<p>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.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:8 And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one
in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:10 Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven:
for the Lord was merciful unto them.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:12 Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled
away shamefully, and so escaped.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:16 For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect:
Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:20 But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other
that came from me, to commune with you.</p>
<p>11:21 Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and
twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.</p>
<p>11:22 Now the king’s letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto
his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>11:28 If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.</p>
<p>11:29 Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to
follow your own business:</p>
<p>11:30 Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the
thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:32 I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.</p>
<p>11:33 Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day
of the month Xanthicus.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:35 Whatsoever Lysias the king’s cousin hath granted, therewith we also
are well pleased.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>11:37 Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.</p>
<p>11:38 Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day of
the month Xanthicus.</p>
<p>12:1 When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king, and the Jews
were about their husbandry.</p>
<p>12:2 But of the governors 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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>12:5 When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commanded
those that were with him to make them ready.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>12:8 But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto
the Jews that dwelt among them,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>12:17 Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came
to Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>12:23 Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked
wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>12:26 Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis,
and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>12:29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred
furlongs from Jerusalem,</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>12:32 And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgias
the governor of Idumea,</p>
<p>12:33 Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred horsemen.</p>
<p>12:34 And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the Jews were
slain.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>12:41 All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had opened
the things that were hid,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>13:1 In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that Antiochus
Eupator was coming with a great power into Judea,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>13:6 And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any other
grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto death.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>13:16 And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and departed with
good success.</p>
<p>13:17 This was done in the break of the day, because the protection of the Lord
did help him.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>13:20 For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things as were
necessary.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>13:22 The king treated with them in Bethsura the second time, gave his hand,
took theirs, departed, fought with Judas, was overcome;</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>13:24 And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor from
Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;</p>
<p>13:25 Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; for
they stormed, because they would make their covenants void:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>14:2 Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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 realm be in
peace.</p>
<p>14:7 Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors’ honour, I mean the
high priesthood, am now come hither:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:9 Wherefore, O king, seeing thou 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.</p>
<p>14:10 For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be
quiet.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:12 And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and
making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:14 Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor
by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:16 So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from
thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.</p>
<p>14:17 Now Simon, Judas’ brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was
somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:19 Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to make
peace.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:23 Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people
that came flocking unto him.</p>
<p>14:24 And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he loved the
man from his heart.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:29 But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to
accomplish this thing by policy.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:32 And when they sware that they could not tell where the man was whom he
sought,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>14:36 Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever
undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>14:40 For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.</p>
<p>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;</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>14:44 But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into
the midst of the void place.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>15:4 And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who
commanded the seventh day to be kept:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>15:7 But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him:</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>15:15 Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of
gold, and in giving it spake thus,</p>
<p>15:16 Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound
the adversaries.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>15:19 Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled
for the conflict abroad.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>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:</p>
<p>15:23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a
fear and dread unto them;</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>15:25 Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets and
songs.</p>
<p>15:26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and
prayer.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>15:28 Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that
Nicanor lay dead in his harness.</p>
<p>15:29 Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in their
own language.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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,</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>15:34 So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed
be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.</p>
<p>15:35 He hanged also Nicanor’s head upon the tower, an evident and
manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />
1 of 2
2 of 2
Previous
Next
Update Required
To play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.