English - 1st Maccabees

CHAPTER1

1Andithappened,afterthatAlexandersonofPhilip,the Macedonian,whocameoutofthelandofChettiim,had smittenDariuskingofthePersiansandMedes,thathe reignedinhisstead,thefirstoverGreece, 2Andmademanywars,andwonmanystrongholds,and slewthekingsoftheearth, 3Andwentthroughtotheendsoftheearth,andtook spoilsofmanynations,insomuchthattheearthwasquiet beforehim;whereuponhewasexaltedandhisheartwas liftedup.

4Andhegatheredamightystronghostandruledover countries,andnations,andkings,whobecametributaries untohim.

5Andafterthesethingshefellsick,andperceivedthathe shoulddie

6Whereforehecalledhisservants,suchaswere honourable,andhadbeenbroughtupwithhimfromhis youth,andpartedhiskingdomamongthem,whilehewas yetalive.

7SoAlexanderreignedtwelvesyears,andthendied 8Andhisservantsbareruleeveryoneinhisplace.

9Andafterhisdeaththeyallputcrownsuponthemselves; sodidtheirsonsafterthemmanyyears:andevilswere multipliedintheearth

10AndtherecameoutofthemawickedrootAntiochus surnamedEpiphanes,sonofAntiochustheking,whohad beenanhostageatRome,andhereignedinthehundred andthirtyandseventhyearofthekingdomoftheGreeks

11InthosedayswentthereoutofIsraelwickedmen,who persuadedmany,saying,Letusgoandmakeacovenant withtheheathenthatareroundaboutus:forsincewe departedfromthemwehavehadmuchsorrow

12Sothisdevicepleasedthemwell.

13Thencertainofthepeopleweresoforwardherein,that theywenttotheking,whogavethemlicencetodoafter theordinancesoftheheathen:

14WhereupontheybuiltaplaceofexerciseatJerusalem accordingtothecustomsoftheheathen:

15Andmadethemselvesuncircumcised,andforsookthe holycovenant,andjoinedthemselvestotheheathen,and weresoldtodomischief

16Nowwhenthekingdomwasestablishedbefore Antiochus,hethoughttoreignoverEgyptthathemight havethedominionoftworealms

17WhereforeheenteredintoEgyptwithagreatmultitude, withchariots,andelephants,andhorsemen,andagreat navy,

18AndmadewaragainstPtolemeekingofEgypt:but Ptolemeewasafraidofhim,andfled;andmanywere woundedtodeath

19ThustheygotthestrongcitiesinthelandofEgyptand hetookthespoilsthereof

20AndafterthatAntiochushadsmittenEgypt,hereturned againinthehundredfortyandthirdyear,andwentup againstIsraelandJerusalemwithagreatmultitude,

21Andenteredproudlyintothesanctuary,andtookaway thegoldenaltar,andthecandlestickoflight,andallthe vesselsthereof,

22Andthetableoftheshewbread,andthepouringvessels, andthevials.andthecensersofgold,andtheveil,andthe

crown,andthegoldenornamentsthatwerebeforethe temple,allwhichhepulledoff

23Hetookalsothesilverandthegold,andtheprecious vessels:alsohetookthehiddentreasureswhichhefound 24Andwhenhehadtakenallaway,hewentintohisown land,havingmadeagreatmassacre,andspokenvery proudly

25ThereforetherewasagreatmourninginIsrael,inevery placewheretheywere;

26Sothattheprincesandeldersmourned,thevirginsand youngmenweremadefeeble,andthebeautyofwomen waschanged.

27Everybridegroomtookuplamentation,andshethatsat inthemarriagechamberwasinheaviness,

28Thelandalsowasmovedfortheinhabitantsthereof, andallthehouseofJacobwascoveredwithconfusion 29Andaftertwoyearsfullyexpiredthekingsenthischief collectoroftributeuntothecitiesofJuda,whocameunto Jerusalemwithagreatmultitude,

30Andspakepeaceablewordsuntothem,butallwas deceit:forwhentheyhadgivenhimcredence,hefell suddenlyuponthecity,andsmoteitverysore,and destroyedmuchpeopleofIsrael.

31Andwhenhehadtakenthespoilsofthecity,hesetit onfire,andpulleddownthehousesandwallsthereofon everyside

32Butthewomenandchildrentooktheycaptive,and possessedthecattle

33ThenbuildedtheythecityofDavidwithagreatand strongwall,andwithmightytowers,andmadeitastrong holdforthem

34Andtheyputthereinasinfulnation,wickedmen,and fortifiedthemselvestherein

35Theystoreditalsowitharmourandvictuals,andwhen theyhadgatheredtogetherthespoilsofJerusalem,they laidthemupthere,andsotheybecameasoresnare:

36Foritwasaplacetolieinwaitagainstthesanctuary, andaneviladversarytoIsrael.

37Thustheyshedinnocentbloodoneverysideofthe sanctuary,anddefiledit:

38InsomuchthattheinhabitantsofJerusalemfledbecause ofthem:whereuponthecitywasmadeanhabitationof strangers,andbecamestrangetothosethatwerebornin her;andherownchildrenlefther.

39Hersanctuarywaslaidwastelikeawilderness,her feastswereturnedintomourning,hersabbathsinto reproachherhonourintocontempt.

40Ashadbeenherglory,sowasherdishonourincreased, andherexcellencywasturnedintomourning

41MoreoverkingAntiochuswrotetohiswholekingdom, thatallshouldbeonepeople,

42Andeveryoneshouldleavehislaws:soalltheheathen agreedaccordingtothecommandmentoftheking.

43Yea,manyalsooftheIsraelitesconsentedtohis religion,andsacrificeduntoidols,andprofanedthe sabbath.

44Forthekinghadsentlettersbymessengersunto JerusalemandthecitiesofJudathattheyshouldfollowthe strangelawsoftheland,

45Andforbidburntofferings,andsacrifice,anddrink offerings,inthetemple;andthattheyshouldprofanethe sabbathsandfestivaldays:

46Andpollutethesanctuaryandholypeople:

47Setupaltars,andgroves,andchapelsofidols,and sacrificeswine'sflesh,anduncleanbeasts:

48Thattheyshouldalsoleavetheirchildrenuncircumcised, andmaketheirsoulsabominablewithallmannerof uncleannessandprofanation:

49Totheendtheymightforgetthelaw,andchangeallthe ordinances

50Andwhosoeverwouldnotdoaccordingtothe commandmentoftheking,hesaid,heshoulddie.

51Intheselfsamemannerwrotehetohiswholekingdom, andappointedoverseersoverallthepeople,commanding thecitiesofJudatosacrifice,citybycity.

52Thenmanyofthepeopleweregathereduntothem,to witeveryonethatforsookthelaw;andsotheycommitted evilsintheland;

53AnddrovetheIsraelitesintosecretplaces,even wheresoevertheycouldfleeforsuccour

54NowthefifteenthdayofthemonthCasleu,inthe hundredfortyandfifthyear,theysetuptheabominationof desolationuponthealtar,andbuildedidolaltars throughoutthecitiesofJudaoneveryside;

55Andburntincenseatthedoorsoftheirhouses,andin thestreets.

56Andwhentheyhadrentinpiecesthebooksofthelaw whichtheyfound,theyburntthemwithfire

57Andwhosoeverwasfoundwithanythebookofthe testament,orifanycommittedtothelaw,theking's commandmentwas,thattheyshouldputhimtodeath

58ThusdidtheybytheirauthorityuntotheIsraelitesevery month,toasmanyaswerefoundinthecities

59Nowthefiveandtwentiethdayofthemonththeydid sacrificeupontheidolaltar,whichwasuponthealtarof God

60Atwhichtimeaccordingtothecommandmenttheyput todeathcertainwomen,thathadcausedtheirchildrentobe circumcised.

61Andtheyhangedtheinfantsabouttheirnecks,and rifledtheirhouses,andslewthemthathadcircumcised them

62HowbeitmanyinIsraelwerefullyresolvedand confirmedinthemselvesnottoeatanyuncleanthing.

63Whereforetherathertodie,thattheymightnotbe defiledwithmeats,andthattheymightnotprofanethe holycovenant:sothentheydied.

64AndtherewasverygreatwrathuponIsrael

CHAPTER2

1InthosedaysaroseMattathiasthesonofJohn,thesonof Simeon,apriestofthesonsofJoarib,fromJerusalem,and dweltinModin

2Andhehadfivesons,Joannan,calledCaddis:

3Simon;calledThassi:

4Judas,whowascalledMaccabeus:

5Eleazar,calledAvaran:andJonathan,whosesurname wasApphus.

6Andwhenhesawtheblasphemiesthatwerecommitted inJudaandJerusalem,

7Hesaid,Woeisme!whereforewasIborntoseethis miseryofmypeople,andoftheholycity,andtodwell there,whenitwasdeliveredintothehandoftheenemy, andthesanctuaryintothehandofstrangers?

8Hertempleisbecomeasamanwithoutglory

9Hergloriousvesselsarecarriedawayintocaptivity,her infantsareslaininthestreets,heryoungmenwiththe swordoftheenemy.

10Whatnationhathnothadapartinherkingdomand gottenofherspoils?

11Allherornamentsaretakenaway;ofafreewomanshe isbecomeabondslave

12And,behold,oursanctuary,evenourbeautyandour glory,islaidwaste,andtheGentileshaveprofanedit.

13Towhatendthereforeshallweliveanylonger?

14ThenMattathiasandhissonsrenttheirclothes,andput onsackcloth,andmournedverysore.

15Inthemeanwhiletheking'sofficers,suchascompelled thepeopletorevolt,cameintothecityModin,tomake themsacrifice.

16AndwhenmanyofIsraelcameuntothem,Mattathias alsoandhissonscametogether

17Thenansweredtheking'sofficers,andsaidto Mattathiasonthiswise,Thouartaruler,andanhonourable andgreatmaninthiscity,andstrengthenedwithsonsand brethren:

18Nowthereforecomethoufirst,andfulfiltheking's commandment,likeasalltheheathenhavedone,yea,and themenofJudaalso,andsuchasremainatJerusalem:so shaltthouandthyhousebeinthenumberoftheking's friends,andthouandthychildrenshallbehonouredwith silverandgold,andmanyrewards.

19ThenMattathiasansweredandspakewithaloudvoice, Thoughallthenationsthatareundertheking'sdominion obeyhim,andfallawayeveryonefromthereligionof theirfathers,andgiveconsenttohiscommandments:

20YetwillIandmysonsandmybrethrenwalkinthe covenantofourfathers

21Godforbidthatweshouldforsakethelawandthe ordinances.

22Wewillnothearkentotheking'swords,togofromour religion,eitherontherighthand,ortheleft

23Nowwhenhehadleftspeakingthesewords,therecame oneoftheJewsinthesightofalltosacrificeonthealtar whichwasatModin,accordingtotheking'scommandment 24WhichthingwhenMattathiassaw,hewasinflamed withzeal,andhisreinstrembled,neithercouldheforbear toshewhisangeraccordingtojudgment:whereforeheran, andslewhimuponthealtar.

25Alsotheking'scommissioner,whocompelledmento sacrifice,hekilledatthattime,andthealtarhepulled down.

26ThusdealthezealouslyforthelawofGodlikeas PhineesdiduntoZambrithesonofSalom

27AndMattathiascriedthroughoutthecitywithaloud voice,saying,Whosoeveriszealousofthelaw,and maintaineththecovenant,lethimfollowme

28Soheandhissonsfledintothemountains,andleftall thatevertheyhadinthecity

29Thenmanythatsoughtafterjusticeandjudgmentwent downintothewilderness,todwellthere:

30Boththey,andtheirchildren,andtheirwives;andtheir cattle;becauseafflictionsincreasedsoreuponthem 31Nowwhenitwastoldtheking'sservants,andthehost thatwasatJerusalem,inthecityofDavid,thatcertainmen, whohadbrokentheking'scommandment,weregonedown intothesecretplacesinthewilderness,

32Theypursuedafterthemagreatnumber,andhaving overtakenthem,theycampedagainstthem,andmadewar againstthemonthesabbathday.

33Andtheysaiduntothem,Letthatwhichyehavedone hithertosuffice;comeforth,anddoaccordingtothe commandmentoftheking,andyeshalllive.

34Buttheysaid,Wewillnotcomeforth,neitherwillwe dotheking'scommandment,toprofanethesabbathday

35Sothentheygavethemthebattlewithallspeed.

36Howbeittheyansweredthemnot,neithercasttheya stoneatthem,norstoppedtheplaceswheretheylayhid;

37Butsaid,Letusdieallinourinnocency:heavenand earthwilltestifyforus,thatyeputustodeathwrongfully

38Sotheyroseupagainsttheminbattleonthesabbath, andtheyslewthem,withtheirwivesandchildrenandtheir cattle,tothenumberofathousandpeople

39NowwhenMattathiasandhisfriendsunderstoodhereof, theymournedforthemrightsore.

40Andoneofthemsaidtoanother,Ifwealldoasour brethrenhavedone,andfightnotforourlivesandlaws againsttheheathen,theywillnowquicklyrootusoutof theearth

41Atthattimethereforetheydecreed,saying,Whosoever shallcometomakebattlewithusonthesabbathday,we willfightagainsthim;neitherwillwedieall,asour brethrenthatweremurderedinthesecretplaces

42ThencamethereuntohimacompanyofAssideanswho weremightymenofIsrael,evenallsuchaswere voluntarilydevoteduntothelaw

43Alsoalltheythatfledforpersecutionjoinedthemselves untothem,andwereastayuntothem

44Sotheyjoinedtheirforces,andsmotesinfulmenin theiranger,andwickedmenintheirwrath:buttherestfled totheheathenforsuccour

45ThenMattathiasandhisfriendswentroundabout,and pulleddownthealtars:

46Andwhatchildrensoevertheyfoundwithinthecoastof Israeluncircumcised,thosetheycircumcisedvaliantly.

47Theypursuedalsoaftertheproudmen,andthework prosperedintheirhand

48Sotheyrecoveredthelawoutofthehandofthe Gentiles,andoutofthehandofkings,neithersufferedthey thesinnertotriumph

49NowwhenthetimedrewnearthatMattathiasshould die,hesaiduntohissons,Nowhathprideandrebuke gottenstrength,andthetimeofdestruction,andthewrath ofindignation:

50Nowtherefore,mysons,beyezealousforthelaw,and giveyourlivesforthecovenantofyourfathers

51Calltoremembrancewhatactsourfathersdidintheir time;soshallyereceivegreathonourandaneverlasting name

52WasnotAbrahamfoundfaithfulintemptation,andit wasimputeduntohimforrighteousness?

53Josephinthetimeofhisdistresskeptthecommandment andwasmadelordofEgypt.

54Phineesourfatherinbeingzealousandferventobtained thecovenantofaneverlastingpriesthood

55JesusforfulfillingthewordwasmadeajudgeinIsrael.

56Calebforbearingwitnessbeforethecongregation receivedtheheritageoftheland

57Davidforbeingmercifulpossessedthethroneofan everlastingkingdom

58Eliasforbeingzealousandferventforthelawwas takenupintoheaven

59Ananias,Azarias,andMisael,bybelievingweresaved outoftheflame

60Danielforhisinnocencywasdeliveredfromthemouth oflions.

61Andthusconsideryethroughoutallages,thatnonethat puttheirtrustinhimshallbeovercome

62Fearnotthenthewordsofasinfulman:forhisglory shallbedungandworms

63Todayheshallbeliftedupandtomorrowheshallnot befound,becauseheisreturnedintohisdust,andhis thoughtiscometonothing

64Wherefore,yemysons,bevaliantandshewyourselves meninthebehalfofthelaw;forbyitshallyeobtainglory.

65Andbehold,IknowthatyourbrotherSimonisamanof counsel,giveearuntohimalway:heshallbeafatherunto you.

66AsforJudasMaccabeus,hehathbeenmightyand strong,evenfromhisyouthup:lethimbeyourcaptain, andfightthebattleofthepeople.

67Takealsountoyouallthosethatobservethelaw,and avengeyethewrongofyourpeople.

68Recompensefullytheheathen,andtakeheedtothe commandmentsofthelaw

69Soheblessedthem,andwasgatheredtohisfathers

70Andhediedinthehundredfortyandsixthyear,andhis sonsburiedhiminthesepulchresofhisfathersatModin, andallIsraelmadegreatlamentationforhim

CHAPTER3

1ThenhissonJudas,calledMaccabeus,roseupinhis stead

2Andallhisbrethrenhelpedhim,andsodidalltheythat heldwithhisfather,andtheyfoughtwithcheerfulnessthe battleofIsrael

3Sohegathispeoplegreathonour,andputona breastplateasagiant,andgirthiswarlikeharnessabout him,andhemadebattles,protectingthehostwithhis sword.

4Inhisactshewaslikealion,andlikealion'swhelp roaringforhisprey

5ForHepursuedthewicked,andsoughtthemout,and burntupthosethatvexedhispeople

6Whereforethewickedshrunkforfearofhim,andallthe workersofiniquityweretroubled,becausesalvation prosperedinhishand

7Hegrievedalsomanykings,andmadeJacobgladwith hisacts,andhismemorialisblessedforever.

8MoreoverhewentthroughthecitiesofJuda,destroying theungodlyoutofthem,andturningawaywrathfrom Israel:

9Sothathewasrenowneduntotheutmostpartoftheearth, andhereceiveduntohimsuchaswerereadytoperish

10ThenApolloniusgatheredtheGentilestogether,anda greathostoutofSamaria,tofightagainstIsrael

11WhichthingwhenJudasperceived,hewentforthto meethim,andsohesmotehim,andslewhim:manyalso felldownslain,buttherestfled

12WhereforeJudastooktheirspoils,andApollonius' swordalso,andtherewithhefoughtallhislifelong.

13NowwhenSeron,aprinceofthearmyofSyria,heard saythatJudashadgathereduntohimamultitudeand companyofthefaithfultogooutwithhimtowar;

14Hesaid,Iwillgetmeanameandhonourinthe kingdom;forIwillgofightwithJudasandthemthatare withhim,whodespisetheking'scommandment.

15Sohemadehimreadytogoup,andtherewentwith himamightyhostoftheungodlytohelphim,andtobe avengedofthechildrenofIsrael.

16AndwhenhecameneartothegoingupofBethhoron, Judaswentforthtomeethimwithasmallcompany:

17Who,whentheysawthehostcomingtomeetthem,said untoJudas,Howshallwebeable,beingsofew,tofight againstsogreatamultitudeandsostrong,seeingweare readytofaintwithfastingallthisday?

18UntowhomJudasanswered,Itisnohardmatterfor manytobeshutupinthehandsofafew;andwiththeGod ofheavenitisallone,todeliverwithagreatmultitude,or asmallcompany:

19Forthevictoryofbattlestandethnotinthemultitudeof anhost;butstrengthcomethfromheaven.

20Theycomeagainstusinmuchprideandiniquityto destroyus,andourwivesandchildren,andtospoilus: 21Butwefightforourlivesandourlaws.

22WhereforetheLordhimselfwilloverthrowthembefore ourface:andasforyou,beyenotafraidofthem 23Nowassoonashehadleftoffspeaking,heleapt suddenlyuponthem,andsoSeronandhishostwas overthrownbeforehim

24Andtheypursuedthemfromthegoingdownof Bethhoronuntotheplain,wherewereslainabouteight hundredmenofthem;andtheresiduefledintothelandof thePhilistines

25ThenbeganthefearofJudasandhisbrethren,andan exceedinggreatdread,tofalluponthenationsroundabout them:

26Insomuchashisfamecameuntotheking,andall nationstalkedofthebattlesofJudas.

27NowwhenkingAntiochusheardthesethings,hewas fullofindignation:whereforehesentandgatheredtogether alltheforcesofhisrealm,evenaverystrongarmy.

28Heopenedalsohistreasure,andgavehissoldierspay forayear,commandingthemtobereadywhensoeverhe shouldneedthem.

29Nevertheless,whenhesawthatthemoneyofhis treasuresfailedandthatthetributesinthecountrywere small,becauseofthedissensionandplague,whichhehad broughtuponthelandintakingawaythelawswhichhad beenofoldtime;

30Hefearedthatheshouldnotbeabletobearthecharges anylonger,nortohavesuchgiftstogivesoliberallyashe didbefore:forhehadaboundedabovethekingsthatwere beforehim.

31Wherefore,beinggreatlyperplexedinhismind,he determinedtogointoPersia,theretotakethetributesof thecountries,andtogathermuchmoney.

32SoheleftLysias,anobleman,andoneoftheblood royal,tooverseetheaffairsofthekingfromtheriver EuphratesuntothebordersofEgypt:

33AndtobringuphissonAntiochus,untilhecameagain 34Moreoverhedelivereduntohimthehalfofhisforces, andtheelephants,andgavehimchargeofallthingsthathe

wouldhavedone,asalsoconcerningthemthatdweltin JudaandJerusalem:

35Towit,thatheshouldsendanarmyagainstthem,to destroyandrootoutthestrengthofIsrael,andtheremnant ofJerusalem,andtotakeawaytheirmemorialfromthat place;

36Andthatheshouldplacestrangersinalltheirquarters, anddividetheirlandbylot

37Sothekingtookthehalfoftheforcesthatremained, anddepartedfromAntioch,hisroyalcity,thehundred fortyandseventhyear;andhavingpassedtheriver Euphrates,hewentthroughthehighcountries.

38ThenLysiaschosePtolemeethesonofDorymenes, Nicanor,andGorgias,mightymenoftheking'sfriends:

39Andwiththemhesentfortythousandfootmen,and seventhousandhorsemen,togointothelandofJuda,and todestroyit,asthekingcommanded

40Sotheywentforthwithalltheirpower,andcameand pitchedbyEmmausintheplaincountry

41Andthemerchantsofthecountry,hearingthefameof them,tooksilverandgoldverymuch,withservants,and cameintothecamptobuythechildrenofIsraelforslaves: apoweralsoofSyriaandofthelandofthePhilistines joinedthemselvesuntothem.

42NowwhenJudasandhisbrethrensawthatmiseries weremultiplied,andthattheforcesdidencampthemselves intheirborders:fortheyknewhowthekinghadgiven commandmenttodestroythepeople,andutterlyabolish them;

43Theysaidonetoanother,Letusrestorethedecayed fortuneofourpeople,andletusfightforourpeopleand thesanctuary.

44Thenwasthecongregationgatheredtogether,thatthey mightbereadyforbattle,andthattheymightpray,andask mercyandcompassion.

45NowJerusalemlayvoidasawilderness,therewasnone ofherchildrenthatwentinorout:thesanctuaryalsowas troddendown,andalienskeptthestronghold;theheathen hadtheirhabitationinthatplace;andjoywastakenfrom Jacob,andthepipewiththeharpceased

46WhereforetheIsraelitesassembledthemselvestogether, andcametoMaspha,overagainstJerusalem;forin Masphawastheplacewheretheyprayedaforetimein Israel.

47Thentheyfastedthatday,andputonsackcloth,andcast ashesupontheirheads,andrenttheirclothes,

48Andlaidopenthebookofthelaw,whereintheheathen hadsoughttopaintthelikenessoftheirimages

49Theybroughtalsothepriests'garments,andthe firstfruits,andthetithes:andtheNazaritestheystirredup, whohadaccomplishedtheirdays

50Thencriedtheywithaloudvoicetowardheaven, saying,Whatshallwedowiththese,andwhithershallwe carrythemaway?

51Forthysanctuaryistroddendownandprofaned,and thypriestsareinheaviness,andbroughtlow.

52Andlo,theheathenareassembledtogetheragainstusto destroyus:whatthingstheyimagineagainstus,thou knowest.

53Howshallwebeabletostandagainstthem,exceptthou, OGod,beourhelp?

54Thensoundedtheywithtrumpets,andcriedwithaloud voice

55AndafterthisJudasordainedcaptainsoverthepeople, evencaptainsoverthousands,andoverhundreds,andover fifties,andovertens.

56Butasforsuchaswerebuildinghouses,orhad betrothedwives,orwereplantingvineyards,orwere fearful,thosehecommandedthattheyshouldreturn,every mantohisownhouse,accordingtothelaw

57Sothecampremoved,andpitcheduponthesouthside ofEmmaus.

58AndJudassaid,armyourselves,andbevaliantmen, andseethatyebeinreadinessagainstthemorning,thatye mayfightwiththesenations,thatareassembledtogether againstustodestroyusandoursanctuary:

59Foritisbetterforustodieinbattle,thantobeholdthe calamitiesofourpeopleandoursanctuary.

60Nevertheless,asthewillofGodisinheaven,solethim do

CHAPTER4

1ThentookGorgiasfivethousandfootmen,anda thousandofthebesthorsemen,andremovedoutofthe campbynight;

2TotheendhemightrushinuponthecampoftheJews, andsmitethemsuddenlyAndthemenofthefortresswere hisguides

3NowwhenJudasheardthereofhehimselfremoved,and thevaliantmenwithhim,thathemightsmitetheking's armywhichwasatEmmaus,

4Whileasyettheforcesweredispersedfromthecamp

5InthemeanseasoncameGorgiasbynightintothecamp ofJudas:andwhenhefoundnomanthere,hesoughtthem inthemountains:forsaidhe,Thesefellowsfleefromus

6Butassoonasitwasday,Judasshewedhimselfinthe plainwiththreethousandmen,whoneverthelesshad neitherarmournorswordstotheirminds.

7Andtheysawthecampoftheheathen,thatitwasstrong andwellharnessed,andcompassedroundaboutwith horsemen;andthesewereexpertofwar

8ThensaidJudastothementhatwerewithhim,Fearye nottheirmultitude,neitherbeyeafraidoftheirassault.

9RememberhowourfathersweredeliveredintheRedsea, whenPharaohpursuedthemwithanarmy

10Nowthereforeletuscryuntoheaven,ifperadventure theLordwillhavemercyuponus,andrememberthe covenantofourfathers,anddestroythishostbeforeour facethisday:

11Thatsoalltheheathenmayknowthatthereisonewho deliverethandsavethIsrael

12Thenthestrangerslifteduptheireyes,andsawthem comingoveragainstthem

13Whereforetheywentoutofthecamptobattle;butthey thatwerewithJudassoundedtheirtrumpets.

14Sotheyjoinedbattle,andtheheathenbeingdiscomfited fledintotheplain

15Howbeitallthehindmostofthemwereslainwiththe sword:fortheypursuedthemuntoGazera,anduntothe plainsofIdumea,andAzotus,andJamnia,sothatthere wereslainofthemuponathreethousandmen.

16Thisdone,Judasreturnedagainwithhishostfrom pursuingthem,

17Andsaidtothepeople,Benotgreedyofthespoil inasmuchasthereisabattlebeforeus,

18AndGorgiasandhishostareherebyusinthemountain: butstandyenowagainstourenemies,andovercomethem, andafterthisyemayboldlytakethespoils.

19AsJudaswasyetspeakingthesewords,thereappeared apartofthemlookingoutofthemountain:

20WhowhentheyperceivedthattheJewshadputtheir hosttoflightandwereburningthetents;forthesmokethat wasseendeclaredwhatwasdone:

21Whenthereforetheyperceivedthesethings,theywere soreafraid,andseeingalsothehostofJudasintheplain readytofight,

22Theyfledeveryoneintothelandofstrangers.

23ThenJudasreturnedtospoilthetents,wheretheygot muchgold,andsilver,andbluesilk,andpurpleofthesea, andgreatriches.

24Afterthistheywenthome,andsungasongof thanksgiving,andpraisedtheLordinheaven:becauseitis good,becausehismercyendurethforever.

25ThusIsraelhadagreatdeliverancethatday

26Nowallthestrangersthathadescapedcameandtold Lysiaswhathadhappened:

27Who,whenheheardthereof,wasconfoundedand discouraged,becauseneithersuchthingsashewouldwere doneuntoIsrael,norsuchthingsasthekingcommanded himwerecometopass

28ThenextyearthereforefollowingLysiasgathered togetherthreescorethousandchoicemenoffoot,andfive thousandhorsemen,thathemightsubduethem

29SotheycameintoIdumea,andpitchedtheirtentsat Bethsura,andJudasmetthemwithtenthousandmen 30Andwhenhesawthatmightyarmy,heprayedandsaid, Blessedartthou,OSaviourofIsrael,whodidstquellthe violenceofthemightymanbythehandofthyservant David,andgavestthehostofstrangersintothehandsof JonathanthesonofSaul,andhisarmourbearer;

31ShutupthisarmyinthehandofthypeopleIsrael,and letthembeconfoundedintheirpowerandhorsemen:

32Makethemtobeofnocourage,andcausetheboldness oftheirstrengthtofallaway,andletthemquakeattheir destruction:

33Castthemdownwiththeswordofthemthatlovethee, andletallthosethatknowthynamepraisetheewith thanksgiving

34Sotheyjoinedbattle;andtherewereslainofthehostof Lysiasaboutfivethousandmen,evenbeforethemwere theyslain

35NowwhenLysiassawhisarmyputtoflight,andthe manlinessofJudas'soldiers,andhowtheywereready eithertoliveordievaliantly,hewentintoAntiochia,and gatheredtogetheracompanyofstrangers,andhavingmade hisarmygreaterthanitwas,hepurposedtocomeagain intoJudea

36ThensaidJudasandhisbrethren,Behold,ourenemies arediscomfited:letusgouptocleanseanddedicatethe sanctuary

37Uponthisallthehostassembledthemselvestogether, andwentupintomountSion

38Andwhentheysawthesanctuarydesolate,andthealtar profaned,andthegatesburnedup,andshrubsgrowingin thecourtsasinaforest,orinoneofthemountains,yea, andthepriests'chamberspulleddown;

39Theyrenttheirclothes,andmadegreatlamentation,and castashesupontheirheads,

40Andfelldownflattothegroundupontheirfaces,and blewanalarmwiththetrumpets,andcriedtowardheaven

41ThenJudasappointedcertainmentofightagainstthose thatwereinthefortress,untilhehadcleansedthesanctuary

42Sohechosepriestsofblamelessconversation,suchas hadpleasureinthelaw:

43Whocleansedthesanctuary,andbareoutthedefiled stonesintoanuncleanplace

44Andwhenastheyconsultedwhattodowiththealtarof burntofferings,whichwasprofaned;

45Theythoughtitbesttopullitdown,lestitshouldbea reproachtothem,becausetheheathenhaddefiledit: whereforetheypulleditdown,

46Andlaidupthestonesinthemountainofthetemplein aconvenientplace,untilthereshouldcomeaprophetto shewwhatshouldbedonewiththem

47Thentheytookwholestonesaccordingtothelaw,and builtanewaltaraccordingtotheformer;

48Andmadeupthesanctuary,andthethingsthatwere withinthetemple,andhallowedthecourts

49Theymadealsonewholyvessels,andintothetemple theybroughtthecandlestick,andthealtarofburnt offerings,andofincense,andthetable.

50Anduponthealtartheyburnedincense,andthelamps thatwereuponthecandlesticktheylighted,thattheymight givelightinthetemple

51Furthermoretheysettheloavesuponthetable,and spreadouttheveils,andfinishedalltheworkswhichthey hadbeguntomake

52Nowonthefiveandtwentiethdayoftheninthmonth, whichiscalledthemonthCasleu,inthehundredfortyand eighthyear,theyroseupbetimesinthemorning,

53Andofferedsacrificeaccordingtothelawuponthenew altarofburntofferings,whichtheyhadmade

54Look,atwhattimeandwhatdaytheheathenhad profanedit,eveninthatwasitdedicatedwithsongs,and citherns,andharps,andcymbals

55Thenallthepeoplefellupontheirfaces,worshipping andpraisingtheGodofheaven,whohadgiventhemgood success

56Andsotheykeptthededicationofthealtareightdays andofferedburntofferingswithgladness,andsacrificed thesacrificeofdeliveranceandpraise

57Theydeckedalsotheforefrontofthetemplewith crownsofgold,andwithshields;andthegatesandthe chamberstheyrenewed,andhangeddoorsuponthem 58Thuswasthereverygreatgladnessamongthepeople, forthatthereproachoftheheathenwasputaway

59MoreoverJudasandhisbrethrenwiththewhole congregationofIsraelordained,thatthedaysofthe dedicationofthealtarshouldbekeptintheirseasonfrom yeartoyearbythespaceofeightdays,fromthefiveand twentiethdayofthemonthCasleu,withmirthandgladness.

60AtthattimealsotheybuildedupthemountSionwith highwallsandstrongtowersroundabout,lesttheGentiles shouldcomeandtreaditdownastheyhaddonebefore.

61Andtheysetthereagarrisontokeepit,andfortified Bethsuratopreserveit;thatthepeoplemighthavea defenceagainstIdumea.

CHAPTER5

1Nowwhenthenationsroundaboutheardthatthealtar wasbuiltandthesanctuaryrenewedasbefore,itdispleased themverymuch

2Whereforetheythoughttodestroythegenerationof Jacobthatwasamongthem,andthereupontheybeganto slayanddestroythepeople

3ThenJudasfoughtagainstthechildrenofEsauinIdumea atArabattine,becausetheybesiegedGael:andhegave themagreatoverthrow,andabatedtheircourage,andtook theirspoils.

4AlsoherememberedtheinjuryofthechildrenofBean, whohadbeenasnareandanoffenceuntothepeople,in thattheylayinwaitforthemintheways.

5Heshutthemupthereforeinthetowers,andencamped againstthem,anddestroyedthemutterly,andburnedthe towersofthatplacewithfire,andallthatweretherein.

6AfterwardhepassedovertothechildrenofAmmon, wherehefoundamightypower,andmuchpeople,with Timotheustheircaptain.

7Sohefoughtmanybattleswiththem,tillatlengththey werediscomfitedbeforehim;andhesmotethem.

8AndwhenhehadtakenJazar,withthetownsbelonging thereto,hereturnedintoJudea

9ThentheheathenthatwereatGalaadassembled themselvestogetheragainsttheIsraelitesthatwereintheir quarters,todestroythem;buttheyfledtothefortressof Dathema

10AndsentlettersuntoJudasandhisbrethren,The heathenthatareroundaboutusareassembledtogether againstustodestroyus:

11Andtheyarepreparingtocomeandtakethefortress whereuntowearefled,Timotheusbeingcaptainoftheir host.

12Comenowtherefore,anddeliverusfromtheirhands, formanyofusareslain:

13Yea,allourbrethrenthatwereintheplacesofTobieare puttodeath:theirwivesandtheirchildrenalsotheyhave carriedawaycaptives,andborneawaytheirstuff;andthey havedestroyedthereaboutathousandmen.

14Whiletheseletterswereyetreading,behold,therecame othermessengersfromGalileewiththeirclothesrent,who reportedonthiswise,

15Andsaid,TheyofPtolemais,andofTyrus,andSidon, andallGalileeoftheGentiles,areassembledtogether againstustoconsumeus.

16NowwhenJudasandthepeopleheardthesewords, thereassembledagreatcongregationtogether,toconsult whattheyshoulddofortheirbrethren,thatwereintrouble, andassaultedofthem

17ThensaidJudasuntoSimonhisbrother,Choosethee outmen,andgoanddeliverthybrethrenthatareinGalilee, forIandJonathanmybrotherwillgointothecountryof Galaad

18SoheleftJosephthesonofZacharias,andAzarias, captainsofthepeople,withtheremnantofthehostin Judeatokeepit

19Untowhomhegavecommandment,saying,Takeyethe chargeofthispeople,andseethatyemakenotwaragainst theheathenuntilthetimethatwecomeagain

20NowuntoSimonweregiventhreethousandmentogo intoGalilee,anduntoJudaseightthousandmenforthe countryofGalaad.

21ThenwentSimonintoGalilee,wherehefoughtmany battleswiththeheathen,sothattheheathenwere discomfitedbyhim.

22AndhepursuedthemuntothegateofPtolemais;and therewereslainoftheheathenaboutthreethousandmen, whosespoilshetook.

23AndthosethatwereinGalilee,andinArbattis,with theirwivesandtheirchildren,andallthattheyhad,tookhe awaywithhim,andbroughtthemintoJudeawithgreatjoy.

24JudasMaccabeusalsoandhisbrotherJonathanwent overJordan,andtravelledthreedays'journeyinthe wilderness,

25WheretheymetwiththeNabathites,whocameunto theminapeaceablemanner,andtoldthemeverythingthat hadhappenedtotheirbrethreninthelandofGalaad:

26AndhowthatmanyofthemwereshutupinBosora, andBosor,andAlema,Casphor,Maked,andCarnaim;all thesecitiesarestrongandgreat:

27Andthattheywereshutupintherestofthecitiesofthe countryofGalaad,andthatagainsttomorrowtheyhad appointedtobringtheirhostagainsttheforts,andtotake them,andtodestroythemallinoneday

28HereuponJudasandhishostturnedsuddenlybythe wayofthewildernessuntoBosora;andwhenhehadwon thecity,heslewallthemaleswiththeedgeofthesword, andtookalltheirspoils,andburnedthecitywithfire,

29Fromwhenceheremovedbynight,andwenttillhe cametothefortress

30Andbetimesinthemorningtheylookedup,and,behold, therewasaninnumerablepeoplebearingladdersandother enginesofwar,totakethefortress:fortheyassaultedthem

31WhenJudasthereforesawthatthebattlewasbegun,and thatthecryofthecitywentuptoheaven,withtrumpets, andagreatsound,

32Hesaiduntohishost,Fightthisdayforyourbrethren.

33Sohewentforthbehindtheminthreecompanies,who soundedtheirtrumpets,andcriedwithprayer

34ThenthehostofTimotheus,knowingthatitwas Maccabeus,fledfromhim:whereforehesmotethemwith agreatslaughter;sothattherewerekilledofthemthatday abouteightthousandmen.

35Thisdone,JudasturnedasidetoMaspha;andafterhe hadassaultedithetookandslewallthemalestherein,and receivedthespoilsthereofandandburntitwithfire.

36Fromthencewenthe,andtookCasphon,Maged,Bosor, andtheothercitiesofthecountryofGalaad

37AfterthesethingsgatheredTimotheusanotherhostand encampedagainstRaphonbeyondthebrook

38SoJudassentmentoespythehost,whobroughthim word,saying,Alltheheathenthatberoundaboutusare assembleduntothem,evenaverygreathost

39HehathalsohiredtheArabianstohelpthemandthey havepitchedtheirtentsbeyondthebrook,readytocome andfightagainsttheeUponthisJudaswenttomeetthem

40ThenTimotheussaiduntothecaptainsofhishost, WhenJudasandhishostcomenearthebrook,ifhepass overfirstuntous,weshallnotbeabletowithstandhim; forhewillmightilyprevailagainstus:

41Butifhebeafraid,andcampbeyondtheriver,weshall gooveruntohim,andprevailagainsthim

42NowwhenJudascamenearthebrook,hecausedthe scribesofthepeopletoremainbythebrook:untowhomhe gavecommandment,saying,Suffernomantoremainin thecamp,butletallcometothebattle

43Sohewentfirstoveruntothem,andallthepeopleafter him:thenalltheheathen,beingdiscomfitedbeforehim, castawaytheirweapons,andfleduntothetemplethatwas atCarnaim

44Buttheytookthecity,andburnedthetemplewithall thatwerethereinThuswasCarnaimsubdued,neither couldtheystandanylongerbeforeJudas

45ThenJudasgatheredtogetheralltheIsraelitesthatwere inthecountryofGalaad,fromtheleastuntothegreatest, eventheirwives,andtheirchildren,andtheirstuff,avery greathost,totheendtheymightcomeintothelandof Judea

46NowwhentheycameuntoEphron,(thiswasagreat cityinthewayastheyshouldgo,verywellfortified)they couldnotturnfromit,eitherontherighthandortheleft, butmustneedspassthroughthemidstofit

47Thentheyofthecityshutthemout,andstoppedupthe gateswithstones

48WhereuponJudassentuntotheminpeaceablemanner, saying,Letuspassthroughyourlandtogointoourown country,andnoneshalldoyouanyhurt;wewillonlypass throughonfoot:howbeittheywouldnotopenuntohim 49WhereforeJudascommandedaproclamationtobe madethroughoutthehost,thateverymanshouldpitchhis tentintheplacewherehewas

50Sothesoldierspitched,andassaultedthecityallthat dayandallthatnight,tillatthelengththecitywas deliveredintohishands:

51Whothenslewallthemaleswiththeedgeofthesword, andrasedthecity,andtookthespoilsthereof,andpassed throughthecityoverthemthatwereslain.

52AfterthiswenttheyoverJordanintothegreatplain beforeBethsan

53AndJudasgatheredtogetherthosethatcamebehind, andexhortedthepeopleallthewaythrough,tilltheycame intothelandofJudea

54SotheywentuptomountSionwithjoyandgladness, wheretheyofferedburntofferings,becausenotoneof themwereslainuntiltheyhadreturnedinpeace

55NowwhattimeasJudasandJonathanwereintheland ofGalaad,andSimonhisbrotherinGalileebefore Ptolemais,

56JosephthesonofZacharias,andAzarias,captainsofthe garrisons,heardofthevaliantactsandwarlikedeedswhich theyhaddone

57Whereforetheysaid,Letusalsogetusaname,andgo fightagainsttheheathenthatareroundaboutus 58Sowhentheyhadgivenchargeuntothegarrisonthat waswiththem,theywenttowardJamnia.

59ThencameGorgiasandhismenoutofthecitytofight againstthem

60Andsoitwas,thatJosephandAzaraswereputtoflight, andpursueduntothebordersofJudea:andtherewereslain thatdayofthepeopleofIsraelabouttwothousandmen 61Thuswasthereagreatoverthrowamongthechildrenof Israel,becausetheywerenotobedientuntoJudasandhis brethren,butthoughttodosomevaliantact

62Moreoverthesemencamenotoftheseedofthose,by whosehanddeliverancewasgivenuntoIsrael

63HowbeitthemanJudasandhisbrethrenweregreatly renownedinthesightofallIsrael,andofalltheheathen, wheresoevertheirnamewasheardof;

64Insomuchasthepeopleassembleduntothemwith joyfulacclamations

65AfterwardwentJudasforthwithhisbrethren,and foughtagainstthechildrenofEsauinthelandtowardthe south,wherehesmoteHebron,andthetownsthereof,and pulleddownthefortressofit,andburnedthetowers thereofroundabout

66Fromthenceheremovedtogointothelandofthe Philistines,andpassedthroughSamaria.

67Atthattimecertainpriests,desiroustoshewtheir valour,wereslaininbattle,forthattheywentouttofight unadvisedly.

68SoJudasturnedtoAzotusinthelandofthePhilistines, andwhenhehadpulleddowntheiraltars,andburnedtheir carvedimageswithfire,andspoiledtheircities,he returnedintothelandofJudea

CHAPTER6

1AboutthattimekingAntiochustravellingthroughthe highcountriesheardsay,thatElymaisinthecountryof Persiawasacitygreatlyrenownedforriches,silver,and gold;

2Andthattherewasinitaveryrichtemple,whereinwere coveringsofgold,andbreastplates,andshields,which Alexander,sonofPhilip,theMacedonianking,who reignedfirstamongtheGrecians,hadleftthere

3Whereforehecameandsoughttotakethecity,andto spoilit;buthewasnotable,becausetheyofthecity, havinghadwarningthereof,

4Roseupagainsthiminbattle:sohefled,anddeparted thencewithgreatheaviness,andreturnedtoBabylon.

5Moreovertherecameonewhobroughthimtidingsinto Persia,thatthearmies,whichwentagainstthelandof Judea,wereputtoflight:

6AndthatLysias,whowentforthfirstwithagreatpower wasdrivenawayoftheJews;andthattheyweremade strongbythearmour,andpower,andstoreofspoils,which theyhadgottenofthearmies,whomtheyhaddestroyed:

7Alsothattheyhadpulleddowntheabomination,which hehadsetupuponthealtarinJerusalem,andthattheyhad compassedaboutthesanctuarywithhighwalls,asbefore, andhiscityBethsura

8Nowwhenthekingheardthesewords,hewasastonished andsoremoved:whereuponhelaidhimdownuponhisbed, andfellsickforgrief,becauseithadnotbefallenhimashe lookedfor.

9Andtherehecontinuedmanydays:forhisgriefwasever moreandmore,andhemadeaccountthatheshoulddie

10Whereforehecalledforallhisfriends,andsaidunto them,Thesleepisgonefrommineeyes,andmyheart failethforverycare

11AndIthoughtwithmyself,IntowhattribulationamI come,andhowgreatafloodofmiseryisit,whereinnowI am!forIwasbountifulandbelovedinmypower

12ButnowIremembertheevilsthatIdidatJerusalem, andthatItookallthevesselsofgoldandsilverthatwere therein,andsenttodestroytheinhabitantsofJudeawithout acause.

13Iperceivethereforethatforthiscausethesetroublesare comeuponme,and,behold,Iperishthroughgreatgriefin astrangeland.

14ThencalledheforPhilip,oneofhisfriends,whohe maderuleroverallhisrealm,

15Andgavehimthecrown,andhisrobe,andhissignet,to theendheshouldbringuphissonAntiochus,andnourish himupforthekingdom

16SokingAntiochusdiedthereinthehundredfortyand ninthyear

17NowwhenLysiasknewthatthekingwasdead,heset upAntiochushisson,whomhehadbroughtupbeing young,toreigninhisstead,andhisnamehecalledEupator 18Aboutthistimetheythatwereinthetowershutupthe Israelitesroundaboutthesanctuary,andsoughtalways theirhurt,andthestrengtheningoftheheathen

19WhereforeJudas,purposingtodestroythem,calledall thepeopletogethertobesiegethem.

20Sotheycametogether,andbesiegedtheminthe hundredandfiftiethyear,andhemademountsforshot againstthem,andotherengines.

21Howbeitcertainofthemthatwerebesiegedgotforth, untowhomsomeungodlymenofIsraeljoinedthemselves: 22Andtheywentuntotheking,andsaid,Howlongwillit beerethouexecutejudgment,andavengeourbrethren?

23Wehavebeenwillingtoservethyfather,andtodoas hewouldhaveus,andtoobeyhiscommandments;

24Forwhichcausetheyofournationbesiegethetower, andarealienatedfromus:moreoverasmanyofusasthey couldlightontheyslew,andspoiledourinheritance 25Neitherhavetheystretchedouttheirhandagainstus only,butalsoagainsttheirborders.

26And,behold,thisdayaretheybesiegingthetowerat Jerusalem,totakeit:thesanctuaryalsoandBethsurahave theyfortified.

27Whereforeifthoudostnotpreventthemquickly,they willdothegreaterthingsthanthese,neithershaltthoube abletorulethem.

28Nowwhenthekingheardthis,hewasangry,and gatheredtogetherallhisfriends,andthecaptainsofhis army,andthosethathadchargeofthehorse.

29Therecamealsountohimfromotherkingdoms,and fromislesofthesea,bandsofhiredsoldiers

30Sothatthenumberofhisarmywasanhundred thousandfootmen,andtwentythousandhorsemen,andtwo andthirtyelephantsexercisedinbattle

31ThesewentthroughIdumea,andpitchedagainst Bethsura,whichtheyassaultedmanydays,makingengines ofwar;buttheyofBethsuracameout,andburnedthem withfire,andfoughtvaliantly.

32UponthisJudasremovedfromthetower,andpitchedin Bathzacharias,overagainsttheking'scamp

33Thenthekingrisingveryearlymarchedfiercelywith hishosttowardBathzacharias,wherehisarmiesmade themreadytobattle,andsoundedthetrumpets

34Andtotheendtheymightprovoketheelephantsto fight,theyshewedthemthebloodofgrapesandmulberries

35Moreovertheydividedthebeastsamongthearmies,and foreveryelephanttheyappointedathousandmen,armed withcoatsofmail,andwithhelmetsofbrassontheirheads; andbesidethis,foreverybeastwereordainedfivehundred horsemenofthebest.

36Thesewerereadyateveryoccasion:wheresoeverthe beastwas,andwhithersoeverthebeastwent,theywent also,neitherdepartedtheyfromhim.

37Anduponthebeastsweretherestrongtowersofwood, whichcoveredeveryoneofthem,andweregirtfastunto themwithdevices:therewerealsouponeveryonetwoand thirtystrongmen,thatfoughtuponthem,besidetheIndian thatruledhim

38Asfortheremnantofthehorsemen,theysetthemon thissideandthatsideatthetwopartsofthehostgiving themsignswhattodo,andbeingharnessedalloveramidst theranks.

39Nowwhenthesunshoneupontheshieldsofgoldand brass,themountainsglisteredtherewith,andshinedlike lampsoffire.

40Sopartoftheking'sarmybeingspreaduponthehigh mountains,andpartonthevalleysbelow,theymarchedon safelyandinorder.

41Whereforeallthatheardthenoiseoftheirmultitude, andthemarchingofthecompany,andtherattlingofthe harness,weremoved:forthearmywasverygreatand mighty

42ThenJudasandhishostdrewnear,andenteredinto battle,andtherewereslainoftheking'sarmysixhundred men

43Eleazaralso,surnamedSavaran,perceivingthatoneof thebeasts,armedwithroyalharness,washigherthanall therest,andsupposingthatthekingwasuponhim, 44Puthimselfinjeopardy,totheendhemightdeliverhis people,andgethimaperpetualname:

45Whereforeheranuponhimcourageouslythroughthe midstofthebattle,slayingontherighthandandontheleft, sothattheyweredividedfromhimonbothsides

46Whichdone,hecreptundertheelephant,andthrusthim under,andslewhim:whereupontheelephantfelldown uponhim,andtherehedied.

47HowbeittherestoftheJewsseeingthestrengthofthe king,andtheviolenceofhisforces,turnedawayfromthem.

48Thentheking'sarmywentuptoJerusalemtomeetthem, andthekingpitchedhistentsagainstJudea,andagainst mountSion.

49ButwiththemthatwereinBethsurahemadepeace:for theycameoutofthecity,becausetheyhadnovictuals theretoendurethesiege,itbeingayearofresttotheland.

50SothekingtookBethsura,andsetagarrisonthereto keepit

51Asforthesanctuary,hebesiegeditmanydays:andset thereartillerywithenginesandinstrumentstocastfireand stones,andpiecestocastdartsandslings

52Whereupontheyalsomadeenginesagainsttheir engines,andheldthembattlealongseason

53Yetatthelast,theirvesselsbeingwithoutvictuals,(for thatitwastheseventhyear,andtheyinJudeathatwere deliveredfromtheGentiles,hadeatenuptheresidueofthe store;)

54Therewerebutafewleftinthesanctuary,becausethe faminedidsoprevailagainstthem,thattheywerefainto dispersethemselves,everymantohisownplace

55AtthattimeLysiasheardsay,thatPhilip,whom Antiochustheking,whileshelived,hadappointedtobring uphissonAntiochus,thathemightbeking,

56WasreturnedoutofPersiaandMedia,andtheking's hostalsothatwentwithhim,andthathesoughttotake untohimtherulingoftheaffairs.

57Whereforehewentinallhaste,andsaidtothekingand thecaptainsofthehostandthecompany,Wedecaydaily, andourvictualsarebutsmall,andtheplacewelaysiege untoisstrong,andtheaffairsofthekingdomlieuponus:

58Nowthereforeletusbefriendswiththesemen,and makepeacewiththem,andwithalltheirnation;

59Andcovenantwiththem,thattheyshallliveaftertheir laws,astheydidbefore:fortheyarethereforedispleased, andhavedoneallthesethings,becauseweabolishedtheir laws

60Sothekingandtheprinceswerecontent:whereforehe sentuntothemtomakepeace;andtheyacceptedthereof.

61Alsothekingandtheprincesmadeanoathuntothem: whereupontheywentoutofthestronghold

62ThenthekingenteredintomountSion;butwhenhe sawthestrengthoftheplace,hebrokehisoaththathehad made,andgavecommandmenttopulldownthewallround about.

63Afterwarddepartedheinallhaste,andreturnedunto Antiochia,wherehefoundPhiliptobemasterofthecity: sohefoughtagainsthim,andtookthecitybyforce.

CHAPTER7

1InthehundredandoneandfiftiethyearDemetriusthe sonofSeleucusdepartedfromRome,andcameupwitha fewmenuntoacityoftheseacoast,andreignedthere

2Andasheenteredintothepalaceofhisancestors,soit was,thathisforceshadtakenAntiochusandLysias,to bringthemuntohim

3Wherefore,whenheknewit,hesaid,Letmenotseetheir faces.

4Sohishostslewthem.NowwhenDemetriuswasset uponthethroneofhiskingdom,

5Therecameuntohimallthewickedandungodlymenof Israel,havingAlcimus,whowasdesiroustobehighpriest, fortheircaptain:

6Andtheyaccusedthepeopletotheking,saying,Judas andhisbrethrenhaveslainallthyfriends,anddrivenus outofourownland

7Nowthereforesendsomemanwhomthoutrustest,and lethimgoandseewhathavockhehathmadeamongus, andintheking'sland,andlethimpunishthemwithall themthataidthem.

8ThenthekingchoseBacchides,afriendoftheking,who ruledbeyondtheflood,andwasagreatmaninthe kingdom,andfaithfultotheking,

9AndhimhesentwiththatwickedAlcimus,whomhe madehighpriest,andcommandedthatheshouldtake vengeanceofthechildrenofIsrael.

10Sotheydeparted,andcamewithagreatpowerintothe landofJudea,wheretheysentmessengerstoJudasandhis brethrenwithpeaceablewordsdeceitfully.

11Buttheygavenoheedtotheirwords;fortheysawthat theywerecomewithagreatpower

12ThendidthereassembleuntoAlcimusandBacchidesa companyofscribes,torequirejustice

13NowtheAssideanswerethefirstamongthechildrenof Israelthatsoughtpeaceofthem:

14Forsaidthey,OnethatisapriestoftheseedofAaronis comewiththisarmy,andhewilldousnowrong

15Sohespakeuntothem,peaceably,andswareuntothem, saying,wewillprocuretheharmneitherofyounoryour friends

16Whereupontheybelievedhim:howbeithetookofthem threescoremen,andslewtheminoneday,accordingtothe wordswhichhewrote,

17Thefleshofthysaintshavetheycastout,andtheir bloodhavetheyshedroundaboutJerusalem,andtherewas nonetoburythem

18Whereforethefearanddreadofthemfelluponallthe people,whosaid,Thereisneithertruthnorrighteousness inthem;fortheyhavebrokenthecovenantandoaththat theymade.

19Afterthis,removedBacchidesfromJerusalem,and pitchedhistentsinBezeth,wherehesentandtookmanyof thementhathadforsakenhim,andcertainofthepeople also,andwhenhehadslainthem,hecastthemintothe greatpit

20ThencommittedhethecountrytoAlcimus,andleft withhimapowertoaidhim:soBacchideswenttotheking

21ButAlcimuscontendedforthehighpriesthood.

22Anduntohimresortedallsuchastroubledthepeople, who,aftertheyhadgottenthelandofJudaintotheirpower, didmuchhurtinIsrael

23NowwhenJudassawallthemischiefthatAlcimusand hiscompanyhaddoneamongtheIsraelites,evenabovethe heathen,

24HewentoutintoallthecoastsofJudearoundabout, andtookvengeanceofthemthathadrevoltedfromhim,so thattheydurstnomoregoforthintothecountry.

25Ontheotherside,whenAlcimussawthatJudasandhis companyhadgottentheupperhand,andknewthathewas notabletoabidetheirforce,hewentagaintotheking,and saidalltheworstofthemthathecould.

26ThenthekingsentNicanor,oneofhishonourable princes,amanthatbaredeadlyhateuntoIsrael,with commandmenttodestroythepeople

27SoNicanorcametoJerusalemwithagreatforce;and sentuntoJudasandhisbrethrendeceitfullywithfriendly words,saying,

28Lettherebenobattlebetweenmeandyou;Iwillcome withafewmen,thatImayseeyouinpeace.

29HecamethereforetoJudas,andtheysalutedone anotherpeaceablyHowbeittheenemieswerepreparedto takeawayJudasbyviolence.

30WhichthingafteritwasknowntoJudas,towit,thathe cameuntohimwithdeceit,hewassoreafraidofhim,and wouldseehisfacenomore.

31Nicanoralso,whenhesawthathiscounselwas discovered,wentouttofightagainstJudasbeside Capharsalama:

32WheretherewereslainofNicanor'ssideaboutfive thousandmen,andtherestfledintothecityofDavid

33AfterthiswentNicanoruptomountSion,andthere cameoutofthesanctuarycertainofthepriestsandcertain oftheeldersofthepeople,tosalutehimpeaceably,andto shewhimtheburntsacrificethatwasofferedfortheking.

34Buthemockedthem,andlaughedatthem,andabused themshamefully,andspakeproudly,

35Andswareinhiswrath,saying,UnlessJudasandhis hostbenowdeliveredintomyhands,ifeverIcomeagain

insafety,Iwillburnupthishouse:andwiththathewent outinagreatrage

36Thenthepriestsenteredin,andstoodbeforethealtar andthetemple,weeping,andsaying,

37Thou,OLord,didstchoosethishousetobecalledby thyname,andtobeahouseofprayerandpetitionforthy people:

38Beavengedofthismanandhishost,andletthemfall bythesword:remembertheirblasphemies,andsufferthem nottocontinueanylonger

39SoNicanorwentoutofJerusalem,andpitchedhistents inBethhoron,whereanhostoutofSyriamethim.

40ButJudaspitchedinAdasawiththreethousandmen, andthereheprayed,saying,

41OLord,whentheythatweresentfromthekingofthe Assyriansblasphemed,thineangelwentout,andsmotean hundredfourscoreandfivethousandofthem

42Evensodestroythouthishostbeforeusthisday,that therestmayknowthathehathspokenblasphemously againstthysanctuary,andjudgethouhimaccordingtohis wickedness.

43SothethirteenthdayofthemonthAdarthehostsjoined battle:butNicanor'shostwasdiscomfited,andhehimself wasfirstslaininthebattle.

44NowwhenNicanor'shostsawthathewasslain,they castawaytheirweapons,andfled

45Thentheypursuedafterthemaday'sjourney,from AdasauntoGazera,soundinganalarmafterthemwith theirtrumpets

46Whereupontheycameforthoutofallthetownsof Judearoundabout,andclosedthemin;sothatthey,turning backuponthemthatpursuedthem,wereallslainwiththe sword,andnotoneofthemwasleft

47Afterwardstheytookthespoils,andtheprey,andsmote offNicanorshead,andhisrighthand,whichhestretched outsoproudly,andbroughtthemaway,andhangedthem uptowardJerusalem

48Forthiscausethepeoplerejoicedgreatly,andtheykept thatdayadayofgreatgladness

49Moreovertheyordainedtokeepyearlythisday,being thethirteenthofAdar.

50ThusthelandofJudawasinrestalittlewhile

CHAPTER8

1NowJudashadheardoftheRomans,thattheywere mightyandvaliantmen,andsuchaswouldlovinglyaccept allthatjoinedthemselvesuntothem,andmakealeagueof amitywithallthatcameuntothem;

2Andthattheyweremenofgreatvalour.Itwastoldhim alsooftheirwarsandnobleactswhichtheyhaddone amongtheGalatians,andhowtheyhadconqueredthem, andbroughtthemundertribute;

3AndwhattheyhaddoneinthecountryofSpain,forthe winningoftheminesofthesilverandgoldwhichisthere;

4Andthatbytheirpolicyandpatiencetheyhadconquered alltheplace,thoughitwereveryfarfromthem;andthe kingsalsothatcameagainstthemfromtheuttermostpart oftheearth,tilltheyhaddiscomfitedthem,andgiventhem agreatoverthrow,sothattherestdidgivethemtribute everyyear:

5Besidethis,howtheyhaddiscomfitedinbattlePhilip, andPerseus,kingoftheCitims,withothersthatliftedup themselvesagainstthem,andhadovercomethem:

6HowalsoAntiochusthegreatkingofAsia,thatcame againsttheminbattle,havinganhundredandtwenty elephants,withhorsemen,andchariots,andaverygreat army,wasdiscomfitedbythem;

7Andhowtheytookhimalive,andcovenantedthatheand suchasreignedafterhimshouldpayagreattribute,and givehostages,andthatwhichwasagreedupon,

8AndthecountryofIndia,andMediaandLydiaandof thegoodliestcountries,whichtheytookofhim,andgave tokingEumenes:

9MoreoverhowtheGrecianshaddeterminedtocomeand destroythem;

10Andthatthey,havingknowledgethereofsentagainst themacertaincaptain,andfightingwiththemslewmany ofthem,andcarriedawaycaptivestheirwivesandtheir children,andspoiledthem,andtookpossessionoftheir lands,andpulleddowntheirstrongholds,andbrought themtobetheirservantsuntothisday:

11Itwastoldhimbesides,howtheydestroyedandbrought undertheirdominionallotherkingdomsandislesthatat anytimeresistedthem;

12Butwiththeirfriendsandsuchasrelieduponthemthey keptamity:andthattheyhadconqueredkingdomsbothfar andnigh,insomuchasallthatheardoftheirnamewere afraidofthem:

13Alsothat,whomtheywouldhelptoakingdom,those reign;andwhomagaintheywould,theydisplace:finally, thattheyweregreatlyexalted:

14Yetforallthisnoneofthemworeacrownorwas clothedinpurple,tobemagnifiedthereby:

15Moreoverhowtheyhadmadeforthemselvesasenate house,whereinthreehundredandtwentymensatin councildaily,consultingalwayforthepeople,totheend theymightbewellordered:

16Andthattheycommittedtheirgovernmenttooneman everyyear,whoruledoveralltheircountry,andthatall wereobedienttothatone,andthattherewasneitherenvy noremmulationamongthem.

17Inconsiderationofthesethings,JudaschoseEupolemus thesonofJohn,thesonofAccos,andJasonthesonof Eleazar,andsentthemtoRome,tomakealeagueofamity andconfederacywiththem,

18Andtointreatthemthattheywouldtaketheyokefrom them;fortheysawthatthekingdomoftheGreciansdid oppressIsraelwithservitude

19TheywentthereforetoRome,whichwasaverygreat journey,andcameintothesenate,wheretheyspakeand said

20JudasMaccabeuswithhisbrethren,andthepeopleof theJews,havesentusuntoyou,tomakeaconfederacyand peacewithyou,andthatwemightberegisteredyour confederatesandfriends

21SothatmatterpleasedtheRomanswell.

22Andthisisthecopyoftheepistlewhichthesenate wrotebackagainintablesofbrass,andsenttoJerusalem, thattheretheymighthavebythemamemorialofpeace andconfederacy:

23GoodsuccessbetotheRomans,andtothepeopleofthe Jews,byseaandbylandforever:theswordalsoand enemybefarfromthem,

24IftherecomefirstanywarupontheRomansoranyof theirconfederatesthroughoutalltheirdominion, 25ThepeopleoftheJewsshallhelpthem,asthetimeshall beappointed,withalltheirheart:

26Neithershalltheygiveanythinguntothemthatmake waruponthem,oraidthemwithvictuals,weapons,money, orships,asithathseemedgooduntotheRomans;butthey shallkeeptheircovenantswithouttakinganything therefore.

27Inthesamemanneralso,ifwarcomefirstuponthe nationoftheJews,theRomansshallhelpthemwithall theirheart,accordingasthetimeshallbeappointedthem: 28Neithershallvictualsbegiventothemthattakepart againstthem,orweapons,ormoney,orships,asithath seemedgoodtotheRomans;buttheyshallkeeptheir covenants,andthatwithoutdeceit

29AccordingtothesearticlesdidtheRomansmakea covenantwiththepeopleoftheJews.

30Howbeitifhereaftertheonepartyortheothershall thinktomeettoaddordiminishanything,theymaydoit attheirpleasures,andwhatsoevertheyshalladdortake awayshallberatified

31AndastouchingtheevilsthatDemetriusdoethtothe Jews,wehavewrittenuntohim,saying,Whereforethou madethyyokeheavyuponourfriendsandconfederatesthe Jews?

32Ifthereforetheycomplainanymoreagainstthee,we willdothemjustice,andfightwiththeebyseaandbyland

CHAPTER9

1Furthermore,whenDemetriusheardtheNicanorandhis hostwereslaininbattle,hesentBacchidesandAlcimus intothelandofJudeathesecondtime,andwiththemthe chiefstrengthofhishost:

2WhowentforthbythewaythatleadethtoGalgala,and pitchedtheirtentsbeforeMasaloth,whichisinArbela,and aftertheyhadwonit,theyslewmuchpeople.

3Alsothefirstmonthofthehundredfiftyandsecondyear theyencampedbeforeJerusalem:

4Fromwhencetheyremoved,andwenttoBerea,with twentythousandfootmenandtwothousandhorsemen

5NowJudashadpitchedhistentsatEleasa,andthree thousandchosenmenwithhim:

6Whoseeingthemultitudeoftheotherarmytohesogreat weresoreafraid;whereuponmanyconveyedthemselves outofthehost,insomuchasabodeofthemnomorebut eighthundredmen

7WhenJudasthereforesawthathishostsliptaway,and thatthebattlepresseduponhim,hewassoretroubledin mind,andmuchdistressed,forthathehadnotimeto gatherthemtogether

8Neverthelessuntothemthatremainedhesaid,Letus ariseandgoupagainstourenemies,ifperadventurewe maybeabletofightwiththem

9Buttheydehortedhim,saying,Weshallneverbeable: letusnowrathersaveourlives,andhereafterwewill returnwithourbrethren,andfightagainstthem:forweare butfew.

10ThenJudassaid,GodforbidthatIshoulddothisthing, andfleeawayfromthem:ifourtimebecome,letusdie manfullyforourbrethren,andletusnotstainourhonour.

11WiththatthehostofBacchidesremovedoutoftheir tents,andstoodoveragainstthem,theirhorsemenbeing dividedintotwotroops,andtheirslingersandarchers goingbeforethehostandtheythatmarchedinthe forewardwereallmightymen

12AsforBacchides,hewasintherightwing:sothehost drewnearonthetwoparts,andsoundedtheirtrumpets

13TheyalsoofJudas'side,eventheysoundedtheir trumpetsalso,sothattheearthshookatthenoiseofthe armies,andthebattlecontinuedfrommorningtillnight

14NowwhenJudasperceivedthatBacchidesandthe strengthofhisarmywereontherightside,hetookwith himallthehardymen,

15Whodiscomfitedtherightwing,andpursuedthemunto themountAzotus.

16Butwhentheyoftheleftwingsawthattheyoftheright wingwerediscomfited,theyfolloweduponJudasand thosethatwerewithhimhardattheheelsfrombehind:

17Whereupontherewasasorebattle,insomuchasmany wereslainonbothparts

18Judasalsowaskilled,andtheremnantfled.

19ThenJonathanandSimontookJudastheirbrother,and buriedhiminthesepulchreofhisfathersinModin.

20Moreovertheybewailedhim,andallIsraelmadegreat lamentationforhim,andmournedmanydays,saying, 21Howisthevaliantmanfallen,thatdeliveredIsrael!

22AsfortheotherthingsconcerningJudasandhiswars, andthenobleactswhichhedid,andhisgreatness,theyare notwritten:fortheywereverymany

23NowafterthedeathofJudasthewickedbegantoput forththeirheadsinallthecoastsofIsrael,andtherearose upallsuchaswroughtiniquity.

24Inthosedaysalsowasthereaverygreatfamine,by reasonwhereofthecountryrevolted,andwentwiththem

25ThenBacchideschosethewickedmen,andmadethem lordsofthecountry.

26AndtheymadeenquiryandsearchforJudas'friends, andbroughtthemuntoBacchides,whotookvengeanceof them,andusedthemdespitefully

27SowasthereagreatafflictioninIsrael,thelikewhereof wasnotsincethetimethataprophetwasnotseenamong them

28ForthiscauseallJudas'friendscametogether,andsaid untoJonathan,

29SincethybrotherJudasdied,wehavenomanlikehim togoforthagainstourenemies,andBacchides,andagainst themofournationthatareadversariestous.

30Nowthereforewehavechosentheethisdaytobeour princeandcaptaininhisstead,thatthoumayestfightour battles.

31UponthisJonathantookthegovernanceuponhimat thattime,androseupinsteadofhisbrotherJudas

32ButwhenBacchidesgatknowledgethereof,hesought fortoslayhim

33ThenJonathan,andSimonhisbrother,andallthatwere withhim,perceivingthat,fledintothewildernessof Thecoe,andpitchedtheirtentsbythewaterofthepool

Asphar

34WhichwhenBacchidesunderstood,hecamenearto Jordanwithallhishostuponthesabbathday

35NowJonathanhadsenthisbrotherJohn,acaptainofthe people,toprayhisfriendstheNabathites,thattheymight leavewiththemtheircarriage,whichwasmuch

36ButthechildrenofJambricameoutofMedaba,and tookJohn,andallthathehad,andwenttheirwaywithit 37AfterthiscamewordtoJonathanandSimonhisbrother, thatthechildrenofJambrimadeagreatmarriage,andwere bringingthebridefromNadabathawithagreattrain,as beingthedaughterofoneofthegreatprincesofChanaan. 38ThereforetheyrememberedJohntheirbrother,and wentup,andhidthemselvesunderthecovertofthe mountain:

39Wheretheylifteduptheireyes,andlooked,and,behold, therewasmuchadoandgreatcarriage:andthebridegroom cameforth,andhisfriendsandbrethren,tomeetthemwith drums,andinstrumentsofmusick,andmanyweapons 40ThenJonathanandtheythatwerewithhimroseup againstthemfromtheplacewheretheylayinambush,and madeaslaughteroftheminsuchsort,asmanyfelldown dead,andtheremnantfledintothemountain,andtheytook alltheirspoils.

41Thuswasthemarriageturnedintomourning,andthe noiseoftheirmelodyintolamentation

42Sowhentheyhadavengedfullythebloodoftheir brother,theyturnedagaintothemarshofJordan

43NowwhenBacchidesheardhereof,hecameonthe sabbathdayuntothebanksofJordanwithagreatpower.

44ThenJonathansaidtohiscompany,Letusgoupnow andfightforourlives,foritstandethnotwithustoday,as intimepast:

45For,behold,thebattleisbeforeusandbehindus,and thewaterofJordanonthissideandthatside,themarsh likewiseandwood,neitheristhereplaceforustoturn aside

46Whereforecryyenowuntoheaven,thatyemaybe deliveredfromthehandofyourenemies

47Withthattheyjoinedbattle,andJonathanstretched forthhishandtosmiteBacchides,butheturnedbackfrom him.

48ThenJonathanandtheythatwerewithhimleaptinto Jordan,andswamoveruntotheotherbank:howbeitthe otherpassednotoverJordanuntothem

49SotherewereslainofBacchides'sidethatdayabouta thousandmen.

50AfterwardreturnedBacchidestoJerusalemandrepaired thestrongcitesinJudea;thefortinJericho,andEmmaus, andBethhoron,andBethel,andThamnatha,Pharathoni, andTaphon,thesedidhestrengthenwithhighwalls,with gatesandwithbars

51Andinthemhesetagarrison,thattheymightwork maliceuponIsrael

52HefortifiedalsothecityBethsura,andGazera,andthe tower,andputforcesinthem,andprovisionofvictuals.

53Besides,hetookthechiefmen'ssonsinthecountryfor hostages,andputthemintothetoweratJerusalemtobe kept.

54Moreoverinthehundredfiftyandthirdyear,inthe secondmonth,Alcimuscommandedthatthewallofthe innercourtofthesanctuaryshouldbepulleddown;he pulleddownalsotheworksoftheprophets

55Andashebegantopulldown,evenatthattimewas Alcimusplagued,andhisenterprizeshindered:forhis mouthwasstopped,andhewastakenwithapalsy,sothat hecouldnomorespeakanything,norgiveorder concerninghishouse.

56SoAlcimusdiedatthattimewithgreattorment

57NowwhenBacchidessawthatAlcimuswasdead,he returnedtotheking:whereuponthelandofJudeawasin resttwoyears.

58Thenalltheungodlymenheldacouncil,saying,Behold, Jonathanandhiscompanyareatease,anddwellwithout care:nowthereforewewillbringBacchideshither,who shalltakethemallinonenight

59Sotheywentandconsultedwithhim

60Thenremovedhe,andcamewithagreathost,andsent lettersprivilytohisadherentsinJudea,thattheyshould takeJonathanandthosethatwerewithhim:howbeitthey couldnot,becausetheircounselwasknownuntothem.

61Whereforetheytookofthemenofthecountry,that wereauthorsofthatmischief,aboutfiftypersons,andslew them.

62AfterwardJonathan,andSimon,andtheythatwerewith him,gotthemawaytoBethbasi,whichisinthewilderness, andtheyrepairedthedecaysthereof,andmadeitstrong.

63WhichthingwhenBacchidesknew,hegathered togetherallhishost,andsentwordtothemthatwereof Judea.

64ThenwentheandlaidsiegeagainstBethbasi;andthey foughtagainstitalongseasonandmadeenginesofwar.

65ButJonathanlefthisbrotherSimoninthecity,andwent forthhimselfintothecountry,andwithacertainnumber wentheforth

66AndhesmoteOdonarkesandhisbrethren,andthe childrenofPhasironintheirtent

67Andwhenhebegantosmitethem,andcameupwith hisforces,Simonandhiscompanywentoutofthecity, andburneduptheenginesofwar,

68AndfoughtagainstBacchides,whowasdiscomfitedby them,andtheyafflictedhimsore:forhiscounseland travailwasinvain

69Whereforehewasverywrothatthewickedmenthat gavehimcounseltocomeintothecountry,inasmuchashe slewmanyofthem,andpurposedtoreturnintohisown country.

70WhereofwhenJonathanhadknowledge,hesent ambassadorsuntohim,totheendheshouldmakepeace withhim,anddeliverthemtheprisoners.

71Whichthingheaccepted,anddidaccordingtohis demands,andswareuntohimthathewouldneverdohim harmallthedaysofhislife.

72Whenthereforehehadrestoreduntohimtheprisoners thathehadtakenaforetimeoutofthelandofJudea,he returnedandwenthiswayintohisownland,neithercame heanymoreintotheirborders

73ThustheswordceasedfromIsrael:butJonathandwelt atMachmas,andbegantogovernthepeople;andhe destroyedtheungodlymenoutofIsrael

CHAPTER10

1InthehundredandsixtiethyearAlexander,thesonof AntiochussurnamedEpiphanes,wentupandtook Ptolemais:forthepeoplehadreceivedhim,bymeans whereofhereignedthere,

2NowwhenkingDemetriusheardthereof,hegathered togetheranexceedinggreathost,andwentforthagainst himtofight

3MoreoverDemetriussentlettersuntoJonathanwith lovingwords,soashemagnifiedhim

4Forsaidhe,Letusfirstmakepeacewithhim,beforehe joinwithAlexanderagainstus:

5Elsehewillrememberalltheevilsthatwehavedone againsthim,andagainsthisbrethrenandhispeople

6Whereforehegavehimauthoritytogathertogetheran host,andtoprovideweapons,thathemightaidhimin battle:hecommandedalsothatthehostagesthatwerein thetowershouldbedeliveredhim

7ThencameJonathantoJerusalem,andreadthelettersin theaudienceofallthepeople,andofthemthatwereinthe tower:

8Whoweresoreafraid,whentheyheardthatthekinghad givenhimauthoritytogathertogetheranhost

9Whereupontheyofthetowerdeliveredtheirhostages untoJonathan,andhedeliveredthemuntotheirparents.

10Thisdone,JonathansettledhimselfinJerusalem,and begantobuildandrepairthecity

11Andhecommandedtheworkmentobuildthewallsand themountSionandaboutwithsquarestonesfor fortification;andtheydidso

12Thenthestrangers,thatwereinthefortresseswhich Bacchideshadbuilt,fledaway;

13Insomuchaseverymanlefthisplace,andwentintohis owncountry.

14OnlyatBethsuracertainofthosethathadforsakenthe lawandthecommandmentsremainedstill:foritwastheir placeofrefuge.

15NowwhenkingAlexanderhadheardwhatpromises DemetriushadsentuntoJonathan:whenalsoitwastold himofthebattlesandnobleactswhichheandhisbrethren haddone,andofthepainsthattheyhadendured, 16Hesaid,Shallwefindsuchanotherman?nowtherefore wewillmakehimourfriendandconfederate

17Uponthishewrotealetter,andsentituntohim, accordingtothesewords,saying,

18KingAlexandertohisbrotherJonathansendethgreeting: 19Wehaveheardofthee,thatthouartamanofgreat power,andmeettobeourfriend.

20Whereforenowthisdayweordaintheetobethehigh priestofthynation,andtobecalledtheking'sfriend;(and therewithalhesenthimapurplerobeandacrownofgold:) andrequiretheetotakeourpart,andkeepfriendshipwith us

21Sointheseventhmonthofthehundredandsixtiethyear, atthefeastofthetabernacles,Jonathanputontheholy robe,andgatheredtogetherforces,andprovidedmuch armour.

22WhereofwhenDemetriusheard,hewasverysorry,and said,

23Whathavewedone,thatAlexanderhathpreventedus inmakingamitywiththeJewstostrengthenhimself?

24Ialsowillwriteuntothemwordsofencouragement, andpromisethemdignitiesandgifts,thatImayhavetheir aid

25Hesentuntothemthereforetothiseffect:King DemetriusuntothepeopleoftheJewssendethgreeting:

26Whereasyehavekeptcovenantswithus,andcontinued inourfriendship,notjoiningyourselveswithourenemies, wehaveheardhereof,andareglad.

27Whereforenowcontinueyestilltobefaithfuluntous, andwewillwellrecompenseyouforthethingsyedoin ourbehalf,

28Andwillgrantyoumanyimmunities,andgiveyou rewards

29AndnowdoIfreeyou,andforyoursakeIreleaseall theJews,fromtributes,andfromthecustomsofsalt,and fromcrowntaxes,

30Andfromthatwhichappertainethuntometoreceivefor thethirdpartortheseed,andthehalfofthefruitofthe trees,Ireleaseitfromthisdayforth,sothattheyshallnot betakenofthelandofJudea,norofthethreegovernments whichareaddedthereuntooutofthecountryofSamaria andGalilee,fromthisdayforthforevermore

31LetJerusalemalsobeholyandfree,withtheborders thereof,bothfromtenthsandtributes

32AndasforthetowerwhichisatJerusalem,Iyieldup authorityoverit,andgivethehighpriest,thathemaysetin itsuchmenasheshallchoosetokeepit

33MoreoverIfreelysetatlibertyeveryoneoftheJews, thatwerecarriedcaptivesoutofthelandofJudeaintoany partofmykingdom,andIwillthatallmyofficersremit thetributesevenoftheircattle

34FurthermoreIwillthatallthefeasts,andsabbaths,and newmoons,andsolemndays,andthethreedaysbeforethe feast,andthethreedaysafterthefeastshallbeallof immunityandfreedomforalltheJewsinmyrealm.

35Alsonomanshallhaveauthoritytomeddlewithorto molestanyoftheminanymatter

36Iwillfurther,thattherebeenrolledamongtheking's forcesaboutthirtythousandmenoftheJews,untowhom payshallbegiven,asbelongethtoallking'sforces

37Andofthemsomeshallbeplacedintheking'sstrong holds,ofwhomalsosomeshallbesetovertheaffairsof thekingdom,whichareoftrust:andIwillthattheir overseersandgovernorsbeofthemselves,andthatthey liveaftertheirownlaws,evenasthekinghathcommanded inthelandofJudea.

38Andconcerningthethreegovernmentsthatareaddedto JudeafromthecountryofSamaria,letthembejoinedwith Judea,thattheymaybereckonedtobeunderone,nor boundtoobeyotherauthoritythanthehighpriest's 39AsforPtolemais,andthelandpertainingthereto,Igive itasafreegifttothesanctuaryatJerusalemforthe necessaryexpencesofthesanctuary

40MoreoverIgiveeveryyearfifteenthousandshekelsof silveroutoftheking'saccountsfromtheplaces appertaining

41Andalltheoverplus,whichtheofficerspayednotinas informertime,fromhenceforthshallbegiventowardthe worksofthetemple

42Andbesidethis,thefivethousandshekelsofsilver, whichtheytookfromtheusesofthetempleoutofthe accountsyearbyyear,eventhosethingsshallbereleased, becausetheyappertaintotheprieststhatminister

43Andwhosoevertheybethatfleeuntothetempleat Jerusalem,orbewithinthelibertieshereof,beingindebted untotheking,orforanyothermatter,letthembeatliberty, andallthattheyhaveinmyrealm.

44Forthebuildingalsoandrepairingoftheworksofthe sanctuaryexpencesshallbegivenoftheking'saccounts

45Yea,andforthebuildingofthewallsofJerusalem,and thefortifyingthereofroundabout,expencesshallbegiven outoftheking'saccounts,asalsoforthebuildingofthe wallsinJudea.

46NowwhenJonathanandthepeopleheardthesewords, theygavenocredituntothem,norreceivedthem,because theyrememberedthegreatevilthathehaddoneinIsrael; forhehadafflictedthemverysore

47ButwithAlexandertheywerewellpleased,becausehe wasthefirstthatentreatedoftruepeacewiththem,and theywereconfederatewithhimalways

48ThengatheredkingAlexandergreatforces,andcamped overagainstDemetrius.

49Andafterthetwokingshadjoinedbattle,Demetrius' hostfled:butAlexanderfollowedafterhim,andprevailed againstthem.

50Andhecontinuedthebattleverysoreuntilthesunwent down:andthatdaywasDemetriusslain

51AfterwardAlexandersentambassadorstoPtolemee kingofEgyptwithamessagetothiseffect:

52ForasmuchasIamcomeagaintomyrealm,andamset inthethroneofmyprogenitors,andhavegottenthe dominion,andoverthrownDemetrius,andrecoveredour country;

53ForafterIhadjoinedbattlewithhim,bothheandhis hostwasdiscomfitedbyus,sothatwesitinthethroneof hiskingdom:

54Nowthereforeletusmakealeagueofamitytogether, andgivemenowthydaughtertowife:andIwillbethy soninlaw,andwillgiveboththeeandherasaccordingto thydignity.

55ThenPtolemeethekinggaveanswer,saying,Happybe thedaywhereinthoudidstreturnintothelandofthy fathers,andsatestinthethroneoftheirkingdom

56AndnowwillIdotothee,asthouhastwritten:meetme thereforeatPtolemais,thatwemayseeoneanother;forI willmarrymydaughtertotheeaccordingtothydesire

57SoPtolemeewentoutofEgyptwithhisdaughter Cleopatra,andtheycameuntoPtolemaisinthehundred threescoreandsecondyear:

58WherekingAlexandermeetinghim,hegaveuntohim hisdaughterCleopatra,andcelebratedhermarriageat Ptolemaiswithgreatglory,asthemannerofkingsis

59NowkingAlexanderhadwrittenuntoJonathan,thathe shouldcomeandmeethim.

60WhothereuponwenthonourablytoPtolemais,wherehe metthetwokings,andgavethemandtheirfriendssilver andgold,andmanypresents,andfoundfavourintheir sight

61AtthattimecertainpestilentfellowsofIsrael,menofa wickedlife,assembledthemselvesagainsthim,toaccuse him:butthekingwouldnothearthem

62Yeamorethanthat,thekingcommandedtotakeoffhis garments,andclothehiminpurple:andtheydidso.

63Andhemadehimsitbyhimself,andsaidintohis princes,Gowithhimintothemidstofthecity,andmake proclamation,thatnomancomplainagainsthimofany matter,andthatnomantroublehimforanymannerof cause

64Nowwhenhisaccuserssawthathewashonored accordingtotheproclamation,andclothedinpurple,they fledallaway

65Sothekinghonouredhim,andwrotehimamonghis chieffriends,andmadehimaduke,andpartakerofhis dominion

66AfterwardJonathanreturnedtoJerusalemwithpeace andgladness

67Furthermoreinthe;hundredthreescoreandfifthyear cameDemetriussonofDemetriusoutofCreteintothe landofhisfathers:

68WhereofwhenkingAlexanderheardtell,hewasright sorry,andreturnedintoAntioch

69ThenDemetriusmadeApolloniusthegovernorof Celosyriahisgeneral,whogatheredtogetheragreathost, andcampedinJamnia,andsentuntoJonathanthehigh priest,saying,

70Thoualoneliftestupthyselfagainstus,andIam laughedtoscornforthysake,andreproached:andwhy dostthouvauntthypoweragainstusinthemountains?

71Nowtherefore,ifthoutrustestinthineownstrength, comedowntousintotheplainfield,andthereletustrythe mattertogether:forwithmeisthepowerofthecities.

72AskandlearnwhoIam,andtherestthattakeourpart, andtheyshalltelltheethatthyfootisnotabletotoflight intheirownland.

73Whereforenowthoushaltnotbeabletoabidethe horsemenandsogreatapowerintheplain,whereis neitherstonenorflint,norplacetofleeunto.

74SowhenJonathanheardthesewordsofApollonius,he wasmovedinhismind,andchoosingtenthousandmenhe wentoutofJerusalem,whereSimonhisbrothermethim fortohelphim

75AndhepitchedhistentsagainstJoppa:but;theyof Joppashuthimoutofthecity,becauseApolloniushada garrisonthere

76ThenJonathanlaidsiegeuntoit:whereupontheyofthe citylethiminforfear:andsoJonathanwonJoppa

77WhereofwhenApolloniusheard,hetookthree thousandhorsemen,withagreathostoffootmen,andwent toAzotusasonethatjourneyed,andtherewithaldrewhim forthintotheplainbecausehehadagreatnumberof horsemen,inwhomheputhistrust.

78ThenJonathanfollowedafterhimtoAzotus,wherethe armiesjoinedbattle

79NowApolloniushadleftathousandhorsemenin ambush

80AndJonathanknewthattherewasanambushment behindhim;fortheyhadcompassedinhishost,andcast dartsatthepeople,frommorningtillevening

81Butthepeoplestoodstill,asJonathanhadcommanded them:andsotheenemies'horsesweretired.

82ThenbroughtSimonforthhishost,andsetthemagainst thefootmen,(forthehorsemenwerespent)whowere discomfitedbyhim,andfled.

83Thehorsemenalso,beingscatteredinthefield,fledto Azotus,andwentintoBethdagon,theiridol'stemple,for safety.

84ButJonathansetfireonAzotus,andthecitiesround aboutit,andtooktheirspoils;andthetempleofDagon, withthemthatwerefledintoit,heburnedwithfire.

85Thustherewereburnedandslainwiththeswordwell nigheightthousandmen

86AndfromthenceJonathanremovedhishost,and campedagainstAscalon,wherethemenofthecitycame forth,andmethimwithgreatpomp

87AfterthisreturnedJonathanandhishostuntoJerusalem, havinganyspoils

88NowwhenkingAlexanderheardthesethings,he honouredJonathanyetmore.

89Andsenthimabuckleofgold,astheuseistobegiven tosuchasareoftheking'sblood:hegavehimalso Accaronwiththebordersthereofinpossession.

CHAPTER11

1AndthekingofEgyptgatheredtogetheragreathost,like thesandthatliethupontheseashore,andmanyships,and wentaboutthroughdeceittogetAlexander'skingdom,and joinittohisown

2WhereuponhetookhisjourneyintoSpaininpeaceable manner,soastheyofthecitiesopeneduntohim,andmet him:forkingAlexanderhadcommandedthemsotodo, becausehewashisbrotherinlaw

3NowasPtolemeeenteredintothecities,hesetinevery oneofthemagarrisonofsoldierstokeepit

4AndwhenhecameneartoAzotus,theyshewedhimthe templeofDagonthatwasburnt,andAzotusandthe suburbsthereofthatweredestroyed,andthebodiesthat werecastabroadandthemthathehadburntinthebattle; fortheyhadmadeheapsofthembythewaywherehe shouldpass

5AlsotheytoldthekingwhatsoeverJonathanhaddone,to theintenthemightblamehim:butthekingheldhispeace.

6ThenJonathanmetthekingwithgreatpompatJoppa, wheretheysalutedoneanother,andlodged

7AfterwardJonathan,whenhehadgonewiththekingto therivercalledEleutherus,returnedagaintoJerusalem

8KingPtolemeetherefore,havinggottenthedominionof thecitiesbytheseauntoSeleuciaupontheseacoast, imaginedwickedcounselsagainstAlexander

9WhereuponhesentambasadorsuntokingDemetrius, saying,Come,letusmakealeaguebetwixtus,andIwill givetheemydaughterwhomAlexanderhath,andthou shaltreigninthyfather'skingdom:

10ForIrepentthatIgavemydaughteruntohim,forhe soughttoslayme

11Thusdidheslanderhim,becausehewasdesirousofhis kingdom

12Whereforehetookhisdaughterfromhim,andgaveher toDemetrius,andforsookAlexander,sothattheirhatred wasopenlyknown

13ThenPtolemeeenteredintoAntioch,wherehesettwo crownsuponhishead,thecrownofAsia,andofEgypt.

14InthemeanseasonwaskingAlexanderinCilicia, becausethosethatdweltinthosepartshadrevoltedfrom him.

15ButwhenAlexanderheardofthis,hecametowar againsthim:whereuponkingPtolemeebroughtforthhis host,andmethimwithamightypower,andputhimto flight

16SoAlexanderfledintoArabiatheretobedefended;but kingPtolemeewasexalted:

17ForZabdieltheArabiantookoffAlexander'shead,and sentituntoPtolemee

18KingPtolemeealsodiedthethirddayafter,andthey thatwereinthestrongholdswereslainoneofanother 19BythismeansDemetriusreignedinthehundred threescoreandseventhyear.

20AtthesametimeJonathangatheredtogetherthemthat wereinJudeatotakethetowerthatwasinJerusalem:and hemademanyenginesofwaragainstit.

21Thencameungodlypersons,whohatedtheirown people,wentuntotheking,andtoldhimthatJonathan besiegedthetower,

22Whereofwhenheheard,hewasangry,andimmediately removing,hecametoPtolemais,andwroteuntoJonathan, thatheshouldnotlaysiegetothetower,butcomeand speakwithhimatPtolemaisingreathaste

23NeverthelessJonathan,whenheheardthis,commanded tobesiegeitstill:andhechosecertainoftheeldersof Israelandthepriests,andputhimselfinperil;

24Andtooksilverandgold,andraiment,anddivers presentsbesides,andwenttoPtolemaisuntotheking, wherehefoundfavourinhissight

25Andthoughcertainungodlymenofthepeoplehad madecomplaintsagainsthim,

26Yetthekingentreatedhimashispredecessorshaddone before,andpromotedhiminthesightofallhisfriends, 27Andconfirmedhiminthehighpriesthood,andinallthe honoursthathehadbefore,andgavehimpreeminence amonghischieffriends

28ThenJonathandesiredtheking,thathewouldmake Judeafreefromtribute,asalsothethreegovernments,with thecountryofSamaria;andhepromisedhimthreehundred talents.

29Sothekingconsented,andwrotelettersuntoJonathan ofallthesethingsafterthismanner:

30KingDemetriusuntohisbrotherJonathan,anduntothe nationoftheJews,sendethgreeting:

31Wesendyouhereacopyoftheletterwhichwedid writeuntoourcousinLasthenesconcerningyou,thatye mightseeit

32KingDemetriusuntohisfatherLasthenessendeth greeting:

33WearedeterminedtodogoodtothepeopleoftheJews, whoareourfriends,andkeepcovenantswithus,because oftheirgoodwilltowardus.

34Whereforewehaveratifieduntothemthebordersof Judea,withthethreegovernmentsofApheremaandLydda andRamathem,thatareaddeduntoJudeafromthecountry ofSamaria,andallthingsappertaininguntothem,forall suchasdosacrificeinJerusalem,insteadofthepayments whichthekingreceivedofthemyearlyaforetimeoutofthe fruitsoftheearthandoftrees

35Andasforotherthingsthatbelonguntous,ofthetithes andcustomspertaininguntous,asalsothesaltpits,andthe crowntaxes,whicharedueuntous,wedischargethemof themallfortheirrelief.

36Andnothinghereofshallberevokedfromthistime forthforever

37Nowthereforeseethatthoumakeacopyofthesethings, andletitbedelivereduntoJonathan,andsetupontheholy mountinaconspicuousplace

38Afterthis,whenkingDemetriussawthatthelandwas quietbeforehim,andthatnoresistancewasmadeagainst him,hesentawayallhisforces,everyonetohisownplace, exceptcertainbandsofstrangers,whomhehadgathered fromtheislesoftheheathen:whereforealltheforcesofhis fathershatedhim

39MoreovertherewasoneTryphon,thathadbeenof Alexander'spartafore,who,seeingthatallthehost murmuredagainstDemetrius,wenttoSimalcuethe ArabianthatbroughtupAntiochustheyoungsonof Alexander,

40Andlaysoreuponhimtodeliverhimthisyoung Antiochus,thathemightreigninhisfather'sstead:hetold himthereforeallthatDemetriushaddone,andhowhis menofwarwereatenmitywithhim,andtherehe remainedalongseason

41InthemeantimeJonathansentuntokingDemetrius, thathewouldcastthoseofthetoweroutofJerusalem,and thosealsointhefortresses:fortheyfoughtagainstIsrael 42SoDemetriussentuntoJonathan,saying,Iwillnotonly dothisfortheeandthypeople,butIwillgreatlyhonour theeandthynation,ifopportunityserve

43Nowthereforethoushaltdowell,ifthousendmemen tohelpme;forallmyforcesaregonefromme

44UponthisJonathansenthimthreethousandstrongmen untoAntioch:andwhentheycametotheking,theking wasverygladoftheircoming

45Howbeittheythatwereofthecitygatheredthemselves togetherintothemidstofthecity,tothenumberofan hundredandtwentythousandmen,andwouldhaveslain theking

46Whereforethekingfledintothecourt,buttheyofthe citykeptthepassagesofthecity,andbegantofight

47ThenthekingcalledtotheJewsforhelp,whocame untohimallatonce,anddispersingthemselvesthroughthe cityslewthatdayinthecitytothenumberofanhundred thousand

48Alsotheysetfireonthecity,andgatmanyspoilsthat day,anddeliveredtheking

49SowhentheyofthecitysawthattheJewshadgotthe cityastheywould,theircouragewasabated:wherefore theymadesupplicationtotheking,andcried,saying, 50Grantuspeace,andlettheJewsceasefromassaulting usandthecity

51Withthattheycastawaytheirweapons,andmadepeace; andtheJewswerehonouredinthesightoftheking,andin thesightofallthatwereinhisrealm;andtheyreturnedto Jerusalem,havinggreatspoils

52SokingDemetriussatonthethroneofhiskingdom,and thelandwasquietbeforehim

53Neverthelesshedissembledinallthateverhespake, andestrangedhimselffromJonathan,neitherrewardedhe himaccordingtothebenefitswhichhehadreceivedofhim, buttroubledhimverysore

54AfterthisreturnedTryphon,andwithhimtheyoung childAntiochus,whoreigned,andwascrowned

55Thentheregathereduntohimallthemenofwar,whom Demetriushadputaway,andtheyfoughtagainst Demetrius,whoturnedhisbackandfled

56MoreoverTryphontooktheelephants,andwonAntioch

57AtthattimeyoungAntiochuswroteuntoJonathan, saying,Iconfirmtheeinthehighpriesthood,andappoint theeruleroverthefourgovernments,andtobeoneofthe king'sfriends.

58Uponthishesenthimgoldenvesselstobeservedin, andgavehimleavetodrinkingold,andtobeclothedin purple,andtowearagoldenbuckle.

59HisbrotherSimonalsohemadecaptainfromtheplace calledTheladderofTyrusuntothebordersofEgypt

60ThenJonathanwentforth,andpassedthroughthecities beyondthewater,andalltheforcesofSyriagathered themselvesuntohimfortohelphim:andwhenhecameto Ascalon,theyofthecitymethimhonourably.

61FromwhencehewenttoGaza,buttheyofGazashut himout;whereforehelaidsiegeuntoit,andburnedthe suburbsthereofwithfire,andspoiledthem.

62Afterward,whentheyofGazamadesupplicationunto Jonathan,hemadepeacewiththem,andtookthesonsof theirchiefmenforhostages,andsentthemtoJerusalem, andpassedthroughthecountryuntoDamascus

63NowwhenJonathanheardthatDemetrius'princeswere cometoCades,whichisinGalilee,withagreatpower, purposingtoremovehimoutofthecountry,

64Hewenttomeetthem,andleftSimonhisbrotherinthe country.

65ThenSimonencampedagainstBethsuraandfought againstitalongseason,andshutitup:

66Buttheydesiredtohavepeacewithhim,whichhe grantedthem,andthenputthemoutfromthence,andtook thecity,andsetagarrisoninit

67AsforJonathanandhishost,theypitchedatthewater ofGennesar,fromwhencebetimesinthemorningtheygat themtotheplainofNasor

68And,behold,thehostofstrangersmetthemintheplain, who,havinglaidmeninambushforhiminthemountains, camethemselvesoveragainsthim.

69Sowhentheythatlayinambushroseoutoftheirplaces andjoinedbattle,allthatwereofJonathan'ssidefled;

70Insomuchastherewasnotoneofthemleft,except MattathiasthesonofAbsalom,andJudasthesonofCalphi, thecaptainsofthehost

71ThenJonathanrenthisclothes,andcastearthuponhis head,andprayed

72Afterwardsturningagaintobattle,heputthemtoflight, andsotheyranaway.

73Nowwhenhisownmenthatwerefledsawthis,they turnedagainuntohim,andwithhimpursuedthemto Cades,evenuntotheirowntents,andtheretheycamped.

74Sotherewereslainoftheheathenthatdayaboutthree thousandmen:butJonathanreturnedtoJerusalem

CHAPTER12

1NowwhenJonathansawthattimeservedhim,hechose certainmen,andsentthemtoRome,fortoconfirmand renewthefriendshipthattheyhadwiththem

2HesentlettersalsototheLacedemonians,andtoother places,forthesamepurpose

3SotheywentuntoRome,andenteredintothesenate,and said,Jonathanthehighpriest,andthepeopleoftheJews, sentusuntoyou,totheendyeshouldrenewthefriendship, whichyehadwiththem,andleague,asinformertime

4UponthistheRomansgavethemlettersuntothe governorsofeveryplacethattheyshouldbringtheminto thelandofJudeapeaceably

5AndthisisthecopyoftheletterswhichJonathanwrote totheLacedemonians:

6Jonathanthehighpriest,andtheeldersofthenation,and thepriests,andtheotheroftheJews,untothe Lacedemonianstheirbrethrensendgreeting:

7TherewereletterssentintimespastuntoOniasthehigh priestfromDarius,whoreignedthenamongyou,tosignify thatyeareourbrethren,asthecopyhereunderwrittendoth specify

8AtwhichtimeOniasentreatedtheambassadorthatwas senthonourably,andreceivedtheletters,wherein declarationwasmadeoftheleagueandfriendship.

9Thereforewealso,albeitweneednoneofthesethings, thatwehavetheholybooksofscriptureinourhandsto comfortus, 10Haveneverthelessattemptedtosenduntoyouforthe renewingofbrotherhoodandfriendship,lestweshould becomestrangersuntoyoualtogether:forthereisalong timepassedsinceyesentuntous

11Wethereforeatalltimeswithoutceasing,bothinour feasts,andotherconvenientdays,dorememberyouinthe sacrificeswhichweoffer,andinourprayers,asreasonis, andasitbecomethustothinkuponourbrethren:

12Andwearerightgladofyourhonour.

13Asforourselves,wehavehadgreattroublesandwars oneveryside,forsomuchasthekingsthatareroundabout ushavefoughtagainstus.

14Howbeitwewouldnotbetroublesomeuntoyou,norto othersofourconfederatesandfriends,inthesewars:

15Forwehavehelpfromheaventhatsuccourethus,soas wearedeliveredfromourenemies,andourenemiesare broughtunderfoot.

16ForthiscausewechoseNumeniusthesonofAntiochus, andAntipaterthesonofJason,andsentthemuntothe Romans,torenewtheamitythatwehadwiththem,andthe formerleague.

17Wecommandedthemalsotogountoyou,andtosalute andtodeliveryouourlettersconcerningtherenewingof ourbrotherhood

18Whereforenowyeshalldowelltogiveusananswer thereto.

19AndthisisthecopyoftheletterswhichOniaressent 20AreuskingoftheLacedemonianstoOniasthehigh priest,greeting:

21Itisfoundinwriting,thattheLacedemoniansandJews arebrethren,andthattheyareofthestockofAbraham:

22Nowtherefore,sincethisiscometoourknowledge,ye shalldowelltowriteuntousofyourprosperity

23Wedowritebackagaintoyou,thatyourcattleand goodsareour's,andour'sareyour'sWedocommand thereforeourambassadorstomakereportuntoyouonthis wise

24NowwhenJonathanheardthatDemebius'princeswere cometofightagainsthimwithagreaterhostthanafore, 25HeremovedfromJerusalem,andmetthemintheland ofAmathis:forhegavethemnorespitetoenterhis country 26Hesentspiesalsountotheirtents,whocameagain,and toldhimthattheywereappointedtocomeuponthemin thenightseason

27Whereforesosoonasthesunwasdown,Jonathan commandedhismentowatch,andtobeinarms,thatall thenightlongtheymightbereadytofight:alsohesent forthcentinelsroundaboutthehost

28ButwhentheadversariesheardthatJonathanandhis menwerereadyforbattle,theyfeared,andtrembledin theirhearts,andtheykindledfiresintheircamp

29HowbeitJonathanandhiscompanyknewitnottillthe morning:fortheysawthelightsburning 30ThenJonathanpursuedafterthem,butovertookthem not:fortheyweregoneovertheriverEleutherus.

31WhereforeJonathanturnedtotheArabians,whowere calledZabadeans,andsmotethem,andtooktheirspoils

32Andremovingthence,hecametoDamascus,andso passedthroughallthecountry, 33Simonalsowentforth,andpassedthroughthecountry untoAscalon,andtheholdsthereadjoining,fromwhence heturnedasidetoJoppa,andwonit

34Forhehadheardthattheywoulddelivertheholdunto themthattookDemetrius'part;whereforehesetagarrison theretokeepit

35AfterthiscameJonathanhomeagain,andcallingthe eldersofthepeopletogether,heconsultedwiththemabout buildingstrongholdsinJudea, 36AndmakingthewallsofJerusalemhigher,andraisinga greatmountbetweenthetowerandthecity,fortoseparate itfromthecity,thatsoitmightbealone,thatmenmight neithersellnorbuyinit

37Uponthistheycametogethertobuildupthecity, forasmuchaspartofthewalltowardthebrookontheeast sidewasfallendown,andtheyrepairedthatwhichwas calledCaphenatha.

38SimonalsosetupAdidainSephela,andmadeitstrong withgatesandbars.

39NowTryphonwentabouttogetthekingdomofAsia, andtokillAntiochustheking,thathemightsetthecrown uponhisownhead

40HowbeithewasafraidthatJonathanwouldnotsuffer him,andthathewouldfightagainsthim;whereforehe soughtawayhowtotakeJonathan,thathemightkillhim Soheremoved,andcametoBethsan

41ThenJonathanwentouttomeethimwithforty thousandmenchosenforthebattle,andcametoBethsan.

42NowwhenTryphonsawJonathancamewithsogreata force,hedurstnotstretchhishandagainsthim;

43Butreceivedhimhonourably,andcommendedhimunto allhisfriends,andgavehimgifts,andcommandedhismen ofwartobeasobedientuntohim,astohimself

44UntoJonathanalsohesaid,Whyhastthoubroughtall thispeopletosogreattrouble,seeingthereisnowar betwixtus?

45Thereforesendthemnowhomeagain,andchooseafew mentowaitonthee,andcomethouwithmetoPtolemais, forIwillgiveitthee,andtherestofthestrongholdsand forces,andallthathaveanycharge:asforme,Iwillreturn anddepart:forthisisthecauseofmycoming

46SoJonathanbelievinghimdidashebadehim,andsent awayhishost,whowentintothelandofJudea.

47Andwithhimselfheretainedbutthreethousandmen,of whomhesenttwothousandintoGalilee,andonethousand wentwithhim.

48NowassoonasJonathanenteredintoPtolemais,theyof Ptolemaisshutthegatesandtookhim,andallthemthat camewithhimtheyslewwiththesword.

49ThensentTryphonanhostoffootmenandhorsemen intoGalilee,andintothegreatplain,todestroyall Jonathan'scompany.

50ButwhentheyknewthatJonathanandtheythatwere withhimweretakenandslain,theyencouragedone another;andwentclosetogether,preparedtofight.

51Theythereforethatfolloweduponthem,perceivingthat theywerereadytofightfortheirlives,turnedbackagain

52WhereupontheyallcameintothelandofJudea peaceably,andtheretheybewailedJonathan,andthemthat

werewithhim,andtheyweresoreafraid;whereforeall Israelmadegreatlamentation

53Thenalltheheathenthatwereroundaboutthensought todestroythem:forsaidthey,Theyhavenocaptain,nor anytohelpthem:nowthereforeletusmakewaruponthem, andtakeawaytheirmemorialfromamongmen.

CHAPTER13

1NowwhenSimonheardthatTryphonhadgathered togetheragreathosttoinvadethelandofJudea,and destroyit,

2Andsawthatthepeoplewasingreattremblingandfear, hewentuptoJerusalem,andgatheredthepeopletogether, 3Andgavethemexhortation,saying,Yeyourselvesknow whatgreatthingsI,andmybrethren,andmyfather'shouse, havedoneforthelawsandthesanctuary,thebattlesalso andtroubleswhichwehaveseen.

4ByreasonwhereofallmybrethrenareslainforIsrael's sake,andIamleftalone

5Nowthereforebeitfarfromme,thatIshouldsparemine ownlifeinanytimeoftrouble:forIamnobetterthanmy brethren.

6DoubtlessIwillavengemynation,andthesanctuary, andourwives,andourchildren:foralltheheathenare gatheredtodestroyusofverymalice

7Nowassoonasthepeopleheardthesewords,theirspirit revived 8Andtheyansweredwithaloudvoice,saying,Thoushalt beourleaderinsteadofJudasandJonathanthybrother 9Fightthouourbattles,andwhatsoever,thoucommandest us,thatwillwedo.

10Sothenhegatheredtogetherallthemenofwar,and madehastetofinishthewallsofJerusalem,andhefortified itroundabout.

11AlsohesentJonathanthesonofAbsolom,andwithhim agreatpower,toJoppa:whocastingoutthemthatwere thereinremainedthereinit.

12SoTryphonremovedfromPtolemauswithagreat powertoinvadethelandofJudea,andJonathanwaswith himinward.

13ButSimonpitchedhistentsatAdida,overagainstthe plain 14NowwhenTryphonknewthatSimonwasrisenup insteadofhisbrotherJonathan,andmeanttojoinbattle withhim,hesentmessengersuntohim,saying, 15WhereaswehaveJonathanthybrotherinhold,itisfor moneythatheisowinguntotheking'streasure,concerning thebusinessthatwascommitteduntohim

16Whereforenowsendanhundredtalentsofsilver,and twoofhissonsforhostages,thatwhenheisatlibertyhe maynotrevoltfromus,andwewilllethimgo

17HereuponSimon,albeitheperceivedthattheyspake deceitfullyuntohimyetsenthethemoneyandthechildren, lestperadventureheshouldprocuretohimselfgreathatred ofthepeople:

18Whomighthavesaid,BecauseIsenthimnotthemoney andthechildren,thereforeisJonathandead

19Sohesentthemthechildrenandthehundredtalents: howbeitTryphondissembledneitherwouldheletJonathan go 20AndafterthiscameTryphontoinvadetheland,and destroyit,goingroundaboutbythewaythatleadethunto

Adora:butSimonandhishostmarchedagainsthimin everyplace,wheresoeverhewent

21Nowtheythatwereinthetowersentmessengersunto Tryphon,totheendthatheshouldhastenhiscomingunto thembythewilderness,andsendthemvictuals

22WhereforeTryphonmadereadyallhishorsemento comethatnight:buttherefellaverygreatsnow,byreason whereofhecamenotSohedeparted,andcameintothe countryofGalaad.

23AndwhenhecameneartoBascamaheslewJonathan, whowasburiedthere

24AfterwardTryphonreturnedandwentintohisownland.

25ThensentSimon,andtookthebonesofJonathanhis brother,andburiedtheminModin,thecityofhisfathers

26AndallIsraelmadegreatlamentationforhim,and bewailedhimmanydays

27Simonalsobuiltamonumentuponthesepulchreofhis fatherandhisbrethren,andraiseditalofttothesight,with hewnstonebehindandbefore

28Moreoverhesetupsevenpyramids,oneagainstanother, forhisfather,andhismother,andhisfourbrethren.

29Andinthesehemadecunningdevices,aboutthewhich hesetgreatpillars,anduponthepillarshemadealltheir armourforaperpetualmemory,andbythearmourships carved,thattheymightbeseenofallthatsailonthesea

30ThisisthesepulchrewhichhemadeatModin,andit standethyetuntothisday.

31NowTryphondealtdeceitfullywiththeyoungking Antiochus,andslewhim

32Andhereignedinhisstead,andcrownedhimselfking ofAsia,andbroughtagreatcalamityupontheland

33ThenSimonbuiltupthestrongholdsinJudea,and fencedthemaboutwithhightowers,andgreatwalls,and gates,andbars,andlaidupvictualstherein

34MoreoverSimonchosemen,andsenttokingDemetrius, totheendheshouldgivethelandanimmunity,becauseall thatTryphondidwastospoil

35UntowhomkingDemetriusansweredandwroteafter thismanner:

36KingDemetriusuntoSimonthehighpriest,andfriend ofkings,asalsountotheeldersandnationoftheJews, sendethgreeting:

37Thegoldencrown,andthescarletrobe,whichyesent untous,wehavereceived:andwearereadytomakea stedfastpeacewithyou,yea,andtowriteuntoourofficers, toconfirmtheimmunitieswhichwehavegranted 38Andwhatsoevercovenantswehavemadewithyou shallstand;andthestrongholds,whichyehavebuilded, shallbeyourown

39Asforanyoversightorfaultcommitteduntothisday, weforgiveit,andthecrowntaxalso,whichyeoweus:and iftherewereanyothertributepaidinJerusalem,itshallno morebepaid.

40Andlookwhoaremeetamongyoutobeinourcourt, letthenbeenrolled,andlettherebepeacebetwixtus

41Thustheyokeoftheheathenwastakenawayfrom Israelinthehundredandseventiethyear

42ThenthepeopleofIsraelbegantowriteintheir instrumentsandcontracts,InthefirstyearofSimonthe highpriest,thegovernorandleaderoftheJews

43InthosedaysSimoncampedagainstGazaandbesieged itroundabout;hemadealsoanengineofwar,andsetitby thecity,andbatteredacertaintower,andtookit

44Andtheythatwereintheengineleapedintothecity; whereupontherewasagreatuproarinthecity:

45Insomuchasthepeopleofthecityrenttheirclothes,and climbeduponthewallswiththeirwivesandchildren,and criedwithaloudvoice,beseechingSimontograntthem peace.

46Andtheysaid,Dealnotwithusaccordingtoour wickedness,butaccordingtothymercy

47SoSimonwasappeasedtowardthem,andfoughtno moreagainstthem,butputthemoutofthecity,and cleansedthehouseswhereintheidolswere,andsoentered intoitwithsongsandthanksgiving.

48Yea,heputalluncleannessoutofit,andplacedsuch menthereaswouldkeepthelaw,andmadeitstrongerthan itwasbefore,andbuiltthereinadwellingplaceforhimself. 49TheyalsoofthetowerinJerusalemwerekeptsostrait, thattheycouldneithercomeforth,norgointothecountry, norbuy,norsell:whereforetheywereingreatdistressfor wantofvictuals,andagreatnumberofthemperished throughfamine

50ThencriedtheytoSimon,beseechinghimtobeatone withthem:whichthinghegrantedthem;andwhenhehad putthemoutfromthence,hecleansedthetowerfrom pollutions:

51Andenteredintoitthethreeandtwentiethdayofthe secondmonthinthehundredseventyandfirstyear,with thanksgiving,andbranchesofpalmtrees,andwithharps, andcymbals,andwithviols,andhymns,andsongs: becausetherewasdestroyedagreatenemyoutofIsrael 52Heordainedalsothatthatdayshouldbekepteveryyear withgladnessMoreoverthehillofthetemplethatwasby thetowerhemadestrongerthanitwas,andtherehedwelt himselfwithhiscompany 53AndwhenSimonsawthatJohnhissonwasavaliant man,hemadehimcaptainofallthehosts;andhedweltin Gazera.

CHAPTER14

1Nowinthehundredthreescoreandtwelfthyearking Demetriusgatheredhisforcestogether,andwentinto MediatogethimhelptofightagainstTryphone

2ButwhenArsaces,thekingofPersiaandMedia,heard thatDemetriuswasenteredwithinhisborders,hesentone ofhisprincestotakehimalive:

3WhowentandsmotethehostofDemetrius,andtookhim, andbroughthimtoArsaces,bywhomhewasputinward.

4AsforthelandofJudea,thatwasquietallthedaysof Simon;forhesoughtthegoodofhisnationinsuchwise, asthatevermorehisauthorityandhonourpleasedthem well

5Andashewashonourableinallhisacts,sointhis,that hetookJoppaforanhaven,andmadeanentrancetothe islesofthesea,

6Andenlargedtheboundsofhisnation,andrecoveredthe country,

7Andgatheredtogetheragreatnumberofcaptives,and hadthedominionofGazera,andBethsura,andthetower, outofthewhichhetookalluncleaness,neitherwasthere anythatresistedhim

8Thendidtheytilltheirgroundinpeace,andtheearth gaveherincrease,andthetreesofthefieldtheirfruit.

9Theancientmensatallinthestreets,communing togetherofgoodthings,andtheyoungmenputonglorious andwarlikeapparel.

10Heprovidedvictualsforthecities,andsetinthemall mannerofmunition,sothathishonourablenamewas renowneduntotheendoftheworld.

11Hemadepeaceintheland,andIsraelrejoicedwith greatjoy:

12Foreverymansatunderhisvineandhisfigtree,and therewasnonetofraythem:

13Neitherwasthereanyleftinthelandtofightagainst them:yea,thekingsthemselveswereoverthrowninthose days

14Moreoverhestrengthenedallthoseofhispeoplethat werebroughtlow:thelawhesearchedout;andevery contemnerofthelawandwickedpersonhetookaway

15Hebeautifiedthesanctuary,andmultipliedvesselsof thetemple.

16NowwhenitwasheardatRome,andasfarasSparta, thatJonathanwasdead,theywereverysorry

17ButassoonastheyheardthathisbrotherSimonwas madehighpriestinhisstead,andruledthecountry,andthe citiestherein:

18Theywroteuntohimintablesofbrass,torenewthe friendshipandleaguewhichtheyhadmadewithJudasand Jonathanhisbrethren:

19Whichwritingswerereadbeforethecongregationat Jerusalem

20Andthisisthecopyofthelettersthatthe Lacedemonianssent;TherulersoftheLacedemonians, withthecity,untoSimonthehighpriest,andtheelders, andpriests,andresidueofthepeopleoftheJews,our brethren,sendgreeting:

21Theambassadorsthatweresentuntoourpeople certifiedusofyourgloryandhonour:whereforewewere gladoftheircoming,

22Anddidregisterthethingsthattheyspakeinthecouncil ofthepeopleinthismanner;NumeniussonofAntiochus, andAntipatersonofJason,theJews'ambassadors,came untoustorenewthefriendshiptheyhadwithus

23Anditpleasedthepeopletoentertainthemen honourably,andtoputthecopyoftheirambassagein publickrecords,totheendthepeopleofthe Lacedemoniansmighthaveamemorialthereof: furthermorewehavewrittenacopythereofuntoSimonthe highpriest

24AfterthisSimonsentNumeniustoRomewithagreat shieldofgoldofathousandpoundweighttoconfirmthe leaguewiththem

25Whereofwhenthepeopleheard,theysaid,Whatthanks shallwegivetoSimonandhissons?

26Forheandhisbrethrenandthehouseofhisfatherhave establishedIsrael,andchasedawayinfighttheirenemies fromthem,andconfirmedtheirliberty

27Sothentheywroteitintablesofbrass,whichtheyset uponpillarsinmountSion:andthisisthecopyofthe writing;TheeighteenthdayofthemonthElul,inthe hundredthreescoreandtwelfthyear,beingthethirdyearof Simonthehighpriest, 28AtSaramelinthegreatcongregationofthepriests,and people,andrulersofthenation,andeldersofthecountry, werethesethingsnotifieduntous.

29Forasmuchasoftentimestherehavebeenwarsinthe country,whereinforthemaintenanceoftheirsanctuary, andthelaw,SimonthesonofMattathias,oftheposterity ofJarib,togetherwithhisbrethren,putthemselvesin jeopardy,andresistingtheenemiesoftheirnationdidtheir nationgreathonour:

30(ForafterthatJonathan,havinggatheredhisnation together,andbeentheirhighpriest,wasaddedtohis people,

31Theirenemiespreparedtoinvadetheircountry,that theymightdestroyit,andlayhandsonthesanctuary:

32AtwhichtimeSimonroseup,andfoughtforhisnation, andspentmuchofhisownsubstance,andarmedthe valiantmenofhisnationandgavethemwages,

33AndfortifiedthecitiesofJudea,togetherwithBethsura, thatliethuponthebordersofJudea,wherethearmourof theenemieshadbeenbefore;buthesetagarrisonofJews there:

34MoreoverhefortifiedJoppa,whichliethuponthesea, andGazera,thatborderethuponAzotus,wheretheenemies haddweltbefore:butheplacedJewsthere,andfurnished themwithallthingsconvenientforthereparationthereof)

35ThepeoplethereforesangtheactsofSimon,andunto whatgloryhethoughttobringhisnation,madehimtheir governorandchiefpriest,becausehehaddoneallthese things,andforthejusticeandfaithwhichhekepttohis nation,andforthathesoughtbyallmeanstoexalthis people

36Forinhistimethingsprosperedinhishands,sothatthe heathenweretakenoutoftheircountry,andtheyalsothat wereinthecityofDavidinJerusalem,whohadmade themselvesatower,outofwhichtheyissued,andpolluted allaboutthesanctuary,anddidmuchhurtintheholyplace:

37ButheplacedJewsthereinandfortifieditforthesafety ofthecountryandthecity,andraisedupthewallsof Jerusalem.

38KingDemetriusalsoconfirmedhiminthehigh priesthoodaccordingtothosethings,

39Andmadehimoneofhisfriends,andhonouredhim withgreathonour

40Forhehadheardsay,thattheRomanshadcalledthe Jewstheirfriendsandconfederatesandbrethren;andthat theyhadentertainedtheambassadorsofSimonhonourably;

41AlsothattheJewsandpriestswerewellpleasedthat Simonshouldbetheirgovernorandhighpriestforever, untilthereshouldariseafaithfulprophet;

42Moreoverthatheshouldbetheircaptain,andshould takechargeofthesanctuary,tosetthemovertheirworks, andoverthecountry,andoverthearmour,andoverthe fortresses,that,Isay,heshouldtakechargeofthe sanctuary;

43Besidethis,thatheshouldbeobeyedofeveryman,and thatallthewritingsinthecountryshouldbemadeinhis name,andthatheshouldbeclothedinpurple,andwear gold:

44Alsothatitshouldbelawfulfornoneofthepeopleor prieststobreakanyofthesethings,ortogainsayhiswords, ortogatheranassemblyinthecountrywithouthim,orto beclothedinpurple,orwearabuckleofgold;

45Andwhosoevershoulddootherwise,orbreakanyof thesethings,heshouldbepunished

46ThusitlikedallthepeopletodealwithSimon,andto doashathbeensaid

47ThenSimonacceptedhereof,andwaswellpleasedtobe highpriest,andcaptainandgovernoroftheJewsand priests,andtodefendthemall.

48Sotheycommandedthatthiswritingshouldbeputin tablesofbrass,andthattheyshouldbesetupwithinthe compassofthesanctuaryinaconspicuousplace; 49Alsothatthecopiesthereofshouldbelaidupinthe treasury,totheendthatSimonandhissonsmighthave them.

CHAPTER15

1MoreoverAntiochussonofDemetriusthekingsent lettersfromtheislesoftheseauntoSimonthepriestand princeoftheJews,andtoallthepeople;

2Thecontentswhereofwerethese:KingAntiochusto Simonthehighpriestandprinceofhisnation,andtothe peopleoftheJews,greeting:

3Forasmuchascertainpestilentmenhaveusurpedthe kingdomofourfathers,andmypurposeistochallengeit again,thatImayrestoreittotheoldestate,andtothatend havegatheredamultitudeofforeignsoldierstogether,and preparedshipsofwar;

4Mymeaningalsobeingtogothroughthecountry,thatI maybeavengedofthemthathavedestroyedit,andmade manycitiesinthekingdomdesolate:

5NowthereforeIconfirmuntotheealltheoblationswhich thekingsbeforemegrantedthee,andwhatsoevergifts besidestheygranted

6Igivetheeleavealsotocoinmoneyforthycountrywith thineownstamp

7AndasconcerningJerusalemandthesanctuary,letthem befree;andallthearmourthatthouhastmade,and fortressesthatthouhastbuilt,andkeepestinthinehands, letthemremainuntothee.

8Andifanythingbe,orshallbe,owingtotheking,letit beforgiventheefromthistimeforthforevermore

9Furthermore,whenwehaveobtainedourkingdom,we willhonourthee,andthynation,andthytemple,withgreat honour,sothatyourhonourshallbeknownthroughoutthe world.

10Inthehundredthreescoreandfourteenthyearwent Antiochusintothelandofhisfathers:atwhichtimeallthe forcescametogetheruntohim,sothatfewwereleftwith Tryphon

11WhereforebeingpursuedbykingAntiochus,hefled untoDora,whichliethbytheseaside:

12Forhesawthattroublescameuponhimallatonce,and thathisforceshadforsakenhim

13ThencampedAntiochusagainstDora,havingwithhim anhundredandtwentythousandmenofwar,andeight thousandhorsemen

14Andwhenhehadcompassedthecityroundabout,and joinedshipsclosetothetownontheseaside,hevexedthe citybylandandbysea,neithersufferedheanytogooutor in.

15InthemeanseasoncameNumeniusandhiscompany fromRome,havingletterstothekingsandcountries; whereinwerewrittenthesethings:

16Lucius,consuloftheRomansuntokingPtolemee, greeting:

17TheJews'ambassadors,ourfriendsandconfederates, cameuntoustorenewtheoldfriendshipandleague,being

sentfromSimonthehighpriest,andfromthepeopleofthe Jews:

18Andtheybroughtashieldofgoldofathousandpound. 19Wethoughtitgoodthereforetowriteuntothekingsand countries,thattheyshoulddothemnoharm,norfight againstthem,theircities,orcountries,noryetaidtheir enemiesagainstthem

20Itseemedalsogoodtoustoreceivetheshieldofthem 21Ifthereforetherebeanypestilentfellows,thathavefled fromtheircountryuntoyou,deliverthemuntoSimonthe highpriest,thathemaypunishthemaccordingtotheirown law.

22ThesamethingswrotehelikewiseuntoDemetriusthe king,andAttalus,toAriarathes,andArsaces, 23AndtoallthecountriesandtoSampsames,andthe Lacedemonians,andtoDelus,andMyndus,andSicyon, andCaria,andSamos,andPamphylia,andLycia,and Halicarnassus,andRhodus,andAradus,andCos,andSide, andAradus,andGortyna,andCnidus,andCyprus,and Cyrene

24AndthecopyhereoftheywrotetoSimonthehighpriest. 25SoAntiochusthekingcampedagainstDorathesecond day,assaultingitcontinually,andmakingengines,by whichmeansheshutupTryphon,thathecouldneithergo outnorin

26AtthattimeSimonsenthimtwothousandchosenmen toaidhim;silveralso,andgold,andmucharmour.

27Neverthelesshewouldnotreceivethem,butbrakeall thecovenantswhichhehadmadewithhimafore,and becamestrangeuntohim

28FurthermorehesentuntohimAthenobius,oneofhis friends,tocommunewithhim,andsay,YewithholdJoppa andGazera;withthetowerthatisinJerusalem,whichare citiesofmyrealm

29Thebordersthereofyehavewasted,anddonegreathurt intheland,andgotthedominionofmanyplaceswithinmy kingdom

30Nowthereforedeliverthecitieswhichyehavetaken, andthetributesoftheplaces,whereofyehavegotten dominionwithoutthebordersofJudea:

31Orelsegivemeforthemfivehundredtalentsofsilver; andfortheharmthatyehavedone,andthetributesofthe cities,otherfivehundredtalents:ifnot,wewillcomeand fightagainstyou

32SoAthenobiustheking'sfriendcametoJerusalem:and whenhesawthegloryofSimon,andthecupboardofgold andsilverplate,andhisgreatattendance,hewas astonished,andtoldhimtheking'smessage

33ThenansweredSimon,andsaiduntohim,Wehave neithertakenothermen'sland,norholdenthatwhich appertainethtoothers,buttheinheritanceofourfathers, whichourenemieshadwrongfullyinpossessionacertain time.

34Whereforewe,havingopportunity,holdtheinheritance ofourfathers

35AndwhereasthoudemandestJoppaandGazera,albeit theydidgreatharmuntothepeopleinourcountry,yetwill wegivetheeanhundredtalentsforthemHereunto Athenobiusansweredhimnotaword;

36Butreturnedinaragetotheking,andmadereportunto himofthesespeeches,andofthegloryofSimon,andofall thathehadseen:whereuponthekingwasexceedingwroth.

37InthemeantimefledTryphonbyshipuntoOrthosias

38ThenthekingmadeCendebeuscaptainoftheseacoast, andgavehimanhostoffootmenandhorsemen, 39AndcommandedhimtoremovehishosttowardJudea; alsohecommandedhimtobuildupCedron,andtofortify thegates,andtowaragainstthepeople;butasfortheking himself,hepursuedTryphon.

40SoCendebeuscametoJamniaandbegantoprovokethe peopleandtoinvadeJudea,andtotakethepeople prisoners,andslaythem.

41AndwhenhehadbuiltupCedrou,hesethorsemen there,andanhostoffootmen,totheendthatissuingout theymightmakeoutroadsuponthewaysofJudea,asthe kinghadcommandedhim

CHAPTER16

1ThencameupJohnfromGazera,andtoldSimonhis fatherwhatCendebeushaddone.

2WhereforeSimoncalledhistwoeldestsons,Judasand John,andsaiduntothem,I,andmybrethren,andmy father'shouse,haveeverfrommyyouthuntothisday foughtagainsttheenemiesofIsrael;andthingshave prosperedsowellinourhands,thatwehavedelivered Israeloftentimes.

3ButnowIamold,andye,byGod'smercy,areofa sufficientage:beyeinsteadofmeandmybrother,andgo andfightforournation,andthehelpfromheavenbewith you

4Sohechoseoutofthecountrytwentythousandmenof warwithhorsemen,whowentoutagainstCendebeus,and restedthatnightatModin

5Andwhenastheyroseinthemorning,andwentintothe plain,behold,amightygreathostbothoffootmenand horsemencameagainstthem:howbeittherewasawater brookbetwixtthem.

6Soheandhispeoplepitchedoveragainstthem:and whenhesawthatthepeoplewereafraidtogooverthe waterbrook,hewentfirstoverhimself,andthenthemen seeinghimpassedthroughafterhim

7Thatdone,hedividedhismen,andsetthehorsemenin themidstofthefootmen:fortheenemies'horsemenwere verymany

8Thensoundedtheywiththeholytrumpets:whereupon Cendebeusandhishostwereputtoflight,sothatmanyof themwereslain,andtheremnantgatthemtothestrong hold

9AtthattimewasJudasJohn'sbrotherwounded;butJohn stillfollowedafterthem,untilhecametoCedron,which Cendebeushadbuilt

10SotheyfledevenuntothetowersinthefieldsofAzotus; whereforeheburneditwithfire:sothattherewereslainof themabouttwothousandmenAfterwardhereturnedinto thelandofJudeainpeace.

11MoreoverintheplainofJerichowasPtolemeustheson ofAbubusmadecaptain,andhehadabundanceofsilver andgold:

12Forhewasthehighpriest'ssoninlaw

13Whereforehisheartbeingliftedup,hethoughttoget thecountrytohimself,andthereuponconsulteddeceitfully againstSimonandhissonstodestroythem

14NowSimonwasvisitingthecitiesthatwereinthe country,andtakingcareforthegoodorderingofthem;at whichtimehecamedownhimselftoJerichowithhissons,

MattathiasandJudas,inthehundredthreescoreand seventeenthyear,intheeleventhmonth,calledSabat:

15WherethesonofAbubusreceivingthemdeceitfully intoalittlehold,calledDocus,whichhehadbuilt,made themagreatbanquet:howbeithehadhidmenthere

16SowhenSimonandhissonshaddrunklargely, Ptolemeeandhismenroseup,andtooktheirweapons,and cameuponSimonintothebanquetingplace,andslewhim, andhistwosons,andcertainofhisservants.

17Inwhichdoinghecommittedagreattreachery,and recompensedevilforgood

18ThenPtolemeewrotethesethings,andsenttotheking, thatheshouldsendhimanhosttoaidhim,andhewould deliverhimthecountryandcities

19HesentothersalsotoGazeratokillJohn:anduntothe tribuneshesentletterstocomeuntohim,thathemight givethemsilver,andgold,andrewards

20AndothershesenttotakeJerusalem,andthemountain ofthetemple

21NowonehadrunaforetoGazeraandtoldJohnthathis fatherandbrethrenwereslain,and,quothhe,Ptolemee hathsenttoslaytheealso

22Hereofwhenheheard,hewassoreastonished:sohe laidhandsonthemthatwerecometodestroyhim,and slewthem;forheknewthattheysoughttomakehimaway 23AsconcerningtherestoftheactsofJohn,andhiswars, andworthydeedswhichhedid,andthebuildingofthe wallswhichhemade,andhisdoings,

24Behold,thesearewritteninthechroniclesofhis priesthood,fromthetimehewasmadehighpriestafterhis father