[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.
[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.