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1ST
Maccabees
CHAPTER
1
[1]
And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came
out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes,
that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,
[2] And made many wars, and won
many strong holds, and slew the kings of the earth,
[3] And went through to the ends
of the earth, and took spoils of many nations, insomuch that the earth was quiet
before him; whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.
[4] And he gathered a mighty
strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became
tributaries unto him.
[5] And after these things he
fell sick, and perceived that he should die.
[6] Wherefore he called his
servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his
youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.
[7] So Alexander reigned twelves
years, and then died.
[8] And his servants bare rule
every one in his place.
[9] And after his death they all
put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years: and evils
were multiplied in the earth.
[10] And there came out of them a
wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had
been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh
year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
[11] In those days went there out
of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant
with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we
have had much sorrow.
[12] So this device pleased them
well.
[13] Then certain of the people
were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them licence to do
after the ordinances of the heathen:
[14] Whereupon they built a place
of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen:
[15] And made themselves
uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the
heathen, and were sold to do mischief.
[16] Now when the kingdom was
established before Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt that he might have
the dominion of two realms.
[17] Wherefore he entered into
Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a
great navy,
[18] And made war against
Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and fled; and many were
wounded to death.
[19] Thus they got the strong
cities in the land of Egypt and he took the spoils thereof.
[20] And after that Antiochus had
smitten Egypt, he returned again in the hundred forty and third year, and went
up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude,
[21] And entered proudly into the
sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all
the vessels thereof,
[22] And the table of the
shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the vials. and the censers of gold, and
the veil, and the crown, and the golden ornaments that were before the temple,
all which he pulled off.
[23] He took also the silver and
the gold, and the precious vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he
found.
[24] And when he had taken all
away, he went into his own land, having made a great massacre, and spoken very
proudly.
[25] Therefore there was a great
mourning in Israel, in every place where they were;
[26] So that the princes and
elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of
women was changed.
[27] Every bridegroom took up
lamentation, and she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness,
[28] The land also was moved for
the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.
[29] And after two years fully
expired the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda,
who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude,
[30] And spake peaceable words
unto them, but all was deceit: for when they had given him credence, he fell
suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of
Israel.
[31] And when he had taken the
spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls
thereof on every side.
[32] But the women and children
took they captive, and possessed the cattle.
[33] Then builded they the city
of David with a great and strong wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a
strong hold for them.
[34] And they put therein a
sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselves therein.
[35] They stored it also with
armour and victuals, and when they had gathered together the spoils of
Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they became a sore snare:
[36] For it was a place to lie in
wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel.
[37] Thus they shed innocent
blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled it:
[38] Insomuch that the
inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereupon the city was made an
habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her; and
her own children left her.
[39] Her sanctuary was laid waste
like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into
reproach her honour into contempt.
[40] As had been her glory, so
was her dishonour increased, and her excellency was turned into mourning.
[41] Moreover king Antiochus
wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,
[42] And every one should leave
his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.
[43] Yea, many also of the
Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned
the sabbath.
[44] For the king had sent
letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should
follow the strange laws of the land,
[45] And forbid burnt offerings,
and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane
the sabbaths and festival days:
[46] And pollute the sanctuary
and holy people:
[47] Set up altars, and groves,
and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:
[48] That they should also leave
their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of
uncleanness and profanation:
[49] To the end they might forget
the law, and change all the ordinances.
[50] And whosoever would not do
according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die.
[51] In the selfsame manner wrote
he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding
the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.
[52] Then many of the people were
gathered unto them, to wit every one that forsook the law; and so they committed
evils in the land;
[53] And drove the Israelites
into secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for succour.
[54] Now the fifteenth day of the
month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination
of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of
Juda on every side;
[55] And burnt incense at the
doors of their houses, and in the streets.
[56] And when they had rent in
pieces the books of the law which they found, they burnt them with fire.
[57] And whosoever was found with
any the book of the testament, or if any committed to the law, the king's
commandment was, that they should put him to death.
[58] Thus did they by their
authority unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the
cities.
[59] Now the five and twentieth
day of the month they did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the
altar of God.
[60] At which time according to
the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children
to be circumcised.
[61] And they hanged the infants
about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised
them.
[62] Howbeit many in Israel were
fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.
[63] Wherefore the rather to die,
that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the
holy covenant: so then they died.
[64] And there was very great
wrath upon Israel.
CHAPTER
2
[1]
In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of
the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.
[2] And he had five sons, Joannan,
called Caddis:
[3] Simon; called Thassi:
[4] Judas, who was called
Maccabeus:
[5] Eleazar, called Avaran: and
Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.
[6] And when he saw the
blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,
[7] He said, Woe is me! wherefore
was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell
there, when it was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into
the hand of strangers?
[8] Her temple is become as a man
without glory.
[9] Her glorious vessels are
carried away into captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her young men
with the sword of the enemy.
[10] What nation hath not had a
part in her kingdom and gotten of her spoils?
[11] All her ornaments are taken
away; of a free woman she is become a bondslave.
[12] And, behold, our sanctuary,
even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.
[13] To what end therefore shall
we live any longer?
[14] Then Mattathias and his sons
rent their clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourned very sore.
[15] In the mean while the king's
officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to
make them sacrifice.
[16] And when many of Israel came
unto them, Mattathias also and his sons came together.
[17] Then answered the king's
officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an
honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:
[18] Now therefore come thou
first, and fulfil the king's commandment, like as all the heathen have done,
yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou
and thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and thy children
shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.
[19] Then Mattathias answered and
spake with a loud voice, Though all the nations that are under the king's
dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers,
and give consent to his commandments:
[20] Yet will I and my sons and
my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers.
[21] God forbid that we should
forsake the law and the ordinances.
[22] We will not hearken to the
king's words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.
[23] Now when he had left
speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to
sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king's commandment.
[24] Which thing when Mattathias
saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear
to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the
altar.
[25] Also the king's
commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the
altar he pulled down.
[26] Thus dealt he zealously for
the law of God like as Phinees did unto Zambri the son of Salom.
[27] And Mattathias cried
throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law,
and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.
[28] So he and his sons fled into
the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.
[29] Then many that sought after
justice and judgment went down into the wilderness, to dwell there:
[30] Both they, and their
children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore
upon them.
[31] Now when it was told the
king's servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that
certain men, who had broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the
secret places in the wilderness,
[32] They pursued after them a
great number, and having overtaken them, they camped against them, and made war
against them on the sabbath day.
[33] And they said unto them, Let
that which ye have done hitherto suffice; come forth, and do according to the
commandment of the king, and ye shall live.
[34] But they said, We will not
come forth, neither will we do the king's commandment, to profane the sabbath
day.
[35] So then they gave them the
battle with all speed.
[36] Howbeit they answered them
not, neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the places where they lay
hid;
[37] But said, Let us die all in
our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that ye put us to death
wrongfully.
[38] So they rose up against them
in battle on the sabbath, and they slew them, with their wives and children and
their cattle, to the number of a thousand people.
[39] Now when Mattathias and his
friends understood hereof, they mourned for them right sore.
[40] And one of them said to
another, If we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our lives and
laws against the heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.
[41] At that time therefore they
decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath day,
we will fight against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were
murdered im the secret places.
[42] Then came there unto him a
company of Assideans who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as were
voluntarily devoted unto the law.
[43] Also all they that fled for
persecution joined themselves unto them, and were a stay unto them.
[44] So they joined their forces,
and smote sinful men in their anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest
fled to the heathen for succour.
[45] Then Mattathias and his
friends went round about, and pulled down the altars:
[46] And what children soever
they found within the coast of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised
valiantly.
[47] They pursued also after the
proud men, and the work prospered in their hand.
[48] So they recovered the law
out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered
they the sinner to triumph.
[49] Now when the time drew near
that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke
gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:
[50] Now therefore, my sons, be
ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
[51] Call to remembrance what
acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honour and an
everlasting name.
[52] Was not Abraham found
faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?
[53] Joseph in the time of his
distress kept the commandment and was made lord of Egypt.
[54] Phinees our father in being
zealous and fervent obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
[55] Jesus for fulfilling the
word was made a judge in Israel.
[56] Caleb for bearing witness
before the congregation received the heritage of the land.
[57] David for being merciful
possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
[58] Elias for being zealous and
fervent for the law was taken up into heaven.
[59] Ananias, Azarias, and Misael,
by believing were saved out of the flame.
[60] Daniel for his innocency was
delivered from the mouth of lions.
[61] And thus consider ye
throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.
[62] Fear not then the words of a
sinful man: for his glory shall be dung and worms.
[63] To day he shall be lifted up
and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and
his thought is come to nothing.
[64] Wherefore, ye my sons, be
valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye
obtain glory.
[65] And behold, I know that your
brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father
unto you.
[66] As for Judas Maccabeus, he
hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain,
and fight the battle of the people.
[67] Take also unto you all those
that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your people.
[68] Recompense fully the
heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law.
[69] So he blessed them, and was
gathered to his fathers.
[70] And he died in the hundred
forty and sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers
at Modin, and all Israel made great lamentation for him.
CHAPTER
3
[1]
Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.
[2] And all his brethren helped
him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with
cheerfulness the battle of Israel.
[3] So he gat his people great
honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about
him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.
[4] In his acts he was like a
lion, and like a lion's whelp roaring for his prey.
[5] For He pursued the wicked,
and sought them out, and burnt up those that vexed his people.
[6] Wherefore the wicked shrunk
for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because
salvation prospered in his hand.
[7] He grieved also many kings,
and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.
[8] Moreover he went through the
cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from
Israel:
[9] So that he was renowned unto
the utmost part of the earth, and he received unto him such as were ready to
perish.
[10] Then Apollonius gathered the
Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.
[11] Which thing when Judas
perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many
also fell down slain, but the rest fled.
[12] Wherefore Judas took their
spoils, and Apollonius' sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.
[13] Now when Seron, a prince of
the army of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and
company of the faithful to go out with him to war;
[14] He said, I will get me a
name and honour in the kingdom; for I will go fight with Judas and them that are
with him, who despise the king's commandment.
[15] So he made him ready to go
up, and there went with him a mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be
avenged of the children of Israel.
[16] And when he came near to the
going up of Bethhoron, Judas went forth to meet him with a small company:
[17] Who, when they saw the host
coming to meet them, said unto Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to
fight against so great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint
with fasting all this day?
[18] Unto whom Judas answered, It
is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God
of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company:
[19] For the victory of battle
standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.
[20] They come against us in much
pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:
[21] But we fight for our lives
and our laws.
[22] Wherefore the Lord himself
will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.
[23] Now as soon as he had left
off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them, and so Seron and his host was
overthrown before him.
[24] And they pursued them from
the going down of Bethhoron unto the plain, where were slain about eight hundred
men of them; and the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.
[25] Then began the fear of Judas
and his brethren, and an exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round
about them:
[26] Insomuch as his fame came
unto the king, and all nations talked of the battles of Judas.
[27] Now when king Antiochus
heard these things, he was full of indignation: wherefore he sent and gathered
together all the forces of his realm, even a very strong army.
[28] He opened also his treasure,
and gave his soldiers pay for a year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he
should need them.
[29] Nevertheless, when he saw
that the money of his treasures failed and that the tributes in the country were
small, because of the dissension and plague, which he had brought upon the land
in taking away the laws which had been of old time;
[30] He feared that he should not
be able to bear the charges any longer, nor to have such gifts to give so
liberally as he did before: for he had abounded above the kings that were before
him.
[31] Wherefore, being greatly
perplexed in his mind, he determined to go into Persia, there to take the
tributes of the countries, and to gather much money.
[32] So he left Lysias, a
nobleman, and one of the blood royal, to oversee the affairs of the king from
the river Euphrates unto the borders of Egypt:
[33] And to bring up his son
Antiochus, until he came again.
[34] Moreover he delivered unto
him the half of his forces, and the elephants, and gave him charge of all things
that he would have done, as also concerning them that dwelt in Juda and
Jerusalem:
[35] To wit, that he should send
an army against them, to destroy and root out the strength of Israel, and the
remnant of Jerusalem, and to take away their memorial from that place;
[36] And that he should place
strangers in all their quarters, and divide their land by lot.
[37] So the king took the half of
the forces that remained, and departed from Antioch, his royal city, the hundred
forty and seventh year; and having passed the river Euphrates, he went through
the high countries.
[38] Then Lysias chose Ptolemee
the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends:
[39] And with them he sent forty
thousand footmen, and seven thousand horsemen, to go into the land of Juda, and
to destroy it, as the king commanded.
[40] So they went forth with all
their power, and came and pitched by Emmaus in the plain country.
[41] And the merchants of the
country, hearing the fame of them, took silver and gold very much, with
servants, and came into the camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a
power also of Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto
them.
[42] Now when Judas and his
brethren saw that miseries were multiplied, and that the forces did encamp
themselves in their borders: for they knew how the king had given commandment to
destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;
[43] They said one to another,
Let us restore the decayed fortune of our people, and let us fight for our
people and the sanctuary.
[44] Then was the congregation
gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might
pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
[45] Now Jerusalem lay void as a
wilderness, there was none of her children that went in or out: the sanctuary
also was trodden down, and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their
habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the pipe with the
harp ceased.
[46] Wherefore the Israelites
assembled themselves together, and came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for
in Maspha was the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.
[47] Then they fasted that day,
and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,
[48] And laid open the book of
the law, wherein the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their images.
[49] They brought also the
priests' garments, and the firstfruits, and the tithes: and the Nazarites they
stirred up, who had accomplished their days.
[50] Then cried they with a loud
voice toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these, and whither shall we
carry them away?
[51] For thy sanctuary is trodden
down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, and brought low.
[52] And lo, the heathen are
assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against
us, thou knowest.
[53] How shall we be able to
stand against them, except thou, O God, be our help?
[54] Then sounded they with
trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.
[55] And after this Judas
ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over
hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens.
[56] But as for such as were
building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or were
fearful, those he commanded that they should return, every man to his own house,
according to the law.
[57] So the camp removed, and
pitched upon the south side of Emmaus.
[58] And Judas said, arm
yourselves, and be valiant men, and see that ye be in readiness against the
morning, that ye may fight with these nations, that are assembled together
against us to destroy us and our sanctuary:
[59] For it is better for us to
die in battle, than to behold the calamities of our people and our sanctuary.
[60] Nevertheless, as the will of
God is in heaven, so let him do.
CHAPTER
4
[1]
Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen,
and removed out of the camp by night;
[2] To the end he might rush in
upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress
were his guides.
[3] Now when Judas heard thereof
he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's
army which was at Emmaus,
[4] While as yet the forces were
dispersed from the camp.
[5] In the mean season came
Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he
sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us
[6] But as soon as it was day,
Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had
neither armour nor swords to their minds.
[7] And they saw the camp of the
heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with
horsemen; and these were expert of war.
[8] Then said Judas to the men
that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their
assault.
[9] Remember how our fathers were
delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.
[10] Now therefore let us cry
unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the
covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:
[11] That so all the heathen may
know that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel.
[12] Then the strangers lifted up
their eyes, and saw them coming over against them.
[13] Wherefore they went out of
the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.
[14] So they joined battle, and
the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain.
[15] Howbeit all the hindmost of
them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the
plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon
a three thousand men.
[16] This done, Judas returned
again with his host from pursuing them,
[17] And said to the people, Be
not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us,
[18] And Gorgias and his host are
here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome
them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.
[19] As Judas was yet speaking
these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:
[20] Who when they perceived that
the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke
that was seen declared what was done:
[21] When therefore they
perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas
in the plain ready to fight,
[22] They fled every one into the
land of strangers.
[23] Then Judas returned to spoil
the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of
the sea, and great riches.
[24] After this they went home,
and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is
good, because his mercy endureth forever.
[25] Thus Israel had a great
deliverance that day.
[26] Now all the strangers that
had escaped came and told Lysias what had happened:
[27] Who, when he heard thereof,
was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were
done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.
[28] The next year therefore
following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and
five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.
[29] So they came into Idumea,
and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.
[30] And when he saw that mighty
army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell
the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the
host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his
armourbearer;
[31] Shut up this army in the
hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and
horsemen:
[32] Make them to be of no
courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them
quake at their destruction:
[33] Cast them down with the
sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee
with thanksgiving.
[34] So they joined battle; and
there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them
were they slain.
[35] Now when Lysias saw his army
put to flight, and the manliness of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready
either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a
company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed
to come again into Judea.
[36] Then said Judas and his
brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and
dedicate the sanctuary.
[37] Upon this all the host
assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Sion.
[38] And when they saw the
sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs
growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the
priests' chambers pulled down;
[39] They rent their clothes, and
made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads,
[40] And fell down flat to the
ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward
heaven.
[41] Then Judas appointed certain
men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the
sanctuary.
[42] So he chose priests of
blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law:
[43] Who cleansed the sanctuary,
and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place.
[44] And when as they consulted
what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned;
[45] They thought it best to pull
it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled
it: wherefore they pulled it down,
[46] And laid up the stones in
the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a
prophet to shew what should be done with them.
[47] Then they took whole stones
according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former;
[48] And made up the sanctuary,
and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.
[49] They made also new holy
vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of
burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.
[50] And upon the altar they
burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that
they might give light in the temple.
[51] Furthermore they set the
loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works
which they had begun to make.
[52] Now on the five and
twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the
hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning,
[53] And offered sacrifice
according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.
[54] Look, at what time and what
day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and
citherns, and harps, and cymbals.
[55] Then all the people fell
upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them
good success.
[56] And so they kept the
dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness,
and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
[57] They decked also the
forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and
the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.
[58] Thus was there very great
gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.
[59] Moreover Judas and his
brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the
dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the
space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with
mirth and gladness.
[60] At that time also they
builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest
the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.
[61] And they set there a
garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people
might have a defence against Idumea.
CHAPTER
5
[1]
Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built and the
sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much.
[2] Wherefore they thought to
destroy the generation of Jacob that was among them, and thereupon they began to
slay and destroy the people.
[3] Then Judas fought against the
children of Esau in Idumea at Arabattine, because they besieged Gael: and he
gave them a great overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.
[4] Also he remembered the injury
of the children of Bean, who had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in
that they lay in wait for them in the ways.
[5] He shut them up therefore in
the towers, and encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned
the towers of that place with fire, and all that were therein.
[6] Afterward he passed over to
the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with
Timotheus their captain.
[7] So he fought many battles
with them, till at length they were discomfited before him; and he smote them.
[8] And when he had taken Jazar,
with the towns belonging thereto, he returned into Judea.
[9] Then the heathen that were at
Galaad assembled themselves together against the Israelites that were in their
quarters, to destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.
[10] And sent letters unto Judas
and his brethren, The heathen that are round about us are assembled together
against us to destroy us:
[11] And they are preparing to
come and take the fortress whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of
their host.
[12] Come now therefore, and
deliver us from their hands, for many of us are slain:
[13] Yea, all our brethren that
were in the places of Tobie are put to death: their wives and their children
also they have carried away captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have
destroyed there about a thousand men.
[14] While these letters were yet
reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee with their clothes
rent, who reported on this wise,
[15] And said, They of Ptolemais,
and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together
against us to consume us.
[16] Now when Judas and the
people heard these words, there assembled a great congregation together, to
consult what they should do for their brethren, that were in trouble, and
assaulted of them.
[17] Then said Judas unto Simon
his brother, Choose thee out men, and go and deliver thy brethren that are in
Galilee, for I and Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.
[18] So he left Joseph the son of
Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the people, with the remnant of the host in
Judea to keep it.
[19] Unto whom he gave
commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of this people, and see that ye make not
war against the heathen until the time that we come again.
[20] Now unto Simon were given
three thousand men to go into Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the
country of Galaad.
[21] Then went Simon into
Galilee, where he fought many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen were
discomfited by him.
[22] And he pursued them unto the
gate of Ptolemais; and there were slain of the heathen about three thousand men,
whose spoils he took.
[23] And those that were in
Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives and their children, and all that they
had, took he away with him, and brought them into Judea with great joy.
[24] Judas Maccabeus also and his
brother Jonathan went over Jordan, and travelled three days' journey in the
wilderness,
[25] Where they met with the
Nabathites, who came unto them in a peaceable manner, and told them every thing
that had happened to their brethren in the land of Galaad:
[26] And how that many of them
were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor, and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all
these cities are strong and great:
[27] And that they were shut up
in the rest of the cities of the country of Galaad, and that against to morrow
they had appointed to bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and
to destroy them all in one day.
[28] Hereupon Judas and his host
turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness unto Bosora; and when he had won
the city, he slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their
spoils, and burned the city with fire,
[29] From whence he removed by
night, and went till he came to the fortress.
[30] And betimes in the morning
they looked up, and, behold, there was an innumerable people bearing ladders and
other engines of war, to take the fortress: for they assaulted them.
[31] When Judas therefore saw
that the battle was begun, and that the cry of the city went up to heaven, with
trumpets, and a great sound,
[32] He said unto his host, Fight
this day for your brethren.
[33] So he went forth behind them
in three companies, who sounded their trumpets, and cried with prayer.
[34] Then the host of Timotheus,
knowing that it was Maccabeus, fled from him: wherefore he smote them with a
great slaughter; so that there were killed of them that day about eight thousand
men.
[35] This done, Judas turned
aside to Maspha; and after he had assaulted it he took and slew all the males
therein, and received the spoils thereof and and burnt it with fire.
[36] From thence went he, and
took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the other cities of the country of Galaad.
[37] After these things gathered
Timotheus another host and encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.
[38] So Judas sent men to espy
the host, who brought him word, saying, All the heathen that be round about us
are assembled unto them, even a very great host.
[39] He hath also hired the
Arabians to help them and they have pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready
to come and fight against thee. Upon this Judas went to meet them.
[40] Then Timotheus said unto the
captains of his host, When Judas and his host come near the brook, if he pass
over first unto us, we shall not be able to withstand him; for he will mightily
prevail against us:
[41] But if he be afraid, and
camp beyond the river, we shall go over unto him, and prevail against him.
[42] Now when Judas came near the
brook, he caused the scribes of the people to remain by the brook: unto whom he
gave commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but let all come
to the battle.
[43] So he went first over unto
them, and all the people after him: then all the heathen, being discomfited
before him, cast away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at
Carnaim.
[44] But they took the city, and
burned the temple with all that were therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither
could they stand any longer before Judas.
[45] Then Judas gathered together
all the Israelites that were in the country of Galaad, from the least unto the
greatest, even their wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great
host, to the end they might come into the land of Judea.
[46] Now when they came unto
Ephron, (this was a great city in the way as they should go, very well
fortified) they could not turn from it, either on the right hand or the left,
but must needs pass through the midst of it.
[47] Then they of the city shut
them out, and stopped up the gates with stones.
[48] Whereupon Judas sent unto
them in peaceable manner, saying, Let us pass through your land to go into our
own country, and none shall do you any hurt; we will only pass through on foot:
howbeit they would not open unto him.
[49] Wherefore Judas commanded a
proclamation to be made throughout the host, that every man should pitch his
tent in the place where he was.
[50] So the soldiers pitched, and
assaulted the city all that day and all that night, till at the length the city
was delivered into his hands:
[51] Who then slew all the males
with the edge of the sword, and rased the city, and took the spoils thereof, and
passed through the city over them that were slain.
[52] After this went they over
Jordan into the great plain before Bethsan.
[53] And Judas gathered together
those that came behind, and exhorted the people all the way through, till they
came into the land of Judea.
[54] So they went up to mount
Sion with joy and gladness, where they offered burnt offerings, because not one
of them were slain until they had returned in peace.
[55] Now what time as Judas and
Jonathan were in the land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before
Ptolemais,
[56] Joseph the son of Zacharias,
and Azarias, captains of the garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike
deeds which they had done.
[57] Wherefore they said, Let us
also get us a name, and go fight against the heathen that are round about us.
[58] So when they had given
charge unto the garrison that was with them, they went toward Jamnia.
[59] Then came Gorgias and his
men out of the city to fight against them.
[60] And so it was, that Joseph
and Azaras were put to flight, and pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there
were slain that day of the people of Israel about two thousand men.
[61] Thus was there a great
overthrow among the children of Israel, because they were not obedient unto
Judas and his brethren, but thought to do some valiant act.
[62] Moreover these men came not
of the seed of those, by whose hand deliverance was given unto Israel.
[63] Howbeit the man Judas and
his brethren were greatly renowned in the sight of all Israel, and of all the
heathen, wheresoever their name was heard of;
[64] Insomuch as the the people
assembled unto them with joyful acclamations.
[65] Afterward went Judas forth
with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau in the land toward
the south, where he smote Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the
fortress of it, and burned the towers thereof round about.
[66] From thence he removed to go
into the land of the Philistines, and passed through Samaria.
[67] At that time certain
priests, desirous to shew their valour, were slain in battle, for that they went
out to fight unadvisedly.
[68] So Judas turned to Azotus in
the land of the Philistines, and when he had pulled down their altars, and
burned their carved images with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into
the land of Judea.
CHAPTER
6
[1]
About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say,
that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for riches,
silver, and gold;
[2] And that there was in it a
very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields,
which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the
Grecians, had left there.
[3] Wherefore he came and sought
to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the
city, having had warning thereof,
[4] Rose up against him in
battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to
Babylon.
[5] Moreover there came one who
brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies, which went against the land of
Judea, were put to flight:
[6] And that Lysias, who went
forth first with a great power was driven away of the Jews; and that they were
made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten
of the armies, whom they had destroyed:
[7] Also that they had pulled
down the abomination, which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that
they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city
Bethsura.
[8] Now when the king heard these
words, he was astonished and sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his
bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for.
[9] And there he continued many
days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should
die.
[10] Wherefore he called for all
his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart
faileth for very care.
[11] And I thought with myself,
Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein
now I am! for I was bountiful and beloved in my power.
[12] But now I remember the evils
that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that
were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.
[13] I perceive therefore that
for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through
great grief in a strange land.
[14] Then called he for Philip,
one of his friends, who he made ruler over all his realm,
[15] And gave him the crown, and
his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and
nourish him up for the kingdom.
[16] So king Antiochus died there
in the hundred forty and ninth year.
[17] Now when Lysias knew that
the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being
young, to reign in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.
[18] About this time they that
were in the tower shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought
always their hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen.
[19] Wherefore Judas, purposing
to destroy them, called all the people together to besiege them.
[20] So they came together, and
besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot
against them, and other engines.
[21] Howbeit certain of them that
were besieged got forth, unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:
[22] And they went unto the king,
and said, How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our
brethren?
[23] We have been willing to
serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments;
[24] For which cause they of our
nation besiege the tower, and are alienated from us: moreover as many of us as
they could light on they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.
[25] Neither have they stretched
out their hand against us only, but also against their borders.
[26] And, behold, this day are
they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and
Bethsura have they fortified.
[27] Wherefore if thou dost not
prevent them quickly, they will do the greater things than these, neither shalt
thou be able to rule them.
[28] Now when the king heard
this, he was angry, and gathered together all his friends, and the captains of
his army, and those that had charge of the horse.
[29] There came also unto him
from other kingdoms, and from isles of the sea, bands of hired soldiers.
[30] So that the number of his
army was an hundred thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and
thirty elephants exercised in battle.
[31] These went through Idumea,
and pitched against Bethsura, which they assaulted many days, making engines of
war; but they of Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought
valiantly.
[32] Upon this Judas removed from
the tower, and pitched in Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp.
[33] Then the king rising very
early marched fiercely with his host toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made
them ready to battle, and sounded the trumpets.
[34] And to the end they might
provoke the elephants to fight, they shewed them the blood of grapes and
mulberries.
[35] Moreover they divided the
beasts among the armies, and for every elephant they appointed a thousand men,
armed with coats of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside
this, for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best.
[36] These were ready at every
occasion: wheresoever the beast was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went
also, neither departed they from him.
[37] And upon the beasts were
there strong towers of wood, which covered every one of them, and were girt fast
unto them with devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong
men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.
[38] As for the remnant of the
horsemen, they set them on this side and that side at the two parts of the host
giving them signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.
[39] Now when the sun shone upon
the shields of gold and brass, the mountains glistered therewith, and shined
like lamps of fire.
[40] So part of the king's army
being spread upon the high mountains, and part on the valleys below, they
marched on safely and in order.
[41] Wherefore all that heard the
noise of their multitude, and the marching of the company, and the rattling of
the harness, were moved: for the army was very great and mighty.
[42] Then Judas and his host drew
near, and entered into battle, and there were slain of the king's army six
hundred men.
[43] Eleazar also, surnamed
Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher
than all the rest, and supposing that the king was upon him,
[44] Put himself in jeopardy, to
the end he might deliver his people, and get him a perpetual name:
[45] Wherefore he ran upon him
courageously through the midst of the battle, slaying on the right hand and on
the left, so that they were divided from him on both sides.
[46] Which done, he crept under
the elephant, and thrust him under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell
down upon him, and there he died.
[47] Howbeit the rest of the Jews
seeing the strength of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned away
from them.
[48] Then the king's army went up
to Jerusalem to meet them, and the king pitched his tents against Judea, and
against mount Sion.
[49] But with them that were in
Bethsura he made peace: for they came out of the city, because they had no
victuals there to endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.
[50] So the king took Bethsura,
and set a garrison there to keep it.
[51] As for the sanctuary, he
besieged it many days: and set there artillery with engines and instruments to
cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast darts and slings.
[52] Whereupon they also made
engines against their engines, and held them battle a long season.
[53] Yet at the last, their
vessels being without victuals, (for that it was the seventh year, and they in
Judea that were delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the
store;)
[54] There were but a few left in
the sanctuary, because the famine did so prevail against them, that they were
fain to disperse themselves, every man to his own place.
[55] At that time Lysias heard
say, that Philip, whom Antiochus the king, whiles he lived, had appointed to
bring up his son Antiochus, that he might be king,
[56] Was returned out of Persia
and Media, and the king's host also that went with him, and that he sought to
take unto him the ruling of the affairs.
[57] Wherefore he went in all
haste, and said to the king and the captains of the host and the company, We
decay daily, and our victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is
strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:
[58] Now therefore let us be
friends with these men, and make peace with them, and with all their nation;
[59] And covenant with them, that
they shall live after their laws, as they did before: for they are therefore
displeased, and have done all these things, because we abolished their laws.
[60] So the king and the princes
were content: wherefore he sent unto them to make peace; and they accepted
thereof.
[61] Also the king and the
princes made an oath unto them: whereupon they went out of the strong hold.
[62] Then the king entered into
mount Sion; but when he saw the strength of the place, he broke his oath that he
had made, and gave commandment to pull down the wall round about.
[63] Afterward departed he in all
haste, and returned unto Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the
city: so he fought against him, and took the city by force.
CHAPTER
7
[1]
In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed
from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a city of the sea coast, and reigned
there.
[2] And as he entered into the
palace of his ancestors, so it was, that his forces had taken Antiochus and
Lysias, to bring them unto him.
[3] Wherefore, when he knew it,
he said, Let me not see their faces.
[4] So his host slew them. Now
when Demetrius was set upon the throne of his kingdom,
[5] There came unto him all the
wicked and ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high
priest, for their captain:
[6] And they accused the people
to the king, saying, Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and
driven us out of our own land.
[7] Now therefore send some man
whom thou trustest, and let him go and see what havock he hath made among us,
and in the king's land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.
[8] Then the king chose Bacchides,
a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the
kingdom, and faithful to the king,
[9] And him he sent with that
wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take
vengeance of the children of Israel.
[10] So they departed, and came
with a great power into the land of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas
and his brethren with peaceable words deceitfully.
[11] But they gave no heed to
their words; for they saw that they were come with a great power.
[12] Then did there assemble unto
Alcimus and Bacchides a company of scribes, to require justice.
[13] Now the Assideans were the
first among the children of Israel that sought peace of them:
[14] For said they, One that is a
priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this army, and he will do us no wrong.
[15] So he spake unto them,
peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, we will procure the harm neither of you
nor your friends.
[16] Whereupon they believed him:
howbeit he took of them threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to
the words which he wrote,
[17] The flesh of thy saints have
they cast out, and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there
was none to bury them.
[18] Wherefore the fear and dread
of them fell upon all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor
righteousness in them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that they
made.
[19] After this, removed
Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bezeth, where he sent and
took many of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and
when he had slain them, he cast them into the great pit.
[20] Then committed he the
country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aid him: so Bacchides went to
the king.
[21] But Alcimus contended for
the high priesthood.
[22] And unto him resorted all
such as troubled the people, who, after they had gotten the land of Juda into
their power, did much hurt in Israel.
[23] Now when Judas saw all the
mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above
the heathen,
[24] He went out into all the
coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them that had revolted from
him, so that they durst no more go forth into the country.
[25] On the other side, when
Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that
he was not able to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all
the worst of them that he could.
[26] Then the king sent Nicanor,
one of his honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with
commandment to destroy the people.
[27] So Nicanor came to Jerusalem
with a great force; and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with
friendly words, saying,
[28] Let there be no battle
between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see you in peace.
[29] He came therefore to Judas,
and they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to
take away Judas by violence.
[30] Which thing after it was
known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of
him, and would see his face no more.
[31] Nicanor also, when he saw
that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside
Capharsalama:
[32] Where there were slain of
Nicanor's side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of
David.
[33] After this went Nicanor up
to mount Sion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and
certain of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him
the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.
[34] But he mocked them, and
laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly,
[35] And sware in his wrath,
saying, Unless Judas and his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come
again in safety, I will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great
rage.
[36] Then the priests entered in,
and stood before the altar and the temple, weeping, and saying,
[37] Thou, O Lord, didst choose
this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition
for thy people:
[38] Be avenged of this man and
his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer
them not to continue any longer.
[39] So Nicanor went out of
Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met
him.
[40] But Judas pitched in Adasa
with three thousand men, and there he prayed, saying,
[41] O Lord, when they that were
sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote
an hundred fourscore and five thousand of them.
[42] Even so destroy thou this
host before us this day, that the rest may know that he hath spoken
blasphemously against thy sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his
wickedness.
[43] So the thirteenth day of the
month Adar the hosts joined battle: but Nicanor's host was discomfited, and he
himself was first slain in the battle.
[44] Now when Nicanor's host saw
that he was slain, they cast away their weapons, and fled.
[45] Then they pursued after them
a day's journey, from Adasa unto Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their
trumpets.
[46] Whereupon they came forth
out of all the towns of Judea round about, and closed them in; so that they,
turning back upon them that pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not
one of them was left.
[47] Afterwards they took the
spoils, and the prey, and smote off Nicanors head, and his right hand, which he
stretched out so proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up toward
Jerusalem.
[48] For this cause the people
rejoiced greatly, and they kept that day a day of great gladness.
[49] Moreover they ordained to
keep yearly this day, being the thirteenth of Adar.
[50] Thus the land of Juda was in
rest a little while.
CHAPTER
8
[1]
Now Judas had heard of the the Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men,
and such as would lovingly accept all that joined themselves unto them, and make
a league of amity with all that came unto them;
[2] And that they were men of
great valour. It was told him also of their wars and noble acts which they had
done among the Galatians, and how they had conquered them, and brought them
under tribute;
[3] And what they had done in the
country of Spain, for the winning of the mines of the silver and gold which is
there;
[4] And that by their policy and
patience they had conquered all the place, though it were very far from them;
and the kings also that came against them from the uttermost part of the earth,
till they had discomfited them, and given them a great overthrow, so that the
rest did give them tribute every year:
[5] Beside this, how they had
discomfited in battle Philip, and Perseus, king of the Citims, with others that
lifted up themselves against them, and had overcome them:
[6] How also Antiochus the great
king of Asia, that came against them in battle, having an hundred and twenty
elephants, with horsemen, and chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited
by them;
[7] And how they took him alive,
and covenanted that he and such as reigned after him should pay a great tribute,
and give hostages, and that which was agreed upon,
[8] And the country of India, and
Media and Lydia and of the goodliest countries, which they took of him, and gave
to king Eumenes:
[9] Moreover how the Grecians had
determined to come and destroy them;
[10] And that they, having
knowledge thereof sent against them a certain captain, and fighting with them
slew many of them, and carried away captives their wives and their children, and
spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled down their strong
holds, and brought them to be their servants unto this day:
[11] It was told him besides, how
they destroyed and brought under their dominion all other kingdoms and isles
that at any time resisted them;
[12] But with their friends and
such as relied upon them they kept amity: and that they had conquered kingdoms
both far and nigh, insomuch as all that heard of their name were afraid of them:
[13] Also that, whom they would
help to a kingdom, those reign; and whom again they would, they displace:
finally, that they were greatly exalted:
[14] Yet for all this none of
them wore a crown or was clothed in purple, to be magnified thereby:
[15] Moreover how they had made
for themselves a senate house, wherein three hundred and twenty men sat in
council daily, consulting alway for the people, to the end they might be well
ordered:
[16] And that they committed
their government to one man every year, who ruled over all their country, and
that all were obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor
emmulation among them.
[17] In consideration of these
things, Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the
son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy
with them,
[18] And to intreat them that
they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the
Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude.
[19] They went therefore to Rome,
which was a very great journey, and came into the senate, where they spake and
said.
[20] Judas Maccabeus with his
brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a
confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your
confederates and friends.
[21] So that matter pleased the
Romans well.
[22] And this is the copy of the
epistle which the senate wrote back again in tables of brass, and sent to
Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and
confederacy:
[23] Good success be to the
Romans, and to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever: the sword
also and enemy be far from them,
[24] If there come first any war
upon the Romans or any of their confederates throughout all their dominion,
[25] The people of the Jews shall
help them, as the time shall be appointed, with all their heart:
[26] Neither shall they give any
thing unto them that make war upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons,
money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep
their covenants without taking any thing therefore.
[27] In the same manner also, if
war come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all
their heart, according as the time shall be appointed them:
[28] Neither shall victuals be
given to them that take part against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it
hath seemed good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, and that
without deceit.
[29] According to these articles
did the Romans make a covenant with the people of the Jews.
[30] Howbeit if hereafter the one
party or the other shall think to meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do
it at their pleasures, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be
ratified.
[31] And as touching the evils
that Demetrius doeth to the Jews, we have written unto him, saying, Wherefore
thou made thy yoke heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?
[32] If therefore they complain
any more against thee, we will do them justice, and fight with thee by sea and
by land.
CHAPTER
9
[1]
Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host were slain in battle,
he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with
them the chief strength of his host:
[2] Who went forth by the way
that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in
Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people.
[3] Also the first month of the
hundred fifty and second year they encamped before Jerusalem:
[4] From whence they removed, and
went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.
[5] Now Judas had pitched his
tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen men with him:
[6] Who seeing the multitude of
the other army to he so great were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed
themselves out of the host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred
men.
[7] When Judas therefore saw that
his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled
in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.
[8] Nevertheless unto them that
remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we
may be able to fight with them.
[9] But they dehorted him,
saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter
we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.
[10] Then Judas said, God forbid
that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let
us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.
[11] With that the host of
Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against them, their
horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going
before the host and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.
[12] As for Bacchides, he was in
the right wing: so the host drew near on the two parts, and sounded their
trumpets.
[13] They also of Judas' side,
even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of
the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night.
[14] Now when Judas perceived
that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with
him all the hardy men,
[15] Who discomfited the right
wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus.
[16] But when they of the left
wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas
and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind:
[17] Whereupon there was a sore
battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts.
[18] Judas also was killed, and
the remnant fled.
[19] THen Jonathan and Simon took
Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.
[20] Moreover they bewailed him,
and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,
[21] How is the valiant man
fallen, that delivered Israel!
[22] As for the other things
concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his
greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.
[23] Now after the death of Judas
the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there
arose up all such as wrought iniquity.
[24] In those days also was there
a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them.
[25] Then Bacchides chose the
wicked men, and made them lords of the country.
[26] And they made enquiry and
search for Judas' friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance
of them, and used them despitefully.
[27] So was there a great
affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was
not seen among them.
[28] For this cause all Judas'
friends came together, and said unto Jonathan,
[29] Since thy brother Judas
died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides,
and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.
[30] Now therefore we have chosen
thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight
our battles.
[31] Upon this Jonathan took the
governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.
[32] But when Bacchides gat
knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him
[33] Then Jonathan, and Simon his
brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness
of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.
[34] Which when Bacchides
understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day.
[35] Now Jonathan had sent his
brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that
they might leave with them their carriage, which was much.
[36] But the children of Jambri
came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with
it.
[37] After this came word to
Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great
marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as
being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.
[38] Therefore they remembered
John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the
mountain:
[39] Where they lifted up their
eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the
bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums,
and instruments of musick, and many weapons.
[40] Then Jonathan and they that
were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and
made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant
fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.
[41] Thus was the marriage turned
into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation.
[42] So when they had avenged
fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.
[43] Now when Bacchides heard
hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.
[44] Then Jonathan said to his
company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us
to day, as in time past:
[45] For, behold, the battle is
before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the
marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.
[46] Wherefore cry ye now unto
heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies.
[47] With that they joined
battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned
back from him.
[48] Then Jonathan and they that
were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the
other passed not over Jordan unto them.
[49] So there were slain of
Bacchides' side that day about a thousand men.
[50] Afterward returned Bacchides
to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and
Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these
did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars.
[51] And in them he set a
garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel.
[52] He fortified also the city
Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of
victuals.
[53] Besides, he took the chief
men's sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem
to be kept.
[54] Moreover in the hundred
fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of
the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the
works of the prophets
[55] And as he began to pull
down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for
his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more
speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.
[56] So Alcimus died at that time
with great torment.
[57] Now when Bacchides saw that
Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in
rest two years.
[58] Then all the ungodly men
held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell
without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them
all in one night.
[59] So they went and consulted
with him.
[60] Then removed he, and came
with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they
should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not,
because their counsel was known unto them.
[61] Wherefore they took of the
men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and
slew them.
[62] Afterward Jonathan, and
Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the
wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.
[63] Which thing when Bacchides
knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of
Judea.
[64] Then went he and laid siege
against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season and made engines of
war.
[65] But Jonathan left his
brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a
certain number went he forth.
[66] And he smote Odonarkes and
his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent.
[67] And when he began to smite
them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city,
and burned up the engines of war,
[68] And fought against Bacchides,
who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and
travail was in vain.
[69] Wherefore he was very wroth
at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he
slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country.
[70] Whereof when Jonathan had
knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with
him, and deliver them the prisoners.
[71] Which thing he accepted, and
did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never do him harm
all the days of his life.
[72] When therefore he had
restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of
Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more
into their borders.
[73] Thus the sword ceased from
Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he
destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.
CHAPTER
10
[1]
In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed
Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means
whereof he reigned there,
[2] Now when king Demetrius heard
thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against
him to fight.
[3] Moreover Demetrius sent
letters unto Jonathan with loving words, so as he magnified him.
[4] For said he, Let us first
make peace with him, before he join with Alexander against us:
[5] Else he will remember all the
evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people.
[6] Wherefore he gave him
authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid
him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should
be delivered him.
[7] Then came Jonathan to
Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them
that were in the tower:
[8] Who were sore afraid, when
they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host.
[9] Whereupon they of the tower
delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their
parents.
[10] This done, Jonathan settled
himself in Jerusalem, and began to build and repair the city.
[11] And he commanded the workmen
to build the walls and the mount Sion and about with square stones for
fortification; and they did so.
[12] Then the strangers, that
were in the fortresses which Bacchides had built, fled away;
[13] Insomuch as every man left
his place, and went into his own country.
[14] Only at Bethsura certain of
those that had forsaken the law and the commandments remained still: for it was
their place of refuge.
[15] Now when king Alexander had
heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him
of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the
pains that they had endured,
[16] He said, Shall we find such
another man? now therefore we will make him our friend and confederate.
[17] Upon this he wrote a letter,
and sent it unto him, according to these words, saying,
[18] King Alexander to his
brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:
[19] We have heard of thee, that
thou art a man of great power, and meet to be our friend.
[20] Wherefore now this day we
ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's
friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and
require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us.
[21] So in the seventh month of
the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on
the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour.
[22] Whereof when Demetrius
heard, he was very sorry, and said,
[23] What have we done, that
Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?
[24] I also will write unto them
words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have
their aid.
[25] He sent unto them therefore
to this effect: King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:
[26] Whereas ye have kept
covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, not joining yourselves with
our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad.
[27] Wherefore now continue ye
still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for the things ye
do in our behalf,
[28] And will grant you many
immunities, and give you rewards.
[29] And now do I free you, and
for your sake I release all the Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of
salt, and from crown taxes,
[30] And from that which
appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part or the seed, and the half of
the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not
be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added
thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for
evermore.
[31] Let Jerusalem also be holy
and free, with the borders thereof, both from tenths and tributes.
[32] And as for the tower which
is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority over it, and give the high priest, that he
may set in it such men as he shall choose to keep it.
[33] Moreover I freely set at
liberty every one of the Jews, that were carried captives out of the land of
Judea into any part of my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the
tributes even of their cattle.
[34] Furthermore I will that all
the feasts, and sabbaths, and new moons, and solemn days, and the three days
before the feast, and the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity
and freedom for all the Jews in my realm.
[35] Also no man shall have
authority to meddle with or to molest any of them in any matter.
[36] I will further, that there
be enrolled among the king's forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto
whom pay shall be given, as belongeth to all king's forces.
[37] And of them some shall be
placed in the king's strong holds, of whom also some shall be set over the
affairs of the kingdom, which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and
governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the
king hath commanded in the land of Judea.
[38] And concerning the three
governments that are added to Judea from the country of Samaria, let them be
joined with Judea, that they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey
other authority than the high priest's.
[39] As for Ptolemais, and the
land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem
for the necessary expences of the sanctuary.
[40] Moreover I give every year
fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of the king's accounts from the places
appertaining.
[41] And all the overplus, which
the officers payed not in as in former time, from henceforth shall be given
toward the works of the temple.
[42] And beside this, the five
thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the uses of the temple out of
the accounts year by year, even those things shall be released, because they
appertain to the priests that minister.
[43] And whosoever they be that
flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be within the liberties hereof, being
indebted unto the king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all
that they have in my realm.
[44] For the building also and
repairing of the works of the sanctuary expences shall be given of the king's
accounts.
[45] Yea, and for the building of
the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, expences shall
be given out of the king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in
Judea.
[46] Now when Jonathan and the
people heard these words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received them,
because they remembered the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had
afflicted them very sore.
[47] But with Alexander they were
well pleased, because he was the first that entreated of true peace with them,
and they were confederate with him always.
[48] Then gathered king Alexander
great forces, and camped over against Demetrius.
[49] And after the two kings had
joined battle, Demetrius' host fled: but Alexander followed after him, and
prevailed against them.
[50] And he continued the battle
very sore until the sun went down: and that day was Demetrius slain.
[51] Afterward Alexander sent
ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt with a message to this effect:
[52] Forasmuch as I am come again
to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the
dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country;
[53] For after I had joined
battle with him, both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that we sit in
the throne of his kingdom:
[54] Now therefore let us make a
league of amity together, and give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be
thy son in law, and will give both thee and her as according to thy dignity.
[55] Then Ptolemee the king gave
answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the land of thy
fathers, and satest in the throne of their kingdom.
[56] And now will I do to thee,
as thou hast written: meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one
another; for I will marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.
[57] So Ptolemee went out of
Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred
threescore and second year:
[58] Where king Alexander meeting
him, he gave unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at
Ptolemais with great glory, as the manner of kings is.
[59] Now king Alexander had
written unto Jonathan, that he should come and meet him.
[60] Who thereupon went
honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two kings, and gave them and their
friends silver and gold, and many presents, and found favour in their sight.
[61] At that time certain
pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked life, assembled themselves against
him, to accuse him: but the king would not hear them.
[62] Yea more than that, the king
commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.
[63] And he made him sit by
himself, and said into his princes, Go with him into the midst of the city, and
make proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no
man trouble him for any manner of cause.
[64] Now when his accusers saw
that he was honored according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they
fled all away.
[65] So the king honoured him,
and wrote him among his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his
dominion.
[66] Afterward Jonathan returned
to Jerusalem with peace and gladness.
[67] Furthermore in the; hundred
threescore and fifth year came Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the
land of his fathers:
[68] Whereof when king Alexander
heard tell, he was right sorry, and returned into Antioch.
[69] Then Demetrius made
Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, who gathered together a great
host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,
[70] Thou alone liftest up
thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and
why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the mountains?
[71] Now therefore, if thou
trustest in thine own strength, come down to us into the plain field, and there
let us try the matter together: for with me is the power of the cities.
[72] Ask and learn who I am, and
the rest that take our part, and they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able
to to flight in their own land.
[73] Wherefore now thou shalt not
be able to abide the horsemen and so great a power in the plain, where is
neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto.
[74] So when Jonathan heard these
words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he
went out of Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.
[75] And he pitched his tents
against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut him out of the city, because Apollonius
had a garrison there.
[76] Then Jonathan laid siege
unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won
Joppa.
[77] Whereof when Apollonius
heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went
to Azotus as one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain.
because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust.
[78] Then Jonathan followed after
him to Azotus, where the armies joined battle.
[79] Now Apollonius had left a
thousand horsemen in ambush.
[80] And Jonathan knew that there
was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts
at the people, from morning till evening.
[81] But the people stood still,
as Jonathan had commanded them: and so the enemies' horses were tired.
[82] Then brought Simon forth his
host, and set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were
discomfited by him, and fled.
[83] The horsemen also, being
scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's
temple, for safety.
[84] But Jonathan set fire on
Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of
Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burned with fire.
[85] Thus there were burned and
slain with the sword well nigh eight thousand men.
[86] And from thence Jonathan
removed his host, and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the city came
forth, and met him with great pomp.
[87] After this returned Jonathan
and his host unto Jerusalem, having any spoils.
[88] Now when king ALexander
heard these things, he honoured Jonathan yet more.
[89] And sent him a buckle of
gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king's blood: he gave him
also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession.
CHAPTER
11
[1]
And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth
upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get
Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own.
[2] Whereupon he took his journey
into Spain in peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and
met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his
brother in law.
[3] Now as Ptolemee entered into
the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.
[4] And when he came near to
Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the
suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and
them that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way
where he should pass.
[5] Also they told the king
whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king
held his peace.
[6] Then Jonathan met the king
with great pomp at Joppa, where they saluted one another, and lodged.
[7] Afterward Jonathan, when he
had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to
Jerusalem.
[8] King Ptolemee therefore,
having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea
coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander.
[9] Whereupon he sent ambasadors
unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will
give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father's
kingdom:
[10] For I repent that I gave my
daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me.
[11] Thus did he slander him,
because he was desirous of his kingdom.
[12] Wherefore he took his
daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that
their hatred was openly known.
[13] Then Ptolemee entered into
Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
[14] In the mean season was king
Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from
him.
[15] But when Alexander heard of
this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his
host, and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight.
[16] So Alexander fled into
Arabia there to be defended; but king Ptolemee was exalted:
[17] For Zabdiel the Arabian took
off Alexander's head, and sent it unto Ptolemee.
[18] King Ptolemee also died the
third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of
another.
[19] By this means Demetrius
reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year.
[20] At the same time Jonathan
gathered together them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in
Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.
[21] Then came ungodly persons,
who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan
besieged the tower,
[22] Whereof when he heard, he
was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto
Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him
at Ptolemais in great haste.
[23] Nevertheless Jonathan, when
he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders
of Israel and the priests, and put himself in peril;
[24] And took silver and gold,
and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king,
where he found favour in his sight.
[25] And though certain ungodly
men of the people had made complaints against him,
[26] Yet the king entreated him
as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his
friends,
[27] And confirmed him in the
high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him
preeminence among his chief friends.
[28] Then Jonathan desired the
king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments,
with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.
[29] So the king consented, and
wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner:
[30] King Demetrius unto his
brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
[31] We send you here a copy of
the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye
might see it.
[32] King Demetrius unto his
father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:
[33] We are determined to do good
to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us,
because of their good will toward us.
[34] Wherefore we have ratified
unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda
and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all
things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem,
instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of
the fruits of the earth and of trees.
[35] And as for other things that
belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the
saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them
all for their relief.
[36] And nothing hereof shall be
revoked from this time forth for ever.
[37] Now therefore see that thou
make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon
the holy mount in a conspicuous place.
[38] After this, when king
Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was
made against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to his own place,
except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the
heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
[39] Moreover there was one
Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's part afore, who, seeing that all the host
murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up
Antiochus the young son of Alexander,
[40] And lay sore upon him to
deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father's stead: he
told him therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at
enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.
[41] In the mean time Jonathan
sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of
Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.
[42] So Demetrius sent unto
Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will
greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.
[43] Now therefore thou shalt do
well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.
[44] Upon this Jonathan sent him
three thousand strong men unto Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king
was very glad of their coming.
[45] Howbeit they that were of
the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number
of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.
[46] Wherefore the king fled into
the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to
fight.
[47] Then the king called to the
Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and dispersing themselves through
the city slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.
[48] Also they set fire on the
city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king.
[49] So when they of the city saw
that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated:
wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying,
[50] Grant us peace, and let the
Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.
[51] With that they cast away
their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the
king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to
Jerusalem, having great spoils.
[52] So king Demetrius sat on the
throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him.
[53] Nevertheless he dissembled
in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded
he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him
very sore.
[54] After this returned Tryphon,
and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.
[55] Then there gathered unto him
all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against
Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.
[56] Moreover Tryphon took the
elephants, and won Antioch.
[57] At that time young Antiochus
wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint
thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.
[58] Upon this he sent him golden
vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed
in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.
[59] His brother Simon also he
made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of
Egypt.
[60] Then Jonathan went forth,
and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria
gathered themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they
of the city met him honourably.
[61] From whence he went to Gaza,
but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the
suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.
[62] Afterward, when they of Gaza
made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of
their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the
country unto Damascus.
[63] Now when Jonathan heard that
Demetrius' princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power,
purposing to remove him out of the country,
[64] He went to meet them, and
left Simon his brother in the country.
[65] Then Simon encamped against
Bethsura and fought against it a long season, and shut it up:
[66] But they desired to have
peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and
took the city, and set a garrison in it.
[67] As for Jonathan and his
host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning
they gat them to the plain of Nasor.
[68] And, behold, the host of
strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the
mountains, came themselves over against him.
[69] So when they that lay in
ambush rose out of their places and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's
side fled;
[70] Insomuch as there was not
one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of
Calphi, the captains of the host.
[71] Then Jonathan rent his
clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.
[72] Afterwards turning again to
battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.
[73] Now when his own men that
were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to
Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they camped.
[74] So there were slain of the
heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
CHAPTER
12
[1]
Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them
to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.
[2] He sent letters also to the
Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.
[3] So they went unto Rome, and
entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of
the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye
had with them, and league, as in former time.
[4] Upon this the Romans gave
them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into
the land of Judea peaceably.
[5] And this is the copy of the
letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:
[6] Jonathan the high priest, and
the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the
Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:
[7] There were letters sent in
times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you,
to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
[8] At which time Onias entreated
the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein
declaration was made of the league and friendship.
[9] Therefore we also, albeit we
need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands
to comfort us,
[10] Have nevertheless attempted
to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should
become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye
sent unto us.
[11] We therefore at all times
without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you
in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it
becometh us to think upon our brethren:
[12] And we are right glad of
your honour.
[13] As for ourselves, we have
had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round
about us have fought against us.
[14] Howbeit we would not be
troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these
wars:
[15] For we have help from heaven
that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are
brought under foot.
[16] For this cause we chose
Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto
the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.
[17] We commanded them also to go
unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing
of our brotherhood.
[18] Wherefore now ye shall do
well to give us an answer thereto.
[19] And this is the copy of the
letters which Oniares sent.
[20] Areus king of the
Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:
[21] It is found in writing, that
the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of
Abraham:
[22] Now therefore, since this is
come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.
[23] We do write back again to
you, that your cattle and goods are our's, and our's are your's We do command
therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.
[24] Now when Jonathan heard that
Demebius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,
[25] He removed from Jerusalem,
and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his
country.
[26] He sent spies also unto
their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon
them in the night season.
[27] Wherefore so soon as the sun
was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the
night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth centinels round
about the host.
[28] But when the adversaries
heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled
in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.
[29] Howbeit Jonathan and his
company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.
[30] Then Jonathan pursued after
them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.
[31] Wherefore Jonathan turned to
the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.
[32] And removing thence, he came
to Damascus, and so passed through all the country,
[33] Simon also went forth, and
passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from
whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.
[34] For he had heard that they
would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius' part; wherefore he set a
garrison there to keep it.
[35] After this came Jonathan
home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with
them about building strong holds in Judea,
[36] And making the walls of
Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for
to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither
sell nor buy in it.
[37] Upon this they came together
to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east
side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.
[38] Simon also set up Adida in
Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.
[39] Now Tryphon went about to
get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the
crown upon his own head.
[40] Howbeit he was afraid that
Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he
sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and
came to Bethsan.
[41] Then Jonathan went out to
meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.
[42] Now when Tryphon saw
Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;
[43] But received him honourably,
and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his
men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.
[44] Unto Jonathan also he said,
Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no
war betwixt us?
[45] Therefore send them now home
again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais,
for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all
that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause
of my coming.
[46] So Jonathan believing him
did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.
[47] And with himself he retained
but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one
thousand went with him.
[48] Now as soon as Jonathan
entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all
them that came with him they slew with the sword.
[49] Then sent Tryphon an host of
footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all
Jonathan's company.
[50] But when they knew that
Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one
another; and went close together, prepared to fight.
[51] They therefore that followed
upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back
again.
[52] Whereupon they all came into
the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that
were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great
lamentation.
[53] Then all the heathen that
were round about then sought to destroy them: for said they, They have no
captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take
away their memorial from among men.
CHAPTER
13
[1]
Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade
the land of Judea, and destroy it,
[2] And saw that the people was
in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people
together,
[3] And gave them exhortation,
saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father's
house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles
which we have seen.
[4] By reason whereof all my
brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.
[5] Now therefore be it far from
me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better
than my brethren.
[6] Doubtless I will avenge my
nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen
are gathered to destroy us of very malice.
[7] Now as soon as the people
heard these words, their spirit revived.
[8] And they answered with a loud
voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy
brother.
[9] Fight thou our battles, and
whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.
[10] So then he gathered together
all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he
fortified it round about.
[11] Also he sent Jonathan the
son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that
were therein remained there in it.
[12] So Tryphon removed from
Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with
him in ward.
[13] But Simon pitched his tents
at Adida, over against the plain.
[14] Now when Tryphon knew that
Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle
with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,
[15] Whereas we have Jonathan thy
brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king's treasure,
concerning the business that was committed unto him.
[16] Wherefore now send an
hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at
liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.
[17] Hereupon Simon, albeit he
perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the
children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the
people:
[18] Who might have said, Because
I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.
[19] So he sent them the children
and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let
Jonathan go.
[20] And after this came Tryphon
to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth
unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place,
wheresoever he went.
[21] Now they that were in the
tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming
unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals.
[22] Wherefore Tryphon made ready
all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason
whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.
[23] And when he came near to
Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there.
[24] Afterward Tryphon returned
and went into his own land.
[25] Then sent Simon, and took
the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his
fathers.
[26] And all Israel made great
lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days.
[27] Simon also built a monument
upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the
sight, with hewn stone behind and before.
[28] Moreover he set up seven
pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four
brethren.
[29] And in these he made cunning
devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all
their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they
might be seen of all that sail on the sea.
[30] This is the sepulchre which
he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day.
[31] Now Tryphon dealt
deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him.
[32] And he reigned in his stead,
and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.
[33] Then Simon built up the
strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls,
and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein.
[34] Moreover Simon chose men,
and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity,
because all that Tryphon did was to spoil.
[35] Unto whom king Demetrius
answered and wrote after this manner:
[36] King Demetrius unto Simon
the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the
Jews, sendeth greeting:
[37] The golden crown, and the
scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make
a stedfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the
immunities which we have granted.
[38] And whatsoever covenants we
have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded,
shall be your own.
[39] As for any oversight or
fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye
owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more
be paid.
[40] And look who are meet among
you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.
[41] Thus the yoke of the heathen
was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year.
[42] Then the people of Israel
began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon
the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.
[43] In those days Simon camped
against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set
it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it.
[44] And they that were in the
engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:
[45] Insomuch as the people of
the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and
children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.
[46] And they said, Deal not with
us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy.
[47] So Simon was appeased toward
them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and
cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs
and thanksgiving.
[48] Yea, he put all uncleanness
out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger
than it was before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself.
[49] They also of the tower in
Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into
the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want
of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.
[50] Then cried they to Simon,
beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he
had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:
[51] And entered into it the
three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first
year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and
cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a
great enemy out of Israel.
[52] He ordained also that that
day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple
that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself
with his company.
[53] And when Simon saw that John
his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in
Gazera.
CHAPTER
14
[1]
Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius gathered his
forces together, and went into Media to get him help to fight against Tryphone.
[2] But when Arsaces, the king of
Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent
one of his princes to take him alive:
[3] Who went and smote the host
of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in
ward.
[4] As for the land of Judea,
that was quiet all the days of Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in
such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.
[5] And as he was honourable in
all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance
to the isles of the sea,
[6] And enlarged the bounds of
his nation, and recovered the country,
[7] And gathered together a great
number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower,
out of the which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that resisted
him.
[8] Then did they till their
ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field
their fruit.
[9] The ancient men sat all in
the streets, communing together of good things, and the young men put on
glorious and warlike apparel.
[10] He provided victuals for the
cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was
renowned unto the end of the world.
[11] He made peace in the land,
and Israel rejoiced with great joy:
[12] For every man sat under his
vine and his fig tree, and there was none to fray them:
[13] Neither was there any left
in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in
those days.
[14] Moreover he strengthened all
those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every
contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.
[15] He beautified the sanctuary,
and multiplied vessels of the temple.
[16] Now when it was heard at
Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
[17] But as soon as they heard
that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country,
and the cities therein:
[18] They wrote unto him in
tables of brass, to renew the friendship and league which they had made with
Judas and Jonathan his brethren:
[19] Which writings were read
before the congregation at Jerusalem.
[20] And this is the copy of the
letters that the Lacedemonians sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the
city, unto Simon the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of
the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:
[21] The ambassadors that were
sent unto our people certified us of your glory and honour: wherefore we were
glad of their coming,
[22] And did register the things
that they spake in the council of the people in this manner; Numenius son of
Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to
renew the friendship they had with us.
[23] And it pleased the people to
entertain the men honourably, and to put the copy of their ambassage in publick
records, to the end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial
thereof: furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon the high priest.
[24] After this Simon sent
Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight to
confirm the league with them.
[25] Whereof when the people
heard, they said, What thanks shall we give to Simon and his sons?
[26] For he and his brethren and
the house of his father have established Israel, and chased away in fight their
enemies from them, and confirmed their liberty.
[27] So then they wrote it in
tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy
of the writing; The eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore
and twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high priest,
[28] At Saramel in the great
congregation of the priests, and people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of
the country, were these things notified unto us.
[29] Forasmuch as oftentimes
there have been wars in the country, wherein for the maintenance of their
sanctuary, and the law, Simon the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib,
together with his brethren, put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the
enemies of their nation did their nation great honour:
[30] (For after that Jonathan,
having gathered his nation together, and been their high priest, was added to
his people,
[31] Their enemies prepared to
invade their country, that they might destroy it, and lay hands on the
sanctuary:
[32] At which time Simon rose up,
and fought for his nation, and spent much of his own substance, and armed the
valiant men of his nation and gave them wages,
[33] And fortified the cities of
Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the
armour of the enemies had been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there:
[34] Moreover he fortified Joppa,
which lieth upon the sea, and Gazera, that bordereth upon Azotus, where the
enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all
things convenient for the reparation thereof.)
[35] The people therefore sang
the acts of Simon, and unto what glory he thought to bring his nation, made him
their governor and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for
the justice and faith which he kept to his nation, and for that he sought by all
means to exalt his people.
[36] For in his time things
prospered in his hands, so that the heathen were taken out of their country, and
they also that were in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a
tower, out of which they issued, and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did
much hurt in the holy place:
[37] But he placed Jews therein.
and fortified it for the safety of the country and the city, and raised up the
walls of Jerusalem.
[38] King Demetrius also
confirmed him in the high priesthood according to those things,
[39] And made him one of his
friends, and honoured him with great honour.
[40] For he had heard say, that
the Romans had called the Jews their friends and confederates and brethren; and
that they had entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably;
[41] Also that the Jews and
priests were well pleased that Simon should be their governor and high priest
for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet;
[42] Moreover that he should be
their captain, and should take charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their
works, and over the country, and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that,
I say, he should take charge of the sanctuary;
[43] Beside this, that he should
be obeyed of every man, and that all the writings in the country should be made
in his name, and that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold:
[44] Also that it should be
lawful for none of the people or priests to break any of these things, or to
gainsay his words, or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be
clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;
[45] And whosoever should do
otherwise, or break any of these things, he should be punished.
[46] Thus it liked all the people
to deal with Simon, and to do as hath been said.
[47] Then Simon accepted hereof,
and was well pleased to be high priest, and captain and governor of the Jews and
priests, and to defend them all.
[48] So they commanded that this
writing should be put in tables of brass, and that they should be set up within
the compass of the sanctuary in a conspicuous place;
[49] Also that the copies thereof
should be laid up in the treasury, to the end that Simon and his sons might have
them.
CHAPTER
15
[1]
Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the isles of the
sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people;
[2] The contents whereof were
these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his nation, and to
the people of the Jews, greeting:
[3] Forasmuch as certain
pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our fathers, and my purpose is to
challenge it again, that I may restore it to the old estate, and to that end
have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of
war;
[4] My meaning also being to go
through the country, that I may be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and
made many cities in the kingdom desolate:
[5] Now therefore I confirm unto
thee all the oblations which the kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever
gifts besides they granted.
[6] I give thee leave also to
coin money for thy country with thine own stamp.
[7] And as concerning Jerusalem
and the sanctuary, let them be free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and
fortresses that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them remain
unto thee.
[8] And if anything be, or shall
be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth for
evermore.
[9] Furthermore, when we have
obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with
great honour, so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.
[10] In the hundred threescore
and fourteenth year went Antiochus into the land of his fathers: at which time
all the forces came together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.
[11] Wherefore being pursued by
king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which lieth by the sea side:
[12] For he saw that troubles
came upon him all at once, and that his forces had forsaken him.
[13] Then camped Antiochus
against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and
eight thousand horsemen.
[14] And when he had compassed
the city round about, and joined ships close to the town on the sea side, he
vexed the city by land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.
[15] In the mean season came
Numenius and his company from Rome, having letters to the kings and countries;
wherein were written these things:
[16] Lucius, consul of the Romans
unto king Ptolemee, greeting:
[17] The Jews' ambassadors, our
friends and confederates, came unto us to renew the old friendship and league,
being sent from Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews:
[18] And they brought a shield of
gold of a thousand pound.
[19] We thought it good therefore
to write unto the kings and countries, that they should do them no harm, nor
fight against them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies
against them.
[20] It seemed also good to us to
receive the shield of them.
[21] If therefore there be any
pestilent fellows, that have fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto
Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.
[22] The same things wrote he
likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,
[23] And to all the countries and
to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and
Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and
Aradus, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and
Cyrene.
[24] And the copy hereof they
wrote to Simon the high priest.
[25] So Antiochus the king camped
against Dora the second day, assaulting it continually, and making engines, by
which means he shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.
[26] At that time Simon sent him
two thousand chosen men to aid him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.
[27] Nevertheless he would not
receive them, but brake all the covenants which he had made with him afore, and
became strange unto him.
[28] Furthermore he sent unto him
Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa
and Gazera; with the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.
[29] The borders thereof ye have
wasted, and done great hurt in the land, and got the dominion of many places
within my kingdom.
[30] Now therefore deliver the
cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of the places, whereof ye have
gotten dominion without the borders of Judea:
[31] Or else give me for them
five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm that ye have done, and the
tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and
fight against you
[32] So Athenobius the king's
friend came to Jerusalem: and when he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard
of gold and silver plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told
him the king's message.
[33] Then answered Simon, and
said unto him, We have neither taken other men's land, nor holden that which
appertaineth to others, but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies
had wrongfully in possession a certain time.
[34] Wherefore we, having
opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers.
[35] And whereas thou demandest
Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did great harm unto the people in our country, yet
will we give thee an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him
not a word;
[36] But returned in a rage to
the king, and made report unto him of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon,
and of all that he had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.
[37] In the mean time fled
Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.
[38] Then the king made Cendebeus
captain of the sea coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,
[39] And commanded him to remove
his host toward Judea; also he commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify
the gates, and to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he
pursued Tryphon.
[40] So Cendebeus came to Jamnia
and began to provoke the people and to invade Judea, and to take the people
prisoners, and slay them.
[41] And when he had built up
Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an host of footmen, to the end that issuing
out they might make outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded
him.
CHAPTER
16
[1]
Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what Cendebeus had
done.
[2] Wherefore Simon called his
two eldest sons, Judas and John, and said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my
father's house, have ever from my youth unto this day fought against the enemies
of Israel; and things have prospered so well in our hands, that we have
delivered Israel oftentimes.
[3] But now I am old, and ye, by
God's mercy, are of a sufficient age: be ye instead of me and my brother, and go
and fight for our nation, and the help from heaven be with you.
[4] So he chose out of the
country twenty thousand men of war with horsemen, who went out against Cendebeus,
and rested that night at Modin.
[5] And when as they rose in the
morning, and went into the plain, behold, a mighty great host both of footmen
and horsemen came against them: howbeit there was a water brook betwixt them.
[6] So he and his people pitched
over against them: and when he saw that the people were afraid to go over the
water brook, he went first over himself, and then the men seeing him passed
through after him.
[7] That done, he divided his
men, and set the horsemen in the midst of the footmen: for the enemies' horsemen
were very many.
[8] Then sounded they with the
holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus and his host were put to flight, so that many
of them were slain, and the remnant gat them to the strong hold.
[9] At that time was Judas John's
brother wounded; but John still followed after them, until he came to Cedron,
which Cendebeus had built.
[10] So they fled even unto the
towers in the fields of Azotus; wherefore he burned it with fire: so that there
were slain of them about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land
of Judea in peace.
[11] Moreover in the plain of
Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of Abubus made captain, and he had abundance of
silver and gold:
[12] For he was the high priest's
son in law.
[13] Wherefore his heart being
lifted up, he thought to get the country to himself, and thereupon consulted
deceitfully against Simon and his sons to destroy them.
[14] Now Simon was visiting the
cities that were in the country, and taking care for the good ordering of them;
at which time he came down himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and
Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the eleventh month,
called Sabat:
[15] Where the son of Abubus
receiving them deceitfully into a little hold, called Docus, which he had built,
made them a great banquet: howbeit he had hid men there.
[16] So when Simon and his sons
had drunk largely, Ptolemee and his men rose up, and took their weapons, and
came upon Simon into the banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and
certain of his servants.
[17] In which doing he committed
a great treachery, and recompensed evil for good.
[18] Then Ptolemee wrote these
things, and sent to the king, that he should send him an host to aid him, and he
would deliver him the country and cities.
[19] He sent others also to
Gazera to kill John: and unto the tribunes he sent letters to come unto him,
that he might give them silver, and gold, and rewards.
[20] And others he sent to take
Jerusalem, and the mountain of the temple.
[21] Now one had run afore to
Gazera and told John that his father and brethren were slain, and, quoth he,
Ptolemee hath sent to slay thee also.
[22] Hereof when he heard, he was
sore astonished: so he laid hands on them that were come to destroy him, and
slew them; for he knew that they sought to make him away.
[23] As concerning the rest of
the acts of John, and his wars, and worthy deeds which he did, and the building
of the walls which he made, and his doings,
[24] Behold, these are written in
the chronicles of his priesthood, from the time he was made high priest after
his father.
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