THE HOLY
BIBLE
Douay-Rheims Version
THE FIRST BOOK OF MACHABEES
| Chapter 1 |
Chapter 2 |
Chapter 3 |
Chapter 4 |
Chapter 5 |
| Chapter 6 |
Chapter 7 |
Chapter 8 |
Chapter 9 |
Chapter 10 |
| Chapter 11 |
Chapter 12 |
Chapter 13 |
Chapter 14 |
Chapter 15 |
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 1
1 To the brethren the Jews that are I throughout Egypt, the
brethren, the Jews that are in Jerusalem, and in the land of
Judea, send health, and good peace.
2 May God be gracious to you, and remember his covenant that he
made with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful
servants:
3 And give you all a heart to worship him, and to do his will
with a great heart, and a willing mind.
4 May he open your heart in his law, and in his commandments,
and send you peace.
5 May he hear your prayers, and be reconciled unto you, and
never forsake you in the evil time.
6 And now here we are praying for you.
7 When Demetrius reigned, in the year one hundred and
sixty-nine, we Jews wrote to you, in the trouble, and
violence, that came upon us in those years, after Jason
withdrew himself from the holy land, and from the kingdom.
8 They burnt the gate, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed
to the Lord, and were heard, and we offered sacrifices, and
fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the leaves.
9 And now celebrate ye the days of Scenopegia in the month of
Casleu.
10 In the year one hundred and eighty- eight, the people that is
at Jerusalem, and in Judea, and the senate, and Judas, to
Aristobolus, the preceptor of king Ptolemee, who is of the
stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that are in
Egypt, health and welfare.
11 Having been delivered by God out of great dangers, we give him
great thanks, forasmuch as we have been in war with such a
king.
12 For he made numbers of men swarm out of Persia that have
fought against us, and the holy city.
13 For when the leader himself was in Persia, and with him a very
great army, he fell in the temple of Nanea, being deceived by
the counsel of the priests of Nanea.
14 For Antiochus, with his friends, came to the place as though
he would marry her, and that he might receive great sums of
money under the title of a dowry.
15 And when the priests of Nanea had set it forth, and he with a
small company had entered into the compass of the temple, they
shut the temple,
16 When Antiochus was came in: and opening a secret entrance of
the temple, they cast stones and slew the leader, and them
that were with him, and hewed them in pieces, and cutting off
their heads they threw them forth.
17 Blessed be God in all things, who hath delivered up the
wicked.
18 Therefore whereas we purpose to keep the purification of the
temple on the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu,
we thought it necessary to signify it to you: that you also
may keep the day of Scenopegia, and the day of the fire, that
was given when Nehemias offered sacrifice, after the temple
and the altar was built.
19 For when our fathers were led in Persia, the priests that then
were worshippers of God took privately the fire from the
altar, and hid it in a valley where there was a deep pit
without water, and there they kept it safe,
90 that the place was unknown to all men.
20 But when many years had passed, and it pleased God that
Nehemias should be sent by the king of Persia, he sent some of
the posterity of those priests that had hid it, to seek for
the fire: and as they told us, they found no fire, but thick
water.
21 Then he bade them draw it up, and bring it to him: and the
priest Nehemias commanded the sacrifices that were laid on, to
be sprinkled with the same water, both the wood, and the
things that were laid upon it.
22 And when this was done, and the time came that the sun shone
out, which before was in a cloud, there was a great fire
kindled, so that all wondered.
23 And all the priests made prayer, while the sacrifice was
consuming, Jonathan beginning, and the rest answering.
24 And the prayer of Nehemias was after this manner: O Lord God,
Creator of all things, dreadful and strong, just and merciful,
who alone art the goad king,
25 Who alone art gracious, who alone art just, and almighty, and
eternal, who deliverest Israel from all evil, who didst choose
the fathers and didst sanctify them :
26 Receive the sacrifice for all thy people Israel, and preserve
thy own portion, and sanctify it.
27 Gather together our scattered people, deliver them that are
slaves to the Gentiles, and look upon them that are despised
and abhorred: that the Gentiles may know that thou art our
God.
28 Punish them that oppress us, and that treat us injuriously
with pride.
29 Establish thy people in thy holy place, as Moses hath spoken.
30 And the priests sung hymns till the sacrifice was consumed.
31 And when the sacrifice was consumed, Nehemias commanded the
water that was left to be poured out upon the great stones.
32 Which being done, there -was kindled a dame from them: but it
was consumed by the light that shined from the altar.
33 And when this matter became public, it was told to the king of
Persia, that in the place where the priests that were led
away, had hid the fire, there appeared water, with which
Nehemias and they that were with him had purified the
sacrifices.
34 And the king considering, and diligently examining the matter,
made a temple for it, that he might prove what had happened.
35 And when he had proved it, he gave the priests many goods, and
divers presents, and he took end distributed them to them with
his own hand.
36 And Nehemias called this place Nephthar, which is interpreted
purification. But many call it Nephi.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 2
1 Now it is found in the descriptions of Jeremias the prophet,
that he commanded them that went into captivity, to take the
fire, as it hath been signified, and how he gave charge to
them that were carried away into captivity.
2 And how he gave them the law that they should not forget the
commandments of the Lord, and that they should not err in
their minds, seeing the idols of gold, and silver, and the
ornaments of them.
3 And with other such like speeches, he exhorted them that they
would not remove the law from their heart.
4 It was also contained in the same writing, how the prophet,
being warned by God, commanded that the tabernacle and the ark
should accompany him, till he came forth to the mountain "
where Moses went up, and saw the inheritance of God.
5 And when Jeremias came thither he found a hollow cave: and he
carried in thither the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar
of incense, and so stopped the door.
6 Then some of them that followed him, came up to mark the
place: but they could not And it.
7 And when Jeremias perceived it, he blamed them, saying: The
place shall be unknown, till God gather together the
congregation of the people, and receive them to mercy.
8 And then the Lord will shew these things, and the majesty of
the Lord shall appear, and there shall be a cloud as it was
also shewed to Moses, "and he shewed it when Solomon prayed
that the place might be sanctified to the great God.
9 For he treated wisdom in a magnificent manner: and like a wise
man, he offered the sacrifice of the dedication, and of the
finishing of the temple.
10 And as Moses prayed to the Lord and fire came down from
heaven, and consumed the holocaust: so Solomon also prayed,
and fire came down from heaven and consumed the holocaust.
11 And Moses said: Because the sin offering was not eaten, it was
consumed.
12 So Solomon also celebrated the dedication eight days.
13 And these same things were set down in the memoirs and
commentaries of Nehemias: and how he made a library, and
gathered together out of the countries, the books both of the
prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings. and
concerning the holy gifts.
14 And in like manner Judas also gathered together all such
things as were lost by the war we had, and they are in our
possession.
15 Wherefore if you want these things, send some that may fetch
them to you.
16 As we are then about to celebrate the purification, we have
written unto you: and you shall do well, if you keep the same
days.
17 And we hope that God who hath delivered his people, and hath
rendered to all the inheritance, and the kingdom, and the
priesthood, and the sanctuary,
18 As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us,
and will gather us together from every land under heaven into
the holy place.
19 For he hath delivered us out of great perils, and hath
cleansed the place.
20 Now as concerning Judas Machabeus. and his brethren, and the
purification of the great temple, and the dedication o the
altar:
21 As also the wars against Antioch the Illustrious, and his son
Eupator:
22 And the manifestations that from heaven to them, that behaved
themselves manfully on the behalf of the Jews, so that, being
but a few, they made themselves masters of the whole country,
and put to flight; the barbarous multitude :
23 And recovered again the most renowned temple in all the world,
and delivered the city, and restored the laws that were
abolished, the Lord with all clemency shewing mercy to them.
24 And all such things as have been comprised in five books by
Jason of Cyrene, we have attempted to abridge in one book.
25 For considering the multitude of books, and the difficulty
that they find that desire to undertake the narrations of
histories, because of the multitude of the matter,
26 We have taken care for those indeed that are willing to read,
that it might be a pleasure of mind: and for the studious,
that they may more easily commit to memory: and that all that
read might receive profit.
27 And as to ourselves indeed, in under- taking this work of
abridging, we have taken in hand no easy task, yea rather a
business full of watching and sweat.
28 But as they that prepare a feast, and seek to satisfy the will
of others: for the sake of many, we willingly undergo the
labour.
29 Leaving to the authors the exact handling of every particular,
and as for ourselves, according to the plan pro- posed,
studying to be brief.
30 For as the master builder of a new house must have care of the
whole building: but he that taketh care to paint it, must seek
out fit things for the adorning of it: so must it be judged
for us.
31 For to collect all that is to be known, to put the discourse
in order, and curiously to discuss every particular point, is
the duty of the author of a history:
32 But to pursue brevity of speech, and to avoid nice
declarations of things, is to be granted to him that maketh an
abridgment.
33 Here then we will begin the narration: let this be enough by
way of a preface: for it is a foolish thing to make a long
prologue, and to be short in the story itself.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 3
1 Therefore when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and
the laws as yet were very well kept, because of the godliness
of Onias the high priest, and the hatred his soul had of evil,
2 It came to pass that even the kings themselves, and the
princes esteemed the place worthy of the highest honour, and
glorified the temple with very great gifts:
3 So that Seleucus king of Asia allowed out of his revenues all
the charges be- longing to the ministry of the sacrifices.
4 But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was appointed
overseer of the temple, strove in opposition to the high
priest, to bring about some unjust thing in the city.
5 And when he could not overcome Onias he went to Apollonius the
son of Tharseas, who at that time was governor of Celesyria
and Phenicia:
6 And told him, that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of
immense sums of money, and the common store was infinite,
which did not belong to the account of the sacrifices: and
that it was possible to bring all into the king's hands.
7 Now when Apollonius had given the king notice concerning the
money that he was told of, he called for Heliodorus, who had
the charge over his affairs, and sent him with commission to
bring him the foresaid money.
8 So Heliodorus forthwith began his journey, under a colour of
visiting the cities of Celesyria and Phenicia, but in- deed to
fulfil the king's purpose.
9 And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously
received in the city by the high priest, he told him what
information had been given concerning the money: and declared
the cause for which he was come: and asked if these things
were so indeed.
10 Then the high priest told him that these were sums deposited,
and provisions for the subsistence of the widows and the
fatherless.
11 And that some part of that which wicked Simon had given
intelligence of, belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of
great dignity: and that the whole was four hundred talents of
silver, and two hundred of gold:
12 But that to deceive them who had trusted to the place and
temple which is honoured throughout the whole world, for the
reverence and holiness of it, was a thing which could not by
any means be done.
13 But he, by reason of the orders he had received from the king,
said that by all means the money must be carried to the king.
14 So on the day he had appointed, Heliodorus entered in to order
this matter. But there was no small terror throughout the
whole city.
15 And the priests prostrated themselves before the altar in
their priests' vestments, and called upon him from heaven, who
made the law concerning things given to be kept, that he would
preserve them safe, for them that had deposited them.
16 Now whosoever saw the countenance of the high priest, was
wounded in heart: for his face, and the changing of his colour
declared the inward sorrow of his mind.
17 For the man was so compassed with sadness and horror of the
body, that it was manifest to them that beheld him, what
sorrow he had in his heart.
18 Others also came hocking together out of their houses, praying
and making public supplication, because the place was like to
come into contempt.
19 And the women, girded with haircloth about their breasts, came
together in the streets. And the virgins also that were shut
up, came forth, some to Onias, and some to the walls, and
others looked out of the windows.
20 And all holding up their hands towards heaven, made
supplication.
21 For the expectation of the mixed multitude, and of the high
priest who was in an agony, would have moved any one to pity.
22 And these indeed called upon al- mighty God, to preserve the
things that had been committed to them, safe and sure for
those that had committed them.
23 But Heliodorus executed that which he had resolved on, himself
being present in the same place with his guard about the
treasury.
24 But the spirit of the almighty God gave a great evidence of
his presence, so that all that had presumed to obey him,
falling down by the power of God, were struck with fainting
and dread.
25 For there appeared to them a horse with a terrible rider upon
him, adorned with a very rich covering: and he ran fiercely
and struck Heliodorus with his fore feet, and he that sat upon
him seemed to have armour of gold.
26 Moreover there appeared two other young men beautiful and
strong, bright and glorious, and in comely apparel: who stood
by him, on either side, and scourged him without ceasing with
many stripes.
27 Arid Heliodorus suddenly fell to the ground, and they took him
up covered with great darkness, and having put him into a
litter they carried him out.
28 So he that came with many servants, and all his guard into the
aforesaid treasury, was carried out, no one being able to help
him, the manifest power of God being known.
29 And he indeed by the power of God lay speechless, and without
all hope of recovery.
30 But they praised the Lord because he had glorified his place:
and the temple, that a little before was full of fear and
trouble, when the almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy
and gladness.
31 Then some of the friends of Heliodorus forthwith begged of
Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his
life, who was ready to give up the ghost.
32 So the high priest considering that the king might perhaps
suspect that some mischief had been done to Heliodorus by the
Jews, offered a sacrifice of health for the recovery of the
man.
33 And when the high priest was praying, the same young men in
the same clothing stood by Heliodorus, and said to him: Give
thanks to Onias the priest: because for his sake the Lord hath
granted thee life.
34 And thou having been scourged by God, declare unto all men the
great works and the power of God. And having spoken thus, they
appeared no more.
35 So Heliodorus after he had offered a sacrifice to God, and
made great vows to him, that had granted him life, and given
thanks to Onias, taking his troops with him, returned to the
king.
36 And he testified to all men the works of the great God, which
he had seen with his own eyes.
37 And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to
be sent yet once more to Jerusalem, he said:
38 If thou hast any enemy or traitor to thy kingdom, send him
thither, and thou shalt receive him again scourged, if so be
he escape: for there is undoubtedly in that place a certain
power of God.
39 For he that hath his dwelling in the heavens, is the visitor,
and protector of that place, and he striketh and destroyeth
them that come to do evil to it.
40 And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the
treasury fell out in this manner.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 4
1 But Simon, of whom we spoke before, and of his country, spoke
ill of Onias, as though he had incited Heliodorus to do these
things, and had been the promoter of evils:
2 And he presumed to call him a traitor to the kingdom, who
provided for the city, and defended his nation, and wed
zealous for the law of God.
3 But when the enmities proceeded so far, that murders also were
committed by some of Simon's friends:
4 Onias considering the danger of this contention, and that
Apollonius, who was the governor of Celesyria and Phenicia,
was outrageous, which increased the malice of Simon, went to
the king,
5 Not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but with a view to the
common good of all the people.
6 For he saw that, except the king took care, it was impossible
that matters should be settled in peace, or that Simon would
cease from his folly.
7 But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, who was
called the Illustrious, had taken possession of the kingdom,
Jason the brother of Onias ambitiously sought the high
priesthood:
8 And went to the king, promising him three hundred and sixty
talents of silver, and out of other revenues four- score
talents.
9 Besides this he promised also a hundred and fifty more, if he
might have license to set him up a place for exercise, and a
place for youth, and to entitle them, that were at Jerusalem,
Antiochians.
10 Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten the rule
into his hands, forthwith he began to bring over his
countrymen to the fashion of the heathens.
11 And abolishing those things, which had been decreed of special
favour by the kings in behalf of the Jews, by the means of
John the father of that Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome
to make amity and alliance, he disannulled the lawful
ordinances of the citizens, and brought in fashions that were
perverse.
12 For he had the boldness to set up, U under the very castle, a
place of exercise, and to put all the choicest youths in
brothel houses.
13 Now this was not the beginning, but an increase, and progress
of heathenish and foreign manners, through the abominable and
unheard of wickedness of Jason, that impious wretch and no
priest.
14 Insomuch that the priests were not now occupied about the
offices of the altar, but despising the temple and neglecting
the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the games, and of
the unlawful allowance thereof, and of the exercise of the
discus.
15 And setting nought by the honours of their fathers, they
esteemed the Grecian glories for the best:
16 For the sake of which they incurred a dangerous contention,
and followed earnestly their ordinances, and in all things
they coveted to be like them, who were their enemies and
murderers.
17 For acting wickedly against the laws of God doth not pass
unpunished: but this the time following will declare.
18 Now when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at
Tyre, the king being present,
19 The wicked Jason sent from Jerusalem sinful men to carry three
hundred didrachmas of silver for the sacrifice of Hercules;
but the bearers thereof de- sired it might not be bestowed on
the sacrifices, because it was not necessary, but might be
deputed for other charges.
20 So the money was appointed by him that sent it to the
sacrifice of Hercules: but because of them that carried it was
employed for the making of galleys.
21 Now when Apollonius the son of Mnestheus was sent into Egypt
to treat with the nobles of king Philometor, and Antiochus
understood that he was wholly excluded from the affairs of the
kingdom, consulting his own interest, he departed thence and
came to Joppe, and from thence to Jerusalem:
22 Where he was received in a, magnificent manner by Jason, and
the city, and came in with torch lights, and with praises, end
from thence he returned with his army into Phenicia.
23 Three years afterwards Jason sent Menelaus, brother of the
aforesaid Simon, to carry money to the king, and to bring
answers from him concerning certain necessary affairs.
24 But he being recommended to the king, when he had magnified
the appearance of his power, got the high priesthood for
himself, by offering more than Jason by three hundred talents
of silver.
25 So having received the king's man- date, he returned bringing
nothing worthy of the high priesthood: but having the mind of
a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.
26 Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being himself
undermined, was driven out a fugitive into the country of the
Ammonites
27 So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money he had
promised to the king he took no care, when Sostratus the
governor of the castle called for
28 For to him appertained the gathering of the taxes: wherefore
they were both called before the king.
29 And Menelaus was removed from the priesthood, Lysimachus his
brother succeeding: and Sostratus was made governor of the
Cyprians.
30 When these things were in doing, it fell out that they of
Tharsus and Mallos raised a sedition, because they were given
for a gift to Antiochis, the king's concubine.
31 The king therefore went in all haste to appease them, leaving
Andronicus, one of his nobles, for his deputy.
32 Then Menelaus supposing that he had found a convenient time,
having stolen certain vessels of gold out of the temple, gave
them to Andronicus, and others he had sold at Tyre, and in the
neighbouring cities.
33 Which when Onias understood most certainly, he reproved him,
keeping him- self in a safe place at Antioch beside Daphne.
34 Whereupon Menelaus coming to Andronicus, desired him to kill
Onias. And he went to Onias, and gave him his right hand with
an oath, and (though he were suspected by him) persuaded him
to come forth out of the sanctuary, and immediately slew him,
without any regard to justice.
35 For which cause not only the Jews, but also the other nations,
conceived indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust
murder of so great a man.
36 And when the king was come back from the places of Cilicia,
the Jews that were at Antioch, and also the Creaks went to
him: complaining of the unjust murder of Onias.
37 Antiochus therefore was grieved in his mind for Onias, and
being moved to pity, shed tears, remembering the sobriety and
modesty of the deceased.
38 And being inflamed to anger, he commanded Andronicus to be
stripped of his purple, and to be led about through all the
city: and that in the same place wherein he had committed the
impiety against Onias, the sacrilegious wretch should be put
to death, the Lord repaying him his deserved punishment.
39 Now when many sacrileges had been committed by Lysimachus in
the temple by the counsel of Menelaus, and the rumour of it
was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together
against Lysimachus, a great quantity of gold being already
carried away.
40 Wherefore the multitude making an insurrection, and their
minds being filled with anger, Lysimachus armed about three
thousand men, and began to use violence, one Tyrannus being
captain, a man far gone both in age, and in madness.
41 But when they perceived the attempt of Lysimachus, some caught
up stones, some strong clubs: and some threw ashes upon
Lysimachus,
42 And many of them were wounded, and some struck down to the
ground, but all were put to flight: and as for the
sacrilegious fellow himself, they slew him beside the
treasury.
43 Now concerning these matters, an accusation was laid against
Menelaus.
44 And when the king was come to Tyre, three men were sent from
the ancients to plead the cause before him.
45 But Menelaus being convicted, promised Ptolemee to give him
much money to persuade the king to favour him.
46 So Ptolemee went to the king in a certain court where he was,
as it were to cool himself, and brought him to be of another
mind:
47 So Menelaus who was guilty of all the evil, was acquitted by
him of the accusations: and those poor men, who, if they had
pleaded their cause even before Scythians, should have been
judged innocent, were condemned to death.
48 Thus they that prosecuted the cause for the city, and for the
people, and the sacred vessels, did soon suffer unjust
punishment.
49 Wherefore even the Tyrians being moved with indignation, were
liberal towards their burial.
50 And so through the covetousness of them that were in power,
Menelaus continued in authority, increasing in malice to the
betraying of the citizens.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 5
1 At the same time Antiochus prepared for a second journey into
Egypt.
2 And it came to pass that through the whole city of Jerusalem
for the space of forty days there were seen horsemen running
in the air, in gilded raiment, and armed with spears, like
bands of soldiers.
3 And horses set in order by ranks, running one against another,
with the shakings of shields, and a multitude of men in
helmets, with drawn swords, and casting of darts, and
glittering of golden armour, and of harnesses of all sorts.
4 Wherefore all men prayed that these prodigies might turn to
good.
5 Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though
Antiochus had been dead, Jason taking with him no fewer than
a thousand men, suddenly assaulted the city: and though the
citizens ran together to the wall, the city at length was
taken, and Menelaus fled into the castle.
6 But Jason slew his countrymen without mercy, not considering
that prosperity against one's own kindred is a very great
evil, thinking they had been enemies, and not citizens, whom
he conquered.
7 Yet he did not gee the principality, but received confusion at
tile end, for the reward of his treachery, and fled again into
the country of the Ammonites.
8 At the last having been shut up by Aretas the king of the
Arabians, in order for his destruction, flying from city to
city, hated by all men, as a forsaker of the laws, and
execrable, as an enemy of his country and countrymen, he was
thrust out into Egypt:
9 And he that had driven many out of their country, perished in
a strange land, going to Lacedemon, as if for kindred sake he
should have refuge there:
10 But he that had cast out many unburied, was himself cast forth
both unlamented and unburied, neither having foreign burial,
nor being partaker of the sepulchre of his fathers.
11 Now when these things were done, the king suspected that the
Jews would forsake the alliance: whereupon departing out of
Egypt with a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms.
12 And commanded the soldiers to kill, and not to spare any that
came in their way, and to go up into the houses slay.
13 Thus there was a slaughter of young and old, a destruction of
women children, and killing of virgins and infants.
14 And there were slain in the space o three whole days fourscore
thousand, forty thousand were made prisoners, and as many
sold.
15 But this was not enough; he presumed also to enter into the
temple, the most holy in all the world, Menelaus, that traitor
to the laws, and to his country, being his guide.
16 And taking in his wicked hands the holy vessels, which were
given by other kings and cities, for the ornament and the
glory of the place, he unworthily handled and profaned them.
17 Thus Antiochus going astray in mind, did not consider that God
was angry for a while, because of the sins of the habitants of
the city: and therefore contempt had happened to the place:
18 Otherwise had they not been involved in many sins, as
Heliodorus, who was sent by king Seleucus to rob treasury, so
this man also, as soon as had come, had been forthwith
scourged, and put back from his presumption.
19 But God did not choose the people for the place's sake, but
the place for the people's sake.
20 And therefore the place also itself was made partaker of the
evils of the people: but afterward shall communicate in the
good things thereof, and as it was forsaken in the wrath of
almighty God, shall be exalted again with great glory, when
the great Lord shall be reconciled.
21 So when Antiochus had taken away out of the temple a thousand
and eight hundred talents, he went back in all haste to
Antioch, thinking through pride, that he might now make the
land navigable, and the sea passable on foot: such was the
haughtiness of his mind.
22 He left also governors to afflict the people: at Jerusalem,
Philip, a Phrygian by birth, but in manners more barbarous
than he that set him there:
23 And in Gazarim, Andronicus and Menelaus, who bore a more heavy
hand upon the citizens than the rest.
24 And whereas he was set against the Jews, he sent that hateful
prince Apollonius with an army of two and twenty thousand men,
commanding him to kill all that were of perfect age, and to
sell the women and the younger sort.
25 Who when he was come to Jerusalem, pretending peace, rested
till the holy day of the sabbath: and then the Jews keeping
holiday, he commanded his men to take arms.
26 And he slew all that were come forth to see: and running
through the city with armed men, he destroyed a very great
multitude.
27 But Judas Machabeus, who was the tenth, had withdrawn himself
into a desert place, and there lived amongst wild beasts in
the mountains with his company: and they continued feeding on
herbs, that they might not be partakers of the pollution.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 6
1 But not long after the king sent a certain old man of Antioch,
to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers
and of God:
2 And to defile the temple that was in Jerusalem, and to call it
the temple of Jupiter Olympius: and that in Gazarim of Jupiter
Hospitalis, according as they were that inhabited the place.
3 And very bad was this invasion of evils and grievous to all.
4 For the temple was full of the riot and revellings of the
Gentiles: and of men lying with lewd women. And women thrust
themselves of their accord into the holy places, and brought
in things that were not lawful.
5 The altar also was filled with unlawful things, which were
forbidden by the laws.
6 And neither were the sabbaths kept, nor the solemn days of the
fathers observed, neither did any man plainly profess himself
to be a Jew.
7 But they were led by bitter constraint on the king's birthday
to the sacrifices: and when the feast of Bacchus was kept,
they wore compelled to go about crowned with ivy in honour of
Bacchus.
8 And there went out a decree into the neighbouring cities of
the Gentiles, by the suggestion of the Ptolemeans, that they
also should act in like manner against the Jews, to oblige
them to sacrifice:
9 And whosoever would not conform themselves to the ways of the
Gentiles, should be put to death: then was misery to be seen.
10 For two women were accused to have circumcised their children:
whom, when they had openly led about through the city with the
infants hanging at their breasts, they threw down headlong
from the walls.
11 And others that had met together in caves that were near, and
were keeping the sabbath day privately, being discovered by
Philip, were burnt with fire, because they made a conscience
to help themselves with their hands, by reason of the
religious observance of the day.
12 Now I beseech those that shall read this book, that they be
not shocked at these calamities, but that they consider the
things that happened, not as being for the destruction, but
for the correction of our nation.
13 For it is a token of great goodness when sinners are not
suffered to go on in their ways for a long time, but are
presently punished.
14 For, not as with other nations (whom the Lord patiently
expecteth, that when the day of judgment shall come, he may
punish them in the fulness of their sins:)
15 Doth he also deal with us, so as to suffer our sins to come to
their height, and then take vengeance on us.
16 And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: but
though he chastise his people with adversity, he forsaketh
them not.
17 But let this suffice in a few words for a warning to the
readers. And now we must come to the narration.
18 Eleazar one of the chief of the scribes, a man advanced in
years, and of a comely countenance, was pressed to open his
mouth to eat swine's flesh.
19 But he, choosing rather a most glorious death than a hateful
life, went forward voluntarily to the torment.
20 And considering in what manner he was come to ii;, patiently
bearing, he determined not to do any unlawful things for the
love of life.
21 But they that stood by, being moved with wicked pity, for the
old friendship they had with the man, taking him aside,
desired that flesh might be brought, which it was lawful for
him to eat, that he might make as if he had eaten, as the king
had commanded of the flesh of the sacrifice:
22 That by so doing he might be delivered from death: and for the
sake of their old friendship with the man they did him this
courtesy.
23 But he began to consider the dignity of his age, and his
ancient years, and the inbred honour of his grey head, and his
good life and conversation from a child: and he answered
without delay, according to the ordinances of the holy law
made by God, saying, that he would rather be sent into the
other world.
24 For it doth not become our age, said he, to dissemble: whereby
many young persons might think that Eleazar, at the age of
fourscore and ten years, was gone over to the life of the
heathens:
25 And so they, through my dissimulation, and for a little time
of a corruptible life, should be deceived, end hereby I should
bring a stain and a curse upon my old age.
26 For though, for the present time, I should be delivered from
the punishments of men, yet should I not escape the hand of
the Almighty neither alive nor dead.
27 Wherefore by departing manfully out of this life, I shall shew
myself worthy of my old age:
28 And I shall leave an example of fortitude to young men, if
with a ready mind and constancy I suffer an honourable death,
for the most venerable and most holy laws. And having spoken
thus, he was forthwith carried to execution.
29 And they that led him, and had been a little before more mild,
were changed to wrath for the words he had spoken, which they
thought were uttered out of arrogancy.
30 But when he was now ready to die with the stripes, he groaned,
and said: O Lord, who hast the holy knowledge, thou knowest
manifestly that whereas I might be delivered from death, I
suffer grevious pains in body: but in soul am well content to
suffer these things be- cause I fear thee.
31 Thus did this man die, leaving not only to young men, but also
to the whole nation, the memory of his death for an example of
virtue and fortitude.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 7
1 To came to pass also, that seven brethren, together with their
mother, were apprehended, and compelled by the king to eat
swine's flesh against the law, for which end they were
tormented with whips and scourges.
2 But one of them, who was the eldest, said thus: What wouldst
thou ask, or learn of us? we are ready to die rather than to
transgress the laws of God, received from our fathers.
3 Then the king being angry commanded fryingpans, and brazen
caldrons to be made hot: which forthwith being heated,
4 He commanded to cut out the tongue of him that had spoken
first: and the skin of his head being drawn off, to chop off
also the extremities of his hands and feet, the rest of his
brethren, and his mother, looking on.
5 And when he was now maimed in all parts, he commanded him,
being yet alive, to be brought to the Are, and to be fried in
the fryingpan: and while he was suffering therein long
torments, the rest, together with the mother, exhorted one
another to die manfully,
6 Saying: The Lord God will look upon the truth, and will take
pleasure in us, "as Moses declared in the profession of the
canticle: And In his servants he will take pleasure.
7 So when the first was dead after this manner, they brought the
next to make him a, mocking stock: and when they had pulled
off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him if he
would eat, before he were punished throughout the whole body
in every limb.
8 But he answered in his own language, and said: I will not do
it. Wherefore Ire also in the next place, received the
torments of the first:
9 And when he was at the last gasp, he said thus: Thou indeed,
O most wicked man, destroyest us out of this present life: but
the King of the world will raise us up, who die for his laws,
in the resurrection of eternal life.
10 After him the third was made a mocking stock, and when he was
required, he quickly put forth his tongue, and courageously
stretched out his hands:
11 And said with confidence: These
1 have from heaven, but for the laws of God I now despise them:
because I hope to receive them again from him.
12 So that the king, and they that were with him, wondered at the
young man's courage, because he esteemed the torments as
nothing.
13 And after he was thus dead, they tormented the fourth in the
like manner
14 And when he was now ready to die, he spoke thus: It is better,
being put to death by men, to look for hope from God, to be
raised up again by him: for, as to thee thou shalt have no
resurrection unto life.
15 And when they had brought the fifth, they tormented him. But
he looking upon the king,
16 Said: Whereas thou hast power among men, though thou art
corruptible, thou dost what thou wilt: but think not that our
nation is forsaken by God.
17 But stay patiently a while, and thou shalt see his great
power, in what manner he will torment thee and thy seed.
18 After him they brought the sixth, and he being ready to die,
spoke thus: Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these
things for ourselves, having sinned against our God, and
things worthy of admiration are done to us:
19 But do not think that thou s escape unpunished, for that thou
attempted to fight against God.
20 Now the mother was to be ad above measure, and worthy to be
remembered by good men, who beheld seven sons slain in the
space of one day, and bore it with a good courage, for the
hope that she had in God:
21 And she bravely exhorted every o of them in her own language,
being filled with wisdom: and joining a man's heart to a
woman's thought,
22 She said to them: I know not how you were formed in my womb:
for I neither gave you breath, nor soul, nor life, neither did
I frame the limbs of every one of you.
23 But the Creator of the world, that formed the nativity of man,
and that found out the origin of all, he will re- store to you
again in his mercy, both breath and life, as now you despise
your- selves for the sake of his laws.
24 Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and withal despising
the voice of the upbraider, when the youngest was yet alive,
did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with an
oath, that he would make him a rich and a happy man, and, if
he would turn from the laws of his fathers, would take him for
a friend, and furnish him with things necessary.
25 But when the young man was not moved with these things, the
king called the mother, and counselled her to deal with the
young man to save his life.
26 And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised
that she would counsel her son.
27 So bending herself towards him, mocking the cruel tyrant, she
said her own language: My son, have pi upon me, that bore thee
nine months my womb, and save thee suck years, and nourished
thee, and bore thee up unto this age.
28 I beseech thee, my son, look upon heaven and earth, and all
that is in them: and consider that God made the out of
nothing, and mankind also:
29 So thou shalt not fear this tormentor, but being made a worthy
partner with thy brethren, receive death, that in that mercy
I may receive thee again with thy brethren.
30 While she was yet speaking these words, the young man said:
For whom do you stay ? I will not obey the commandment of the
king, but the commandment of the law, which was given us by
Moses.
31 But thou that hast been the author of all mischief against the
Hebrews, shalt not escape the hand of God.
32 For we suffer thus for our sine.
33 And though the Lord our God is angry with us a little while
for our chastisement and correction: yet he will be reconciled
again to his servants.
34 But thou, O wicked and of all men most flagitious, be not
lifted up without cause with vain hopes, whilst thou art
raging against his servants.
35 For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of the almighty
God, who beholdeth all things.
36 For my brethren, having now undergone a short pain, are under
the covenant of eternal life: but thou by the judgment of God
shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.
37 But I, like my brethren, offer up my life and my body for the
laws of our fathers: calling upon God to be speedily merciful
to our nation, and that thou by torments and stripes mayst
confess that he alone is God.
38 But in me and in my brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which
hath justly been brought upon all our nation, shall cease.
39 Then the king being incensed with anger, raged against him
more cruelly than all the rest, taking it grievously that he
was mocked.
40 So this man also died undefiled, wholly trusting in the Lord.
41 And last of all after the sons the mother also was consumed.
42 But now there is enough said of the sacrifices, and of the
excessive cruelties.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 8
1 But Judas Machabeus, and they that were with him, went
privately into the towns: and calling together their kinsmen
and friends, and taking unto them such as continued in the
Jews' religion, they assembled six thousand men.
2 And they called upon the Lord that he would look upon his
people that was trodden down by all, and would have pity on
the temple, that was defiled by the wicked:
3 That he would have pity also upon the city that was destroyed,
that was ready to be made even with the ground, and would hear
the voice of the blood that cried to him:
4 That he would remember also the most unjust deaths of innocent
children, and the blasphemies offered to his name, and would
shew his indignation on this occasion.
5 Now when Machabeus had gathered a multitude, he could not be
withstood by the heathens: for the wrath of the Lord was
turned into mercy.
6 So coming unawares upon the towns and cities, he set them on
fire, and taking possession of the most commodious places, he
made no small slaughter of the enemies ·
7 And especially in the nights he went upon these expeditions,
and the fame of his valour was spread abroad every where.
8 Then Philip, seeing that the man gained ground by little and
little, and that things for the most part succeeded
prosperously with him, wrote to Ptolemee the governor of
Celesyria and Phenicia, to send aid to the king's affairs.
9 And he with all speed sent Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one
of his special friends, giving him no fewer than twenty
thousand armed men of different nations, to root out the whole
race of the Jews, joining also with him Gorgias, a good
soldier, and of great experience in matters of war.
10 And Nicanor purposed to raise for the king the tribute of two
thousand talents, that was to be given to the Romans, by
making so much money of the captive Jews:
11 Wherefore he sent immediately to the cities upon the sea
coast, to invite men together to buy up the Jewish slaves,
promising that they should have ninety slaves for one talent,
not reflecting on the vengeance, which was to follow him from
the Almighty.
12 Now when Judas found that Nicanor was coming, he imparted to
the Jews that were with him, that the enemy was at hand.
13 And some of them being afraid, and distrusting the justice of
God, fled away:
14 Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the
Lord, that he would deliver them from the wicked Nicanor, who
had sold them before he came near them:
15 And if not for their sakes, yet for the covenant that he had
made with their fathers, and for the sake of his holy and
glorious name that was invoked upon them.
16 But Machabeus calling together seven thousand that were with
him, exhorted them not to be reconciled to the enemies, nor to
fear the multitude of the enemies who came wrongfully against
them, but to fight manfully:
17 Setting before their eyes the injury they had unjustly done
the holy place, and also the injury they had done to the city,
which had been shamefully abused, besides their destroying the
ordinances of the fathers.
18 For, said he, they trust in their weapons, and in their
boldness: but we trust in the Almighty Lord, who at a beck can
utterly destroy both them that come against us, and the whole
world.
19 Moreover he put them in mind also of the helps their fathers
had received from God: and how under Sennacherib a hundred and
eighty-five thousand had been destroyed.
20 And of the battle that they had fought against the Galatians
in Babylonia, how they, being in all but six thousand, when it
came to the point, and Macedonians their companions were a
stand, slew a hundred and twenty thousand, because of the help
they had from heaven, and for this they received many favours.
21 With these words they were greatly encouraged, and disposed
even to die for the laws and their country.
22 So he appointed his brethren cap over each division of his
army, Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving to one fifteen
hundred men.
23 And after the holy Book had been read to them by Esdras, and
he had given them for a watchword, The help of God: himself
leading the first band, he joined battle with Nicanor:
24 And the Almighty being their helper, they slew above nine
thousand men: and having wounded and disabled the greater part
of Nicanor's army, they obliged them to fly.
25 And they took the money of them that came to buy them, and
they pursued them on every side.
26 But they came back for want of time: for it was the day before
the sabbath: and therefore they did not continue the pursuit.
27 But when they had gathered together their arms and their
spoils, they kept the sabbath: blessing the Lord who had
delivered them that day, distilling the beginning of mercy
upon them.
28 Then after the sabbath they divided the spoils to the feeble
and the orphans, and the widows: and the rest they took for
themselves and their servants.
29 When this was done, and they had all made a common
supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled
to his servants unto the end.
30 Moreover they slew above twenty thousand of them that were
with Timotheus and Bacchides who fought them, and they made
themselves masters of the high strong holds: and they divided
amongst them many spoils, giving equal portions to the feeble,
the fatherless and the widows, yea and the aged also.
31 And when they had carefully gathered together their arms, they
laid them all up in convenient places, and the residue of
their spoils they carried to Jerusalem :
32 They slew also Philarches who was with Timotheus, a wicked
man, who had many ways afflicted the Jews.
33 And when they kept the feast of the victory at Jerusalem, they
burnt Callisthenes, that had set fire to the holy gates, who
had taken refuge in a certain house, rendering to him a worthy
reward for his impieties:
34 But as for that most wicked man Nicanor, who had brought a
thousand merchants to the sale of the Jews,
35 Being through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of
whom he had made no account, laying; aside his garment of
glory, fleeing through the midland country, he came alone to
Antioch, being rendered very unhappy by the destruction of his
army.
36 And he that had promised to levy the tribute for the Romans by
the means of the captives of Jerusalem, now professed that the
Jews had God for their protector, and therefore they could not
be hurt, because they followed the laws appointed by him.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 9
1 At that time Antiochus returned with dishonour out of Persia.
2 For he had entered into the city called Persepolis, and
attempted to rob the temple, and to oppress the city: but the
multitude running together to arms, put them to flight: and so
it fell out that Antiochus being put to flight returned with
disgrace.
3 Now when he was come about Ecbatana, he received the news of
what had happened to Nicanor and Timotheus.
4 And swelling with anger he thought to revenge upon the Jews
the injury done by them that had put him to flight. And
therefore he commanded his chariot to be driven, without
stopping in his journey, the judgment of heaven urging him
forward, because he had spoken so proudly, that he would come
to Jerusalem, and make it a common burying place of the Jews.
5 But the Lord the God of Israel, that seeth all things, struck
him with an in- curable and an invisible plague. For as soon
as he had ended these words, a dreadful pain in his bowels
came upon him, and bitter torments of the inner parts.
6 And indeed very justly, seeing he had tormented the bowels of
others with many and new torments, albeit he by no means
ceased from his malice.
7 Moreover being filled with pride, breathing out fire in his
rage against the Jews, and commanding the matter to be
hastened, it happened as he was going with violence that he
fell from the chariot, so that his limbs were much pained by
a grievous bruising of the body.
8 Thus he that seemed to himself to command even the waves of
the sea, being proud above the condition of man, and to weigh
the heights of the mountains in a balance, now being cast down
to the ground, was carried in a litter, bearing witness to the
manifest power of God in himself:
9 So that worms swarmed out of the body of this man, and whilst
he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell off, and the
filthiness of his smell was noisome to the army.
10 And the man that thought a little to before he could reach the
stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry, for the
intolerable stench.
11 And by this means, being brought from his great pride, he
began to come to the knowledge of himself, being admonished by
the scourge of God, his pains increasing every moment
12 And when he himself could not now abide his own stench, he
spoke thus: It is just to be subject to God, and that a mortal
man should not equal himself to God.
13 Then this wicked man prayed to the Lord, of whom he was not
like to obtain mercy.
14 And the city to which he was going in haste to lay it even
with the ground, and to make it a, common buryingplace, he now
desireth to make free.
15 And the Jews whom he said he would not account worthy to be so
much as buried, but would give them up to be devoured by the
birds and wild beasts, and would utterly destroy them with
their children, he now promiseth to make equal with the
Athenians.
16 The holy temple also which before he had spoiled, he promiseth
to adorn with goodly gifts, and to multiply the holy vessels,
and to allow out of his revenues the charges pertaining to the
sacrifices.
17 Yea also, that he would become a Jew himself, and would go
through every place of the earth, and declare the power of
God.
18 But his pains not ceasing (for the just judgment of God was
come upon him) despairing of life he wrote to the Jews in the
manner of a supplication, a letter in these words:
19 To his very good subjects the Jews, Antiochus king and ruler
wisheth much health and welfare, and happiness.
20 If you and your children are well, and if all matters go with
you to your mind, we give very great thanks.
21 As for me, being infirm, but yet kindly remembering you,
returning out of the places of Persia, and being taken with a
grievous disease, I thought it necessary to take care for the
common good:
22 Not distrusting my life, but having great hope to escape the
sickness.
23 But considering that my father also, at what time she led an
army into the higher countries, appointed who should reign
after him:
24 To the end that if any thing contrary to expectation should
fall out, or ally bad tidings should be brought, they that
were in the countries, knowing to whom the whole government
was left, might not be troubled.
25 Moreover, considering that neighbouring princes and borderers
wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event, I
have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often recommended
to many of you, when I went into the higher provinces: and I
have written to him what I have joined here below.
26 I pray you therefore, and request of you, that remembering
favours both public and private, you will every man of you
continue to be faithful to me and to my son.
27 For I trust that he will behave with I moderation and
humanity, and following my intentions, will be gracious unto
you.
28 Thus the murderer and blasphemer, being grievously struck, as
himself had treated others, died a miserable death in a
strange country among the mountains.
29 But Philip that was brought up with him, carried away his
body: and out of fear of the son of Antiochus, went into Egypt
to Ptolemee Philometor.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 10
1 But Machabeus, and they that were with him, by the protection
of the Lord, recovered the temple and the city again.
2 But he threw down the altars, which the heathens had set up in
the streets, as also the temples of the idols.
3 And having purified the temple, they made another altar: and
taking fire out of the fiery stones, they offered sacrifices
after two years, and set forth incense, and lamps, and the
leaves of proposition.
4 And when they had done these things, they besought the Lord,
lying prostrate on the ground, that they might no more fall
into such evils; but if they should at any time sin, that they
might be chastised by him more gently, and not be delivered up
to barbarians and blasphemous men.
5 Now upon the same day that the temple had been polluted by the
strangers, on the very same day it was cleansed again, to wit,
on the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu.
6 And they kept eight days with joy, after the manner of the
feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long before
they had kept the feast of the tabernacles when they were in
the mountains, and in dens like wild beasts.
7 Therefore they now, carried boughs, and green branches, and
palms for Him that had given them good success in cleansing
his place.
8 And they ordained by a common statute, and decree, that all
the nation of the Jews should keep those days every year.
9 And this was the end of Antiochus that was called the
Illustrious.
10 But now we will relate the acts of Eupator the son of that
wicked Antiochus, abridging the account of the evils that
happened in the wars.
11 For when he was come to the crown. he appointed over the
affairs of his realm one Lysias, general of the army of
Phenicia and Syria.
12 For Ptolemee that was called Macer, was determined to be
strictly just to the Jews, and especially by reason of the
wrong that had been done them, and to deal peaceably with
them.
13 But being accused for this to Eupator by his friends, and
being oftentimes called traitor, because he had left Cyprus
which Philometor had committed to him, and coming over to
Antiochus the Illustrious, had revolted also from him, he put
an end to his life by poison.
14 But Gorgias, who was governor of the holds, taking with him
the strangers, often fought against the Jews.
15 And the Jews that occupied the most commodious hold, received
those that were driven out of Jerusalem, and at- tempted to
make war.
16 Then they that were with Machabeus, beseeching the Lord by
prayers to be their helper, made a strong attack upon the
strong holds of the Idumeans:
17 And assaulting them with great force, won the holds, killed
them that came in the way, and slew altogether no fewer than
twenty thousand.
18 And whereas some were fled into very strong towers, having all
manner of provision to sustain a siege,
19 Machabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zacheus, and them that
were with them in sufficient number to besiege them, and
departed to those expeditions which urged more.
20 Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness,
were persuaded For the sake of money by some that were in the
towers: and taking seventy thousand didrachmas, let some of
them escape.
21 But when it was told Machabeus what was done, he assembled the
rulers of the people, and accused those men that they had sold
their brethren for money, having let their adversaries escape.
22 So he put these traitors to death, and forthwith took the two
towers.
23 And having good success in arms and in all things he took in
hand, he slew more than twenty thousand in the two holds.
24 But Timotheus who before had been overcome by the Jews, having
called together a multitude of foreign troops, and assembled
horsemen out of Asia, came as though he would take Judea by
force of arms.
25 But Machabeus and they that were with him, when he drew near,
prayed to the Lord, sprinkling earth upon their heads and
girding their loins with hair- cloth,
26 And lying prostrate at the foot of the altar, besought him to
be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and
an adversary to their adversaries, as the law saith.
27 And so after prayer taking their arms, they went forth further
from the city, and when they were come very near the enemies
they rested.
28 But as soon as the sun was risen both sides joined battle: the
one part having with their valour the Lord for a surety o
victory and success: but the other side making their rage
their leader in battle.
29 But when they were in the heat of the engagement there
appeared to the enemies from heaven five men upon horses,
comely with golden bridles, con- ducting the Jews:
30 Two of whom took Machabeus between them, and covered him on
every side with their arms, and kept him safe: but cast darts
and fireballs against the enemy, so that they fell down, being
both confounded with blindness, and filled with trouble.
31 And there were slain twenty thousand five hundred, and six
hundred horsemen.
32 But Timotheus fled into Gazara a strong hold, where Chereas
was governor.
33 Then Machabeus, and they that were with him, cheerfully laid
siege to the fortress four days.
34 But they that were within, trusting to the strength of the
place, blasphemed exceedingly, and cast forth abominable
words.
35 But when the fifth day appeared, twenty young men of them that
were with Machabeus, inflamed in their minds because of the
blasphemy, approached manfully to the wall, and pushing
forward with fierce courage got up upon it.
36 Moreover others also getting up after them, went to set Are to
the towers and the gates, and to burn the blasphemers alive.
37 And having for two days together pillaged and sacked the
fortress, they killed Timotheus, who was found hid in a
certain place: they slew also his brother Chereas, and
Apollophanes.
38 And when this was done, they blessed the Lord with hymns and
thanksgiving, who had done great things in Israel, and given
them the victory.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 11
1 A short time after this Lysias the king's lieutenant, and
cousin, and who had chief charge over all the affairs, being
greatly displeased with what had happened,
2 Gathered together fourscore thousand men, and all the
horsemen, and came against the Jews, thinking to take the
city, and make it a habitation of the Gentiles :
3 And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other temples of
the Gentiles, and to set the high priesthood to sale every
year:
4 Never considering the power of God, but puffed up in mind, and
trusting in the multitude of his foot soldiers, and the
thousands of his horsemen, and his four- score elephants.
5 So he came into Judea, and approaching to Bethsura, which was
in a narrow place, the space of five furlongs from Jerusalem,
he laid siege to that fortress.
6 But when Machabeus and they that were with him, understood
that the strong holds were besieged, they and all the people
besought the Lord with lamentations and tears, that he would
send a good angel to save Israel.
7 Then Machabeus himself, first taking his arms, exhorted the
rest to expose themselves together with him, to the danger,
and to succour their brethren.
8 And when they were going forth together with a willing mind,
there appeared at Jerusatem a horseman going before them in
white clothing, with golden armour, shaking a spear.
9 Then they all together blessed merciful Lord, and took great
courage, being ready to break through not only men, but also
the fiercest beasts, walls of iron.
10 So they went on courageously, having a helper from Peaven, and
the who shewed mercy to them.
11 And rushing violently upon the my, like lions, they slew of
them eleven thousand footmen, and one thousand hundred
horsemen:
12 And put all the rest to flight: many of them being wounded,
escaped naked: yea and Lysias himself fled away shamefully,
and escaped.
13 And as he was a man of understanding considering with himself,
the loss he had suffered, and perceiving that the Hebrews
could not be overcome, because they relied upon the help of
the Almighty God, he sent to them:
14 And promised that he would agree to all things that are just,
and that he would persuade the king to be their friend.
15 Then Machabeus consented to the request of Lysias, providing
for the common Food in all things, and whatsoever Machabeus
wrote to Lysias concerning the Jews, the king allowed of.
16 For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, to
this effect: Lysias to the people of the Jews, greeting.
17 John and Abesalom who were sent from you, delivering your
writings, re- quested that I would accomplish those things
which were signified by them.
18 Therefore whatsoever things could be reported to the king I
have represented to him: and he hath granted as much as the
matter permitted.
19 If therefore you will keep yourselves loyal in affairs,
hereafter also I will endeavour to be a means of your good.
20 But as concerning other particulars, I have given orders by
word both to these, and to them that are sent by me, to
commune with you.
21 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the
four and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorus.
22 But the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus to
Lysias his brother, greeting.
23 Our father being translated amongst the gods, we are desirous
that they that are in our realm should live quietly, and apply
themselves diligently to their own concerns,
24 And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father
to turn to the rites of the Greeks, but that they would keep
to their own manner of living, and therefore that they request
us to allow them to live after their own laws.
25 Wherefore being desirous that this nation also should be at
rest, we have ordained and decreed, that the temple should be
restored to them, and that they may live according to the
custom of their ancestors.
26 Thou shalt do well therefore to send to them, and grant them
peace, that our pleasure being known, they may be of good
comfort, and look to their own affairs.
27 But the king's letter to the Jews was in this manner: King
Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the
Jews, greeting.
28 If you are well, you are as we desire, we ourselves also are
well.
29 Menelaus came to us, saying that you desired to come down to
your countrymen, that are with us.
30 We grant therefore a safe conduct to all that come and go,
until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,
31 That the Jews may use their own Bind of meats, and their own
laws as be- fore, and that none of them any manner of ways be
molested for things which have been done by ignorance.
32 And we have sent also Menelaus to speak to you.
33 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the
fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
34 The Romans also sent them a letter, to this effect. Quintus
Memmius, and Titus Manilius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the
people of the Jews, greeting.
35 Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted you, we also
have granted.
36 But touching such things as he thought should be referred to
the king, after you have diligently conferred among
yourselves, send some one forthwith, that we may decree as it
is convenient for you: for we are going to Antioch.
37 And therefore make haste to write back, that we may know of
what mind you are.
38 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the
fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 12
1 When these covenants were made, Lyslas went to the king, and
the Jews gave themselves to husbandry.
2 But they that were behind, namely, Timotheus and Apollonius
the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and besides
them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to
live in peace, and to be quiet.
3 The men of Joppe also were guilty of this kind of wickedness:
they desired the Jews who dwelt among them to go with their
wives and children into the boats, which they had prepared, as
though they had no enmity to them.
4 Which when they had consented to, according to the common
decree of the city, suspecting nothing, because of the peace
: when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no
fewer than two hundred of them.
5 But as soon as Judas heard of this cruelty done to his
countrymen, he commanded the men that were with him: and after
having called upon God the just judge,
6 He came against those murderers of his brethren, and set the
haven on fire in the night, burnt the boats, and slew with the
sword them that escaped from the fire.
7 And when he had done these things in this manner, he departed
as if he would return again, and root out all the Joppites.
8 But when he understood that the men of Jamnia also designed to
do in like manner to the Jews that dwelt among them,
9 He came upon the Jamnites also by night, end set the haven on
fire with the ships, so that the light of the fire was seen at
Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.
10 And when they were now gone from thence nine furlongs, and
were marching towards Timotheus, five thousand footmen and Ave
hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon them.
11 And after a hard fight, in which by the help of God they got
the victory, the rest of the Arabians being overcome, besought
Judas for peace, promising to give him pastures, and to assist
him in other things.
12 And Judas thinking that they might be profitable indeed in
many things, promised them peace, and after having joined
hands, they departed to their tents.
13 He also laid siege to a certain strong city, encompassed with
bridges and walls, and inhabited by multitudes of different
nations, the name of which is Casphin.
14 But they that were within it, trusting in the strength of the
walls, and the provision of victuals, behaved in a more
negligent manner, and provoked Judas with railing and
blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.
15 But Machabeus calling upon the great Lord of the world, who
without any rams or engines of war threw down the walls of
Jericho in the time of Josue, fiercely assaulted the walls.
16 And having taken the city by the will of the Lord, he made an
unspeakable slaughter, so that a pool adjoining of two
furlongs broad seemed to run with the blood of the slain.
17 From thence they departed seven hundred and fifty furlongs,
and came to Characa to the Jews that are called Tubianites.
18 But as for Timotheus, they found him not in those places, for
before he had dispatched any thing he went back, having left
a very strong garrison in a certain hold :
19 But Dositheus, and Sosipater, who were captains with
Machabeus, slew them that were left by Timotheus in the hold,
to the number of ten thousand men.
20 And Machabeus having set in order about him six thousand men,
and divided them by bands, went forth against Timetheus, who
had with him a hundred and twenty thousand footmen, and two
thousand five hundred horsemen.
21 Now when Timotheus had knowledge of the coming of Judas, he
sent the women and children, and the other baggage before him
into a fortress, called Carnion: for it was impregnable and
hard to come at, by reason of the straitness of the places.
22 But when the first band of Judas came in sight, the enemies
were struck with fear, by the presence of God, who seeth all
things, and they were put to flight one from another, so that
they were often thrown down by their own companions, and
wounded with the strokes of their own swords.
23 But Judas was vehemently earnest in punishing the profane, of
whom he slew thirty thousand men.
24 And Timotheus himself fell into the hands of the band of
Dositheus and Sosipater, and with many prayers he besought
them to let him go with his life, because he had the parents
and brethren of many of the Jews, who, by his death, might
happen to be deceived.
25 And when he had given his faith that he would restore them
according to the agreement, they let him go without hurt, for
the saving of their brethren.
26 Then Judas went away to Carnion, where he slew five and twenty
thousand persons.
27 And after he had put to flight and destroyed these, he removed
his army to Ephron, a strong city, wherein there dwelt a
multitude of divers nations: and stout young men standing upon
the walls made a vigorous resistance: and in this place there
were many engines of war, and a provision of darts.
28 But when they had invocated the Almighty, who with his power
breaketh the strength of the enemies, they took the city; and
slew five and twenty thou- sand of them that were within.
29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six
hundred furlongs from Jerusalem.
30 But the Jews that were among the Scythopolitans testifying
that they were used kindly by them, and that even in the times
of their adversity they had treated them with humanity:
31 They gave them thanks exhorting them to be still friendly to
their nation, and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the
weeks being at hand.
32 And after Pentecost they marched against Gorgias the governor
of Idumea.
33 And he came out with three thousand footmen, and four hundred
horsemen.
34 And when they had joined battle, it happened that a few of the
Jews were slain.
35 But Dositheus, a horseman, one of Bacenor's band, a valiant
man, took hold of Gorgias: and when he would have taken him
alive, a certain horseman of the Thracians came upon him, and
cut off his shoulder: and so Gorgias escaped to Maresa.
36 But when they that were with Esdrin had fought long, and were
weary, Judas called upon the Lord to be their helper, and
leader of the battle:
37 Then beginning in his own language, and singing hymns with a
loud voice, he put Gorgias' soldiers to flight.
38 So Judas having gathered together his army, came into the city
Odollam: and when the seventh day came, they purified
themselves according to the custom, and kept the sabbath in
the place.
39 And the day following Judas cam with his company, to take away
the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with
their kinsmen, in the sepulchres of their fathers.
40 And they found under the coats o the slain some of the
donaries of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbiddeth the
Jews:
90 that all plainly saw, for this cause they were slain.
41 Then they all blessed the just judgment of the Lord, who had
discovered the things that were hidden.
42 And so betaking themselves to prayers, they besought him, that
the sin which had been committed might be forgotten. But the
most valiant Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from
sin, forasmuch as they saw before their eyes what had
happened, because of the sins of those that were slain.
43 And making a gathering, he twelve thousand drachms of silver
to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the
dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the
resurrection,
44 (For if he had not hoped that the that were slain should rise
again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for
the dead,)
45 And because he considered that the who had fallen asleep with
godliness, had great grace laid up for them.
46 It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the
dead, that they may be loosed from sins.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 13
1 In the year one hundred and forty- nine, Judas understood that
Antiochus Eupator was coming with a multitude against Judea,
2 And with him Lysias the regent, who had charge over the
affairs of the realm, having with him a hundred and ten
thousand footmen, five thousand horse- men, twenty-two
elephants, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks.
3 Menelaus also joined himself with them: and with great
deceitfulness besought Antiochus, not for the welfare of his
country, but in hopes that he should be appointed chief ruler.
4 But the King of kings stirred up the mind of Antiochus against
the sinner, and upon Lysias suggesting that he was the cause
of all the evils, he commanded (as the custom is with them)
that he should be apprehended and put to death in the same
place.
5 Now there was in that place a tower fifty cubits high, having
a heap of ashes on every side: this had a prospect steep down.
6 From thence he commanded the sacrilegious wretch to be thrown
down into the ashes, all men thrusting him forward unto death.
7 And by such a law it happened that Menelaus the transgressor
of the law was put to death: not having so much as burial in
the earth.
8 And indeed very justly, for insomuch as he had committed many
sins against the altar of God, the fire and ashes of which
were holy: he was condemned to die in ashes.
9 But the king, with his mind full of rage, came on to shew
himself worse to the Jews than his father was.
10 Which, when Judas understood, he commanded the people to call
upon the Lord day and night, that as he had always done, so
now also he would help them:
11 Because they were afraid to be deprived of the law, and of
their country, and of the holy temple: and that he would not
suffer the people, that had of late taken breath for a little
while, to be again in subjection to blasphemous nations.
12 So when they had all done this together, and had craved mercy
of the Lord with weeping and fasting, lying prostrate on the
ground for three days continually, Judas exhorted them to make
themselves ready.
13 But he with the ancients determined, before the king should
bring his army into Judea, and make himself master of the
city, to go out, and to commit the event of the thing to the
judgment of the Lord.
14 So committing all to God, the creator of the world, and having
exhorted his people to fight manfully, and to stand up even to
death for the laws, the temple, the city, their country, and
citizens: he placed his army about Modin.
15 And having given his company for a watchword, The victory of
God, with most valiant chosen young men, he set upon the
king's quarter by night, and slew four thousand men in the
camp, and the greatest of the elephants, with them that had
been upon him,
16 And having filled the camp of the enemies with exceeding greet
fear and tumult, they went off with good success.
17 Now this was done at the break of day, by the protection and
help of the Lord.
18 But the king having taken a taste of the hardiness of the
Jews, attempted to take the strong places by policy:
19 And he marched with his army to Bethsura, which was a strong
hold of the Jews: but he was repulsed, he failed, he rest his
men.
20 Now Judas sent necessaries to them that were within.
21 But Rhodocus, one of the Jews' army, disclosed the secrets to
the enemies, so he was sought out, and taken up, and put in
prison.
22 Again the king treated with them that were in Bethsura: gave
his right hand: took theirs: and went away.
23 He fought with Jucias: and was overcome. And when he
understood that Philip, who had been left over the affairs,
had rebelled at Antioch, he was in a consternation of mind,
and entreating the Jews, and yielding to them, he swore to all
things that seemed reasonable, and, being reconciled, offered
sacrifices, honoured the temple, and left gifts.
24 He embraced Machabeus, and made him governor and prince from
Ptolemais unto the Cerrenians.
25 But when he was come to Ptolemais, the men of that city were
much displeased with the conditions of the peace, being angry
for fear they should break the covenant.
26 Then Lysias went up to the judgment seat, and set forth the
reason, and appeased the people, and returned to Antioch: and
thus matters went with regard to the king's coming and his
return.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 14
1 But after the space of three years Judas, and they that were
with him, understood that Demetrius the son of Seleucus was
come up with a great power, and a navy by the haven of
Tripolis to places proper for his purpose.
2 And had made himself master of the countries against
Antiochus, and his general Lysias.
3 Now one Alcimus, who had been chief priest, but had wilfully
defiled himself in the time of mingling with the heathens,
seeing that there was no safety for him, nor access to the
altar,
4 Came to king Demetrius in the year one hundred and fifty,
presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and besides
these, some boughs which seemed to belong to the temple. And
that day indeed he held his peace.
5 But having gotten a convenient time to further his madness,
being called to counsel by Demetrius, and asked what the Jews
relied upon, and what were their counsels,
6 He answered thereunto: They among the Jews that are called
Assideans, of whom Judas Machabeus is captain, nourish wars,
and raise seditions, and will not suffer the realm to be in
peace.
7 For I also being deprived of my ancestors' glory (I mean of
the high priesthood) am now come hither:
8 Principally indeed out of fidelity to the king's interests,
but in the next place also to provide for the good of my
countrymen: for all our nation suffereth much from the evil
proceedings of those men.
9 Wherefore, O king, seeing thou know- eat all these things,
take care, I beseech thee, both of the country, and of our
nation, according to thy humanity which is known to all men,
10 For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state
should be quiet.
11 Now when this man had spoken to this effect, the rest also of
the king's friends, who were enemies of Judas, incensed
Demetrius against him.
12 And forthwith he sent Nicanor, the commander over the
elephants, governor into Judea:
13 Giving him in charge, to take Judas himself: and disperse all
them that were with him, and to make Alcimus the high priest
of the great temple.
14 Then the Gentiles who had fled out of Judea from Judas, came
to Nicanor by docks, thinking the miseries and calamities of
the Jews to be the welfare of their affairs.
15 Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the
nations were assembled against them, they cast earth upon
their heads, and made supplication to him, who chose his
people to keep them for ever, and who protected his portion by
evident signs.
16 Then at the commandment of their captain, they forthwith
removed from the place where they were, and went to the town
of Dessau, to meet them.
17 Now Simon the brother of Judas had joined battle with Nicanor,
but was frightened with the sudden coming of the adversaries.
18 Nevertheless Nicanor hearing of the valour of Judas'
companions, and the greatness of courage with which they
fought for their country, was afraid to try the matter by the
sword.
19 Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotius, and Matthias
before to pre- sent and receive the right hands.
20 And when there had been a consultation thereupon, and the
captain had acquainted the multitude with it, the) were all of
one mind to consent to covenants.
21 So they appointed a day upon which they might commune together
by them- selves: and seats were brought out, and set for each
one.
22 But Judas ordered men to be ready in convenient places, lest
some mischief might he suddenly practised by the enemies: so
they made an agreeable conference.
23 And Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no wrong, but sent
away the flocks of the multitudes that had been gathered
together.
24 And Judas was always dear to him from the heart, and he was
well affected to the man.
25 And he desired him to marry a wife, and to have children. So
he married: he lived quietly, and they lived in common.
26 But Alcimus seeing the love they had one to another, and the
covenants, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor
assented to the foreign interest, for that he meant to make
Judas, who was a traitor to the kingdom, his successor.
27 Then the king being in a rage and provoked with this man's
wicked accusations, wrote to Nicanor, signifying, that he was
greatly displeased with the covenant of friendship: and that
he commanded him nevertheless to send Machabeus prisoner in
all haste to Antioch.
28 When this was known, Nicanor was in a consternation, and took
it grievously that he should make void the articles that were
agreed upon, having received no injury from the man.
29 But because he could not oppose the king, he watched an
opportunity to comply with the orders.
30 But when Machabeus perceived that Nicanor was more stern to
him, and that when they met together as usual he behaved
himself in a rough manner: and was sensible that this rough
behaviour came not of good, he gathered together a few of his
men, and hid himself from Nicanor.
31 But he finding himself notably pre- vented by the man, came to
the great and holy temple: and commanded the priests that were
offering the accustomed sacrifices, to deliver him the man.
32 And when they swore unto him, that they knew not where the man
was whom he sought, he stretched out his hand to the temple,
33 And swore, saying: Unless you de- liver Judas prisoner to me,
I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and will
beat down the altar, and I will dedicate this temple to
Bacchus.
34 And when he had spoken thus he departed. But the priests
stretching forth their hands to heaven, called upon him that
was ever the defender of their nation, saying in this manner:
35 Thou, O Lord of all things, who wantest nothing, wast pleased
that the temple of thy habitation should be amongst us.
36 Therefore now, O Lord the holy of all holies, keep this house
for ever undefiled which was lately cleansed.
37 Now Razias, one of the ancients of Jerusalem, was accused to
Nicanor, a man that was a lover of the city, and of good
report, who for his affection was called the father of the
Jews.
38 This man, for a long time, had held fast his purpose of
keeping himself pure in the Jews' religion, and was ready to
expose his body and life, that he might persevere therein.
39 So Nicanor being willing to declare the hatred that he bore
the Jews, sent five hundred soldiers to take him.
40 For he thought by insnaring him to hurt the Jews very much.
41 Now as the multitude sought to rush into his house, and to
break open the door, and to set fire to it, when he was ready
to be taken, he struck himself with his sword:
42 Choosing to die nobly rather than to fall into the hands of
the wicked, and to suffer abuses unbecoming his noble birth.
43 But whereas through haste he missed of giving himself a sure
wound, and the crowd was breaking into the doors, he ran
boldly to the wall, and manfully threw himself down to the
crowd:
44 But they quickly making room for his fall, he came upon the
midst of the neck.
45 And as he had yet breath in him, being inflamed in mind he
arose: and while his blood ran down with a great stream, and
he was grievously wounded, he ran through the crowd:
46 And standing upon a steep rock, when he was now almost without
blood, grasping his bowels with both hands, he cast them upon
the throng, calling upon the Lord of life and spirit, to
restore these to him again: and so he departed this life.
The Second Book of Machabees, Chapter 15
1 But when Nicanor understood that Judas was in the places of
Samaria, he purposed to set upon him with all violence on the
sabbath day.
2 And when the Jews that were constrained to follow him, said:
Do not act so fiercely and barbarously, but give honour to the
day that is sanctified: and reverence him that beholdeth all
things:
3 That unhappy man asked, if there were a mighty One in heaven,
that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.
4 And when they answered: There is the living Lord himself in
heaven, the mighty One, that commanded the seventh day to be
kept,
5 Then he said: And I am mighty upon the earth, and I command to
take arms, and to do the king's business. Nevertheless he
prevailed not to accomplish his design.
6 So Nicanor being puffed up with exceeding great pride, thought
to set up a public monument of his victory over Judas.
7 But Machabeus ever trusted with all hope that God would help
them.
8 And he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the
nations, but to remember the help they had before received
from heaven, and now to hope for victory from the Almighty.
9 And speaking to them out of the law, and the prophets, and
withal putting them in mind of the battles they had fought
before, he made them more cheerful:
10 Then after he had encouraged them, he shewed withal the
falsehood of the Gentiles, and their breach of oaths.
11 So he armed every one of them, not with defence of shield and
spear, but with very good speeches and exhortations, and told
them a dream worthy to be believed, whereby he rejoiced them
all.
12 Now the vision was in this manner: Onias who had been high
priest, a good and virtuous man, modest in his looks, gentle
in his manners, and graceful in his speech, and who from a
child was exercised in virtues, holding up his hands, prayed
for all the people of the Jews:
13 After this there appeared also an- other man, admirable for
age, and glory, and environed with great beauty and majesty :
14 Then Onias answering, Raid: This is a lover of his brethren,
and of the people of Israel: this is he that prayeth much for
the people, and for all the holy city, Jeremias the prophet of
God.
15 Whereupon Jeremias stretched forth his right hand, and gave to
Judas a sword of gold, saying:
16 Take this holy sword a gift from God, wherewith thou shalt
overthrow the adversaries of my people Israel.
17 Thus being exhorted with the words of Judas, which were very
good, and proper to stir up the courage, and strengthen the
hearts of the young men, they resolved to fight, and to set
upon them manfully : that valour might decide the matter,
because the holy city and the temple were in danger.
18 For their concern was less for their wives, and children, and
for their brethren, and kinsfolks: but their greatest and
principal fear was for the holiness of the temple.
19 And they also that were in the city, had no little concern for
them that were to be engaged in battle.
20 And now when all expected what judgment would be given, and
the enemies were at hand, and the army was set in array, the
beasts and the horsemen ranged in convenient places,
21 Machabeus considering the coming of the multitude, and the
divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the
beasts, stretching out his hands to heaven, called upon the
Lord, that worketh wonders, who giveth victory to them that
are worthy, not according to the power of their arms, but
according as it seemeth good to him.
22 And in his prayer he said after this manner: Thou, O Lord, who
didst send thy angel in the time of Ezechias king of Juda, and
didst kill a hundred and eighty-five thousand of the army of
Sennacherib:
23 Send now also, O Lord of heaven, thy good angel before us, for
the fear and dread of the greatness of thy arm,
24 That they may be afraid, who come with blasphemy against thy
holy people. And thus he concluded his prayer.
25 But Nicanor, and they that were with him came forward, with
trumpets and songs.
26 But Judas, and they that were with him, encountered them,
calling upon God by prayers:
27 So fighting with their hands, but praying to the Lord with
their hearts, they slew no less than five and thirty thousand,
being greatly cheered with the presence of God.
28 And when the battle was over, and they were returning with
joy, they understood that Nicanor was slain in his armour.
29 Then making a shout, and a great noise, they blessed the
Almighty Lord in their own language.
30 And Judas, who was altogether ready, in body and mind, to die
for his countrymen, commanded that Nicanor's head, and his
hand with the shoulder should be cut off, and carried to
Jerusalem.
31 And when he was come thither, having called together his
countrymen, and the priests to the altar, he sent also for
them that were in the castle,
32 And shewing them the head of Nicenor, and the wicked hand,
which he had stretched out, with proud boasts, against the
holy house of the Almighty God,
33 He commanded also, that the tongue of the wicked Nicanor,
should be cut out and given by pieces to birds, and the hand
of the furious man to be hanged up over against the temple.
34 Then all blessed the Lord of heaven, saying: Blessed be he
that hath kept his own place undefiled.
35 And he hung up Nicanor's head in the top of the castle, that
it might be an evident and manifest sign of the help of God.
36 And they all ordained by a common decree, by no means to let
this day pass without solemnity:
37 But to celebrate the thirteenth day of the month of Adar,
called, in the Syrian language, the day before Mardochias'
day.
38 So these things being done with relation to Nicanor, and from
that time the city being possessed by the Hebrews, I also will
here make an end of my narration.
39 Which if I have done well, and as it becometh the history, it
is what I desired: but if not so perfectly, it must be
pardoned me.
40 For as it is hurtful to drink always wine, or always water,
but pleasant to use sometimes the one, and sometimes the
other: so if the speech be always nicely framed, it will not
be grateful to the readers. But here it shall be ended.
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