Books of the Maccabees
Two books written a century before the birth of Jesus, 1 and 2 Maccabees, tell the inspiring story of the Jewish people fighting for the right to worship God. Written during the time between the Old and New Testaments, these books are from a collection call the Apocrypha (meaning "hidden" books). They are not considered part of the Hebrew or Protestant Bibles.
Both books tell about the war that erupted in Israel afar Alexander the Great conquered the Middle East. After Alexander's death in 232 B.C., the Syrian empire grew very powerful, invaded Israel, and began pressuring the Jews to give up their religion and start worshipping Greek gods.
For years most Jews refused. But in 175 B.C. a new Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, decided to force the Jews to obey. He killed 40,000 Jews, enslaved 40,000 others, turned the Jewish Temple into a temple for the Greek god Zeus, and ordered Jews to offer sacrifices to the Greek deities. In retaliation, one man and his five sons, who were nicknamed the Maccabees (meaning "the hammerers"), overthrew the Syrians and ruled Israel themselves until the Romans took over 100 years later.
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:
1:2 God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant
that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;
1:3 And give you all
an heart to serve him, and to do his will, with a good courage and a willing
mind;
1:4 And open your hearts
in his law and commandments, and send you peace,1:5 And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never forsake you in time
of trouble.
1:6 And now we be here
praying for you.
1:7 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,
1:8 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.
1:9 And now see that
ye keep the feast of tabernacles in the month Casleu.
1:10 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:
1:11 Insomuch as God
hath delivered us from great perils, we thank him highly, as having been in
battle against a king.
1:12 For he cast them
out that fought within the holy city.
1:13 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.
1:14 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.
1:15 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:
1:16 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.
1:17 Blessed be our God
in all things, who hath delivered up the ungodly.
1:18 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.
1:19 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.
1:20 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;
1:21 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.
1:22 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.
1:23 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.
1:24 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,
1:25 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:
1:26 Receive the sacrifice
for thy whole people Israel, and preserve thine own portion, and sanctify it.
1:27 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.
1:28 Punish them that
oppress us, and with pride do us wrong.
1:29 Plant thy people
again in thy holy place, as Moses hath spoken.
1:30 And the priests
sung psalms of thanksgiving.
1:31 Now when the sacrifice
was consumed, Neemias commanded the water that was left to be poured on the
great stones.
1:32 When this was done,
there was kindled a flame: but it was consumed by the light that shined from
the altar.
1:33 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.
1:34 Then the king, inclosing
the place, made it holy, after he had tried the matter.
1:35 And the king took
many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those whom he would gratify.
1:36 And Neemias called
this thing Naphthar, which is as much as to say, a cleansing: but many men call
it Nephi.
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:
2:2 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.
2:3 And with other such
speeches exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts.
2:4 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.
2:5 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.
2:6 And some of those
that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it.
2:7 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.
2:8 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.
2:9 It was also declared,
that he being wise offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing
of the temple.
2:10 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.
2:11 And Moses said,
Because the sin offering was not to be eaten, it was consumed.
2:12 So Solomon kept
those eight days.
2:13 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.
2:14 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,
2:15 Wherefore if ye
have need thereof, send some to fetch them unto you.
2:16 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.
2:17 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,
2:18 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.
2:19 Now as concerning
Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple,
and the dedication of the altar,
2:20 And the wars against
Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his son,
2:21 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,
2:22 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:
2:23 All these things,
I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge
in one volume.
2:24 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,
2:25 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.
2:26 Therefore to us,
that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but
a matter of sweat and watching;
2:27 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;
2:28 Leaving to the author
the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of
an abridgement.
2:29 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.
2:30 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:
2:31 But to use brevity,
and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make
an abridgment.
2:32 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.
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,
3:2 It came to pass that
even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with
their best gifts;
3:3 Insomuch that Seleucus
of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the
sacrifices.
3:4 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.
3:5 And when he could
not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was
governor of Celosyria and Phenice,
3:6 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.
3:7 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.
3:8 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.
3:9 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.
3:10 Then the high priest
told him that there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless
children:
3:11 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:
3:12 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.
3:13 But Heliodorus,
because of the king's commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must
be brought into the king's treasury.
3:14 So at the day which
he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small
agony throughout the whole city.
3:15 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.
3:16 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.
3:17 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.
3:18 Others ran flocking
out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like
to come into contempt.
3:19 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.
3:20 And all, holding
their hands toward heaven, made supplication.
3:21 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.
3:22 They then called
upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for
those that had committed them.
3:23 Nevertheless Heliodorus
executed that which was decreed.
3:24 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.
3:25 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.
3:26 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.
3:27 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.
3:28 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.
3:29 For he by the hand
of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.
3:30 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.
3:31 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.
3:32 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.
3:33 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:
3:34 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.
3:35 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.
3:36 Then testified he
to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.
3:37 And when the king
Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he
said,
3:38 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.
3:39 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.
3:40 And the things concerning
Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.
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.
4:2 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.
4:3 But when their hatred
went so far, that by one of Simon's faction murders were committed,
4:4 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,
4:5 He went to the king,
not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick
and private:
4:6 For he saw that it
was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly,
unless the king did look thereunto.
4:7 But after the death
of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother
of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest,
4:8 Promising unto the
king by intercession three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of
another revenue eighty talents:
4:9 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.
4:10 Which when the king
had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his
own nation to Greekish fashion.
4:11 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:
4:12 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.
4:13 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;
4:14 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;
4:15 Not setting by the
honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all.
4:16 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.
4:17 For it is not a
light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall
declare these things.
4:18 Now when the game
that was used every faith year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present,
4:19 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.
4:20 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.
4:21 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:
4:22 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.
4:23 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.
4:24 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.
4:25 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.
4:26 Then Jason, who
had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to
flee into the country of the Ammonites.
4:27 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:
4:28 For unto him appertained
the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.
4:29 Now Menelaus left
his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates,
who was governor of the Cyprians.
4:30 While those things
were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were
given to the king's concubine, called Antiochus.
4:31 Then came the king
in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for
his deputy.
4:32 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.
4:33 Which when Onias
knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at
Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.
4:34 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.
4:35 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.
4:36 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.
4:37 Therefore Antiochus
was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest
behaviour of him that was dead.
4:38 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.
4:39 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.
4:40 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.
4:41 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.
4:42 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.
4:43 Of these matters
therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelaus.
4:44 Now when the king
came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before
him:
4:45 But Menelaus, being
now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money,
if he would pacify the king toward him.
4:46 Whereupon Ptolemee
taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought
him to be of another mind:
4:47 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.
4:48 Thus they that followed
the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon
suffer unjust punishment.
4:49 Wherefore even they
of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably
buried.
4:50 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.
5:1 About the same time
Antiochus prepared his second voyage into Egypt:
5:2 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,
5:3 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.
5:4 Wherefore every man
prayed that that apparition might turn to good.
5:5 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:
5:6 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.
5:7 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.
5:8 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.
5:9 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:
5:10 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.
5:11 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,
5:12 And commanded his
men of war not to spare such as they met, and to slay such as went up upon the
houses.
5:13 Thus there was killing
of young and old, making away of men, women, and children, slaying of virgins
and infants.
5:14 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.
5:15 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:
5:16 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.
5:17 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.
5:18 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.
5:19 Nevertheless God
did not choose the people for the place's sake, but the place far the people's
sake.
5:20 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.
5:21 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.
5:22 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;
5:23 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.
5:24 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:
5:25 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.
5:26 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.
5:27 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.
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:
6:2 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.
6:3 The coming in of this
mischief was sore and grievous to the people:
6:4 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.
6:5 The altar also was
filled with profane things, which the law forbiddeth.
6:6 Neither was it lawful
for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all
to be a Jew.
6:7 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.
6:8 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:
6:9 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.
6:10 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.
6:11 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.
6:12 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.
6:13 For it is a token
of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but
forthwith punished.
6:14 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,
6:15 Lest that, being
come to the height of sin, afterwards he should take vengeance of us.
6:16 And therefore he
never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet
doth he never forsake his people.
6:17 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.
6:18 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.
6:19 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,
6:20 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.
6:21 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;
6:22 That in so doing
he might be delivered from death, and for the old friendship with them find
favour.
6:23 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.
6:24 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;
6:25 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.
6:26 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.
6:27 Wherefore now, manfully
changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth,
6:28 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:
6:29 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.
6:30 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.
6:31 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.
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.
7:2 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.
7:3 Then the king, being
in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot:
7:4 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.
7:5 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,
7:6 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.
7:7 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?
7:8 But he answered in
his own language, and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment
in order, as the former did.
7:9 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.
7:10 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.
7:11 And said courageously,
These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope
to receive them again.
7:12 Insomuch that the
king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man's courage, for
that he nothing regarded the pains.
7:13 Now when this man
was dead also, they tormented and mangled the fourth in like manner.
7:14 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.
7:15 Afterward they brought
the fifth also, and mangled him.
7:16 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;
7:17 But abide a while,
and behold his great power, how he will torment thee and thy seed.
7:18 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.
7:19 But think not thou,
that takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.
7:20 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.
7:21 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,
7:22 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;
7:23 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.
7:24 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.
7:25 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.
7:26 And when he had
exhorted her with many words, she promised him that she would counsel her son.
7:27 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.
7:28 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.
7:29 Fear not this tormentor,
but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death that I may receive thee again
in mercy with thy brethren.
7:30 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.
7:31 And thou, that hast
been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands
of God.
7:32 For we suffer because
of our sins.
7:33 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.
7:34 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:
7:35 For thou hast not
yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God, who seeth all things.
7:36 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.
7:37 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;
7:38 And that in me and
my brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon our nation,
may cease.
7:39 Than the king' being
in a rage, handed him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he
was mocked.
7:40 So this man died
undefiled, and put his whole trust in the Lord.
7:41 Last of all after
the sons the mother died.
7:42 Let this be enough
now to have spoken concerning the idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.
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.
8:2 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;
8:3 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,
8:4 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.
8:5 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.
8:6 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.
8:7 But specially took
he advantage of the night for such privy attempts, insomuch that the fruit of
his holiness was spread every where.
8:8 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.
8:9 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.
8:10 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.
8:11 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.
8:12 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,
8:13 They that were fearful,
and distrusted the justice of God, fled, and conveyed themselves away.
8:14 Others sold all
that they had left, and withal besought the Lord to deliver them, sold by the
wicked Nicanor before they met together:
8:15 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.
8:16 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,
8:17 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:
8:18 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.
8:19 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.
8:20 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.
8:21 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;
8:22 And joined with
himself his own brethren, leaders of each band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and
Jonathan, giving each one fifteen hundred men.
8:23 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,
8:24 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;
8:25 And took their money
that came to buy them, and pursued them far: but lacking time they returned:
8:26 For it was the day
before the sabbath, and therefore they would no longer pursue them.
8:27 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.
8:28 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.
8:29 When this was done,
and they had made a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to
be reconciled with his servants for ever.
8:30 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.
8:31 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.
8:32 They slew also Philarches,
that wicked person, who was with Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.
8:33 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.
8:34 As for that most
ungracious Nicanor, who had brought a thousand merchants to buy the Jews,
8:35 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.
8:36 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.
9:1 About that time came
Antiochus with dishonour out of the country of Persia
9:2 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.
9:3 Now when he came to
Ecbatane, news was brought him what had happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.
9:4 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 Jews.
9:5 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;
9:6 And that most justly:
for he had tormented other men's bowels with many and strange torments.
9:7 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.
9:8 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.
9:9 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.
9:10 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.
9:11 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.
9:12 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.
9:13 This wicked person
vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more would have mercy upon him, saying
thus,
9:14 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:
9:15 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:
9:16 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:
9:17 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.
9:18 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:
9:19 Antiochus, king
and governor, to the good Jews his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:
9:20 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.
9:21 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:
9:22 Not distrusting
mine health, but having great hope to escape this sickness.
9:23 But considering
that even my father, at what time he led an army into the high countries. appointed
a successor,
9:24 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:
9:25 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:
9:26 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.
9:27 For I am persuaded
that he understanding my mind will favourably and graciously yield to your desires.
9:28 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.
9:29 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.
10:1 Now Maccabeus and
his company, the Lord guiding them, recovered the temple and the city:
10:2 But the altars which
the heathen had built in the open street, and also the chapels, they pulled
down.
10:3 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.
10:4 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.
10:5 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.
10:6 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.
10:7 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.
10:8 They ordained also
by a common statute and decree, That every year those days should be kept of
the whole nation of the Jews.
10:9 And this was the
end of Antiochus, called Epiphanes.
10:10 Now will we declare
the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man, gathering
briefly the calamities of the wars.
10:11 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.
10:12 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.
10:13 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.
10:14 But when Gorgias
was governor of the holds, he hired soldiers, and nourished war continually
with the Jews:
10:15 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.
10:16 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,
10:17 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.
10:18 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,
10:19 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.
10:20 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.
10:21 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.
10:22 So he slew those
that were found traitors, and immediately took the two castles.
10:23 And having good
success with his weapons in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds
more than twenty thousand.
10:24 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.
10:25 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,
10:26 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.
10:27 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.
10:28 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
10:29 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,
10:30 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.
10:31 And there were
slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
10:32 As for Timotheus
himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.
10:33 But they that
were with Maccabeus laid siege against the fortress courageously four days.
10:34 And they that
were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly,
and uttered wicked words.
10:35 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.
10:36 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,
10:37 And killed Timotheus,
that was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.
10:38 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.
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.
11:2 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,
11:3 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:
11:4 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.
11:5 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.
11:6 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.
11:7 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.
11:8 And as they were
at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing,
shaking his armour of gold.
11:9 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.
11:10 Thus they marched
forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful
unto them
11:11 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.
11:12 Many of them also
being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so
escaped.
11:13 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,
11:14 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.
11:15 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.
11:16 For there were
letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the people
of the Jews sendeth greeting:
11:17 John and Absolom,
who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request
for the performance of the contents thereof.
11:18 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.
11:19 And if then ye
will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to
be a means of your good.
11:20 But of the particulars
I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune
with you.
11:21 Fare ye well.
The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month
Dioscorinthius.
11:22 Now the king's
letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth
greeting:
11:23 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.
11:24 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.
11:25 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.
11:26 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.
11:27 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:
11:28 If ye fare well,
we have our desire; we are also in good health.
11:29 Menelaus declared
unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:
11:30 Wherefore they
that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus
with security.
11:31 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.
11:32 I have sent also
Menelaus, that he may comfort you.
11:33 Fare ye well.
In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
11:34 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.
11:35 Whatsoever Lysias
the king's cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased.
11:36 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.
11:37 Therefore send
some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.
11:38 Farewell. This
hundred and eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
12:1 When these covenants
were made, Lysias went unto the king, and the Jews were about their husbandry.
12:2 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.
12:3 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.
12:4 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.
12:5 When Judas heard
of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commanded those that were with
him to make them ready.
12:6 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.
12:7 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.
12:8 But when he heard
that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt
among them,
12:9 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.
12:10 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.
12:11 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.
12:12 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.
12:13 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.
12:14 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.
12:15 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,
12:16 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.
12:17 Then departed
they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto
the Jews that are called Tubieni.
12:18 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.
12:19 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.
12:20 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.
12:21 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.
12:22 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.
12:23 Judas also was
very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew
about thirty thousand men.
12:24 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.
12:25 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.
12:26 Then Maccabeus
marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew
five and twenty thousand persons.
12:27 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.
12:28 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,
12:29 From thence they
departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,
12:30 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;
12:31 They gave them
thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem,
the feast of the weeks approaching.
12:32 And after the
feast, called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,
12:33 Who came out with
three thousand men of foot and four hundred horsemen.
12:34 And it happened
that in their fighting together a few of the Jews were slain.
12:35 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.
12:36 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.
12:37 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.
12:38 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.
12:39 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.
12:40 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.
12:41 All men therefore
praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had opened the things that were
hid,
12:42 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.
12:43 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:
12:44 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.
12:45 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.
13:1 In the hundred forty
and ninth year it was told Judas, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great
power into Judea,
13:2 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.
13:3 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.
13:4 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.
13:5 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.
13:6 And whosoever was
condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any other grievous crime, there did
all men thrust him unto death.
13:7 Such a death it
happened that wicked man to die, not having so much as burial in the earth;
and that most justly:
13:8 For inasmuch as
he had committed many sins about the altar, whose fire and ashes were holy,
he received his death in ashes.
13:9 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.
13:10 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:
13:11 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.
13:12 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.
13:13 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.
13:14 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:
13:15 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.
13:16 And at last they
filled the camp with fear and tumult, and departed with good success.
13:17 This was done
in the break of the day, because the protection of the Lord did help him.
13:18 Now when the king
had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds
by policy,
13:19 And marched toward
Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed,
and lost of his men:
13:20 For Judas had
conveyed unto them that were in it such things as were necessary.
13:21 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.
13:22 The king treated
with them in Bethsum the second time, gave his hand, took their's, departed,
fought with Judas, was overcome;
13:23 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,
13:24 And accepted well
of Maccabeus, made him principal governor from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;
13:25 Came to Ptolemais:
the people there were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed, because they
would make their covenants void:
13:26 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.
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,
14:2 Had taken the country,
and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.
14:3 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,
14:4 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.
14:5 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:
14:6 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.
14:7 Therefore I, being
deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come
hither:
14:8 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.
14:9 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.
14:10 For as long as
Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
14:11 This was no sooner
spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against
Judas, did more incense Demetrius.
14:12 And forthwith
calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor
over Judea, he sent him forth,
14:13 Commanding him
to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high
priest of the great temple.
14:14 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.
14:15 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.
14:16 So at the commandment
of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them
at the town of Dessau.
14:17 Now Simon, Judas'
brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through
the sudden silence of his enemies.
14:18 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.
14:19 Wherefore he sent
Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to make peace.
14:20 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,
14:21 And appointed
a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were
set for either of them,
14:22 Ludas placed armed
men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised
by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.
14:23 Now Nicanor abode
in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto
him.
14:24 And he would not
willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he love the man from his heart
14:25 He prayed him
also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took
part of this life.
14:26 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.
14:27 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.
14:28 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.
14:29 But because there
was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing
by policy.
14:30 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.
14:31 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.
14:32 And when they
sware that they could not tell where the man was whom he sought,
14:33 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.
14:34 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;
14:35 Thou, O Lord of
all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine
habitation should be among us:
14:36 Therefore now,
O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was
cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.
14:37 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.
14:38 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.
14:39 So Nicanor, willing
to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men
of war to take him:
14:40 For he thought
by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.
14:41 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;
14:42 Choosing rather
to die manfully, than to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise
than beseemed his noble birth:
14:43 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.
14:44 But they quickly
giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void
place.
14:45 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,
14:46 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.
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.
15:2 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.
15:3 Then the most ungracious
wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the
sabbath day to be kept.
15:4 And when they said,
There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day
to be kept:
15:5 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.
15:6 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.
15:7 But Maccabeus had
ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him:
15:8 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.
15:9 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.
15:10 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.
15:11 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.
15:12 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.
15:13 This done, in
like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who
was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.
15:14 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.
15:15 Whereupon Jeremias
holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it
spake thus,
15:16 Take this holy
sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.
15:17 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.
15:18 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.
15:19 Also they that
were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.
15:20 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,
15:21 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:
15:22 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:
15:23 Wherefore now
also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto
them;
15:24 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.
15:25 Then Nicanor and
they that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs.
15:26 But Judas and
his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.
15:27 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.
15:28 Now when the battle
was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.
15:29 Then they made
a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language.
15:30 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.
15:31 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,
15:32 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.
15:33 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.
15:34 So every man praised
toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his
own place undefiled.
15:35 He hanged also
Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the
help of the Lord.
15:36 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.
15:37 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.
15:38 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.
15:39 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.
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