for me, I was weak, or else I would
have remembered kindly your honour and good will returning out of Persia,
and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to care
for the common safety of all:
22 Not distrusting mine health, but having
great hope to escape this sickness.
23 But considering that even my father,
at what time he led an army into the high countries. appointed a successor,
24 To the end that, if any thing fell
out contrary to expectation, or if any tidings were brought that were grievous,
they of the land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not be troubled:
25 Again, considering how that the princes
that are borderers and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for opportunities,
and expect what shall be the event. I have appointed my son Antiochus king,
whom I often committed and commended unto many of you, when I went up into
the high provinces; to whom I have written as followeth:
26 Therefore I pray and request you to
remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally, and in special,
and that every man will be still faithful to me and my son.
27 For I am persuaded that he understanding
my mind will favourably and graciously yield to your desires.
28 Thus the murderer and blasphemer having
suffered most grievously, as he entreated other men, so died he a miserable
death in a strange country in the mountains.
29 And Philip, that was brought up with
him, carried away his body, who also fearing the son of Antiochus went
into Egypt to Ptolemeus Philometor.
2nd Maccabees 10
1 Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord
guiding them, recovered the temple and the city:
2 But the altars which the heathen had
built in the open street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.
3 And having cleansed the temple they
made another altar, and striking stones they took fire out of them, and
offered a sacrifice after two years, and set forth incense, and lights,
and shewbread.
4 When that was done, they fell flat down,
and besought the Lord that they might come no more into such troubles;
but if they sinned any more against him, that he himself would chasten
them with mercy, and that they might not be delivered unto the blasphemous
and barbarous nations.
5 Now upon the same day that the strangers
profaned the temple, on the very same day it was cleansed again, even the
five and twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.
6 And they kept the eight days with gladness,
as in the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long afore they
had held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the mountains
and dens like beasts.
7 Therefore they bare branches, and fair
boughs, and palms also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good
success in cleansing his place.
8 They ordained also by a common statute
and decree, That every year those days should be kept of the whole nation
of the Jews.
9 And this was the end of Antiochus, called
Epiphanes.
10 Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus
Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities
of the wars.
11 So when he was come to the crown, he
set one Lysias over the affairs of his realm, and appointed him his chief
governor of Celosyria and Phenice.
12 For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron,
choosing rather to do justice unto the Jews for the wrong that had been
done unto them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.
13 Whereupon being accused of the king's
friends before Eupator, and called traitor at every word because he had
left Cyprus, that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to Antiochus
Epiphanes, and seeing that he was in no honourable place, he was so discouraged,
that he poisoned himself and died.
14 But when Gorgias was governor of the
holds, he hired soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews:
15 And therewithall the Idumeans, having
gotten into their hands the most commodious holds, kept the Jews occupied,
and receiving those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about
to nourish war.
16 Then they that were with Maccabeus
made supplication, and besought God that he would be their helper; and
so they ran with violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans,
17 And assaulting them strongly, they
won the holds, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all
that fell into their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.
18 And because certain, who were no less
than nine thousand, were fled together into two very strong castles, having
all manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,
19 Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and
Zaccheus also, and them that were with him, who were enough to besiege
them, and departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.
20 Now they that were with Simon, being
led with covetousness, were persuaded for money through certain of those
that were in the castle, and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some
of them escape.
21 But when it was told Maccabeus what
was done, he called the governors of the people together, and accused those
men, that they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies
free to fight against them.
22 So he slew those that were found traitors,
and immediately took the two castles.
23 And having good success with his weapons
in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty
thousand.
24 Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome
before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses
out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.
25 But when he drew near, they that were
with Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth
upon their heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,
26 And fell down at the foot of the altar,
and besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies,
and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.
27 So after the prayer they took their
weapons, and went on further from the city: and when they drew near to
their enemies, they kept by themselves.
28 Now the sun being newly risen, they
joined both together; the one part having together with their virtue their
refuge also unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the
other side making their rage leader of their battle
29 But when the battle waxed strong, there
appeared unto the enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with
bridles of gold, and two of them led the Jews,
30 And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and
covered him on every side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and
lightnings against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness,
and full of trouble, they were killed.
31 And there were slain of footmen twenty
thousand and five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
32 As for Timotheus himself, he fled into
a very strong hold, called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.
33 But they that were with Maccabeus laid
siege against the fortress courageously four days.
34 And they that were within, trusting
to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked
words.
35 Nevertheless upon the fifth day early
twenty young men of Maccabeus' company, inflamed with anger because of
the blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed
all that they met withal.
36 Others likewise ascending after them,
whiles they were busied with them that were within, burnt the towers, and
kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates,
and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,
37 And killed Timotheus, that was hid
in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.
38 When this was done, they praised the
Lord with psalms and thanksgiving, who had done so great things for Israel,
and given them the victory.
2nd Maccabees 11
1 Not long after the, Lysias the king's
protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure
for the things that were done.
2 And when he had gathered about fourscore
thousand with all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make
the city an habitation of the Gentiles,
3 And to make a gain of the temple, as
of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to
sale every year:
4 Not at all considering the power of
God but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands
of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.
5 So he came to Judea, and drew near to
Bethsura, which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five
furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.
6 Now when they that were with Maccabeus
heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people with lamentation
and tears besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver
Israel.
7 Then Maccabeus himself first of all
took weapons, exhorting the other that they would jeopard themselves together
with him to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a willing
mind.
8 And as they were at Jerusalem, there
appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour
of gold.
9 Then they praised the merciful God all
together, and took heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight
with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.
10 Thus they marched forward in their
armour, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them
11 And giving a charge upon their enemies
like lions, they slew eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen,
and put all the other to flight.
12 Many of them also being wounded escaped
naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.
13 Who, as he was a man of understanding,
casting with himself what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews
could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto
them,
14 And persuaded them to agree to all
reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that
he must needs be a friend unto them.
15 Then Maccabeus consented to all that
Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus
wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.
16 For there were letters written unto
the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews
sendeth greeting:
17 John and Absolom, who were sent from
you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance
of the contents thereof.
18 Therefore what things soever were meet
to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as
much as might be.
19 And if then ye will keep yourselves
loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your
good.
20 But of the particulars I have given
order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.
21 Fare ye well. The hundred and eight
and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.
22 Now the king's letter contained these
words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:
23 Since our father is translated unto
the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that
every one may attend upon his own affairs.
24 We understand also that the Jews would
not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles,
but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they
require of us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws.
25 Wherefore our mind is, that this nation
shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple,
that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.
26 Thou shalt do well therefore to send
unto them, and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind,
they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.
27 And the letter of the king unto the
nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting
unto the council, and the rest of the Jews:
28 If ye fare well, we have our desire;
we are also in good health.
29 Menelaus declared unto us, that your
desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:
30 Wherefore they that will depart shall
have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.
31 And the Jews shall use their own kind
of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall
be molested for things ignorantly done.
32 I have sent also Menelaus, that he
may comfort you.
33 Fare ye well. In the hundred forty
and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
34 The Romans also sent unto them a letter
containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors
of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.
35 Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin
hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased.
36 But touching such things as he judged
to be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith,
that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to
Antioch.
37 Therefore send some with speed, that
we may know what is your mind.
38 Farewell. This hundred and eight and
fortieth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
2nd Maccabees 12
1 When these covenants were made, Lysias
went unto the king, and the Jews were about their husbandry.
2 But of the governours of several places,
Timotheus, and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon,
and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to
be quiet and live in peace.
3 The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly
deed: they prayed the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives
and children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they had
meant them no hurt.
4 Who accepted of it according to the
common decree of the city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting
nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no less
than two hundred of them.
5 When Judas heard of this cruelty done
unto his countrymen, he commanded those that were with him to make them
ready.
6 And calling upon God the righteous Judge,
he came against those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by
night, and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.
7 And when the town was shut up, he went
backward, as if he would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.
8 But when he heard that the Jamnites
were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,
9 He came upon the Jamnites also by night,
and set fire on the haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was
seen at Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.
10 Now when they were gone from thence
nine furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand
men on foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.
11 Whereupon there was a very sore battle;
but Judas' side by the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades
of Arabia, being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to
give him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.
12 Then Judas, thinking indeed that they
would be profitable in many things, granted them peace: whereupon they
shook hands, and so they departed to their tents.
13 He went also about to make a bridge
to a certain strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited
by people of divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.
14 But they that were within it put such
trust in the strength of the walls and provision of victuals, that they
behaved themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and
blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.
15 Wherefore Judas with his company, calling
upon the great Lord of the world, who without rams or engines of war did
cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against
the walls,
16 And took the city by the will of God,
and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad
near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.
17 Then departed they from thence seven
hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are
called Tubieni.
18 But as for Timotheus, they found him
not in the places: for before he had dispatched any thing, he departed
from thence, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.
19 Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who
were of Maccabeus' captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus
had left in the fortress, above ten thousand men.
20 And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands,
and set them over the bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about
him an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five
hundred horsemen.
21 Now when Timotheus had knowledge of
Judas' coming, he sent the women and children and the other baggage unto
a fortress called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy
to come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.
22 But when Judas his first band came
in sight, the enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing
of him who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way, another
that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own men, and wounded
with the points of their own swords.
23 Judas also was very earnest in pursuing
them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand
men.
24 Moreover Timotheus himself fell into
the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft
to let him go with his life, because he had many of the Jews' parents,
and the brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to death, should
not be regarded.
25 So when he had assured them with many
words that he would restore them without hurt, according to the agreement,
they let him go for the saving of their brethren.
26 Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion,
and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand
persons.
27 And after he had put to flight and
destroyed them, Judas removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein
Lysias abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong young
men kept the walls, and defended them mightily: wherein also was great
provision of engines and darts.
28 But when Judas and his company had
called upon Almighty God, who with his power breaketh the strength of his
enemies, they won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that
were within,
29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis,
which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,
30 But when the Jews that dwelt there
had testified that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated
them kindly in the time of their adversity;
31 They gave them thanks, desiring them
to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast
of the weeks approaching.
32 And after the feast, called Pentecost,
they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,
33 Who came out with three thousand men
of foot and four hundred horsemen.
34 And it happened that in their fighting
together a few of the Jews were slain.
35 At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's
company, who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias,
and taking hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken
that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him smote off
his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.
36 Now when they that were with Gorgias
had fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would
shew himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.
37 And with that he began in his own language,
and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias' men,
he put them to flight.
38 So Judas gathered his host, and came
into the city of Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified
themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.
39 And upon the day following, as the
use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them
that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers'
graves.
40 Now under the coats of every one that
was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which
is forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was the
cause wherefore they were slain.
41 All men therefore praising the Lord,
the righteous Judge, who had opened the things that were hid,
42 Betook themselves unto prayer, and
besought him that the sin committed might wholly be put out of remembrance.
Besides, that noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin,
forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to pass for
the sins of those that were slain.
43 And when he had made a gathering throughout
the company to the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to
Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and honestly,
in that he was mindful of the resurrection:
44 For if he had not hoped that they that
were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to
pray for the dead.
45 And also in that he perceived that
there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy
and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that
they might be delivered from sin.
2nd Maccabees 13
1 In the hundred forty and ninth year it
was told Judas, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into
Judea,
2 And with him Lysias his protector, and
ruler of his affairs, having either of them a Grecian power of footmen,
an hundred and ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred,
and elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks.
3 Menelaus also joined himself with them,
and with great dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard
of the country, but because he thought to have been made governor.
4 But the King of kings moved Antiochus'
mind against this wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this
man was the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring
him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in that place.
5 Now there was in that place a tower
of fifty cubits high, full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which
on every side hanged down into the ashes.
6 And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege,
or had committed any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him
unto death.
7 Such a death it happened that wicked
man to die, not having so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly:
8 For inasmuch as he had committed many
sins about the altar, whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death
in ashes.
9 Now the king came with a barbarous and
haughty mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father's
time.
10 Which things when Judas perceived,
he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that if
ever at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point
to be put from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:
11 And that he would not suffer the people,
that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the
blasphemous nations.
12 So when they had all done this together,
and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat
upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded
they should be in a readiness.
13 And Judas, being apart with the elders,
determined, before the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the
city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.
14 So when he had committed all to the
Creator of the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even
unto death, for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the commonwealth,
he camped by Modin:
15 And having given the watchword to them
that were about him, Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice
young men he went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp
about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with all that
were upon him.
16 And at last they filled the camp with
fear and tumult, and departed with good success.
17 This was done in the break of the day,
because the protection of the Lord did help him.
18 Now when the king had taken a taste
of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,
19 And marched toward Bethsura, which
was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost
of his men:
20 For Judas had conveyed unto them that
were in it such things as were necessary.
21 But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews'
host, disclosed the secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out,
and when they had gotten him, they put him in prison.
22 The king treated with them in Bethsum
the second time, gave his hand, took their's, departed, fought with Judas,
was overcome;
23 Heard that Philip, who was left over
the affairs in Antioch, was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the
Jews, submitted himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with
them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly with
the place,
24 And accepted well of Maccabeus, made
him principal governor from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;
25 Came to Ptolemais: the people there
were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed, because they would make
their covenants void:
26 Lysias went up to the judgment seat,
said as much as could be in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified,
made them well affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the
king's coming and departing.
2nd Maccabees 14
1 After three years was Judas informed,
that Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis
with a great power and navy,
2 Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus,
and Lysias his protector.
3 Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest,
and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the
Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more
access to the holy altar,
4 Came to king Demetrius in the hundred
and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm,
and also of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so that
day he held his peace.
5 Howbeit having gotten opportunity to
further his foolish enterprize, and being called into counsel by Demetrius,
and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered
thereunto:
6 Those of the Jews that he called Assideans,
whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will
not let the rest be in peace.
7 Therefore I, being deprived of mine
ancestors' honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come hither:
8 First, verily for the unfeigned care
I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I
intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small
misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforersaid.
9 Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all
these things, be careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed
on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto
all.
10 For as long as Judas liveth, it is
not possible that the state should be quiet.
11 This was no sooner spoken of him, but
others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did
more incense Demetrius.
12 And forthwith calling Nicanor, who
had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he
sent him forth,
13 Commanding him to slay Judas, and to
scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the
great temple.
14 Then the heathen, that had fled out
of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities
ot the Jews to be their welfare.
15 Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's
coming, and that the heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon
their heads, and made supplication to him that had established his people
for ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of his
presence.
16 So at the commandment of the captain
they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town
of Dessau.
17 Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined
battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence
of his enemies.
18 Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the
manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they
had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.
19 Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus,
and Mattathias, to make peace.
20 So when they had taken long advisement
thereupon, and the captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith,
and it appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the covenants,
21 And appointed a day to meet in together
by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were set for either of
them,
22 Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient
places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies:
so they made a peaceable conference.
23 Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and
did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto him.
24 And he would not willingly have Judas
out of his sight: for he love the man from his heart
25 He prayed him also to take a wife,
and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took part of this
life.
26 But Alcimus, perceiving the love that
was betwixt them, and considering the covenants that were made, came to
Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state;
for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king's
successor.
27 Then the king being in a rage, and
provoked with the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor,
signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding
him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto Antioch.
28 When this came to Nicanor's hearing,
he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should
make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.
29 But because there was no dealing against
the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy.
30 Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw
that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more
roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not
of good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew himself
from Nicanor.
31 But the other, knowing that he was
notably prevented by Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple,
and commanded the priests, that were offering their usual sacrifices, to
deliver him the man.
32 And when they sware that they could
not tell where the man was whom he sought,
33 He stretched out his right hand toward
the temple, and made an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me
Judas as a prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground,
and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto Bacchus.
34 After these words he departed. Then
the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that
was ever a defender of their nation, saying in this manner;
35 Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast
need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine habitation should
be among us:
36 Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness,
keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every
unrighteous mouth.
37 Now was there accused unto Nicanor
one Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and
a man of very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of
the Jews.
38 For in the former times, when they
mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism,
and did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion
of the Jews.
39 So Nicanor, willing to declare the
hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to
take him:
40 For he thought by taking him to do
the Jews much hurt.
41 Now when the multitude would have taken
the tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire
should be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side
fell upon his sword;
42 Choosing rather to die manfully, than
to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed
his noble birth:
43 But missing his stroke through haste,
the multitude also rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall,
and cast himself down manfully among the thickest of them.
44 But they quickly giving back, and a
space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void place.
45 Nevertheless, while there was yet breath
within him, being inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood
gushed out like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran
through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,
46 When as his blood was now quite gone,
he plucked out his bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them
upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore
him those again, he thus died.
2nd Maccabees 15
1 But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his
company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger
to set upon them on the sabbath day.
2 Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled
to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give
honour to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with
holiness above all other days.
3 Then the most ungracious wretch demanded,
if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day
to be kept.
4 And when they said, There is in heaven
a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:
5 Then said the other, And I also am mighty
upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king's business.
Yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done.
6 So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness
determined to set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them
that were with him.
7 But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence
that the Lord would help him:
8 Wherefore he exhorted his people not
to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help
which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect
the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the Almighty.
9 And so comforting them out of the law
and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they
won afore, he made them more cheerful.
10 And when he had stirred up their minds,
he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the
heathen, and the breach of oaths.
11 Thus he armed every one of them, not
so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good
words: and beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as
if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.
12 And this was his vision: That Onias,
who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation,
gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a child in all
points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for the whole body of the
Jews.
13 This done, in like manner there appeared
a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and
excellent majesty.
14 Then Onias answered, saying, This is
a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy
city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.
15 Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his
right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,
16 Take this holy sword, a gift from God,
with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.
17 Thus being well comforted by the words
of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and
to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch
camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter
by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in
danger.
18 For the care that they took for their
wives, and their children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account
with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.
19 Also they that were in the city took
not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.
20 And now, when as all looked what should
be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was
set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set
in wings,
21 Maccabeus seeing the coming of the
multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of
the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the
Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but
even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy:
22 Therefore in his prayer he said after
this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias
king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore
and five thousand:
23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven,
send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them;
24 And through the might of thine arm
let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to
blaspheme. And he ended thus.
25 Then Nicanor and they that were with
him came forward with trumpets and songs.
26 But Judas and his company encountered
the enemies with invocation and prayer.
27 So that fighting with their hands,
and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and
five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly
cheered.
28 Now when the battle was done, returning
again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.
29 Then they made a great shout and a
noise, praising the Almighty in their own language.
30 And Judas, who was ever the chief defender
of the citizens both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward
his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and
his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
31 So when he was there, and called them
of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for
them that were of the tower,
32 And shewed them vile Nicanor's head,
and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched
out against the holy temple of the Almighty.
33 And when he had cut out the tongue
of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces
unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.
34 So every man praised toward the heaven
the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.
35 He hanged also Nicanor's head upon
the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
36 And they ordained all with a common
decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate
the thirtieth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called
Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.
37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from
that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will
I make an end.
38 And if I have done well, and as is
fitting the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly,
it is that which I could attain unto.
39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine
or water alone; and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth
the taste: even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that
read the story. And here shall be an end.