The First Book of Maccabees
1
1.And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,
2.And made many wars, and won many strong holds, and slew the kings of the earth,
3.And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of many nations, insomuch that the earth was quiet before him; whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.
4.And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto him.
5.And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die.
6.Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.
7.So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died.
8.And his servants bare rule every one in his place.
9.And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years: and evils were
multiplied in the earth.
10.And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
11.In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.
12.So this device pleased them well.
13.Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the heathen:
14.Whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen:
15.And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.
16.Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of two realms.
17.Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,
18.And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.
19.Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he took the spoils thereof.
20.And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude,
21. And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof,
22. And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the vials. and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown, and the golden ornaments that were before the temple, all which he pulled off.
23. He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.
24. And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land, having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.
25. Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every place where they were;
26. So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.
27. Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness,
28. The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.
29. And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude,
30. And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.
31. And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.
32. But the women and children took they captive, and possessed the cattle.
33. Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them.
34. And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselves therein.
35. They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they became a sore snare:
36. For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel.
37. Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled it:
38. Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own children left her.
39. Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into contempt.
40. As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased, and her excellency was turned into mourning.
41. Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,
42. And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.
43. Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.
44. For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,
45. And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days:
46. And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:
47. Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:
48. That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation:
49. To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances.
50. And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die.
51. In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.
52. Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;
53. And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for succour.
54. Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side;
55. And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets.
56. And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burnt them with fire.
57. And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or if any committed to the law, the king's commandment was, that they should put him to death.
58. Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the cities.
59. Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.
60. At which time according to the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.
61. And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.
62. Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.
63. Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died.
64. And there was very great wrath upon Israel.
2
1. In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.
2. And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:
3. Simon; called Thassi:
4. Judas, who was called Maccabeus:
5. Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.
6. And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,
7. He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?
8. Her temple is become as a man without glory.
9. Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword of the enemy.
10. What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of her spoils?
11. All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is become a bondslave.
12. And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.
13. To what end therefore shall we live any longer?
14. Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourned very sore.
15. In the mean while the king's officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them sacrifice.
16. And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his sons came together.
17. Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:
18. Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king's commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.
19. Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:
20. Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers.
21. God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
22. We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.
23. Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king's commandment.
24. Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.
25. Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.
26. Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees did unto Zambri the son of Salom.
27. And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.
28. So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.
29. Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness, to dwell there:
30. Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.
31. Now when it was told the king's servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the secret places in the wilderness,
32. They pursued after them a great number, and having overtaken them, they camped against them, and made war against them on the sabbath day.
33. And they said unto them, Let that which ye have done hitherto suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the king, and ye shall live.
34. But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king's commandment, to profane the sabbath day.
35. So then they gave them the battle with all speed.
36. Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;
37. But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.
38. So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they slew them, with their wives and children and their cattle, to the number of a thousand people.
39. Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they mourned for them right sore.
40. And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.
41. At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were murdered im the secret places.
42. Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted unto the law.
43. Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves unto them, and were a stay unto them.
44. So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the heathen for succour.
45. Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled down the altars:
46. And what children soever they found within the coast of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.
47. They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered in their hand.
48. So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.
49. Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:
50. Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
51. Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.
52. Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?
53. Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and was made lord of Egypt.
54. Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
55. Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.
56. Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received the heritage of the land.
57. David for being merciful possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
58. Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up into heaven.
59. Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of the flame.
60. Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions.
61. And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.
62. Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be dung and worms.
63. To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.
64. Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.
65. And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.
66. As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people.
67. Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your people.
68. Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law.
69. So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.
70. And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made great lamentation for him.
3
1. Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.
2. And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.
3. So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.
4. In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion's whelp roaring for his prey.
5. For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up those that vexed his people.
6. Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.
7. He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.
8. Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel:
9. So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth, and he received unto him such as were ready to perish.
10. Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.
11. Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled.
12. Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.
13. Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the faithful to go out with him to war;
14. He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for 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.
4
1. Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;
2. To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.
3. Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which was at Emmaus,
4. While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.
5. In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us
6. But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.
7. And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.
8. Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.
9. Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.
10. Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:
11. That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel.
12. Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over against them.
13. Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.
14. So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain.
15. Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.
16. This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them,
17. And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us,
18. And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.
19. As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:
20. Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:
21. When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain
ready to fight,
22. They fled every one into the land of strangers.
23. Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.
24. After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.
25. Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.
26. Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what had happened:
27. Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.
28. The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.
29. So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.
30. And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer;
31. Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:
32. Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:
33. Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.
34. So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.
35. Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.
36. Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.
37. Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Sion.
38. And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests' chambers pulled down;
39. They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads,
40. And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.
41. Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.
42. So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the
law:
43. Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place.
44. And when as they consulted
what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned;
45. They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a
reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,
46. And laid up the stones in the
mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.
47. Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former;
48. And made up the
sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.
49. They made also new holy vessels, and into
the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.
50. And upon the altar
they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.
51. Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to
make.
52. Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and
eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning,
53. And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt
offerings, which they had made.
54. Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it
dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.
55. Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and
praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.
56. And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and
offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
57. They decked also the forefront
of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon
them.
58. Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.
59. Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar
should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month
Casleu, with mirth and gladness.
60. At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round
about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.
61. And they set there a garrison to keep it,
and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.
5
1. Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them
very much.
2. Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was among them, and thereupon they began to
slay and destroy the people.
3. Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at Arabattine, because they besieged
Gael: and he gave them a great overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.
4. Also he remembered the injury
of the children of Bean, who had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they lay in wait for them in the ways.
5. He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that
place with fire, and all that were therein.
6. Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty
power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.
7. So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were
discomfited before him; and he smote them.
8. And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging thereto, he returned
into Judea.
9. Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves together against the Israelites that were in their
quarters, to destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.
10. And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren, The
heathen that are round about us are assembled together against us to
11.-12. And they are preparing to come and take the
fortress whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.
13. Come now therefore, and deliver us from their
hands, for many of us are slain:
14. 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.
15. While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who
reported on this wise,
16. And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled
together against us to consume us.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
20. 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.
21. Now unto Simon were given
three thousand men to go into Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of Galaad.
22. Then went Simon into
Galilee, where he fought many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.
23. And he pursued them
unto the gate of Ptolemais; and there were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he took.
24. 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.
25. Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over Jordan, and travelled
three days' journey in the wilderness,
26. 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:
27. 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:
28. 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.
29. 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,
30. From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the fortress.
31. 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.
32. 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, (33) He said unto his host, Fight this day for your
brethren.
34. So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded their trumpets, and cried with prayer.
35. 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.
36. 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.
37. From thence
went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the other cities of the country of Galaad.
38. After these things gathered
Timotheus another host and encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.
39. 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.
40. 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.
41. 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:
42. But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go over unto him, and prevail against him.
43. 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.
44. 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.
45. 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.
46. 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.
47. 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. (48) Then they of the
city shut them out, and stopped up the gates with stones. (49) 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. (50) Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made throughout the host, that
every man should pitch his tent in the place where he was. (51) 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: (52) 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. (53) After this went they
over Jordan into the great plain before Bethsan. (54) And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and exhorted the
people all the way through, till they came into the land of Judea. (55) 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. (56) Now what time as
Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais, (57) Joseph the son of
Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which they had done. (58)
Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight against the heathen that are round about us. (59) So when they
had given charge unto the garrison that was with them, they went toward Jamnia. (60) Then came Gorgias and his men out of
the city to fight against them. (61) 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. (62) 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.
(63) Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose hand deliverance was given unto Israel. (64) 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; (65) Insomuch as the the people assembled unto them with joyful acclamations. (66) 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. (67) From thence he removed to go into
the land of the Philistines, and passed through Samaria. (68) At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour, were
slain in battle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly. (69) 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.
6
(1) About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a
city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold; (2) And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings of
gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the
Grecians, had left there. (3) Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they
of the city, having had warning thereof, (4) Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness,
and returned to Babylon. (5) Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies, which went against
the land of Judea, were put (6) (7) 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: (8) 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. (9) 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. (10) And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made
account that he should die. (11) 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. (12) 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. (13) 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. (14) perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through
great grief in a strange land. (15) Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler over all his realm, (16) 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. (17) So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year. (18) 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.
(19) 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. (20) Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people together to
besiege them. (21) So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot
against them, and other engines. (22) Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom some ungodly men of
Israel joined themselves: (23) And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and
avenge our brethren? (24) We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his
commandments; (25) 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. (26) Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only, but
also against their borders. (27) And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also
and Bethsura have they fortified. (28) Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do the greater things than
these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them. (29) 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. (30) There came also unto him from other
kingdoms, and from isles of the sea, bands of hired soldiers. (31) So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand
footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty elephants exercised in battle. (32) 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. (33) Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in Bathzacharias, over
against the king's camp. (34) 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. (35) And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight,
they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries. (36) 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. (37) These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the
beast was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him. (38) 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. (39) 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. (40) Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains glistered
therewith, and shined like lamps of fire. (41) 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. (42) 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. (43) Then Judas and his
host drew near, and entered into battle, and there were slain of the king's army six hundred men. (44) 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, (45) Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his people, and get him a perpetual name: (46)
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. (47) 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. (48) Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the
king, and the violence of his forces, turned away from them. (49) Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and
the king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount Sion. (50) 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. (51) So the
king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep it. (52) 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. (53) Whereupon they also
made engines against their engines, and held them battle a long season. (54) 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;)
(55) 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. (56) 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, (57) 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. (58) 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: (59) Now therefore let us be friends with these
men, and make peace with them, and with all their nation; (60) 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. (61) So the
king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof. (62) Also the king
and the princes made an oath unto them: whereupon they went out of the strong hold. (63) 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. (64) 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.
7
(1) In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men
unto a city of the sea coast, and reigned there. (2) And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it was, that his forces
had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them unto him. (3) Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their faces.
(4) So his host slew them. Now when Demetrius was set upon the throne of his kingdom, (5) There came unto him all the
wicked and ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their captain: (6) And they accused
the people to the king, saying, Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of our own land. (7) Now
therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see what havock he hath made among us, and in the king's
land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them. (8) Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled
beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king, (9) And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus,
whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel. (10) So they departed, and
came with a great power into the land of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren with peaceable words
deceitfully. (11) But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they were come with a great power. (12) Then did
there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company of scribes, to require justice. (13) Now the Assideans were the first
among the children of Israel that sought peace of them: (14) For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come
with this army, and he will do us no wrong. (15) So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, we will
procure the harm neither of you nor your friends. (16) Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them threescore men,
and slew them in one day, according to the words which he wrote, (17) The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their
blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them. (18) Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell
upon all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor righteousness in them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that
they made. (19) After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many
of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and when he had slain them, he cast them into the great pit.
(20) Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king. (21) But
Alcimus contended for the high priesthood. (22) And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they had
gotten the land of Juda into their power, did much hurt in Israel. (23) Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his
company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen, (24) He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about,
and took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they durst no more go forth into the country. (25) On the other
side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their
force, he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could. (26) Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his
honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people. (27) So Nicanor came
to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words, saying, (28) Let there be
no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see you in peace. (29) He came therefore to Judas, and
they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence. (30) Which thing
after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no
more. (31) Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:
(32) Where there were slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David. (33) After this
went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the elders of the
people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king. (34) But he mocked them,
and laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly, (35) And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and
his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a
great rage. (36) Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple, weeping, and saying, (37) Thou, O
Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people: (38) Be
avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to continue
any longer. (39) So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.
(40) But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there he prayed, saying, (41) 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.
8
(1) Now Judas had heard of the the Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that
joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all that came unto them; (2) And that they were men of great
valour. It was told him also of their wars and noble acts which they had done among the Galatians, and how they had
conquered them, and brought them under tribute; (3) And what they had done in the country of Spain, for the winning of the
mines of the silver and gold which is there; (4) And that by their policy and patience they had conquered all the place, though it
were very far from them; and the kings also that came against them from the uttermost part of the earth, till they had discomfited
them, and given them a great overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year: (5) Beside this, how they had
discomfited in battle Philip, and Perseus, king of the Citims, with others that lifted up themselves against them, and had
overcome them: (6) How also Antiochus the great king of Asia, that came against them in battle, having an hundred and twenty
elephants, with horsemen, and chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited by them; (7) And how they took him alive, and
covenanted that he and such as reigned after him should pay a great tribute, and give hostages, and that which was agreed
upon, (8) And the country of India, and Media and Lydia and of the goodliest countries, which they took of him, and gave to
king Eumenes: (9) Moreover how the Grecians had determined to come and destroy them; (10) And that they, having
knowledge thereof sent against them a certain captain, and fighting with them slew many of them, and carried away captives
their wives and their children, and spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled down their strong holds, and
brought them to be their servants unto this day: (11) It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under their
dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time resisted them; (12) But with their friends and such as relied upon them
they kept amity: and that they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh, insomuch as all that heard of their name were afraid
of them: (13) Also that, whom they would help to a kingdom, those reign; and whom again they would, they displace: finally,
that they were greatly exalted: (14) Yet for all this none of them wore a crown or was clothed in purple, to be magnified
thereby: (15) Moreover how they had made for themselves a senate house, wherein three hundred and twenty men sat in
council daily, consulting alway for the people, to the end they might be well ordered: (16) And that they committed their
government to one man every year, who ruled over all their country, and that all were obedient to that one, and that there was
neither envy nor emmulation among them. (17) In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the
son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy with them,
(18) And to intreat them that they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress
Israel with servitude. (19) They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey, and came into the senate, where they
spake and said. (20) Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a
confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends. (21) So that matter pleased
the Romans well. (22) And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again in tables of brass, and sent to
Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy: (23) Good success be to the Romans, and
to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever: the sword also and enemy be far from them, (24) If there come first any
war upon the Romans or any of their confederates throughout all their dominion, (25) The people of the Jews shall help them,
as the time shall be appointed, with all their heart: (26) Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war upon them, or
aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants
without taking any thing therefore. (27) In the same manner also, if war come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall
help them with all their heart, according as the time shall be appointed them: (28) Neither shall victuals be given to them that
take part against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans; but they shall keep their
covenants, and that without deceit. (29) According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant with the people of the
Jews. (30) Howbeit if hereafter the one party or the other shall think to meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do it at their
pleasures, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be ratified. (31) And as touching the evils that Demetrius doeth to
the Jews, we have written unto him, saying, Wherefore thou made thy yoke heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?
(32) If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.
9
(1) Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the
land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength of his host: (2) Who went forth by the way that leadeth to
Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people. (3) Also
the first month of the hundred fifty and second year they encamped before Jerusalem: (4) From whence they removed, and
went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen. (5) Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and
three thousand chosen men with him: (6) Who seeing the multitude of the other army to he so great were sore afraid;
whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men. (7) When
Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much
distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together. (8) Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and
go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them. (9) But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never
be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but
few. (10) Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die
manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour. (11) With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and
stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host and
they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men. (12) As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near
on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets. (13) They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the
earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night. (14) Now when Judas perceived that
Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men, (15) Who discomfited the
right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus. (16) But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were
discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind: (17) Whereupon there was
a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts. (18) Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled. (19) THen Jonathan
and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin. (20) Moreover they bewailed him,
and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying, (21) How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered
Israel! (22) As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are
not written: for they were very many. (23) Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the
coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity. (24) In those days also was there a very great famine, by
reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them. (25) Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of
the country. (26) And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance
of them, and used them despitefully. (27) So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a
prophet was not seen among them. (28) For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said unto Jonathan, (29) Since thy
brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation
that are adversaries to us. (30) Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou
mayest fight our battles. (31) Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother
Judas. (32) But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him (33) Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother,
and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool
Asphar. (34) Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day. (35) Now
Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them
their carriage, which was much. (36) But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and
went their way with it. (37) After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great
marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of
Chanaan. (38) Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the
mountain: (39) Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the
bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons.
(40) Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a
slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.
(41) Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation. (42) So when they had
avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan. (43) Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he
came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power. (44) Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up
now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past: (45) For, behold, the battle is before us and behind
us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.
(46) Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies. (47) With that they joined
battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him. (48) Then Jonathan and they
that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them.
(49) So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about a thousand men. (50) Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem
and repaired the strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha,
Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars. (51) And in them he set a garrison,
that they might work malice upon Israel. (52) He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in
them, and provision of victuals. (53) Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the
tower at Jerusalem to be kept. (54) Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded
that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets (55) And
as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and
he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house. (56) So Alcimus
died at that time with great torment. (57) Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king:
whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years. (58) Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and
his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one
night. (59) So they went and consulted with him. (60) Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to
his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their
counsel was known unto them. (61) Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about
fifty persons, and slew them. (62) Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi,
which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong. (63) Which thing when Bacchides knew,
he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea. (64) Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi;
and they fought against it a long season and made engines of war. (65) But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went
forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth. (66) And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the
children of Phasiron in their tent. (67) And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company
went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war, (68) And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and
they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain. (69) Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave
him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country. (70)
Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver
them the prisoners. (71) Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never
do him harm all the days of his life. (72) When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out
of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders. (73) Thus
the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly
men out of Israel.
10
(1) In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the
people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there, (2) Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered
together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight. (3) Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with
loving words, so as he magnified him. (4) For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join with Alexander against
us: (5) Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people. (6) Wherefore
he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also
that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him. (7) Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in
the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower: (8) Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had
given him authority to gather together an host. (9) Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he
delivered them unto their parents. (10) This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to build and repair the city.
(11) And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and
they did so. (12) Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which Bacchides had built, fled away; (13) Insomuch as every
man left his place, and went into his own country. (14) Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and the
commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge. (15) Now when king Alexander had heard what promises
Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done,
and of the pains that they had endured, (16) He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will make him our
friend and confederate. (17) Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to these words, saying, (18) King
Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting: (19) We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet
to be our friend. (20) Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's
friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship
with us. (21) So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy
robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour. (22) Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and
said, (23) What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself? (24) 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, 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) 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 (58) (59) 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. (60) Now king Alexander had written unto
Jonathan, that he should come and meet him. (61) 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. (62) 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. (63) Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so. (64)
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. (65) Now when his accusers
saw that he was honored according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away. (66) So the king honoured
him, and wrote him among his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion. (67) Afterward Jonathan
returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness. (68) Furthermore in the; hundred threescore and fifth year came Demetrius son
of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers: (69) Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and
returned into Antioch. (70) 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, (71) 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? (72)
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. (73) 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. (74) 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. (75) 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. (76) And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut him out of the city, because
Apollonius had a garrison there. (77) Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so
Jonathan won Joppa. (78) 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. (79) Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies joined battle. (80) Now
Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush. (81) 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. (82) But the people stood still, as
Jonathan had commanded them: and so the enemies' horses were tired. (83) Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them
against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and fled. (84) The horsemen also, being
scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for safety. (85) 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. (86) Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight thousand men. (87) 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. (88) After
this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having any spoils. (89) Now when king ALexander heard these things, he
honoured Jonathan yet more. (90) 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.
11
(1) And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went
about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own. (2) Whereupon he took his journey into Spain in
peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do,
because he was his brother in law. (3) Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of
soldiers to keep it. (4) And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus
and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for
they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass. (5) Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to
the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace. (6) Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where
they saluted one another, and lodged. (7) Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus,
returned again to Jerusalem. (8) King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon
the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander. (9) Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying,
Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy (10)
(11) For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me. (12) Thus did he slander him, because he was
desirous of his kingdom. (13) Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so
that their hatred was openly known. (14) Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the
crown of Asia, and of Egypt. (15) In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts
had revolted from him. (16) But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought
forth his host, and met him with mighty power, and put him to flight. (17) So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended;
but king Ptolemee was exalted: (18) For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it unto Ptolemee. (19) King
Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another. (20) By this means
Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year. (21) 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. (22) Then came ungodly
persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower, (23) 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. (24) 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; (25) 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. (26) And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him, (27) Yet the king entreated him as
his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends, (28) And confirmed him in the high
priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends. (29) 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. (30) So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this
manner: (31) King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting: (32) We send you
here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it. (33) King
Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting: (34) 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. (35) 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. (36) 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. (37) And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever. (38) 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. (39) 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. (40) 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, (41) 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. (42) 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. (43) 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. (44) Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone
from me. (45) 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. (46) 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. (47) Wherefore the king fled into the court,
but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight. (48) 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.
(49) Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king. (50) 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, (51) Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city. (52) 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. (53) So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was
quiet before him. (54) 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. (55) After this returned
Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned. (56) 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. (57) Moreover
Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch. (58) 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. (59) 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. (60) His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt. (61)
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. (62) 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. (63)
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. (64) 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,
(65) He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country. (66) Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought
against it a long season, and shut it up: (67) 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. (68) 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. (69) 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. (70) So when
they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled; (71) 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. (72)
Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed. (73) Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them
to flight, and so they ran away. (74) 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. (75) So there were slain of the heathen that day
about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
12
(1) Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the
friendship that they had with them. (2) He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.
(3) So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us
unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time. (4) Upon this the
Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably. (5)
And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to (6) (7) 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: (8) 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. (9) At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the
letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship. (10) Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things,
that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us, (11) 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. (12) 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: (13) And we are right glad of your honour. (14) 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. (15) Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you,
nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars: (16) For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we
are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot. (17) 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. (18) We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the
renewing of our brotherhood. (19) Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto. (20) And this is the copy of
the letters which Oniares sent. (21) Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting: (22) It is found in
writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham: (23) Now therefore, since
this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity. (24) We do write back again to you, that
your cattle and goods are ours, and ours are yours We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on
this wise. (25) Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,
(26) He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country. (27)
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. (28) 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. (29) 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.
(30) Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning. (31) Then Jonathan
pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus. (32) Wherefore Jonathan turned to the
Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils. (33) And removing thence, he came to
Damascus, and so passed through all the country, (34) 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. (35) 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. (36) After this came Jonathan home
again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea, (37) 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. (38) 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. (39) Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars. (40) 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. (41) 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. (42) Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men
chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan. (43) Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not
stretch his hand against him; (44) 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. (45) Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought
all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us? (46) 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. (47) So Jonathan believing
him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea. (48) And with himself he retained but three
thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him. (49) 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. (50) Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's
company. (51) 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. (52) They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were
ready to fight for their lives, turned back again. (53) 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. (54)
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.
13
(1) Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it, (2)
And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together, (3) And
gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have done for
the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen. (4) By reason whereof all my brethren are slain
for Israel's sake, and I am left alone. (5) Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of
trouble: for I am no better than my brethren. (6) Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our
children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice. (7) Now as soon as the people heard these words, their
spirit revived. (8) And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy
brother. (9) Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do. (10) So then he gathered together all
the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about. (11) Also he sent Jonathan the
son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it. (12) So
Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward. (13)
But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain. (14) Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of
his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying, (15) Whereas we have Jonathan
thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto
him. (16) Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may
not revolt from us, and we will let him go. (17) Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet
sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of (18) (19) Who might have
said, Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead. (20) So he sent them the children and the
hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go. (21) 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. (22) 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. (23) 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. (24) And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there. (25) Afterward
Tryphon returned and went into his own land. (26) Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried
them in Modin, the city of his fathers. (27) And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days. (28)
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. (29) Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four
brethren. (30) And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their
armour for perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea. (31) This is the
sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day. (32) Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king
Antiochus, and slew him. (33) And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity
upon the land. (34) 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. (35) 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. (36) Unto whom king Demetrius answered and
wrote after this manner: (37) King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation
of the Jews, sendeth greeting: (38) 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. (39) And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall
be your own. (40) 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. (41) And look who are meet among you to be
in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us. (42) Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from
Israel in the hundred and seventieth year. (43) 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. (44) 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. (45)
And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city: (46) 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. (47) And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy
mercy. (48) 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. (49) 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. (50) 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. (51) 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: (52) 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. (53) 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. (54) 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.
14
(1) Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get
him help to fight against Tryphone. (2) But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered
within his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive: (3) Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him,
and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward. (4) As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon;
for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well. (5) And as he
was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea, (6) And
enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country, (7) And gathered together a great number of captives, and had
the dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that
resisted him. (8) Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit. (9)
The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike
apparel. (10) He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was
renowned unto the end of the world. (11) He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy: (12) For every man
sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to fray them: (13) Neither was there any left in the land to fight against
them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days. (14) Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that
were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away. (15) He
beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the temple. (16) Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that
Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry. (17) But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his
stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein: (18) They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and
league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren: (19) Which writings were read before the congregation at
Jerusalem. (20) And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city,
unto Simon the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting: (21)
The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their
coming, (22) And did register the things that they spake in the council of the people in this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus,
and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they had with us. (23) And it pleased
the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to the end the people of
the Lacedemonians might have a memorial thereof: furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon the high priest. (24)
After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with
them. (25) Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall we give to Simon and his sons? (26) For he and his
brethren and the house of his father have established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from them, and confirmed
their liberty. (27) So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy of the
writing; The eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore and twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high
priest, (28) At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country,
were these things notified unto us. (29) Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country, wherein for the
maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, together with his brethren,
put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the enemies of their nation did their nation great honour: (30) (For after that Jonathan,
having gathered his nation together, and been their high priest, was added to his people, (31) Their enemies prepared to invade
their country, that they might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary: (32) At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his
nation, and spent much of his own substance, and armed the valiant men of his nation and gave them wages, (33) And fortified
the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies had been
before; but he set a garrison of Jews there: (34) Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and Gazera, that
bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all things
convenient for the reparation thereof.) (35) The people therefore sang the acts of Simon, and unto what glory he thought to
bring his nation, made him their governor and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for the justice and faith
which he kept to his nation, and for that he sought by all means to exalt his people. (36) For in his time things prospered in his
hands, so that the heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had
made themselves a tower, out of which they issued, and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:
(37) But he placed Jews therein. and fortified it for the safety of the country and the city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem.
(38) King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood according to those things, (39) And made him one of his friends,
and honoured him with great honour. (40) For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews their friends and
confederates and brethren; and that they had entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably; (41) Also that the Jews and
priests were well pleased that Simon should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet;
(42) Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over
the country, and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that, 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.
15
(1) Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the
Jews, and to all the people; (2) The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his
nation, and to the people of the (3) (4) 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 multitude of foreign soldiers
together, and prepared ships of war; (5) 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: (6) Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which
the kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted. (7) give thee leave also to coin money for thy
country with thine own stamp. (8) 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. (9) And if anything be, or
shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore. (10) 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. (11) 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. (12) Wherefore being pursued by king
Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which lieth by the sea side: (13) For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that his
forces had forsaken him. (14) Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of
war, and eight thousand horsemen. (15) 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. (16) In the mean season came
Numenius and his company from Rome, having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written (17) (18) Lucius, consul
of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting: (19) 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: (20) And they brought a
shield of gold of a thousand pound. (21) 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. (22) It seemed also good
to us to receive the shield of them. (23) 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. (24) The same things wrote he
likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces, (25) 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.
(26) And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest. (27) 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. (28)
At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him; silver also, and gold, and much armour. (29) Nevertheless he
would not receive them, but brake all the covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange unto him. (30)
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. (31) The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt
in the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom. (32) 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: (33) 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 (34) 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.
(35) 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. (36) Wherefore we,
having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers. (37) 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; (38) 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. (39) In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto
Orthosias. (40) Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen, (41)
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. (42) So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began
to provoke the people and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them. (43) 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.
16
(1) Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what Cendebeus had done. (2) Wherefore Simon called his two
eldest sons, Judas and John, and said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have ever from my youth unto this
day fought against the enemies of Israel; and things have prospered so well in our hands, that we have delivered Israel
oftentimes. (3) But now I am old, and ye, by God's mercy, are of a sufficient age: be ye instead of me and my brother, and go
and fight for our nation, and the help from heaven be with you. (4) So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war
with horsemen, who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that night at Modin. (5) And when as they rose in the morning,
and went into the plain, behold, a mighty great host both of footmen and horsemen came against them: howbeit there was a
water brook betwixt them. (6) So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he saw that the people were afraid to
go over the water brook, he went first over himself, and then the men seeing him passed through after him. (7) That done, he
divided his men, and set the horsemen in the midst of the footmen: for the enemies' horsemen were very many. (8) Then
sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus and his host were put to flight, so that many of them were slain,
and the remnant gat them to the strong hold. (9) At that time was Judas John's brother wounded; but John still followed after
them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus had built. (10) So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus;
wherefore he burned it with fire: so that there were slain of them about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land
of Judea in peace. (11) Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of Abubus made captain, and he had
abundance of silver and gold: (12) For he was the high priest's son in law. (13) Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought
to get the country to himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against Simon and his sons to destroy them. (14) Now Simon
was visiting the cities that were in the country, and taking care for the good ordering of them; at which time he came down
himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the eleventh month,
called Sabat: (15) Where the son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a little hold, called Docus, which he had built, made
them a great banquet: howbeit he had hid men there. (16) So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and his
men rose up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon into the banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and
certain of his servants. (17) In which doing he committed a great treachery, and recompensed evil for good. (18) Then
Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that he should send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him the
country and cities. (19) He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he
might give them silver, and gold, and rewards. (20) And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the temple. (21)
Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father and brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to
slay thee also. (22) Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid hands on them that were come to destroy him,
and slew them; for he knew that they sought to make him away. (23) As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars,
and worthy deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which he made, and his doings, (24) Behold, these are written in
the chronicles of his priesthood, from the time he was made high priest after his father.
The Second Book of the Maccabees
2Mac 1:1 The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and in the land of Judea, wish unto the brethren, the Jews that are
throughout Egypt health and peace2Mac 1:2 God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he made with
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants; 2Mac 1:3 And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will, with a
good courage and a willing mind; 2Mac 1:4 And open your hearts in his law and commandments, and send you peace, 2Mac
1:5 And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never forsake you in time of trouble. 2Mac 1:6 And now we be here
praying for you. 2Mac 1:7 What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred threescore and ninth year, we the Jews wrote unto
you in the extremity of trouble that came upon us in those years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the
holy land and kingdom, 2Mac 1:8 And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed unto the Lord, and were
heard; we offered also sacrifices and fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves. 2Mac 1:9 And now see that ye
keep the feast of tabernacles in the month Casleu. 2Mac 1:10 In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that were at
Jerusalem and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus' master, who was
of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that were in Egypt: 2Mac 1:11 Insomuch as God hath delivered us from
great perils, we thank him highly, as having been in battle against a king. 2Mac 1:12 For he cast them out that fought within the
holy city. 2Mac 1:13 For when the leader was come into Persia, and the army with him that seemed invincible, they were slain
in the temple of Nanea by the deceit of Nanea's priests. 2Mac 1:14 For Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into
the place, and his friends that were with him, to receive money in name of a dowry. 2Mac 1:15 Which when the priests of
Nanea had set forth, and he was entered with a small company into the compass of the temple, they shut the temple as soon as
Antiochus was come in: 2Mac 1:16 And opening a privy door of the roof, they threw stones like thunderbolts, and struck down
the captain, hewed them in pieces, smote off their heads and cast them to those that were without. 2Mac 1:17 Blessed be our
God in all things, who hath delivered up the ungodly. 2Mac 1:18 Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep the
purification of the temple upon the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, we thought it necessary to certify you thereof,
that ye also might keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias offered sacrifice,
after that he had builded the temple and the altar. 2Mac 1:19 For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests that were
then devout took the fire of the altar privily, and hid it in an hollow place of a pit without water, where they kept it sure, so that
the place was unknown to all men. 2Mac 1:20 Now after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being sent from the king
of Persia, did send of the posterity of those priests that had hid it to the fire: but when they told us they found no fire, but thick
water; 2Mac 1:21 Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias
commanded the priests to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the water. 2Mac 1:22 When this was done, and
the time came that the sun shone, which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great fire kindled, so that every man marvelled.
2Mac 1:23 And the priests made a prayer whilst the sacrifice was consuming, I say, both the priests, and all the rest, Jonathan
beginning, and the rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did. 2Mac 1:24 And the prayer was after this manner; O Lord, Lord
God, Creator of all things, who art fearful and strong, and righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King, 2Mac 1:25
The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty, and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and didst choose
the fathers, and sanctify them: 2Mac 1:26 Receive the sacrifice for thy whole people Israel, and preserve thine own portion,
and sanctify it. 2Mac 1:27 Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver them that serve among the heathen, look
upon them that are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art our God. 2Mac 1:28 Punish them that
oppress us, and with pride do us wrong. 2Mac 1:29 Plant thy people again in thy holy place, as Moses hath spoken. 2Mac
1:30 And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving. 2Mac 1:31 Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded
the water that was left to be poured on the great stones. 2Mac 1:32 When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was
consumed by the light that shined from the altar. 2Mac 1:33 So when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that
in the place, where the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had purified the
sacrifices therewith. 2Mac 1:34 Then the king, inclosing the place, made it holy, after he had tried the matter. 2Mac 1:35 And
the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those whom he would gratify. 2Mac 1:36 And Neemias called this thing
Naphthar, which is as much as to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi. 2Mac 2:1 It is also found in the records, that
Jeremy the prophet commanded them that were carried away to take of the fire, as it hath been signified: 2Mac 2:2 And how
that the prophet, having given them the law, charged them not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they should
not err in their minds, when they see images of silver and gold, with their ornaments. 2Mac 2:3 And with other such speeches
exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts. 2Mac 2:4 It was also contained in the same writing, that the
prophet, being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain,
where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God. 2Mac 2:5 And when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave,
wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door. 2Mac 2:6 And some of those
that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it. 2Mac 2:7 Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them,
saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto
mercy. 2Mac 2:8 Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as it
was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be honourably sanctified. 2Mac 2:9 It was also
declared, that he being wise offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple. 2Mac 2:10 And as when
Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed Solomon also,
and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offerings. 2Mac 2:11 And Moses said, Because the sin offering
was not to be eaten, it was consumed. 2Mac 2:12 So Solomon kept those eight days. 2Mac 2:13 The same things also were
reported in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; and how he founding a library gathered together the acts of the kings,
and the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts. 2Mac 2:14 In like manner also Judas
gathered together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with us, 2Mac 2:15 Wherefore if
ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them unto you. 2Mac 2:16 Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification,
we have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days. 2Mac 2:17 We hope also, that the God, that
delivered all his people, and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary, 2Mac 2:18 As
he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together out of every land under heaven into the holy
place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and hath purified the place. 2Mac 2:19 Now as concerning Judas
Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar, 2Mac 2:20 And the wars
against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his son, 2Mac 2:21 And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that
behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and
chased barbarous multitudes, 2Mac 2:22 And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over, and freed the city, and
upheld the laws which were going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour: 2Mac 2:23 All these things, I say,
being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume. 2Mac 2:24 For considering the
infinite number, and the difficulty which they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of the matter,
2Mac 2:25 We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to
memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit. 2Mac 2:26 Therefore to us, that have taken
upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching; 2Mac 2:27 Even as it is no ease
unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly this
great pains; 2Mac 2:28 Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an
abridgement. 2Mac 2:29 For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to
set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us. 2Mac 2:30 To stand upon
every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story: 2Mac 2:31
But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment. 2Mac 2:32
Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long
prologue, and to be short in the story itself. 2Mac 3:1 Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were
kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness, 2Mac 3:2 It came to pass that
even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts; 2Mac 3:3 Insomuch that Seleucus
of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices. 2Mac 3:4 But one Simon of the tribe of
Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city. 2Mac 3:5 And when he
could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,
2Mac 3:6 And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches,
which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the king's hand.
2Mac 3:7 Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose out
Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money. 2Mac 3:8 So forthwith
Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose.
2Mac 3:9 And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high priest of the city, he told him
what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so indeed. 2Mac
3:10 Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children: 2Mac 3:11
And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed:
the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold: 2Mac 3:12 And that it was altogether
impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty
and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world. 2Mac 3:13 But Heliodorus, because of the king's
commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king's treasury. 2Mac 3:14 So at the day which he
appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole city. 2Mac 3:15 But the
priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made a law
concerning things given to he kept, that they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept. 2Mac 3:16
Then who so had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of
his colour declared the inward agony of his mind. 2Mac 3:17 For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body,
that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart. 2Mac 3:18 Others ran flocking out of
their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt. 2Mac 3:19 And the women, girt
with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some
to the walls, and others looked out of the windows. 2Mac 3:20 And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made supplication.
2Mac 3:21 Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest
being in such an agony. 2Mac 3:22 They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and
sure for those that had committed them. 2Mac 3:23 Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed. 2Mac 3:24
Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused
a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were
sore afraid. 2Mac 3:25 For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair
covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had
complete harness of gold. 2Mac 3:26 Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in
beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.
2Mac 3:27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him
took him up, and put him into a litter. 2Mac 3:28 Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said
treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.
2Mac 3:29 For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life. 2Mac 3:30 But they praised
the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when
the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness. 2Mac 3:31 Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends
prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost2Mac 3:32 So the
high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a
sacrifice for the health of the man. 2Mac 3:33 Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the
same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake
the Lord hath granted thee life: 2Mac 3:34 And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the
mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more. 2Mac 3:35 So Heliodorus, after he
had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his
host to the king. 2Mac 3:36 Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes. 2Mac
3:37 And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said, 2Mac 3:38 If thou
hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place,
no doubt; there is an especial power of God. 2Mac 3:39 For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and
defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it. 2Mac 3:40 And the things concerning Heliodorus, and
the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort. 2Mac 4:1 This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a betrayer of
the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he ha terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils. 2Mac 4:2
Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so zealous of
the laws. 2Mac 4:3 But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon's faction murders were committed, 2Mac 4:4
Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and
increase Simon's malice, 2Mac 4:5 He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all,
both publick and private: 2Mac 4:6 For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his
folly, unless the king did look thereunto. 2Mac 4:7 But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the
kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest, 2Mac 4:8 Promising unto the king by intercession
three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents: 2Mac 4:9 Beside this, he promised to
assign an hundred and fifty more, if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and for the training up of youth in
the fashions of the heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians. 2Mac 4:10 Which when the king had
granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish fashion. 2Mac 4:11 And the
royal privileges granted of special favour to the Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went ambassador to
Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting down the governments which were according to the law, he brought up new
customs against the law: 2Mac 4:12 For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower itself, and brought the chief young
men under his subjection, and made them wear a hat. 2Mac 4:13 Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of
heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, and no high priest; 2Mac 4:14 That the
priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be
partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth; 2Mac 4:15 Not setting
by the honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all. 2Mac 4:16 By reason whereof sore calamity
came upon them: for they had them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they followed so earnestly, and unto
whom they desired to be like in all things. 2Mac 4:17 For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the
time following shall declare these things. 2Mac 4:18 Now when the game that was used every faith year was kept at Tyrus, the
king being present, 2Mac 4:19 This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, to carry
three hundred drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow upon the
sacrifice, because it was not convenient, but to be reserved for other charges. 2Mac 4:20 This money then, in regard of the
sender, was appointed to Hercules' sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof, it was employed to the making of gallies.
2Mac 4:21 Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor,
Antiochus, understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa,
and from thence to Jerusalem: 2Mac 4:22 Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city, and was brought in
with torch alight, and with great shoutings: and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice. 2Mac 4:23 Three years afterward
Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon's brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certain
necessary matters. 2Mac 4:24 But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had magnified him for the glorious
appearance of his power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver2Mac 4:25
So he came with the king's mandate, bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and the
rage of a savage beast. 2Mac 4:26 Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was
compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites. 2Mac 4:27 So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that he
had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it, albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it: 2Mac 4:28 For unto
him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king. 2Mac 4:29 Now Menelaus left
his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians. 2Mac 4:30
While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the king's
concubine, called Antiochus. 2Mac 4:31 Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in
authority, for his deputy. 2Mac 4:32 Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time, stole certain vessels of
gold out of the temple, and gave some of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus and the cities round about. 2Mac
4:33 Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by
Antiochia. 2Mac 4:34 Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed, him to get Onias into his hands; who being
persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths; and though he were suspected by him,
yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice. 2Mac 4:35 For the
which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other nations, took great indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust
murder of the man. 2Mac 4:36 And when the king was come again from the places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city,
and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was slain without cause. 2Mac 4:37 Therefore
Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.
2Mac 4:38 And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading
him through the whole city unto that very place, where he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed
murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved. 2Mac 4:39 Now when many sacrileges had been
committed in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude
gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried away. 2Mac 4:40 Whereupon the
common people rising, and being filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first to offer
violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly. 2Mac 4:41 They then seeing the attempt of
Lysimachus, some of them caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next at hand, cast them all
together upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them. 2Mac 4:42 Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck
to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury. 2Mac
4:43 Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelaus. 2Mac 4:44 Now when the king came to Tyrus,
three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him2Mac 4:45 But Menelaus, being now convicted,
promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him. 2Mac 4:46
Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:
2Mac 4:47 Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and
those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he
condemned to death. 2Mac 4:48 Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels,
did soon suffer unjust punishment. 2Mac 4:49 Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused
them to be honourably buried. 2Mac 4:50 And so through the covetousness of them that were of power Menelaus remained
still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens. 2Mac 5:1 About the same time Antiochus
prepared his second voyage into Egypt: 2Mac 5:2 And then it happened, that through all the city, for the space almost of forty
days, there were seen horsemen running in the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of soldiers, 2Mac 5:3
And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude of pikes,
and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts. 2Mac 5:4 Wherefore
every man prayed that that apparition might turn to good. 2Mac 5:5 Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though
Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that
were upon the walls being put back, and the city at length taken, Menelaus fled into the castle: 2Mac 5:6 But Jason slew his
own citizens without mercy, not considering that to get the day of them of his own nation would be a most unhappy day for him;
but thinking they had been his enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he conquered. 2Mac 5:7 Howbeit for all this he
obtained not the principality, but at the last received shame for the reward of his treason, and fled again into the country of the
Ammonites. 2Mac 5:8 In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused before Aretas the king of the Arabians,
fleeing from city to city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and being had in abomination as an open enemy of
his country and countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt. 2Mac 5:9 Thus he that had driven many out of their country perished
in a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking there to find succour by reason of his kindred: 2Mac 5:10 And he
that had cast out many unburied had none to mourn for him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his fathers. 2Mac
5:11 Now when this that was done came to the king's car, he thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing out of
Egypt in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms, 2Mac 5:12 And commanded his men of war not to spare such as
they met, and to slay such as went up upon the houses. 2Mac 5:13 Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of
men, women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants. 2Mac 5:14 And there were destroyed within the space of three whole
days fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the conflict; and no fewer sold than slain. 2Mac 5:15 Yet was he
not content with this, but presumed to go into the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to the laws, and to his
own country, being his guide: 2Mac 5:16 And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with profane hands pulling down
the things that were dedicated by other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the place, he gave them away. 2Mac
5:17 And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins of them that
dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the place. 2Mac 5:18 For had they not been formerly wrapped in many
sins, this man, as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was,
whom Seleucus the king sent to view the treasury. 2Mac 5:19 Nevertheless God did not choose the people for the place's
sake, but the place far the people's sake. 2Mac 5:20 And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them of the adversity
that happened to the nation, did afterward communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and as it was forsaken in the wrath
of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord being reconciled, it was set up with all glory. 2Mac 5:21 So when Antiochus had
carried out of the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste unto Antiochia, weening in his pride to
make the land navigable, and the sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind. 2Mac 5:22 And he left governors
to vex the nation: at Jerusalem, Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more barbarous than he that set him there;
2Mac 5:23 And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides, Menelaus, who worse than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the
citizens, having a malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews. 2Mac 5:24 He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius
with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their best age, and to sell the women
and the younger sort: 2Mac 5:25 Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the sabbath,
when taking the Jews keeping holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves. 2Mac 5:26 And so he slew all them that
were gone to the celebrating of the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons slew great multitudes. 2Mac 5:27 But
Judas Maccabeus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the
manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs continually, lest they should be partakers of the pollution. 2Mac 6:1 Not
long after this the king sent an old man of Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live
after the laws of God: 2Mac 6:2 And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and
that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the place. 2Mac 6:3 The coming in of this
mischief was sore and grievous to the people: 2Mac 6:4 For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, who
dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought in things that were
not lawful. 2Mac 6:5 The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law forbiddeth. 2Mac 6:6 Neither was it lawful for
a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew. 2Mac 6:7 And in the day of the king's
birth every month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the fast of Bacchus was kept, the
Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy. 2Mac 6:8 Moreover there went out a decree to the
neighbour cities of the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions,
and be partakers of their sacrifices: 2Mac 6:9 And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles should
be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery. 2Mac 6:10 For there were two women brought, who had
circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes handing at their breasts, they cast
them down headlong from the wall. 2Mac 6:11 And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbath day
secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves for the honour
of the most sacred day. 2Mac 6:12 Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities,
but that they judge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of our nation. 2Mac 6:13 For it is a token
of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished. 2Mac 6:14 For not as with
other nations, whom the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us,
2Mac 6:15 Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he should take vengeance of us. 2Mac 6:16 And therefore he
never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people. 2Mac 6:17
But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.
2Mac 6:18 Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his
mouth, and to eat swine's flesh. 2Mac 6:19 But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an
abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment, 2Mac 6:20 As it behoved them to come, that are resolute
to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted. 2Mac 6:21 But they that had the charge of that
wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision,
such as was lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king; 2Mac
6:22 That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for the old friendship with them find favour. 2Mac 6:23 But he
began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his gray head,
whereon was come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he
answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave. 2Mac 6:24 For it becometh not our age, said he,
in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten, were now
gone to a strange religion; 2Mac 6:25 And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time and a moment longer,
should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable. 2Mac 6:26 For though for the present
time I should be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nor
dead. 2Mac 6:27 Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth, 2Mac 6:28
And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And
when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment: 2Mac 6:29 They that led him changing the good will they
bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind. 2Mac
6:30 But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy
knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul
am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him. 2Mac 6:31 And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example
of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation. 2Mac 7:1 It came to pass also,
that seven brethren with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste swine's flesh, and were
tormented with scourges and whips. 2Mac 7:2 But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest thou ask or learn of
us? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers. 2Mac 7:3 Then the king, being in a rage, commanded
pans and caldrons to be made hot: 2Mac 7:4 Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that
spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on. 2Mac 7:5 Now when
he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan:
and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die manfully,
saying thus, 2Mac 7:6 The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to
their faces, declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants. 2Mac 7:7 So when the first was dead after this number,
they brought the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they
asked him, Wilt thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy body? 2Mac 7:8 But he answered in his
own language, and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment in order, as the former did. 2Mac 7:9 And when he
was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise us up, who
have died for his laws, unto everlasting life. 2Mac 7:10 After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was
required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully. 2Mac 7:11 And said courageously, These
I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again. 2Mac 7:12 Insomuch that the
king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man's courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains. 2Mac 7:13
Now when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled the fourth in like manner. 2Mac 7:14 So when he was ready
to die he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee,
thou shalt have no resurrection to life. 2Mac 7:15 Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him. 2Mac 7:16 Then
looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think not that
our nation is forsaken of God; 2Mac 7:17 But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will torment thee and thy
seed. 2Mac 7:18 After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die said, Be not deceived without cause: for we
suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore marvellous things are done unto us. 2Mac 7:19 But
think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished. 2Mac 7:20 But the mother was
marvellous above all, and worthy of honourable memory: for when she saw her seven sons slain within the space of one day,
she bare it with a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord. 2Mac 7:21 Yea, she exhorted every one of
them in her own language, filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said
unto them, 2Mac 7:22 I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave you breath nor life, neither was it I that
formed the members of every one of you; 2Mac 7:23 But doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the generation of
man, and found out the beginning of all things, will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as ye now regard not
your own selves for his laws' sake. 2Mac 7:24 Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful
speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would
make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his
friend, and trust him with affairs. 2Mac 7:25 But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his
mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life. 2Mac 7:26 And when he had exhorted her
with many words, she promised him that she would counsel her son. 2Mac 7:27 But she bowing herself toward him, laughing
the cruel tyrant to scorn, spake in her country language on this manner; O my son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine
months in my womb, and gave thee such three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up unto this age, and endured the
troubles of education. 2Mac 7:28 I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and
consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise. 2Mac 7:29 Fear not this tormentor,
but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren. 2Mac 7:30 Whiles
she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment: but I will
obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses. 2Mac 7:31 And thou, that hast been the author of
all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God. 2Mac 7:32 For we suffer because of our sins. 2Mac 7:33
And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his
servants. 2Mac 7:34 But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up
with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God: 2Mac 7:35 For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of
Almighty God, who seeth all things. 2Mac 7:36 For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead under God's
covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride. 2Mac 7:37 But I,
as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be merciful unto
our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues mayest confess, that he alone is God; 2Mac 7:38 And that in me and my
brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease. 2Mac 7:39 Than the king' being in a
rage, handed him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked. 2Mac 7:40 So this man died undefiled,
and put his whole trust in the Lord. 2Mac 7:41 Last of all after the sons the mother died. 2Mac 7:42 Let this be enough now to
have spoken concerning the idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures. 2Mac 8:1 Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were
with him, went privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together, and took unto them all such as continued in the Jews'
religion, and assembled about six thousand men. 2Mac 8:2 And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon the people
that was trodden down of all; and also pity the temple profaned of ungodly men; 2Mac 8:3 And that he would have
compassion upon the city, sore defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground; and hear the blood that cried unto him,
2Mac 8:4 And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants, and the blasphemies committed against his name; and that
he would shew his hatred against the wicked. 2Mac 8:5 Now when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be
withstood by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy. 2Mac 8:6 Therefore he came at unawares, and
burnt up towns and cities, and got into his hands the most commodious places, and overcame and put to flight no small number
of his enemies. 2Mac 8:7 But specially took he advantage of the night for such privy attempts, insomuch that the fruit of his
holiness was spread every where. 2Mac 8:8 So when Philip saw that this man increased by little and little, and that things
prospered with him still more and more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, to yield more aid to
the king's affairs. 2Mac 8:9 Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of his special friends, he sent him with
no fewer than twenty thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole generation of the Jews; and with him he joined
also Gorgias a captain, who in matters of war had great experience. 2Mac 8:10 So Nicanor undertook to make so much
money of the captive Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand talents, which the king was to pay to the Romans.
2Mac 8:11 Wherefore immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and
promising that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent, not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon
him from the Almighty God. 2Mac 8:12 Now when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor's coming, and he had imparted
unto those that were with him that the army was at hand, 2Mac 8:13 They that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God,
fled, and conveyed themselves away. 2Mac 8:14 Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord to deliver
them, sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met together: 2Mac 8:15 And if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he
had made with their fathers, and for his holy and glorious name's sake, by which they were called. 2Mac 8:16 So Maccabeus
called his men together unto the number of six thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of the enemy, nor to
fear the great multitude of the heathen, who came wrongly against them; but to fight manfully, 2Mac 8:17 And to set before
their eyes the injury that they had unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of the city, whereof they made a
mockery, and also the taking away of the government of their forefathers: 2Mac 8:18 For they, said he, trust in their weapons
and boldness; but our confidence is in the Almighty who at a beck can cast down both them that come against us, and also all
the world. 2Mac 8:19 Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers had found, and how they were delivered,
when under Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished. 2Mac 8:20 And he told them of the battle that they
had in Babylon with the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the business, with four thousand Macedonians,
and that the Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an hundred and twenty thousand because of the help
that they had from heaven, and so received a great booty. 2Mac 8:21 Thus when he had made them bold with these words,
and ready to die for the law and the country, he divided his army into four parts; 2Mac 8:22 And joined with himself his own
brethren, leaders of each band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one fifteen hundred men. 2Mac 8:23 Also
he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and when he had given them this watchword, The help of God; himself leading the
first band, 2Mac 8:24 And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand of their enemies, and wounded and
maimed the most part of Nicanor's host, and so put all to flight; 2Mac 8:25 And took their money that came to buy them, and
pursued them far: but lacking time they returned: 2Mac 8:26 For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they would
no longer pursue them. 2Mac 8:27 So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled their enemies, they occupied
themselves about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto that day, which
was the beginning of mercy distilling upon them. 2Mac 8:28 And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils to the
maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they divided among themselves and their servants. 2Mac 8:29 When this
was done, and they had made a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his servants for
ever. 2Mac 8:30 Moreover of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought against them, they slew above
twenty thousand, and very easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves many spoils more, and made the
maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves. 2Mac 8:31 And when they had gathered
their armour together, they laid them up all carefully in convenient places, and the remnant of the spoils they brought to
Jerusalem. 2Mac 8:32 They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews
many ways. 2Mac 8:33 Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for the victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes,
that had set fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house; and so he received a reward meet for his
wickedness2Mac 8:34 As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had brought a thousand merchants to buy the Jews, 2Mac
8:35 He was through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of whom he made least account; and putting off his glorious
apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive servant through the midland unto Antioch having very great
dishonour, for that his host was destroyed. 2Mac 8:36 Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their tribute
by means of captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that the Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could not be hurt,
because they followed the laws that he gave them. 2Mac 9:1 About that time came Antiochus with dishonour out of the country
of Persia 2Mac 9:2 For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about to rob the temple, and to hold the city;
whereupon the multitude running to defend themselves with their weapons put them to flight; and so it happened, that Antiochus
being put to flight of the inhabitants returned with shame. 2Mac 9:3 Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him
what had happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus. 2Mac 9:4 Then swelling with anger. he thought to avenge upon the Jews the
disgrace done unto him by those that made him flee. Therefore commanded he his chariotman to drive without ceasing, and to
dispatch the journey, the judgment of God now following him. For he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come to
Jerusalem and make it a common burying place of the Jew s. 2Mac 9:5 But the Lord Almighty, the God of Isreal, smote him
with an incurable and invisible plague: or as soon as he had spoken these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came
upon him, and sore torments of the inner parts; 2Mac 9:6 And that most justly: for he had tormented other men's bowels with
many and strange torments. 2Mac 9:7 Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still was filled with pride,
breathing out fire in his rage against the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey: but it came to pass that he fell down from
his chariot, carried violently; so that having a sore fall, all the members of his body were much pained. 2Mac 9:8 And thus he
that a little afore thought he might command the waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the condition of man) and weigh
the high mountains in a balance, was now cast on the ground, and carried in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all the manifest
power of God. 2Mac 9:9 So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man, and whiles he lived in sorrow and
pain, his flesh fell away, and the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army. 2Mac 9:10 And the man, that thought a little
afore he could reach to the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry for his intolerable stink2Mac 9:11 Here therefore,
being plagued, he began to leave off his great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself by the scourge of God, his pain
increasing every moment. 2Mac 9:12 And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said these words, It is meet to be
subject unto God, and that a man that is mortal should not proudly think of himself if he were God. 2Mac 9:13 This wicked
person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more would have mercy upon him, saying thus, 2Mac 9:14 That the holy city
(to the which he was going in haste to lay it even with the ground, and to make it a common buryingplace,) he would set at
liberty: 2Mac 9:15 And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy so much as to be buried, but to be cast out with
their children to be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them all equals to the citizens of Athens: 2Mac 9:16
And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with many
more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges belonging to the sacrifices2Mac 9:17 Yea, and that also he would become
a Jew himself, and go through all the world that was inhabited, and declare the power of God. 2Mac 9:18 But for all this his
pains would not cease: for the just judgment of God was come upon him: therefore despairing of his health, he wrote unto the
Jews the letter underwritten, containing the form of a supplication, after this manner: 2Mac 9:19 Antiochus, king and governor,
to the good Jews his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity: 2Mac 9:20 If ye and your children fare well, and your
affairs be to your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my hope in heaven. 2Mac 9:21 As for me, I was weak,
or else I would have remembered kindly your honour and good will returning out of Persia, and being taken with a grievous
disease, I thought it necessary to care for the common safety of all: 2Mac 9:22 Not distrusting mine health, but having great
hope to escape this sickness. 2Mac 9:23 But considering that even my father, at what time he led an army into the high
countries. appointed a successor, 2Mac 9:24 To the end that, if any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if any tidings were
brought that were grievous, they of the land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not be troubled: 2Mac 9:25 Again,
considering how that the princes that are borderers and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for opportunities, and expect what
shall be the event. I have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended unto many of you, when
I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have written as followeth: 2Mac 9:26 Therefore I pray and request you to
remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally, and in special, and that every man will be still faithful to me and my
son. 2Mac 9:27 For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will favourably and graciously yield to your desires. 2Mac
9:28 Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered most grievously, as he entreated other men, so died he a miserable
death in a strange country in the mountains. 2Mac 9:29 And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body, who
also fearing the son of Antiochus went into Egypt to Ptolemeus Philometor.
2Mac 10:1 Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord guiding them, recovered the temple and the city:
2Mac 10:2 But the altars which the heathen had built in the open street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.
2Mac 10:3 And having cleansed the temple they made another altar, and striking stones they took fire out of them, and offered
a sacrifice after two years, and set forth incense, and lights, and shewbread.
2Mac 10:4 When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the Lord that they might come no more into such troubles;
but if they sinned any more against him, that he himself would chasten them with mercy, and that they might not be delivered
unto the blasphemous and barbarous nations.
2Mac 10:5 Now upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple, on the very same day it was cleansed again, even
the five and twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.
2Mac 10:6 And they kept the eight days with gladness, as in the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long afore they
had held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the mountains and dens like beasts.
2Mac 10:7 Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good
success in cleansing his place.
2Mac 10:8 They ordained also by a common statute and decree, That every year those days should be kept of the whole
nation of the Jews.
2Mac 10:9 And this was the end of Antiochus, called Epiphanes.
2Mac 10:10 Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the
calamities of the wars.
2Mac 10:11 So when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias over the affairs of his realm, and appointed him his chief
governor of Celosyria and Phenice.
2Mac 10:12 For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron, choosing rather to do justice unto the Jews for the wrong that had been
done unto them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.
2Mac 10:13 Whereupon being accused of the king's friends before Eupator, and called traitor at every word because he had
left Cyprus, that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and seeing that he was in no
honourable place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself and died.
2Mac 10:14 But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews:
2Mac 10:15 And therewithall the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands the most commodious holds, kept the Jews
occupied, and receiving those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about to nourish war.
2Mac 10:16 Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and besought God that he would be their helper; and so
they ran with violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans,
2Mac 10:17 And assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell
into their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.
2Mac 10:18 And because certain, who were no less than nine thousand, were fled together into two very strong castles, having
all manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,
2Mac 10:19 Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them that were with him, who were enough to besiege
them, and departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.
2Mac 10:20 Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were persuaded for money through certain of those
that were in the castle, and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some of them escape.
2Mac 10:21 But when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the governors of the people together, and accused
those men, that they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies free to fight against them.
2Mac 10:22 So he slew those that were found traitors, and immediately took the two castles.
2Mac 10:23 And having good success with his weapons in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than
twenty thousand.
2Mac 10:24 Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces,
and horses out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.
2Mac 10:25 But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth
upon their heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,
2Mac 10:26 And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their
enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.
2Mac 10:27 So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on further from the city: and when they drew near to their
enemies, they kept by themselves.
2Mac 10:28 Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the one part having together with their virtue their refuge
also unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the other side making their rage leader of their battle
2Mac 10:29 But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses,
with bridles of gold, and two of them led the Jews,
2Mac 10:30 And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows
and lightnings against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness, and full of trouble, they were killed.
2Mac 10:31 And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
2Mac 10:32 As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.
2Mac 10:33 But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the fortress courageously four days.
2Mac 10:34 And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked
words.
2Mac 10:35 Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men of Maccabeus' company, inflamed with anger because of
the blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed all that they met withal. 2Mac 10:36 Others likewise
ascending after them, whiles they were busied with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the
blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates, and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,
2Mac 10:37 And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.
2Mac 10:38 When this was done, they praised the Lord with psalms and thanksgiving, who had done so great things for Israel,
and given them the victory.
2Mac 11:1 Not long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for
the things that were done.
2Mac 11:2 And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to
make the city an habitation of the Gentiles,
2Mac 11:3 And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale
every year:
2Mac 11:4 Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of
horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.
2Mac 11:5 So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five
furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.
2Mac 11:6 Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people with
lamentation and tears besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.
2Mac 11:7 Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting the other that they would jeopard themselves together
with him to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a willing mind.
2Mac 11:8 And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour
of gold.
2Mac 11:9 Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight
with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.
2Mac 11:10 Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them
2Mac 11:11 And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred
horsemen, and put all the other to flight.
2Mac 11:12 Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.
2Mac 11:13 Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss he had had, and considering that the
Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto them,
2Mac 11:14 And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that he
must needs be a friend unto them.
2Mac 11:15 Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever
Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.
2Mac 11:16 For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth
greeting:
2Mac 11:17 John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the
performance of the contents thereof.
2Mac 11:18 Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as
much as might be.
2Mac 11:19 And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.
2Mac 11:20 But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.
2Mac 11:21 Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.
2Mac 11:22 Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:
2Mac 11:23 Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one
may attend upon his own affairs.
2Mac 11:24 We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the
Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they require of us, that we should suffer them to
live after their own laws.
2Mac 11:25 Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that
they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.
2Mac 11:26 Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind,
they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.
2Mac 11:27 And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto
the council, and the rest of the Jews:
2Mac 11:28 If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.
2Mac 11:29 Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:
2Mac 11:30 Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.
2Mac 11:31 And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall
be molested for things ignorantly done.
2Mac 11:32 I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.
2Mac 11:33 Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
2Mac 11:34 The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius,
ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.
2Mac 11:35 Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased.
2Mac 11:36 But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith,
that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.
2Mac 11:37 Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.
2Mac 11:38 Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
2Mac 12:1 When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king, and the Jews were about their husbandry.
2Mac 12:2 But of the governours of several places, Timotheus, and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and
Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to be quiet and live in peace.
2Mac 12:3 The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their
wives and children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they had meant them no hurt.
2Mac 12:4 Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting
nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no less than two hundred of them.
2Mac 12:5 When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commanded those that were with him to make them
ready.
2Mac 12:6 And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by
night, and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.
2Mac 12:7 And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.
2Mac 12:8 But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,
2Mac 12:9 He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was
seen at Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.
2Mac 12:10 Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five
thousand men on foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.
2Mac 12:11 Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas' side by the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades
of Arabia, being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.
2Mac 12:12 Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in many things, granted them peace: whereupon they
shook hands, and so they departed to their tents.
2Mac 12:13 He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by
people of divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.
2Mac 12:14 But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved
themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be
spoken.
2Mac 12:15 Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of the world, who without rams or engines of war
did cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,
2Mac 12:16 And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad
near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.
2Mac 12:17 Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are
called Tubieni.
2Mac 12:18 But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from
thence, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.
2Mac 12:19 Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus' captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus
had left in the fortress, above ten thousand men.
2Mac 12:20 And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the bands, and went against Timotheus, who had
about him an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.
2Mac 12:21 Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas' coming, he sent the women and children and the other baggage
unto a fortress called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the
places.
2Mac 12:22 But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing
of him who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way, another that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own
men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.
2Mac 12:23 Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty
thousand men.
2Mac 12:24 Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft to
let him go with his life, because he had many of the Jews' parents, and the brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to
death, should not be regarded.
2Mac 12:25 So when he had assured them with many words that he would restore them without hurt, according to the
agreement, they let him go for the saving of their brethren. 2Mac 12:26 Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the
temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.
2Mac 12:27 And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein
Lysias abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily:
wherein also was great provision of engines and darts.
2Mac 12:28 But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God, who with his power breaketh the strength of his
enemies, they won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that were within,
2Mac 12:29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,
2Mac 12:30 But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated
them kindly in the time of their adversity;
2Mac 12:31 They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the
weeks approaching.
2Mac 12:32 And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,
2Mac 12:33 Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred horsemen.
2Mac 12:34 And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the Jews were slain.
2Mac 12:35 At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company, who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still upon
Gorgias, and taking hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken that cursed man alive, a horseman of
Thracia coming upon him smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.
2Mac 12:36 Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he
would shew himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.
2Mac 12:37 And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon
Gorgias' men, he put them to flight.
2Mac 12:38 So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified
themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.
2Mac 12:39 And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that
were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers' graves.
2Mac 12:40 Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which
is forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain.
2Mac 12:41 All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had opened the things that were hid,
2Mac 12:42 Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin committed might wholly be put out of remembrance.
Besides, that noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things
that came to pass for the sins of those that were slain.
2Mac 12:43 And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent
it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection:
2Mac 12:44 For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray
for the dead.
2Mac 12:45 And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good
thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.
2Mac 13:1 In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into
Judea,
2Mac 13:2 And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs, having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an
hundred and ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and three hundred
chariots armed with hooks.
2Mac 13:3 Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of
the country, but because he thought to have been made governor.
2Mac 13:4 But the King of kings moved Antiochus' mind against this wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man
was the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in
that place.
2Mac 13:5 Now there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high, full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which on every
side hanged down into the ashes.
2Mac 13:6 And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust
him unto death.
2Mac 13:7 Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly:
2Mac 13:8 For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar, whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death
in ashes.
2Mac 13:9 Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been done in his
father's time.
2Mac 13:10 Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever
at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, and from the
holy temple:
2Mac 13:11 And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the
blasphemous nations.
2Mac 13:12 So when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat
upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.
2Mac 13:13 And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the
city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.
2Mac 13:14 So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto
death, for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by Modin:
2Mac 13:15 And having given the watchword to them that were about him, Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice
young men he went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the
elephants, with all that were upon him.
2Mac 13:16 And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and departed with good success.
2Mac 13:17 This was done in the break of the day, because the protection of the Lord did help him.
2Mac 13:18 Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,
2Mac 13:19 And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his
men:
2Mac 13:20 For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things as were necessary.
2Mac 13:21 But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews' host, disclosed the secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and
when they had gotten him, they put him in prison.
2Mac 13:22 The king treated with them in Bethsum the second time, gave his hand, took their's, departed, fought with Judas,
was overcome;
2Mac 13:23 Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch, was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews,
submitted himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt
kindly with the place,
2Mac 13:24 And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;
2Mac 13:25 Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed, because they would make
their covenants void:
2Mac 13:26 Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as much as could be in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made
them well affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king's coming and departing.
2Mac 14:1 After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis
with a great power and navy,
2Mac 14:2 Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.
2Mac 14:3 Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the
Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar,
2Mac 14:4 Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm,
and also of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace.
2Mac 14:5 Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprize, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and
asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto:
2Mac 14:6 Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and
will not let the rest be in peace.
2Mac 14:7 Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come hither:
2Mac 14:8 First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the
good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforersaid.
2Mac 14:9 Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on
every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto all.
2Mac 14:10 For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
2Mac 14:11 This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more
incense Demetrius.
2Mac 14:12 And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he
sent him forth,
2Mac 14:13 Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the
great temple.
2Mac 14:14 Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and
calamities ot the Jews to be their welfare.
2Mac 14:15 Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon
their heads, and made supplication to him that had established his people for ever, and who always helpeth his portion with
manifestation of his presence.
2Mac 14:16 So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the
town of Dessau.
2Mac 14:17 Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden
silence of his enemies.
2Mac 14:18 Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they
had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.
2Mac 14:19 Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to make peace.
2Mac 14:20 So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith,
and it appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the covenants,
2Mac 14:21 And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were set for either of
them,
2Mac 14:22 Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the
enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.
2Mac 14:23 Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto him.
2Mac 14:24 And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he love the man from his heart
2Mac 14:25 He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.
2Mac 14:26 But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and considering the covenants that were made, came to
Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state; for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his
realm, to be the king's successor.
2Mac 14:27 Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor,
signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all
haste unto Antioch.
2Mac 14:28 When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should
make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.
2Mac 14:29 But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy.
2Mac 14:30 Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him
more roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of good, he gathered together not a few of his
men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor.
2Mac 14:31 But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple, and
commanded the priests, that were offering their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the man.
2Mac 14:32 And when they sware that they could not tell where the man was whom he sought,
2Mac 14:33 He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas
as a prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple
unto Bacchus.
2Mac 14:34 After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was
ever a defender of their nation, saying in this manner;
2Mac 14:35 Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be
among us:
2Mac 14:36 Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop
every unrighteous mouth.
2Mac 14:37 Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a
man of very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of the Jews.
2Mac 14:38 For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and
did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews.
2Mac 14:39 So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take
him:
2Mac 14:40 For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.
2Mac 14:41 Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire
should be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side fell upon his sword;
2Mac 14:42 Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than
beseemed his noble birth:
2Mac 14:43 But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and
cast himself down manfully among the thickest of them.
2Mac 14:44 But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void place.
2Mac 14:45 Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood
gushed out like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a
steep rock,
2Mac 14:46 When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast
them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died.
2Mac 15:1 But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any
danger to set upon them on the sabbath day.
2Mac 15:2 Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give
honour to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above all other days.
2Mac 15:3 Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the
sabbath day to be kept.
2Mac 15:4 And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:
2Mac 15:5 Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king's business.
Yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done.
2Mac 15:6 So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas
and them that were with him.
2Mac 15:7 But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him:
2Mac 15:8 Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help
which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which should come unto them
from the Almighty.
2Mac 15:9 And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they
won afore, he made them more cheerful.
2Mac 15:10 And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the
heathen, and the breach of oaths.
2Mac 15:11 Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good
words: and beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice
them.
2Mac 15:12 And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in
conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands
prayed for the whole body of the Jews.
2Mac 15:13 This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful
and excellent majesty.
2Mac 15:14 Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy
city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.
2Mac 15:15 Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,
2Mac 15:16 Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.
2Mac 15:17 Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and
to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully
to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.
2Mac 15:18 For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with
them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.
2Mac 15:19 Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.
2Mac 15:20 And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army
was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,
2Mac 15:21 Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the
beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh
not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy:
2Mac 15:22 Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of
Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand:
2Mac 15:23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them;
2Mac 15:24 And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to
blaspheme. And he ended thus.
2Mac 15:25 Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs.
2Mac 15:26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.
2Mac 15:27 So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five
thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.
2Mac 15:28 Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.
2Mac 15:29 Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language.
2Mac 15:30 And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens both in body and mind, and who continued his love
toward his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to
Jerusalem.
2Mac 15:31 So when he was there, and called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them
that were of the tower,
2Mac 15:32 And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched
out against the holy temple of the Almighty.
2Mac 15:33 And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces
unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.
2Mac 15:34 So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place
undefiled.
2Mac 15:35 He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
2Mac 15:36 And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the
thirtieth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.
2Mac 15:37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make
an end.
2Mac 15:38 And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that
which I could attain unto.
2Mac 15:39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the
taste: even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.
3 Maccabees
3 Maccabees
Chapter 1
1 When Philopator learned from those who returned that the regions which he had controlled had been seized by Antiochus, he
gave orders to all his forces, both infantry and cavalry, took with him his sister Arsinoe, and marched out to the region near
Raphia, where Antiochus's supporters were encamped.
2 But a certain Theodotus, determined to carry out the plot he had devised, took with him the best of the Ptolemaic arms that
had been previously issued to him, and crossed over by night to the tent of Ptolemy, intending single‑handed to kill him and
thereby end the war.
3 But Dositheus, known as the son of Drimylus, a Jew by birth who later changed his religion and apostatized from the
ancestral traditions, had led the king away and arranged that a certain insignificant man should sleep in the tent; and so it turned
out that this man incurred the vengeance meant for the king.
4 When a bitter fight resulted, and matters were turning out rather in favor of Antiochus, Arsinoe went to the troops with wailing
and tears, her locks all disheveled, and exhorted them to defend themselves and their children and wives bravely, promising to
give them each two minas of gold if they won the battle.
5 And so it came about that the enemy was routed in the action, and many captives also were taken.
6 Now that he had foiled the plot, Ptolemy decided to visit the neighboring cities and encourage them.
7 By doing this, and by endowing their sacred enclosures with gifts, he strengthened the morale of his
subjects.
8 Since the Jews had sent some of their council and elders to greet him, to bring him gifts of welcome, and to congratulate him
on what had happened, he was all the more eager to visit them as soon as possible.
9 After he had arrived in Jerusalem, he offered sacrifice to the supreme God and made thank‑offerings and did what was fitting
for the holy place. Then, upon entering the place and being impressed by its excellence and its beauty,
10 he marveled at the good order of the temple, and conceived a desire to enter the holy of holies.
11 When they said that this was not permitted, because not even members of their own nation were allowed to enter, nor even
all of the priests, but only the high priest who was pre‑eminent over all, and he only once a year, the king was by no means
persuaded.
12 Even after the law had been read to him, he did not cease to maintain that he ought to enter, saying, "Even if those men are
deprived of this honor, I ought not to be."
13 And he inquired why, when he entered every other temple, no one there had stopped him.
14 And someone heedlessly said that it was wrong to take this as a sign in itself.
15 "But since this has happened," the king said, "why should not I at least enter, whether they wish it or not?"
16 Then the priests in all their vestments prostrated themselves and entreated the supreme God to aid in the present situation
and to avert the violence of this evil design, and they filled the temple with cries and tears;
17 and those who remained behind in the city were agitated and hurried out, supposing that something mysterious was
occurring.
18 The virgins who had been enclosed in their chambers rushed out with their mothers, sprinkled their hair with dust, and filled
the streets with groans and lamentations.
19 Those women who had recently been arrayed for marriage abandoned the bridal chambers prepared for wedded union,
and, neglecting proper modesty, in a disorderly rush flocked together in the city.
20 Mothers and nurses abandoned even newborn children here and there, some in houses and some in the streets, and without
a backward look they crowded together at the most high temple.
21 Various were the supplications of those gathered there because of what the king was profanely plotting.
22 In addition, the bolder of the citizens would not tolerate the completion of his plans or the fulfillment of his intended purpose.
23 They shouted to their fellows to take arms and die courageously for the ancestral law, and created a considerable
disturbance in the holy place; and being barely restrained by the old men and the elders, they resorted to the same posture of
supplication as the others.
24 Meanwhile the crowd, as before, was engaged in prayer,
25 while the elders near the king tried in various ways to change his arrogant mind from the plan that he had conceived.
26 But he, in his arrogance, took heed of nothing, and began now to approach, determined to bring the aforesaid plan to a
conclusion.
27 When those who were around him observed this, they turned, together with our people, to call upon him who has all power
to defend them in the present trouble and not to overlook this unlawful and haughty deed.
28 The continuous, vehement, and concerted cry of the crowds resulted in an immense uproar;
29 for it seemed that not only the men but also the walls and the whole earth around echoed, because indeed all at that time
preferred death to the profanation of the place.
3 Maccabees
Chapter 2
1 Then the high priest Simon, facing the sanctuary, bending his knees and extending his hands with calm dignity, prayed as
follows:
2 "Lord, Lord, king of the heavens, and sovereign of all creation, holy among the holy ones, the only ruler, almighty, give
attention to us who are suffering grievously from an impious and profane man, puffed up in his audacity and power.
3 For you, the creator of all things and the governor of all, are a just Ruler, and you judge those who have done anything in
insolence and arrogance.
4 You destroyed those who in the past committed injustice, among whom were even giants who trusted in their strength and
boldness, whom you destroyed by bringing upon them a boundless flood.
5 You consumed with fire and sulphur the men of Sodom who acted arrogantly, who were notorious for their vices; and you
made them an example to those who should come afterward.
6 You made known your mighty power by inflicting many and varied punishments on the audacious Pharaoh who had enslaved
your holy people Israel.
7 And when he pursued them with chariots and a mass of troops, you overwhelmed him in the depths of the sea, but carried
through safely those who had put their confidence in you, the Ruler over the whole creation.
8 And when they had seen works of your hands, they praised you, the Almighty.
9 You, O King, when you had created the boundless and immeasurable earth, chose this city and sanctified this place for your
name, though you have no need of anything; and when you had glorified it by your magnificent manifestation, you made it a firm
foundation for the glory of your great and honored name.
10 And because you love the house of Israel, you promised that if we should have reverses, and tribulation should overtake us,
you would listen to our petition when we come to this place and pray.
11 And indeed you are faithful and true.
12 And because oftentimes when our fathers were oppressed you helped them in their humiliation, and rescued them from great
evils,
13 see now, O holy King, that because of our many and great sins we are crushed with suffering, subjected to our enemies, and
overtaken by helplessness.
14 In our downfall this audacious and profane man undertakes to violate the holy place on earth dedicated to your glorious
name.
15 For your dwelling, the heaven of heavens, is unapproachable by man.
16 But because you graciously bestowed your glory upon your people Israel, you sanctified this place.
17 Do not punish us for the defilement committed by these men, or call us to account for this profanation, lest the transgressors
boast in their wrath or exult in the arrogance of their tongue, saying,
18 'We have trampled down the house of the sanctuary as offensive houses are trampled down.'
19 Wipe away our sins and disperse our errors, and reveal your mercy at this hour.
20 Speedily let your mercies overtake us, and put praises in the mouth of those who are downcast and broken in spirit, and
give us peace."
21 Thereupon God, who oversees all things, the first Father of all, holy among the holy ones, having heard the lawful
supplication, scourged him who had exalted himself in insolence and audacity.
22 He shook him on this side and that as a reed is shaken by the wind, so that he lay helpless on the ground and, besides being
paralyzed in his limbs, was unable even to speak, since he was smitten by a righteous judgment.
23 Then both friends and bodyguards, seeing the severe punishment that had overtaken him, and fearing lest he should lose his
life, quickly dragged him out, panic‑stricken in their exceedingly great fear.
24 After a while he recovered, and though he had been punished, he by no means repented, but went away uttering bitter
threats.
25 When he arrived in Egypt, he increased in his deeds of malice, abetted by the previously mentioned drinking companions
and comrades, who were strangers to everything just.
26 He was not content with his uncounted licentious deeds, but he also continued with such audacity that he framed evil reports
in the various localities; and many of his friends, intently observing the king's purpose, themselves also followed his will.
27 He proposed to inflict public disgrace upon the Jewish community, and he set up a stone on the tower in the courtyard with
this inscription:
28 "None of those who do not sacrifice shall enter their sanctuaries, and all Jews shall be subjected to a registration involving
poll tax and to the status of slaves. Those who object to this are to be taken by force and put to death;
29 those who are registered are also to be branded on their bodies by fire with the ivy‑leaf symbol of Dionysus, and they shall
also be reduced to their former limited status."
30 In order that he might not appear to be an enemy to all, he inscribed below: "But if any of them prefer to join those who
have been initiated into the mysteries, they shall have equal citizenship with the Alexandrians."
31 Now some, however, with an obvious abhorrence of the price to be exacted for maintaining the religion of their city, readily
gave themselves up, since they expected to enhance their reputation by their future association with the king.
32 But the majority acted firmly with a courageous spirit and did not depart from their religion; and by paying money in
exchange for life they confidently attempted to save themselves from the registration.
33 They remained resolutely hopeful of obtaining help, and they abhorred those who separated themselves from them,
considering them to be enemies of the Jewish nation, and depriving them of common fellowship and mutual help.
3 Maccabees
Chapter 3
1 When the impious king comprehended this situation, he became so infuriated that not only was he enraged against those Jews
who lived in Alexandria, but was still more bitterly hostile toward those in the countryside; and he ordered that all should
promptly be gathered into one place, and put to death by the most cruel means.
2 While these matters were being arranged, a hostile rumor was circulated against the Jewish nation by men who conspired to
do them ill, a pretext being given by a report that they hindered others from the observance of their customs.
3 The Jews, however, continued to maintain good will and unswerving loyalty toward the dynasty;
4 but because they worshiped God and conducted themselves by his law, they kept their separateness with respect to foods.
For this reason they appeared hateful to some;
5 but since they adorned their style of life with the good deeds of upright people, they were established in good repute among
all men.
6 Nevertheless those of other races paid no heed to their good service to their nation, which was common talk among all;
7 instead they gossiped about the differences in worship and foods, alleging that these people were loyal neither to the king nor
to his authorities, but were hostile and greatly opposed to his government. So they attached no ordinary reproach to them.
8 The Greeks in the city, though wronged in no way, when they saw an unexpected tumult around these people and the crowds
that suddenly were forming, were not strong enough to help them, for they lived under tyranny. They did try to console them,
being grieved at the situation, and expected that matters would change;
9 for such a great community ought not be left to its fate when it had committed no offense.
10 And already some of their neighbors and friends and business associates had taken some of them aside privately and were
pledging to protect them and to exert more earnest efforts for their assistance.
11 Then the king, boastful of his present good fortune, and not considering the might of the supreme God, but assuming that he
would persevere constantly in his same purpose, wrote this letter against them:
12 "King Ptolemy Philopator to his generals and soldiers in Egypt and all its districts, greetings and good health.
13 I myself and our government are faring well.
14 When our expedition took place in Asia, as you yourselves know, it was brought to conclusion, according to plan, by the
gods' deliberate alliance with us in battle,
15 and we considered that we should not rule the nations inhabiting Coele‑Syria and Phoenicia by the power of the spear but
should cherish them with clemency and great benevolence, gladly treating them well.
16 And when we had granted very great revenues to the temples in the cities, we came on to Jerusalem also, and went up to
honor the temple of those wicked people, who never cease from their folly.
17 They accepted our presence by word, but insincerely by deed, because when we proposed to enter their inner temple and
honor it with magnificent and most beautiful offerings,
18 they were carried away by their traditional conceit, and excluded us from entering; but they were spared the exercise of our
power because of the benevolence which we have toward all.
19 By maintaining their manifest ill‑will toward us, they become the only people among all nations who hold their heads high in
defiance of kings and their own benefactors, and are unwilling to regard any action as sincere.
20 "But we, when we arrived in Egypt victorious, accommodated ourselves to their folly and did as was proper, since we treat
all nations with benevolence.
21 Among other things, we made known to all our amnesty toward their compatriots here, both because of their alliance with
us and the myriad affairs liberally entrusted to them from the beginning; and we ventured to make a change, by deciding both to
deem them worthy of Alexandrian citizenship and to make them participants in our regular religious rites.
22 But in their innate malice they took this in a contrary spirit, and disdained what is good. Since they incline constantly to evil,
23 they not only spurn the priceless citizenship, but also both by speech and by silence they abominate those few among them
who are sincerely disposed toward us; in every situation, in accordance with their infamous way of life, they secretly suspect
that we may soon alter our policy.
24 Therefore, fully convinced by these indications that they are ill‑disposed toward us in every way, we have taken precautions
lest, if a sudden disorder should later arise against us, we should have these impious people behind our backs as traitors and
barbarous enemies.
25 Therefore we have given orders that, as soon as this letter shall arrive, you are to send to us those who live among you,
together with their wives and children, with insulting and harsh treatment, and bound securely with iron fetters, to suffer the sure
and shameful death that befits enemies.
26 For when these all have been punished, we are sure that for the remaining time the government will be established for
ourselves in good order and in the best state.
27 But whoever shelters any of the Jews, old people or children or even infants, will be tortured to death with the most hateful
torments, together with his family.
28 Any one willing to give information will receive the property of the one who incurs the punishment, and also two thousand
drachmas from the royal treasury, and will be awarded his freedom.
29 Every place detected sheltering a Jew is to be made unapproachable and burned with fire, and shall become useless for all
time to any mortal creature."
30 The letter was written in the above form.
3 Maccabees
Chapter 4
1 In every place, then, where this decree arrived, a feast at public expense was arranged for the Gentiles with shouts and
gladness, for the inveterate enmity which had long ago been in their minds was now made evident and outspoken.
2 But among the Jews there was incessant mourning, lamentation, and tearful cries; everywhere their hearts were burning, and
they groaned because of the unexpected destruction that had suddenly been decreed for them.
3 What district or city, or what habitable place at all, or what streets were not filled with mourning and wailing for them?
4 For with such a harsh and ruthless spirit were they being sent off, all together, by the generals in the several cities, that at the
sight of their unusual punishments, even some of their enemies, perceiving the common object of pity before their eyes, reflected
upon the uncertainty of life and shed tears at the most miserable expulsion of these people.
5 For a multitude of gray‑headed old men, sluggish and bent with age, was being led away, forced to march at a swift pace by
the violence with which they were driven in such a shameful manner.
6 And young women who had just entered the bridal chamber to share married life exchanged joy for wailing, their
myrrh‑perfumed hair sprinkled with ashes, and were carried away unveiled, all together raising a lament instead of a wedding
song, as they were torn by the harsh treatment of the heathen.
7 In bonds and in public view they were violently dragged along as far as the place of embarkation.
8 Their husbands, in the prime of youth, their necks encircled with ropes instead of garlands, spent the remaining days of their
marriage festival in lamentations instead of good cheer and youthful revelry, seeing death immediately before them.
9 They were brought on board like wild animals, driven under the constraint of iron bonds; some were fastened by the neck to
the benches of the boats, others had their feet secured by unbreakable fetters,
10 and in addition they were confined under a solid deck, so that with their eyes in total darkness, they should undergo
treatment befitting traitors during the whole voyage.
11 When these men had been brought to the place called Schedia, and the voyage was concluded as the king had decreed, he
commanded that they should be enclosed in the hippodrome which had been built with a monstrous perimeter wall in front of
the city, and which was well suited to make them an obvious spectacle to all coming back into the city and to those from the
city going out into the country, so that they could neither communicate with the king's forces nor in any way claim to be inside
the circuit of the city.
12 And when this had happened, the king, hearing that the Jews' compatriots from the city frequently went out in secret to
lament bitterly the ignoble misfortune of their brothers,
13 ordered in his rage that these men be dealt with in precisely the same fashion as the others, not omitting any detail of their
punishment.
14 The entire race was to be registered individually, not for the hard labor that has been briefly mentioned before, but to be
tortured with the outrages that he had ordered, and at the end to be destroyed in the space of a single day.
15 The registration of these people was therefore conducted with bitter haste and zealous intentness from the rising of the sun
till its setting, and though uncompleted it stopped after forty days.
16 The king was greatly and continually filled with joy, organizing feasts in honor of all his idols, with a mind alienated from truth
and with a profane mouth, praising speechless things that are not able even to communicate or to come to one's help, and
uttering improper words against the supreme God.
17 But after the previously mentioned interval of time the scribes declared to the king that they were no longer able to take the
census of the Jews because of their innumerable multitude,
18 although most of them were still in the country, some still residing in their homes, and some at the place; the task was
impossible for all the generals in Egypt.
19 After he had threatened them severely, charging that they had been bribed to contrive a means of escape, he was clearly
convinced about the matter
20 when they said and proved that both the paper and the pens they used for writing had already given out.
21 But this was an act of the invincible providence of him who was aiding the Jews from heaven.
3 Maccabees
Chapter 5
1 Then the king, completely inflexible, was filled with overpowering anger and wrath; so he summoned Hermon, keeper of the
elephants,
2 and ordered him on the following day to drug all the elephants ‑‑ five hundred in number ‑‑ with large handfuls of
frankincense and plenty of unmixed wine, and to drive them in, maddened by the lavish abundance of liquor, so that the Jews
might meet their doom.
3 When he had given these orders he returned to his feasting, together with those of his friends and of the army who were
especially hostile toward the Jews.
4 And Hermon, keeper of the elephants, proceeded faithfully to carry out the orders.
5 The servants in charge of the Jews went out in the evening and bound the hands of the wretched people and arranged for
their continued custody through the night, convinced that the whole nation would experience its final destruction.
6 For to the Gentiles it appeared that the Jews were left without any aid,
7 because in their bonds they were forcibly confined on every side. But with tears and a voice hard to silence they all called
upon the Almighty Lord and Ruler of all power, their merciful God and Father, praying
8 that he avert with vengeance the evil plot against them and in a glorious manifestation rescue them from the fate now prepared
for them.
9 So their entreaty ascended fervently to heaven.
10 Hermon, however, when he had drugged the pitiless elephants until they had been filled with a great abundance of wine and
satiated with frankincense, presented himself at the courtyard early in the morning to report to the king about these
preparations.
11 But the Lord sent upon the king a portion of sleep, that beneficence which from the beginning, night and day, is bestowed by
him who grants it to whomever he wishes.
12 And by the action of the Lord he was overcome by so pleasant and deep a sleep that he quite failed in his lawless purpose
and was completely frustrated in his inflexible plan.
13 Then the Jews, since they had escaped the appointed hour, praised their holy God and again begged him who is easily
reconciled to show the might of his all‑powerful hand to the arrogant Gentiles.
14 But now, since it was nearly the middle of the tenth hour, the person who was in charge of the invitations, seeing that the
guests were assembled, approached the king and nudged him.
15 And when he had with difficulty roused him, he pointed out that the hour of the banquet was already slipping by, and he
gave him an account of the situation.
16 The king, after considering this, returned to his drinking, and ordered those present for the banquet to recline opposite him.
17 When this was done he urged them to give themselves over to revelry and to make the present portion of the banquet joyful
by celebrating all the more.
18 After the party had been going on for some time, the king summoned Hermon and with sharp threats demanded to know
why the Jews had been allowed to remain alive through the present day.
19 But when he, with the corroboration of his friends, pointed out that while it was still night he had carried out completely the
order given him,
20 the king, possessed by a savagery worse than that of Phalaris, said that the Jews were benefited by today's sleep, "but," he
added, "tomorrow without delay prepare the elephants in the same way for the destruction of the lawless Jews!"
21 When the king had spoken, all those present readily and joyfully with one accord gave their approval, and each departed to
his own home.
22 But they did not so much employ the duration of the night in sleep as in devising all sorts of insults for those they thought to
be doomed.
23 Then, as soon as the cock had crowed in the early morning, Hermon, having equipped the beasts, began to move them
along in the great colonnade.
24 The crowds of the city had been assembled for this most pitiful spectacle and they were eagerly waiting for daybreak.
25 But the Jews, at their last gasp, since the time had run out, stretched their hands toward heaven and with most tearful
supplication and mournful dirges implored the supreme God to help them again at once.
26 The rays of the sun were not yet shed abroad, and while the king was receiving his friends, Hermon arrived and invited him
to come out, indicating that what the king desired was ready for action.
27 But he, upon receiving the report and being struck by the unusual invitation to come out ‑‑ since he had been completely
overcome by incomprehension ‑‑ inquired what the matter was for which this had been so zealously completed for him. 28 This
was the act of God who rules over all things, for he had implanted in the king's mind a forgetfulness of the things he had
previously devised.
29 Then Hermon and all the king's friends pointed out that the beasts and the armed forces were ready, "O king, according to
your eager purpose."
30 But at these words he was filled with an overpowering wrath, because by the providence of God his whole mind had been
deranged in regard to these matters; and with a threatening look he said,
31 "Were your parents or children present, I would have prepared them to be a rich feast for the savage beasts instead of the
Jews, who give me no ground for complaint and have exhibited to an extraordinary degree a full and firm loyalty to my
ancestors.
32 In fact you would have been deprived of life instead of these, were it not for an affection arising from our nurture in common
and your usefulness."
33 So Hermon suffered an unexpected and dangerous threat, and his eyes wavered and his face fell.
34 The king's friends one by one sullenly slipped away and dismissed the assembled people, each to his own occupation.
35 Then the Jews, upon hearing what the king had said, praised the manifest Lord God, King of kings, since this also was his
aid which they had received.
36 The king, however, reconvened the party in the same manner and urged the guests to return to their celebrating.
37 After summoning Hermon he said in a threatening tone, "How many times, you poor wretch, must I give you orders about
these things?
38 Equip the elephants now once more for the destruction of the Jews tomorrow!"
39 But the officials who were at table with him, wondering at his instability of mind, remonstrated as follows:
40 "O king, how long will you try us, as though we are idiots, ordering now for a third time that they be destroyed, and again
revoking your decree in the matter?
41 As a result the city is in a tumult because of its expectation; it is crowded with masses of people, and also in constant danger
of being plundered."
42 Upon this the king, a Phalaris in everything and filled with madness, took no account of the changes of mind which had come
about within him for the protection of the Jews, and he firmly swore an irrevocable oath that he would send them to death
without delay, mangled by the knees and feet of the beasts,
43 and would also march against Judea and rapidly level it to the ground with fire and spear, and by burning to the ground the
temple inaccessible to him would quickly render it forever empty of those who offered sacrifices there.
44 Then the friends and officers departed with great joy, and they confidently posted the armed forces at the places in the city
most favorable for keeping guard.
45 Now when the beasts had been brought virtually to a state of madness, so to speak, by the very fragrant draughts of wine
mixed with frankincense and had been equipped with frightful devices, the elephant keeper
46 entered at about dawn into the courtyard ‑‑ the city now being filled with countless masses of people crowding their way
into the hippodrome ‑‑ and urged the king on to the matter at hand.
47 So he, when he had filled his impious mind with a deep rage, rushed out in full force along with the beasts, wishing to
witness, with invulnerable heart and with his own eyes, the grievous and pitiful destruction of the aforementioned people.
48 And when the Jews saw the dust raised by the elephants going out at the gate and by the following armed forces, as well as
by the trampling of the crowd, and heard the loud and tumultuous noise,
49 they thought that this was their last moment of life, the end of their most miserable suspense, and giving way to lamentation
and groans they kissed each other, embracing relatives and falling into one another's arms ‑‑ parents and children, mothers and
daughters, and others with babies at their breasts who were drawing their last milk.
50 Not only this, but when they considered the help which they had received before from heaven they prostrated themselves
with one accord on the ground, removing the babies from their breasts,
51 and cried out in a very loud voice, imploring the Ruler over every power to manifest himself and be merciful to them, as they
stood now at the gates of death.
3 Maccabees
Chapter 6
1 Then a certain Eleazar, famous among the priests of the country, who had attained a ripe old age and throughout his life had
been adorned with every virtue, directed the elders around him to cease calling upon the holy God and prayed as follows:
2 "King of great power, Almighty God Most High, governing all creation with mercy,
3 look upon the descendants of Abraham, O Father, upon the children of the sainted Jacob, a people of your consecrated
portion who are perishing as foreigners in a foreign land.
4 Pharaoh with his abundance of chariots, the former ruler of this Egypt, exalted with lawless insolence and boastful tongue, you
destroyed together with his arrogant army by drowning them in the sea, manifesting the light of your mercy upon the nation of
Israel.
5 Sennacherib exulting in his countless forces, oppressive king of the Assyrians, who had already gained control of the whole
world by the spear and was lifted up against your holy city, speaking grievous words with boasting and insolence, you, O Lord,
broke in pieces, showing your power to many nations.
6 The three companions in Babylon who had voluntarily surrendered their lives to the flames so as not to serve vain things, you
rescued unharmed, even to a hair, moistening the fiery furnace with dew and turning the flame against all their enemies.
7 Daniel, who through envious slanders was cast down into the ground to lions as food for wild beasts, you brought up to the
light unharmed.
8 And Jonah, wasting away in the belly of a huge, sea‑born monster, you, Father, watched over and restored unharmed to all
his family.
9 And now, you who hate insolence, all‑merciful and protector of all, reveal yourself quickly to those of the nation of Israel ‑‑
who are being outrageously treated by the abominable and lawless Gentiles.
10 Even if our lives have become entangled in impieties in our exile, rescue us from the hand of the enemy, and destroy us,
Lord, by whatever fate you choose.
11 Let not the vain‑minded praise their vanities at the destruction of your beloved people, saying, 'Not even their god has
rescued them.'
12 But you, O Eternal One, who have all might and all power, watch over us now and have mercy upon us who by the
senseless insolence of the lawless are being deprived of life in the manner of traitors.
13 And let the Gentiles cower today in fear of your invincible might, O honored One, who have power to save the nation of
Jacob.
14 The whole throng of infants and their parents entreat you with tears.
15 Let it be shown to all the Gentiles that you are with us, O Lord, and have not turned your face from us; but just as you have
said, 'Not even when they were in the land of their enemies did I neglect them,' so accomplish it, O Lord."
16 Just as Eleazar was ending his prayer, the king arrived at the hippodrome with the beasts and all the arrogance of his forces.
17 And when the Jews observed this they raised great cries to heaven so that even the nearby valleys resounded with them and
brought an uncontrollable terror upon the army.
18 Then the most glorious, almighty, and true God revealed his holy face and opened the heavenly gates, from which two
glorious angels of fearful aspect descended, visible to all but the Jews.
19 They opposed the forces of the enemy and filled them with confusion and terror, binding them with immovable shackles.
20 Even the king began to shudder bodily, and he forgot his sullen insolence.
21 The beasts turned back upon the armed forces following them and began trampling and destroying them.
22 Then the king's anger was turned to pity and tears because of the things that he had devised beforehand.
23 For when he heard the shouting and saw them all fallen headlong to destruction, he wept and angrily threatened his friends,
saying,
24 "You are committing treason and surpassing tyrants in cruelty; and even me, your benefactor, you are now attempting to
deprive of dominion and life by secretly devising acts of no advantage to the kingdom.
25 Who is it that has taken each man from his home and senselessly gathered here those who faithfully have held the fortresses
of our country?
26 Who is it that has so lawlessly encompassed with outrageous treatment those who from the beginning differed from all
nations in their goodwill toward us and often have accepted willingly the worst of human dangers?
27 Loose and untie their unjust bonds! Send them back to their homes in peace, begging pardon for your former actions!
28 Release the sons of the almighty and living God of heaven, who from the time of our ancestors until now has granted an
unimpeded and notable stability to our government."
29 These then were the things he said; and the Jews, immediately released, praised their holy God and Savior, since they now
had escaped death.
30 Then the king, when he had returned to the city, summoned the official in charge of the revenues and ordered him to provide
to the Jews both wines and everything else needed for a festival of seven days, deciding that they should celebrate their rescue
with all joyfulness in that same place in which they had expected to meet their destruction.
31 Accordingly those disgracefully treated and near to death, or rather, who stood at its gates, arranged for a banquet of
deliverance instead of a bitter and lamentable death, and full of joy they apportioned to celebrants the place which had been
prepared for their destruction and burial.
32 They ceased their chanting of dirges and took up the song of their fathers, praising God, their Savior and worker of
wonders. Putting an end to all mourning and wailing, they formed choruses as a sign of peaceful joy.
33 Likewise also the king, after convening a great banquet to celebrate these events, gave thanks to heaven unceasingly and
lavishly for the unexpected rescue which he had experienced.
34 And those who had previously believed that the Jews would be destroyed and become food for birds, and had joyfully
registered them, groaned as they themselves were overcome by disgrace, and their fire‑breathing boldness was ignominiously
quenched.
35 But the Jews, when they had arranged the aforementioned choral group, as we have said before, passed the time in feasting
to the accompaniment of joyous thanksgiving and psalms.
36 And when they had ordained a public rite for these things in their whole community and for their descendants, they instituted
the observance of the aforesaid days as a festival, not for drinking and gluttony, but because of the deliverance that had come
to them through God.
37 Then they petitioned the king, asking for dismissal to their homes.
38 So their registration was carried out from the twenty‑fifth of Pachon to the fourth of Epeiph, for forty days; and their
destruction was set for the fifth to the seventh of Epeiph, the three days
39 on which the Lord of all most gloriously revealed his mercy and rescued them all together and unharmed.
40 Then they feasted, provided with everything by the king, until the fourteenth day, on which also they made the petition for
their dismissal.
41 The king granted their request at once and wrote the following letter for them to the generals in the cities, magnanimously
expressing his concern:
3 Maccabees
Chapter 7
1 "King Ptolemy Philopator to the generals in Egypt and all in authority in his government, greetings and good health.
2 We ourselves and our children are faring well, the great God guiding our affairs according to our desire.
3 Certain of our friends, frequently urging us with malicious intent, persuaded us to gather together the Jews of the kingdom in a
body and to punish them with barbarous penalties as traitors;
4 for they declared that our government would never be firmly established until this was accomplished, because of the ill‑will
which these people had toward all nations.
5 They also led them out with harsh treatment as slaves, or rather as traitors, and, girding themselves with a cruelty more savage
than that of Scythian custom, they tried without any inquiry or examination to put them to death.
6 But we very severely threatened them for these acts, and in accordance with the clemency which we have toward all men we
barely spared their lives. Since we have come to realize that the God of heaven surely defends the Jews, always taking their
part as a father does for his children,
7 and since we have taken into account the friendly and firm goodwill which they had toward us and our ancestors, we justly
have acquitted them of every charge of whatever kind.
8 We also have ordered each and every one to return to his own home, with no one in any place doing them harm at all or
reproaching them for the irrational things that have happened.
9 For you should know that if we devise any evil against them or cause them any grief at all, we always shall have not man but
the Ruler over every power, the Most High God, in everything and inescapably as an antagonist to avenge such acts. Farewell."
10 Upon receiving this letter the Jews did not immediately hurry to make their departure, but they requested of the king that at
their own hands those of the Jewish nation who had willfully transgressed against the holy God and the law of God should
receive the punishment they deserved.
11 For they declared that those who for the belly's sake had transgressed the divine commandments would never be favorably
disposed toward the king's government.
12 The king then, admitting and approving the truth of what they said, granted them a general license so that freely and without
royal authority or supervision they might destroy those everywhere in his kingdom who had transgressed the law of God.
13 When they had applauded him in fitting manner, their priests and the whole multitude shouted the Hallelujah and joyfully
departed.
14 And so on their way they punished and put to a public and shameful death any whom they met of their fellow‑countrymen
who had become defiled.
15 In that day they put to death more than three hundred men; and they kept the day as a joyful festival, since they had
destroyed the profaners.
16 But those who had held fast to God even to death and had received the full enjoyment of deliverance began their departure
from the city, crowned with all sorts of very fragrant flowers, joyfully and loudly giving thanks to the one God of their fathers,
the eternal Savior of Israel, in words of praise and all kinds of melodious songs.
17 When they had arrived at Ptolemais, called "rose‑bearing" because of a characteristic of the place, the fleet waited for them,
in accord with the common desire, for seven days.
18 There they celebrated their deliverance, for the king had generously provided all things to them for their journey, to each as
far as his own house.
19 And when they had landed in peace with appropriate thanksgiving, there too in like manner they decided to observe these
days as a joyous festival during the time of their stay.
20 Then, after inscribing them as holy on a pillar and dedicating a place of prayer at the site of the festival, they departed
unharmed, free, and overjoyed, since at the king's command they had been brought safely by land and sea and river each to his
own place.
21 They also possessed greater prestige among their enemies, being held in honor and awe; and they were not subject at all to
confiscation of their belongings by any one.
22 Besides they all recovered all of their property, in accordance with the registration, so that those who held any restored it to
them with extreme fear. So the supreme God perfectly performed great deeds for their deliverance.
23 Blessed be the Deliverer of Israel through all times! Amen.
The Death of the Maccabees
from Fourth Book of Maccabees
The Fourth Book of Maccabees was included in many Greek Bible manuscripts. It is not considered canonical by the Roman
Catholic Church, nor is it part of the "Apocrypha" in the Anglican tradition. In Greek Orthodox Bibles it is included as an
appendix. At one time, but no longer it was assigned to Josephus and called On the Supremacy of Reason. For the most part
it consists of an account of Judaism in terms of Stoicism. It dates from some time between 63BCE and 70CE. [see New
RSV/Oxford Annotated Bible, AP 341.]
Chapter 5 and after constitute an account of the martyrdom of the Maccabees [ see the shorter account in 2 Maccabees
16:12‑7:42], with a particular discussion of the attitude of the mother of the Maccabees [celebrated in Greek churches as St.
Solomnis] in chapters 15‑17. This account prefigures in many way later tropes in Christian hagiography:
The description of tortures [e.g. in 8:12‑13, 10:5‑8, 11:17‑19]
The admixture of description and encomium
The use of the metaphor of the arena, with prizes from God awaiting [e.g. 9:7‑8, and especially 17:11‑17]
The importance of control over the emotions.
The Text that follows is from the old RSV version. I have given the whole text, but with reduced emphasis for chapters 1‑4.
THIS book is like a fearful peal of thunder echoing out of the dim horrors of ancient tyranny. It is a chapter based on
persecution by Antiochus, the tyrant of Syria, whom some called Epiphanes, The Madman. Roman history of the first centuries
records two such tyrants the other, Caligula, the Second Brilliant Madman. The form of this writing is that of an oration. So
carefully timed are the risings and fallings of the speech; so devastating are its arguments; so unfaltering is its logic; so deep its
thrusts; so cool its reasoning ‑ that it takes its place as a sample of the sheerest eloquence.
The keynote is Courage. The writer begins with an impassioned statement of the Philosophy of Inspired Reason. We like to
think of this twentieth Century as the Age of Reason and contrast it with the Age of Myths ‑ yet a writing such as this is a
challenge to such an assumption. We find a writer who probably belonged to the first century before the Christian Era stating a
clear ‑ cut philosophy of Reason that is just as potent today as it was two thousand years ago. The setting of the observations in
the torture chambers is unrelenting. On our modern ears attuned to gentler things it strikes appallingly. The details of the
successive tortures (suggesting the instruments of the Spanish Inquisition centuries later) are elaborated in a way shocking to our
taste. Even the emergence of the stoical characters of the Old man, the Seven Brothers, and the Mother, does nothing to soften
the ferocity with which this orator conjures Courage. The ancient Fathers of the Christian Church carefully preserved this book
(we have it from a Syrian translation) as a work of high moral value and teaching, and it was undoubtedly familiar to many of
the early Christian martyrs, who were aroused to the pitch of martyrdom by reading it.
‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑‑
4 Maccabees
4 Maccabees; Chapter 1
[1] The subject that I am about to discuss is most philosophical, that is, whether devout reason is sovereign over the emotions.
So it is right for me to advise you to pay earnest attention to philosophy.
[2] For the subject is essential to everyone who is seeking knowledge, and in addition it includes the praise of the highest virtue
‑‑ I mean, of course, rational judgment.
[3] If, then, it is evident that reason rules over those emotions that hinder self‑control, namely, gluttony and lust,
[4] it is also clear that it masters the emotions that hinder one from justice, such as malice, and those that stand in the way of
courage, namely anger, fear, and pain.
[5] Some might perhaps ask, "If reason rules the emotions, why is it not sovereign over forgetfulness and ignorance?" Their
attempt at argument is ridiculous!
[6] For reason does not rule its own emotions, but those that are opposed to justice, courage, and self‑control; and it is not for
the purpose of destroying them, but so that one may not give way to them.
[7] I could prove to you from many and various examples that reason is dominant over the emotions,
[8] but I can demonstrate it best from the noble bravery of those who died for the sake of virtue, Eleazar and the seven
brothers and their mother.
[9] All of these, by despising sufferings that bring death, demonstrated that reason controls the emotions.
[10] On this anniversary it is fitting for me to praise for their virtues those who, with their mother, died for the sake of nobility
and goodness, but I would also call them blessed for the honor in which they are held.
[11] For all people, even their torturers, marveled at their courage and endurance, and they became the cause of the downfall
of tyranny over their nation. By their endurance they conquered the tyrant, and thus their native land was purified through them.
[12] I shall shortly have an opportunity to speak of this; but, as my custom is, I shall begin by stating my main principle, and
then I shall turn to their story, giving glory to the all‑wise God.
[13] Our inquiry, accordingly, is whether reason is sovereign over the emotions.
[14] We shall decide just what reason is and what emotion is, how many kinds of emotions there are, and whether reason rules
over all these.
[15] Now reason is the mind that with sound logic prefers the life of wisdom.
[16] Wisdom, next, is the knowledge of divine and human matters and the causes of these.
[17] This, in turn, is education in the law, by which we learn divine matters reverently and human affairs to our advantage.
[18] Now the kinds of wisdom are rational judgment, justice, courage, and self‑control.
[19] Rational judgment is supreme over all of these, since by means of it reason rules over the emotions.
[20] The two most comprehensive types of the emotions are pleasure and pain; and each of these is by nature concerned with
both body and soul.
[21] The emotions of both pleasure and pain have many consequences.
[22] Thus desire precedes pleasure and delight follows it.
[23] Fear precedes pain and sorrow comes after.
[24] Anger, as a man will see if he reflects on this experience, is an emotion embracing pleasure and pain.
[25] In pleasure there exists even a malevolent tendency, which is the most complex of all the emotions.
[26] In the soul it is boastfulness, covetousness, thirst for honor, rivalry, and malice;
[27] in the body, indiscriminate eating, gluttony, and solitary gormandizing.
[28] Just as pleasure and pain are two plants growing from the body and the soul, so there are many offshoots of these plants,
[29] each of which the master cultivator, reason, weeds and prunes and ties up and waters and thoroughly irrigates, and so
tames the jungle of habits and emotions.
[30] For reason is the guide of the virtues, but over the emotions it is sovereign. Observe now first of all that rational judgment
is sovereign over the emotions by virtue of the restraining power of self‑control.
[31] Self‑control, then, is dominance over the desires.
[32] Some desires are mental, others are physical, and reason obviously rules over both.
[33] Otherwise how is it that when we are attracted to forbidden foods we abstain from the pleasure to be had from them? Is it
not because reason is able to rule over appetites? I for one think so.
[34] Therefore when we crave seafood and fowl and animals and all sorts of foods that are forbidden to us by the law, we
abstain because of domination by reason.
[35] For the emotions of the appetites are restrained, checked by the temperate mind, and all the impulses of the body are
bridled by reason.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 2
[1] And why is it amazing that the desires of the mind for the enjoyment of beauty are rendered powerless?
[2] It is for this reason, certainly, that the temperate Joseph is praised, because by mental effort he overcame sexual desire.
[3] For when he was young and in his prime for intercourse, by his reason he nullified the frenzy of the passions.
[4] Not only is reason proved to rule over the frenzied urge of sexual desire, but also over every desire.
[5] Thus the law says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife...or anything that is your neighbor's."
[6] In fact, since the law has told us not to covet, I could prove to you all the more that reason is able to control desires. Just so
it is with the emotions that hinder one from justice.
[7] Otherwise how could it be that someone who is habitually a solitary gormandizer, a glutton, or even a drunkard can learn a
better way, unless reason is clearly lord of the emotions?
[8] Thus, as soon as a man adopts a way of life in accordance with the law, even though he is a lover of money, he is forced to
act contrary to his natural ways and to lend without interest to the needy and to cancel the debt when the seventh year arrives.
[9] If one is greedy, he is ruled by the law through his reason so that he neither gleans his harvest nor gathers the last grapes
from the vineyard. In all other matters we can recognize that reason rules the emotions.
[10] For the law prevails even over affection for parents, so that virtue is not abandoned for their sakes.
[11] It is superior to love for one's wife, so that one rebukes her when she breaks the law.
[12] It takes precedence over love for children, so that one punishes them for misdeeds.
[13] It is sovereign over the relationship of friends, so that one rebukes friends when they act wickedly.
[14] Do not consider it paradoxical when reason, through the law, can prevail even over enmity. The fruit trees of the enemy
are not cut down, but one preserves the property of enemies from the destroyers and helps raise up what has fallen.
[15] It is evident that reason rules even the more violent emotions: lust for power, vainglory, boasting, arrogance, and malice.
[16] For the temperate mind repels all these malicious emotions, just as it repels anger ‑‑ for it is sovereign over even this.
[17] When Moses was angry with Dathan and Abiram he did nothing against them in anger, but controlled his anger by reason.
[18] For, as I have said, the temperate mind is able to get the better of the emotions, to correct some, and to render others
powerless.
[19] Why else did Jacob, our most wise father, censure the households of Simeon and Levi for their irrational slaughter of the
entire tribe of the Shechemites, saying, "Cursed be their anger"?
[20] For if reason could not control anger, he would not have spoken thus.
[21] Now when God fashioned man, he planted in him emotions and inclinations,
[22] but at the same time he enthroned the mind among the senses as a sacred governor over them all.
[23] To the mind he gave the law; and one who lives subject to this will rule a kingdom that is temperate, just, good, and
courageous.
[24] How is it then, one might say, that if reason is master of the emotions, it does not control forgetfulness and ignorance?
4 Maccabees; Chapter 3
[1] This notion is entirely ridiculous; for it is evident that reason rules not over its own emotions, but over those of the body.
[2] No one of us can eradicate that kind of desire, but reason can provide a way for us not to be enslaved by desire.
[3] No one of us can eradicate anger from the mind, but reason can help to deal with anger.
[4] No one of us can eradicate malice, but reason can fight at our side so that we are not overcome by malice.
[5] For reason does not uproot the emotions but is their antagonist.
[6] Now this can be explained more clearly by the story of King David's thirst.
[7] David had been attacking the Philistines all day long, and together with the soldiers of his nation had slain many of them.
[8] Then when evening fell, he came, sweating and quite exhausted, to the royal tent, around which the whole army of our
ancestors had encamped.
[9] Now all the rest were at supper,
[10] but the king was extremely thirsty, and although springs were plentiful there, he could not satisfy his thirst from them.
[11] But a certain irrational desire for the water in the enemy's territory tormented and inflamed him, undid and consumed him.
[12] When his guards complained bitterly because of the king's craving, two staunch young soldiers, respecting the king's
desire, armed themselves fully, and taking a pitcher climbed over the enemy's ramparts.
[13] Eluding the sentinels at the gates, they went searching throughout the enemy camp
[14] and found the spring, and from it boldly brought the king a drink.
[15] But David, although he was burning with thirst, considered it an altogether fearful danger to his soul to drink what was
regarded as equivalent to blood.
[16] Therefore, opposing reason to desire, he poured out the drink as an offering to God.
[17] For the temperate mind can conquer the drives of the emotions and quench the flames of frenzied desires;
[18] it can overthrow bodily agonies even when they are extreme, and by nobility of reason spurn all domination by the
emotions.
[19] The present occasion now invites us to a narrative demonstration of temperate reason.
[20] At a time when our fathers were enjoying profound peace because of their observance of the law and were prospering, so
that even Seleucus Nicanor, king of Asia, had both appropriated money to them for the temple service and recognized their
commonwealth ‑‑
[21] just at that time certain men attempted a revolution against the public harmony and caused many and various disasters.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 4
[1] Now there was a certain Simon, a political opponent of the noble and good man, Onias, who then held the high priesthood
for life. When despite all manner of slander he was unable to injure Onias in the eyes of the nation, he fled the country with the
purpose of betraying it.
[2] So he came to Apollonius, governor of Syria, Phoenicia, and Cilicia, and said,
[3] "I have come here because I am loyal to the king's government, to report that in the Jerusalem treasuries there are deposited
tens of thousands in private funds, which are not the property of the temple but belong to King Seleucus."
[4] When Apollonius learned the details of these things, he praised Simon for his service to the king and went up to Seleucus to
inform him of the rich treasure.
[5] On receiving authority to deal with this matter, he proceeded quickly to our country accompanied by the accursed Simon
and a very strong military force.
[6] He said that he had come with the king's authority to seize the private funds in the treasury.
[7] The people indignantly protested his words, considering it outrageous that those who had committed deposits to the sacred
treasury should be deprived of them, and did all that they could to prevent it.
[8] But, uttering threats, Apollonius went on to the temple.
[9] While the priests together with women and children were imploring God in the temple to shield the holy place that was being
treated so contemptuously,
[10] and while Apollonius was going up with his armed forces to seize the money, angels on horseback with lightning flashing
from their weapons appeared from heaven, instilling in them great fear and trembling.
[11] Then Apollonius fell down half dead in the temple area that was open to all, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and
with tears besought the Hebrews to pray for him and propitiate the wrath of the heavenly army.
[12] For he said that he had committed a sin deserving of death, and that if he were delivered he would praise the blessedness
of the holy place before all people.
[13] Moved by these words, Onias the high priest, although otherwise he had scruples about doing so, prayed for him lest King
Seleucus suppose that Apollonius had been overcome by human treachery and not by divine justice.
[14] So Apollonius, having been preserved beyond all expectations, went away to report to the king what had happened to
him.
[15] When King Seleucus died, his son Antiochus Epiphanes succeeded to the throne, an arrogant and terrible man,
[16] who removed Onias from the priesthood and appointed Onias's brother Jason as high priest.
[17] Jason agreed that if the office were conferred upon him he would pay the king three thousand six hundred and sixty talents
annually.
[18] So the king appointed him high priest and ruler of the nation.
[19] Jason changed the nation's way of life and altered its form of government in complete violation of the law,
[20] so that not only was a gymnasium constructed at the very citadel of our native land, but also the temple service was
abolished.
[21] The divine justice was angered by these acts and caused Antiochus himself to make war on them.
[22] For when he was warring against Ptolemy in Egypt, he heard that a rumor of his death had spread and that the people of
Jerusalem had rejoiced greatly. He speedily marched against them,
[23] and after he had plundered them he issued a decree that if any of them should be found observing the ancestral law they
should die.
[24] When, by means of his decrees, he had not been able in any way to put an end to the people's observance of the law, but
saw that all his threats and punishments were being disregarded,
[25] even to the point that women, because they had circumcised their sons, were thrown headlong from heights along with
their infants, though they had known beforehand that they would suffer this ‑‑
[26] when, then, his decrees were despised by the people, he himself, through torture, tried to compel everyone in the nation to
eat defiling foods and to renounce Judaism.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 5
[1] The tyrant Antiochus, sitting in state with his counselors on a certain high place, and with his armed soldiers standing about
him,
[2] ordered the guards to seize each and every Hebrew and to compel them to eat pork and food sacrificed to idols.
[3] If any were not willing to eat defiling food, they were to be broken on the wheel and killed.
[4] And when many persons had been rounded up, one man, Eleazar by name, leader of the flock, was brought before the
king. He was a man of priestly family, learned in the law, advanced in age, and known to many in the tyrant's court because of
his philosophy.
[5] When Antiochus saw him he said,
[6] "Before I begin to torture you, old man, I would advise you to save yourself by eating pork,
[7] for I respect your age and your gray hairs. Although you have had them for so long a time, it does not seem to me that you
are a philosopher when you observe the religion of the Jews.
[8] Why, when nature has granted it to us, should you abhor eating the very excellent meat of this animal?
[9] It is senseless not to enjoy delicious things that are not shameful, and wrong to spurn the gifts of nature.
[10] It seems to me that you will do something even more senseless if, by holding a vain opinion concerning the truth, you
continue to despise me to your own hurt.
[11] Will you not awaken from your foolish philosophy, dispel your futile reasonings, adopt a mind appropriate to your years,
philosophize according to the truth of what is beneficial,
[12] and have compassion on your old age by honoring my humane advice?
[13] For consider this, that if there is some power watching over this religion of yours, it will excuse you from any transgression
that arises out of compulsion."
[14] When the tyrant urged him in this fashion to eat meat unlawfully, Eleazar asked to have a word.
[15] When he had received permission to speak, he began to address the people as follows:
[16] "We, O Antiochus, who have been persuaded to govern our lives by the divine law, think that there is no compulsion more
powerful than our obedience to the law.
[17] Therefore we consider that we should not transgress it in any respect.
[18] Even if, as you suppose, our law were not truly divine and we had wrongly held it to be divine, not even so would it be
right for us to invalidate our reputation for piety.
[19] Therefore do not suppose that it would be a petty sin if we were to eat defiling food;
[20] to transgress the law in matters either small or great is of equal seriousness,
[21] for in either case the law is equally despised.
[22] You scoff at our philosophy as though living by it were irrational,
[23] but it teaches us self‑control, so that we master all pleasures and desires, and it also trains us in courage, so that we endure
any suffering willingly;
[24] it instructs us in justice, so that in all our dealings we act impartially, and it teaches us piety, so that with proper reverence
we worship the only real God.
[25] "Therefore we do not eat defiling food; for since we believe that the law was established by God, we know that in the
nature of things the Creator of the world in giving us the law has shown sympathy toward us.
[26] He has permitted us to eat what will be most suitable for our lives, but he has forbidden us to eat meats that would be
contrary to this.
[27] It would be tyrannical for you to compel us not only to transgress the law, but also to eat in such a way that you may
deride us for eating defiling foods, which are most hateful to us.
[28] But you shall have no such occasion to laugh at me,
[29] nor will I transgress the sacred oaths of my ancestors concerning the keeping of the law,
[30] not even if you gouge out my eyes and burn my entrails.
[31] I am not so old and cowardly as not to be young in reason on behalf of piety.
[32] Therefore get your torture wheels ready and fan the fire more vehemently!
[33] I do not so pity my old age as to break the ancestral law by my own act.
[34] I will not play false to you, O law that trained me, nor will I renounce you, beloved self‑control.
[35] I will not put you to shame, philosophical reason, nor will I reject you, honored priesthood and knowledge of the law.
[36] You, O king, shall not stain the honorable mouth of my old age, nor my long life lived lawfully.
[37] The fathers will receive me as pure, as one who does not fear your violence even to death.
[38] You may tyrannize the ungodly, but you shall not dominate my religious principles either by word or by deed."
4 Maccabees; Chapter 6
[1] When Eleazar in this manner had made eloquent response to the exhortations of the tyrant, the guards who were standing
by dragged him violently to the instruments of torture.
[2] First they stripped the old man, who remained adorned with the gracefulness of his piety.
[3] And after they had tied his arms on each side they scourged him,
[4] while a herald opposite him cried out, "Obey the king's commands!"
[5] But the courageous and noble man, as a true Eleazar, was unmoved, as though being tortured in a dream;
[6] yet while the old man's eyes were raised to heaven, his flesh was being torn by scourges, his blood flowing, and his sides
were being cut to pieces.
[7] And though he fell to the ground because his body could not endure the agonies, he kept his reason upright and unswerving.
[8] One of the cruel guards rushed at him and began to kick him in the side to make him get up again after he fell.
[9] But he bore the pains and scorned the punishment and endured the tortures.
[10] And like a noble athlete the old man, while being beaten, was victorious over his torturers;
[11] in fact, with his face bathed in sweat, and gasping heavily for breath, he amazed even his torturers by his courageous spirit.
[12] At that point, partly out of pity for his old age,
[13] partly out of sympathy from their acquaintance with him, partly out of admiration for his endurance, some of the king's
retinue came to him and said,
[14] "Eleazar, why are you so irrationally destroying yourself through these evil things?
[15] We will set before you some cooked meat; save yourself by pretending to eat pork."
[16] But Eleazar, as though more bitterly tormented by this counsel, cried out:
[17] "May we, the children of Abraham, never think so basely that out of cowardice we feign a role unbecoming to us!
[18] For it would be irrational if we, who have lived in accordance with truth to old age and have maintained in accordance
with law the reputation of such a life, should now change our course
[19] become a pattern of impiety to the young, in becoming an example of the eating of defiling food.
[20] It would be shameful if we should survive for a little while and during that time be a laughing stock to all for our cowardice,
[21] and if we should be despised by the tyrant as unmanly, and not protect our divine law even to death.
[22] Therefore, O children of Abraham, die nobly for your religion!
[23] And you, guards of the tyrant, why do you delay?"
[24] When they saw that he was so courageous in the face of the afflictions, and that he had not been changed by their
compassion, the guards brought him to the fire.
[25] There they burned him with maliciously contrived instruments, threw him down, and poured stinking liquids into his nostrils.
[26] When he was now burned to his very bones and about to expire, he lifted up his eyes to God and said,
[27] "You know, O God, that though I might have saved myself, I am dying in burning torments for the sake of the law.
[28] Be merciful to your people, and let our punishment suffice for them.
[29] Make my blood their purification, and take my life in exchange for theirs."
[30] And after he said this, the holy man died nobly in his tortures, and by reason he resisted even to the very tortures of death
for the sake of the law.
[31] Admittedly, then, devout reason is sovereign over the emotions.
[32] For if the emotions had prevailed over reason, we would have testified to their domination.
[33] But now that reason has conquered the emotions, we properly attribute to it the power to govern.
[34] And it is right for us to acknowledge the dominance of reason when it masters even external agonies. It would be
ridiculous to deny it.
[35] And I have proved not only that reason has mastered agonies, but also that it masters pleasures and in no respect yields to
them.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 7
[1] For like a most skilful pilot, the reason of our father Eleazar steered the ship of religion over the sea of the emotions,
[2] and though buffeted by the stormings of the tyrant and overwhelmed by the mighty waves of tortures,
[3] in no way did he turn the rudder of religion until he sailed into the haven of immortal victory.
[4] No city besieged with many ingenious war machines has ever held out as did that most holy man. Although his sacred life
was consumed by tortures and racks, he conquered the besiegers with the shield of his devout reason.
[5] For in setting his mind firm like a jutting cliff, our father Eleazar broke the maddening waves of the emotions.
[6] O priest, worthy of the priesthood, you neither defiled your sacred teeth nor profaned your stomach, which had room only
for reverence and purity, by eating defiling foods.
[7] O man in harmony with the law and philosopher of divine life!
[8] Such should be those who are administrators of the law, shielding it with their own blood and noble sweat in sufferings even
to death.
[9] You, father, strengthened our loyalty to the law through your glorious endurance, and you did not abandon the holiness
which you praised, but by your deeds you made your words of divine philosophy credible.
[10] O aged man, more powerful than tortures; O elder, fiercer than fire; O supreme king over the passions, Eleazar!
[11] For just as our father Aaron, armed with the censer, ran through the multitude of the people and conquered the fiery angel,
[12] so the descendant of Aaron, Eleazar, though being consumed by the fire, remained unmoved in his reason.
[13] Most amazing, indeed, though he was an old man, his body no longer tense and firm, his muscles flabby, his sinews feeble,
he became young again
[14] in spirit through reason; and by reason like that of Isaac he rendered the many‑headed rack ineffective.
[15] O man of blessed age and of venerable gray hair and of law‑abiding life, whom the faithful seal of death has perfected!
[16] If, therefore, because of piety an aged man despised tortures even to death, most certainly devout reason is governor of
the emotions.
[17] Some perhaps might say, "Not every one has full command of his emotions, because not every one has prudent reason."
[18] But as many as attend to religion with a whole heart, these alone are able to control the passions of the flesh,
[19] since they believe that they, like our patriarchs Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, do not die to God, but live in God.
[20] No contradiction therefore arises when some persons appear to be dominated by their emotions because of the weakness
of their reason.
[21] What person who lives as a philosopher by the whole rule of philosophy, and trusts in God,
[22] and knows that it is blessed to endure any suffering for the sake of virtue, would not be able to overcome the emotions
through godliness?
[23] For only the wise and courageous man is lord of his emotions.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 8
[1] For this is why even the very young, by following a philosophy in accordance with devout reason, have prevailed over the
most painful instruments of torture.
[2] For when the tyrant was conspicuously defeated in his first attempt, being unable to compel an aged man to eat defiling
foods, then in violent rage he commanded that others of the Hebrew captives be brought, and that any who ate defiling food
should be freed after eating, but if any were to refuse, these should be tortured even more cruelly.
[3] When the tyrant had given these orders, seven brothers ‑‑ handsome, modest, noble, and accomplished in every way ‑‑
were brought before him along with their aged mother.
[4] When the tyrant saw them, grouped about their mother as if in a chorus, he was pleased with them. And struck by their
appearance and nobility, he smiled at them, and summoned them nearer and said,
[5] "Young men, I admire each and every one of you in a kindly manner, and greatly respect the beauty and the number of such
brothers. Not only do I advise you not to display the same madness as that of the old man who has just been tortured, but I
also exhort you to yield to me and enjoy my friendship.
[6] Just as I am able to punish those who disobey my orders, so I can be a benefactor to those who obey me.
[7] Trust me, then, and you will have positions of authority in my government if you will renounce the ancestral tradition of your
national life.
[8] And enjoy your youth by adopting the Greek way of life and by changing your manner of living.
[9] But if by disobedience you rouse my anger, you will compel me to destroy each and every one of you with dreadful
punishments through tortures.
[10] Therefore take pity on yourselves. Even I, your enemy, have compassion for your youth and handsome appearance.
[11] Will you not consider this, that if you disobey, nothing remains for you but to die on the rack?"
[12] When he had said these things, he ordered the instruments of torture to be brought forward so as to persuade them out of
fear to eat the defiling food.
[13] And when the guards had placed before them wheels and joint‑dislocators, rack and hooks and catapults and caldrons,
braziers and thumbscrews and iron claws and wedges and bellows, the tyrant resumed speaking:
[14] "Be afraid, young fellows, and whatever justice you revere will be merciful to you when you transgress under compulsion."
[15] But when they had heard the inducements and saw the dreadful devices, not only were they not afraid, but they also
opposed the tyrant with their own philosophy, and by their right reasoning nullified his tyranny.
[16] Let us consider, on the other hand, what arguments might have been used if some of them had been cowardly and
unmanly. Would they not have been these?
[17] "O wretches that we are and so senseless! Since the king has summoned and exhorted us to accept kind treatment if we
obey him,
[18] why do we take pleasure in vain resolves and venture upon a disobedience that brings death?
[19] O men and brothers, should we not fear the instruments of torture and consider the threats of torments, and give up this
vain opinion and this arrogance that threatens to destroy us?
[20] Let us take pity on our youth and have compassion on our mother's age;
[21] and let us seriously consider that if we disobey we are dead!
[22] Also, divine justice will excuse us for fearing the king when we are under compulsion.
[23] Why do we banish ourselves from this most pleasant life and deprive ourselves of this delightful world?
[24] Let us not struggle against compulsion nor take hollow pride in being put to the rack.
[25] Not even the law itself would arbitrarily slay us for fearing the instruments of torture.
[26] Why does such contentiousness excite us and such a fatal stubbornness please us, when we can live in peace if we obey
the king?"
[27] But the youths, though about to be tortured, neither said any of these things nor even seriously considered them.
[28] For they were contemptuous of the emotions and sovereign over agonies,
[29] so that as soon as the tyrant had ceased counseling them to eat defiling food, all with one voice together, as from one
mind, said:
4 Maccabees; Chapter 9
[1] "Why do you delay, O tyrant? For we are ready to die rather than transgress our ancestral commandments;
[2] we are obviously putting our forefathers to shame unless we should practice ready obedience to the law and to Moses our
counselor.
[3] Tyrant and counselor of lawlessness, in your hatred for us do not pity us more than we pity ourselves.
[4] For we consider this pity of yours which insures our safety through transgression of the law to be more grievous than death
itself.
[5] You are trying to terrify us by threatening us with death by torture, as though a short time ago you learned nothing from
Eleazar.
[6] And if the aged men of the Hebrews because of their religion lived piously while enduring torture, it would be even more
fitting that we young men should die despising your coercive tortures, which our aged instructor also overcame.
[7] Therefore, tyrant, put us to the test; and if you take our lives because of our religion, do not suppose that you can injure us
by torturing us.
[8] For we, through this severe suffering and endurance, shall have the prize of virtue and shall be with God, for whom we
suffer;
[9] but you, because of your bloodthirstiness toward us, will deservedly undergo from the divine justice eternal torment by fire."
[10] When they had said these things the tyrant not only was angry, as at those who are disobedient, but also was enraged, as
at those who are ungrateful.
[11] Then at his command the guards brought forward the eldest, and having torn off his tunic, they bound his hands and arms
with thongs on each side.
[12] When they had worn themselves out beating him with scourges, without accomplishing anything, they placed him upon the
wheel.
[13] When the noble youth was stretched out around this, his limbs were dislocated,
[14] and though broken in every member he denounced the tyrant, saying,
[15] "Most abominable tyrant, enemy of heavenly justice, savage of mind, you are mangling me in this manner, not because I
am a murderer, or as one who acts impiously, but because I protect the divine law."
[16] And when the guards said, "Agree to eat so that you may be released from the tortures,"
[17] he replied, "You abominable lackeys, your wheel is not so powerful as to strangle my reason. Cut my limbs, burn my flesh,
and twist my joints.
[18] Through all these tortures I will convince you that sons of the Hebrews alone are invincible where virtue is concerned."
[19] While he was saying these things, they spread fire under him, and while fanning the flames they tightened the wheel further.
[20] The wheel was completely smeared with blood, and the heap of coals was being quenched by the drippings of gore, and
pieces of flesh were falling off the axles of the machine.
[21] Although the ligaments joining his bones were already severed, the courageous youth, worthy of Abraham, did not groan,
[22] but as though transformed by fire into immortality he nobly endured the rackings.
[23] "Imitate me, brothers," he said. "Do not leave your post in my struggle or renounce our courageous brotherhood.
[24] Fight the sacred and noble battle for religion. Thereby the just Providence of our ancestors may become merciful to our
nation and take vengeance on the accursed tyrant."
[25] When he had said this, the saintly youth broke the thread of life.
[26] While all were marveling at his courageous spirit, the guards brought in the next eldest, and after fitting themselves with iron
gauntlets having sharp hooks, they bound him to the torture machine and catapult.
[27] Before torturing him, they inquired if he were willing to eat, and they heard this noble decision.
[28] These leopard‑like beasts tore out his sinews with the iron hands, flayed all his flesh up to his chin, and tore away his
scalp. But he steadfastly endured this agony and said,
[29] "How sweet is any kind of death for the religion of our fathers!"
[30] To the tyrant he said, "Do you not think, you most savage tyrant, that you are being tortured more than I, as you see the
arrogant design of your tyranny being defeated by our endurance for the sake of religion?
[31] I lighten my pain by the joys that come from virtue,
[32] but you suffer torture by the threats that come from impiety. You will not escape, most abominable tyrant, the judgments
of the divine wrath."
4 Maccabees; Chapter 10
[1] When he too had endured a glorious death, the third was led in, and many repeatedly urged him to save himself by tasting
the meat.
[2] But he shouted, "Do you not know that the same father begot me and those who died, and the same mother bore me, and
that I was brought up on the same teachings?
[3] I do not renounce the noble kinship that binds me to my brothers."
[4]
[5] Enraged by the man's boldness, they disjointed his hands and feet with their instruments, dismembering him by prying his
limbs from their sockets,
[6] and breaking his fingers and arms and legs and elbows.
[7] Since they were not able in any way to break his spirit, they abandoned the instruments and scalped him with their
fingernails in a Scythian fashion.
[8] They immediately brought him to the wheel, and while his vertebrae were being dislocated upon it he saw his own flesh torn
all around and drops of blood flowing from his entrails.
[9] When he was about to die, he said,
[10] "We, most abominable tyrant, are suffering because of our godly training and virtue,
[11] but you, because of your impiety and bloodthirstiness, will undergo unceasing torments."
[12] When he also had died in a manner worthy of his brothers, they dragged in the fourth, saying,
[13] "As for you, do not give way to the same insanity as your brothers, but obey the king and save yourself."
[14] But he said to them, "You do not have a fire hot enough to make me play the coward.
[15] No, by the blessed death of my brothers, by the eternal destruction of the tyrant, and by the everlasting life of the pious, I
will not renounce our noble brotherhood.
[16] Contrive tortures, tyrant, so that you may learn from them that I am a brother to those who have just been tortured."
[17] When he heard this, the bloodthirsty, murderous, and utterly abominable Antiochus gave orders to cut out his tongue.
[18] But he said, "Even if you remove my organ of speech, God hears also those who are mute.
[19] See, here is my tongue; cut it off, for in spite of this you will not make our reason speechless.
[20] Gladly, for the sake of God, we let our bodily members be mutilated.
[21] God will visit you swiftly, for you are cutting out a tongue that has been melodious with divine hymns."
4 Maccabees; Chapter 11
[1] When this one died also, after being cruelly tortured, the fifth leaped up, saying,
[2] "I will not refuse, tyrant, to be tortured for the sake of virtue.
[3] I have come of my own accord, so that by murdering me you will incur punishment from the heavenly justice for even more
crimes.
[4] Hater of virtue, hater of mankind, for what act of ours are you destroying us in this way?
[5] Is it because we revere the Creator of all things and live according to his virtuous law?
[6] But these deeds deserve honors, not tortures."
[7]
[9] While he was saying these things, the guards bound him and dragged him to the catapult;
[10] they tied him to it on his knees, and fitting iron clamps on them, they twisted his back around the wedge on the wheel, so
that he was completely curled back like a scorpion, and all his members were disjointed.
[11] In this condition, gasping for breath and in anguish of body,
[12] he said, "Tyrant, they are splendid favors that you grant us against your will, because through these noble sufferings you
give us an opportunity to show our endurance for the law."
[13] After he too had died, the sixth, a mere boy, was led in. When the tyrant inquired whether he was willing to eat and be
released, he said,
[14] "I am younger in age than my brothers, but I am their equal in mind.
[15] Since to this end we were born and bred, we ought likewise to die for the same principles.
[16] So if you intend to torture me for not eating defiling foods, go on torturing!"
[17] When he had said this, they led him to the wheel.
[18] He was carefully stretched tight upon it, his back was broken, and he was roasted from underneath.
[19] To his back they applied sharp spits that had been heated in the fire, and pierced his ribs so that his entrails were burned
through.
[20] While being tortured he said, "O contest befitting holiness, in which so many of us brothers have been summoned to an
arena of sufferings for religion, and in which we have not been defeated!
[21] For religious knowledge, O tyrant, is invincible.
[22] I also, equipped with nobility, will die with my brothers,
[23] and I myself will bring a great avenger upon you, you inventor of tortures and enemy of those who are truly devout.
[24] We six boys have paralyzed your tyranny!
[25] Since you have not been able to persuade us to change our mind or to force us to eat defiling foods, is not this your
downfall?
[26] Your fire is cold to us, and the catapults painless, and your violence powerless.
[27] For it is not the guards of the tyrant but those of the divine law that are set over us; therefore, unconquered, we hold fast
to reason."
4 Maccabees; Chapter 12
[1] When he also, thrown into the caldron, had died a blessed death, the seventh and youngest of all came forward.
[2] Even though the tyrant had been fearfully reproached by the brothers, he felt strong compassion for this child when he saw
that he was already in fetters. He summoned him to come nearer and tried to console him, saying,
[3] "You see the result of your brothers' stupidity, for they died in torments because of their disobedience.
[4] You too, if you do not obey, will be miserably tortured and die before your time,
[5] but if you yield to persuasion you will be my friend and a leader in the government of the kingdom."
[6] When he had so pleaded, he sent for the boy's mother to show compassion on her who had been bereaved of so many
sons and to influence her to persuade the surviving son to obey and save himself.
[7] But when his mother had exhorted him in the Hebrew language, as we shall tell a little later,
[8] he said, "Let me loose, let me speak to the king and to all his friends that are with him."
[9] Extremely pleased by the boy's declaration, they freed him at once.
[10] Running to the nearest of the braziers,
[11] he said, "You profane tyrant, most impious of all the wicked, since you have received good things and also your kingdom
from God, were you not ashamed to murder his servants and torture on the wheel those who practice religion?
[12] Because of this, justice has laid up for you intense and eternal fire and tortures, and these throughout all time will never let
you go.
[13] As a man, were you not ashamed, you most savage beast, to cut out the tongues of men who have feelings like yours and
are made of the same elements as you, and to maltreat and torture them in this way?
[14] Surely they by dying nobly fulfilled their service to God, but you will wail bitterly for having slain without cause the
contestants for virtue."
[15] Then because he too was about to die, he said,
[16] "I do not desert the excellent example of my brothers,
[17] and I call on the God of our fathers to be merciful to our nation;
[18] but on you he will take vengeance both in this present life and when you are dead."
[19] After he had uttered these imprecations, he flung himself into the braziers and so ended his life.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 13
[1] Since, then, the seven brothers despised sufferings even unto death, everyone must concede that devout reason is sovereign
over the emotions.
[2] For if they had been slaves to their emotions and had eaten defiling food, we would say that they had been conquered by
these emotions.
[3] But in fact it was not so. Instead, by reason, which is praised before God, they prevailed over their emotions.
[4] The supremacy of the mind over these cannot be overlooked, for the brothers mastered both emotions and pains.
[5] How then can one fail to confess the sovereignty of right reason over emotion in those who were not turned back by fiery
agonies?
[6] For just as towers jutting out over harbors hold back the threatening waves and make it calm for those who sail into the
inner basin,
[7] so the seven‑towered right reason of the youths, by fortifying the harbor of religion, conquered the tempest of the emotions.
[8] For they constituted a holy chorus of religion and encouraged one another, saying,
[9] "Brothers, let us die like brothers for the sake of the law; let us imitate the three youths in Assyria who despised the same
ordeal of the furnace.
[10] Let us not be cowardly in the demonstration of our piety."
[11] While one said, "Courage, brother," another said, "Bear up nobly,"
[12] and another reminded them, "Remember whence you came, and the father by whose hand Isaac would have submitted to
being slain for the sake of religion."
[13] Each of them and all of them together looking at one another, cheerful and undaunted, said, "Let us with all our hearts
consecrate ourselves to God, who gave us our lives, and let us use our bodies as a bulwark for the law.
[14] Let us not fear him who thinks he is killing us,
[15] for great is the struggle of the soul and the danger of eternal torment lying before those who transgress the commandment
of God.
[16] Therefore let us put on the full armor of self‑control, which is divine reason.
[17] For if we so die, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob will welcome us, and all the fathers will praise us."
[18] Those who were left behind said to each of the brothers who were being dragged away, "Do not put us to shame, brother,
or betray the brothers who have died before us."
[19] You are not ignorant of the affection of brotherhood, which the divine and all‑wise Providence has bequeathed through the
fathers to their descendants and which was implanted in the mother's womb.
[20] There each of the brothers dwelt the same length of time and was shaped during the same period of time; and growing
from the same blood and through the same life, they were brought to the light of day.
[21] When they were born after an equal time of gestation, they drank milk from the same fountains. For such embraces
brotherly‑loving souls are nourished;
[22] and they grow stronger from this common nurture and daily companionship, and from both general education and our
discipline in the law of God.
[23] Therefore, when sympathy and brotherly affection had been so established, the brothers were the more sympathetic to one
another.
[24] Since they had been educated by the same law and trained in the same virtues and brought up in right living, they loved
one another all the more.
[25] A common zeal for nobility expanded their goodwill and harmony toward one another,
[26] because, with the aid of their religion, they rendered their brotherly love more fervent.
[27] But although nature and companionship and virtuous habits had augmented the affection of brotherhood, those who were
left endured for the sake of religion, while watching their brothers being maltreated and tortured to death.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 14
[1] Furthermore, they encouraged them to face the torture, so that they not only despised their agonies, but also mastered the
emotions of brotherly love.
[2] O reason, more royal than kings and freer than the free!
[3] O sacred and harmonious concord of the seven brothers on behalf of religion!
[4] None of the seven youths proved coward or shrank from death,
[5] but all of them, as though running the course toward immortality, hastened to death by torture.
[6] Just as the hands and feet are moved in harmony with the guidance of the mind, so those holy youths, as though moved by
an immortal spirit of devotion, agreed to go to death for its sake.
[7] O most holy seven, brothers in harmony! For just as the seven days of creation move in choral dance around religion,
[8] so these youths, forming a chorus, encircled the sevenfold fear of tortures and dissolved it.
[9] Even now, we ourselves shudder as we hear of the tribulations of these young men; they not only saw what was happening,
yes, not only heard the direct word of threat, but also bore the sufferings patiently, and in agonies of fire at that.
[10] What could be more excruciatingly painful than this? For the power of fire is intense and swift, and it consumed their
bodies quickly.
[11] Do not consider it amazing that reason had full command over these men in their tortures, since the mind of woman
despised even more diverse agonies,
[12] for the mother of the seven young men bore up under the rackings of each one of her children.
[13] Observe how complex is a mother's love for her children, which draws everything toward an emotion felt in her inmost
parts.
[14] Even unreasoning animals, like mankind, have a sympathy and parental love for their offspring.
[15] For example, among birds, the ones that are tame protect their young by building on the housetops,
[16] and the others, by building in precipitous chasms and in holes and tops of trees, hatch the nestlings and ward off the
intruder.
[17] If they are not able to keep him away, they do what they can to help their young by flying in circles around them in the
anguish of love, warning them with their own calls.
[18] And why is it necessary to demonstrate sympathy for children by the example of unreasoning animals,
[19] since even bees at the time for making honeycombs defend themselves against intruders as though with an iron dart sting
those who approach their hive and defend it even to the death?
[20] But sympathy for her children did not sway the mother of the young men; she was of the same mind as Abraham.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 15
[1] O reason of the children, tyrant over the emotions! O religion, more desirable to the mother than her children!
[2] Two courses were open to this mother, that of religion, and that of preserving her seven sons for a time, as the tyrant had
promised.
[3] She loved religion more, religion that preserves them for eternal life according to God's promise.
[4] In what manner might I express the emotions of parents who love their children? We impress upon the character of a small
child a wondrous likeness both of mind and of form. Especially is this true of mothers, who because of their birthpangs have a
deeper sympathy toward their offspring than do the fathers.
[5] Considering that mothers are the weaker sex and give birth to many, they are more devoted to their children.
[6] The mother of the seven boys, more than any other mother, loved her children. In seven pregnancies she had implanted in
herself tender love toward them,
[7] and because of the many pains she suffered with each of them she had sympathy for them;
[8] yet because of the fear of God she disdained the temporary safety of her children.
[9] Not only so, but also because of the nobility of her sons and their ready obedience to the law she felt a greater tenderness
toward them.
[10] For they were righteous and self‑controlled and brave and magnanimous, and loved their brothers and their mother, so
that they obeyed her even to death in keeping the ordinances.
[11] Nevertheless, though so many factors influenced the mother to suffer with them out of love for her children, in the case of
none of them were the various tortures strong enough to pervert her reason.
[12] Instead, the mother urged them on, each child singly and all together, to death for the sake of religion.
[13] O sacred nature and affection of parental love, yearning of parents toward offspring, nurture and indomitable suffering by
mothers!
[14] This mother, who saw them tortured and burned one by one, because of religion did not change her attitude.
[15] She watched the flesh of her children consumed by fire, their toes and fingers scattered on the ground, and the flesh of the
head to the chin exposed like masks.
[16] O mother, tried now by more bitter pains than even the birth‑pangs you suffered for them!
[17] O woman, who alone gave birth to such complete devotion!
[18] When the first‑born breathed his last it did not turn you aside, nor when the second in torments looked at you piteously
nor when the third expired;
[19] nor did you weep when you looked at the eyes of each one in his tortures gazing boldly at the same agonies, and saw in
their nostrils the signs of the approach of death.
[20] When you saw the flesh of children burned upon the flesh of other children, severed hands upon hands, scalped heads
upon heads, and corpses fallen on other corpses and when you saw the place filled with many spectators of the torturings, you
did not shed tears.
[21] Neither the melodies of sirens nor the songs of swans attract the attention of their hearers as did the voices of the children
in torture calling to their mother.
[22] How great and how many torments the mother then suffered as her sons were tortured on the wheel and with the hot
irons!
[23] But devout reason, giving her heart a man's courage in the very midst of her emotions, strengthened her to disregard her
temporal love for her children.
[24] Although she witnessed the destruction of seven children and the ingenious and various rackings, this noble mother
disregarded all these because of faith in God.
[25] For as in the council chamber of her own soul she saw mighty advocates ‑‑ nature, family, parental love, and the rackings
of her children ‑‑
[26] this mother held two ballots, one bearing death and the other deliverance for her children.
[27] She did not approve the deliverance which would preserve the seven sons for a short time,
[28] but as the daughter of God‑fearing Abraham she remembered his fortitude.
[29] O mother of the nation, vindicator of the law and champion of religion, who carried away the prize of the contest in your
heart!
[30] O more noble than males in steadfastness, and more manly than men in endurance!
[31] Just as Noah's ark, carrying the world in the universal flood, stoutly endured the waves,
[32] so you, O guardian of the law, overwhelmed from every side by the flood of your emotions and the violent winds, the
torture of your sons, endured nobly and withstood the wintry storms that assail religion.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 16
[1] If, then, a woman, advanced in years and mother of seven sons, endured seeing her children tortured to death, it must be
admitted that devout reason is sovereign over the emotions.
[2] Thus I have demonstrated not only that men have ruled over the emotions, but also that a woman has despised the fiercest
tortures.
[3] The lions surrounding Daniel were not so savage, nor was the raging fiery furnace of Mishael so intensely hot, as was her
innate parental love, inflamed as she saw her seven sons tortured in such varied ways.
[4] But the mother quenched so many and such great emotions by devout reason.
[5] Consider this also. If this woman, though a mother, had been fainthearted, she would have mourned over them and perhaps
spoken as follows:
[6] "O how wretched am I and many times unhappy! After bearing seven children, I am now the mother of none!
[7] O seven childbirths all in vain, seven profitless pregnancies, fruitless nurturings and wretched nursings!
[8] In vain, my sons, I endured many birth‑pangs for you, and the more grievous anxieties of your upbringing.
[9] Alas for my children, some unmarried, others married and without offspring. I shall not see your children or have the
happiness of being called grandmother.
[10] Alas, I who had so many and beautiful children am a widow and alone, with many sorrows.
[11] Nor when I die, shall I have any of my sons to bury me."
[12] Yet the sacred and God‑fearing mother did not wail with such a lament for any of them, nor did she dissuade any of them
from dying, nor did she grieve as they were dying,
[13] but, as though having a mind like adamant and giving rebirth for immortality to the whole number of her sons, she implored
them and urged them on to death for the sake of religion.
[14] O mother, soldier of God in the cause of religion, elder and woman! By steadfastness you have conquered even a tyrant,
and in word and deed you have proved more powerful than a man.
[15] For when you and your sons were arrested together, you stood and watched Eleazar being tortured, and said to your sons
in the Hebrew language,
[16] "My sons, noble is the contest to which you are called to bear witness for the nation. Fight zealously for our ancestral law.
[17] For it would be shameful if, while an aged man endures such agonies for the sake of religion, you young men were to be
terrified by tortures.
[18] Remember that it is through God that you have had a share in the world and have enjoyed life,
[19] and therefore you ought to endure any suffering for the sake of God.
[20] For his sake also our father Abraham was zealous to sacrifice his son Isaac, the ancestor of our nation; and when Isaac
saw his father's hand wielding a sword and descending upon him, he did not cower.
[21] And Daniel the righteous was thrown to the lions, and Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were hurled into the fiery furnace
and endured it for the sake of God.
[22] You too must have the same faith in God and not be grieved.
[23] It is unreasonable for people who have religious knowledge not to withstand pain."
[24] By these words the mother of the seven encouraged and persuaded each of her sons to die rather than violate God's
commandment.
[25] They knew also that those who die for the sake of God live in God, as do Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the
patriarchs.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 17
[1] Some of the guards said that when she also was about to be seized and put to death she threw herself into the flames so that
no one might touch her body.
[2] O mother, who with your seven sons nullified the violence of the tyrant, frustrated his evil designs, and showed the courage
of your faith!
[3] Nobly set like a roof on the pillars of your sons, you held firm and unswerving against the earthquake of the tortures.
[4] Take courage, therefore, O holy‑minded mother, maintaining firm an enduring hope in God.
[5] The moon in heaven, with the stars, does not stand so august as you, who, after lighting the way of your star‑like seven sons
to piety, stand in honor before God and are firmly set in heaven with them.
[6] For your children were true descendants of father Abraham.
[7] If it were possible for us to paint the history of your piety as an artist might, would not those who first beheld it have
shuddered as they saw the mother of the seven children enduring their varied tortures to death for the sake of religion?
[8] Indeed it would be proper to inscribe upon their tomb these words as a reminder to the people of our nation:
[9] "Here lie buried an aged priest and an aged woman and seven sons, because of the violence of the tyrant who wished to
destroy the way of life of the Hebrews.
[10] They vindicated their nation, looking to God and enduring torture even to death."
[11] Truly the contest in which they were engaged was divine,
[12] for on that day virtue gave the awards and tested them for their endurance. The prize was immortality in endless life.
[13] Eleazar was the first contestant, the mother of the seven sons entered the competition, and the brothers contended.
[14] The tyrant was the antagonist, and the world and the human race were the spectators.
[15] Reverence for God was victor and gave the crown to its own athletes.
[16] Who did not admire the athletes of the divine legislation? Who were not amazed?
[17] The tyrant himself and all his council marveled at their endurance,
[18] because of which they now stand before the divine throne and live through blessed eternity.
[19] For Moses says, "All who are consecrated are under your hands."
[20] These, then, who have been consecrated for the sake of God, are honored, not only with this honor, but also by the fact
that because of them our enemies did not rule over our nation,
[21] the tyrant was punished, and the homeland purified ‑‑ they having become, as it were, a ransom for the sin of our nation.
[22] And through the blood of those devout ones and their death as an expiation, divine Providence preserved Israel that
previously had been afflicted.
[23] For the tyrant Antiochus, when he saw the courage of their virtue and their endurance under the tortures, proclaimed them
to his soldiers as an example for their own endurance,
[24] and this made them brave and courageous for infantry battle and siege, and he ravaged and conquered all his enemies.
4 Maccabees; Chapter 18
[1] O Israelite children, offspring of the seed of Abraham, obey this law and exercise piety in every way,
[2] knowing that devout reason is master of all emotions, not only of sufferings from within, but also of those from without.
[3] Therefore those who gave over their bodies in suffering for the sake of religion were not only admired by men, but also
were deemed worthy to share in a divine inheritance.
[4] Because of them the nation gained peace, and by reviving observance of the law in the homeland they ravaged the enemy.
[5] The tyrant Antiochus was both punished on earth and is being chastised after his death. Since in no way whatever was he
able to compel the Israelites to become pagans and to abandon their ancestral customs, he left Jerusalem and marched against
the Persians.
[6] The mother of seven sons expressed also these principles to her children:
[7] "I was a pure virgin and did not go outside my father's house; but I guarded the rib from which woman was made.
[8] No seducer corrupted me on a desert plain, nor did the destroyer, the deceitful serpent, defile the purity of my virginity.
[9] In the time of my maturity I remained with my husband, and when these sons had grown up their father died. A happy man
was he, who lived out his life with good children, and did not have the grief of bereavement.
[10] While he was still with you, he taught you the law and the prophets.
[11] He read to you about Abel slain by Cain, and Isaac who was offered as a burnt offering, and of Joseph in prison.
[12] He told you of the zeal of Phineas, and he taught you about Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael in the fire.
[13] He praised Daniel in the den of the lions and blessed him.
[14] He reminded you of the scripture of Isaiah, which says, `Even though you go through the fire, the flame shall not consume
you.'
[15] He sang to you songs of the psalmist David, who said, `Many are the afflictions of the righteous.'
[16] He recounted to you Solomon's proverb, `There is a tree of life for those who do his will.'
[17] He confirmed the saying of Ezekiel, `Shall these dry bones live?'
[18] For he did not forget to teach you the song that Moses taught, which says,
[19] `I kill and I make alive: this is your life and the length of your days.'"
[20] O bitter was that day ‑‑ and yet not bitter ‑‑ when that bitter tyrant of the Greeks quenched fire with fire in his cruel
caldrons, and in his burning rage brought those seven sons of the daughter of Abraham to the catapult and back again to more
tortures,
[21] pierced the pupils of their eyes and cut out their tongues, and put them to death with various tortures.
[22] For these crimes divine justice pursued and will pursue the accursed tyrant.
[23] But the sons of Abraham with their victorious mother are gathered together into the chorus of the fathers, and have
received pure and immortal souls from God,
[24] to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
4 Maccabees, from The holy Bible, Revised Standard
version
4 Maccabees
4 Maccabees, chapter 1
1: The subject that I am about to discuss is most philosophical, that is, whether devout reason is sovereign over the emotions.
So it is right for me to advise you to pay earnest attention to philosophy.
2: For the subject is essential to everyone who is seeking knowledge, and in addition it includes the praise of the highest virtue
‑‑ I mean, of course, rational judgment.
3: If, then, it is evident that reason rules over those emotions that hinder self‑control, namely, gluttony and lust,
4: it is also clear that it masters the emotions that hinder one from justice, such as malice, and those that stand in the way of
courage, namely anger, fear, and pain.
5: Some might perhaps ask, "If reason rules the emotions, why is it not sovereign over forgetfulness and ignorance?" Their
attempt at argument is ridiculous!
6: For reason does not rule its own emotions, but those that are opposed to justice, courage, and self‑control; and it is not for
the purpose of destroying them, but so that one may not give way to them.
7: I could prove to you from many and various examples that reason is dominant over the emotions,
8: but I can demonstrate it best from the noble bravery of those who died for the sake of virtue, Eleazar and the seven brothers
and their mother.
9: All of these, by despising sufferings that bring death, demonstrated that reason controls the emotions.
10: On this anniversary it is fitting for me to praise for their virtues those who, with their mother, died for the sake of nobility and
goodness, but I would also call them blessed for the honor in which they are held.
11: For all people, even their torturers, marveled at their courage and endurance, and they became the cause of the downfall of
tyranny over their nation. By their endurance they conquered the tyrant, and thus their native land was purified through them.
12: I shall shortly have an opportunity to speak of this; but, as my custom is, I shall begin by stating my main principle, and then
I shall turn to their story, giving glory to the all‑wise God.
13: Our inquiry, accordingly, is whether reason is sovereign over the emotions.
14: We shall decide just what reason is and what emotion is, how many kinds of emotions there are, and whether reason rules
over all these.
15: Now reason is the mind that with sound logic prefers the life of wisdom.
16: Wisdom, next, is the knowledge of divine and human matters and the causes of these.
17: This, in turn, is education in the law, by which we learn divine matters reverently and human affairs to our advantage.
18: Now the kinds of wisdom are rational judgment, justice, courage, and self‑control.
19: Rational judgment is supreme over all of these, since by means of it reason rules over the emotions.
20: The two most comprehensive types of the emotions are pleasure and pain; and each of these is by nature concerned with
both body and soul.
21: The emotions of both pleasure and pain have many consequences.
22: Thus desire precedes pleasure and delight follows it.
23: Fear precedes pain and sorrow comes after.
24: Anger, as a man will see if he reflects on this experience, is an emotion embracing pleasure and pain.
25: In pleasure there exists even a malevolent tendency, which is the most complex of all the emotions.
26: In the soul it is boastfulness, covetousness, thirst for honor, rivalry, and malice;
27: in the body, indiscriminate eating, gluttony, and solitary gormandizing.
28: Just as pleasure and pain are two plants growing from the body and the soul, so there are many offshoots of these plants,
29: each of which the master cultivator, reason, weeds and prunes and ties up and waters and thoroughly irrigates, and so
tames the jungle of habits and emotions.
30: For reason is the guide of the virtues, but over the emotions it is sovereign. Observe now first of all that rational judgment is
sovereign over the emotions by virtue of the restraining power of self‑control.
31: Self‑control, then, is dominance over the desires.
32: Some desires are mental, others are physical, and reason obviously rules over both.
33: Otherwise how is it that when we are attracted to forbidden foods we abstain from the pleasure to be had from them? Is it
not because reason is able to rule over appetites? I for one think so.
34: Therefore when we crave seafood and fowl and animals and all sorts of foods that are forbidden to us by the law, we
abstain because of domination by reason.
35: For the emotions of the appetites are restrained, checked by the temperate mind, and all the impulses of the body are
bridled by reason.
4 Maccabees, chapter 2
1: And why is it amazing that the desires of the mind for the enjoyment of beauty are rendered powerless?
2: It is for this reason, certainly, that the temperate Joseph is praised, because by mental effort he overcame sexual desire.
3: For when he was young and in his prime for intercourse, by his reason he nullified the frenzy of the passions.
4: Not only is reason proved to rule over the frenzied urge of sexual desire, but also over every desire.
5: Thus the law says, "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife...or anything that is your neighbor's."
6: In fact, since the law has told us not to covet, I could prove to you all the more that reason is able to control desires. Just so
it is with the emotions that hinder one from justice.
7: Otherwise how could it be that someone who is habitually a solitary gormandizer, a glutton, or even a drunkard can learn a
better way, unless reason is clearly lord of the emotions?
8: Thus, as soon as a man adopts a way of life in accordance with the law, even though he is a lover of money, he is forced to
act contrary to his natural ways and to lend without interest to the needy and to cancel the debt when the seventh year arrives.
9: If one is greedy, he is ruled by the law through his reason so that he neither gleans his harvest nor gathers the last grapes from
the vineyard. In all other matters we can recognize that reason rules the emotions.
10: For the law prevails even over affection for parents, so that virtue is not abandoned for their sakes.
11: It is superior to love for one's wife, so that one rebukes her when she breaks the law.
12: It takes precedence over love for children, so that one punishes them for misdeeds.
13: It is sovereign over the relationship of friends, so that one rebukes friends when they act wickedly.
14: Do not consider it paradoxical when reason, through the law, can prevail even over enmity. The fruit trees of the enemy are
not cut down, but one preserves the property of enemies from the destroyers and helps raise up what has fallen.
15: It is evident that reason rules even the more violent emotions: lust for power, vainglory, boasting, arrogance, and malice.
16: For the temperate mind repels all these malicious emotions, just as it repels anger ‑‑ for it is sovereign over even this.
17: When Moses was angry with Dathan and Abiram he did nothing against them in anger, but controlled his anger by reason.
18: For, as I have said, the temperate mind is able to get the better of the emotions, to correct some, and to render others
powerless.
19: Why else did Jacob, our most wise father, censure the households of Simeon and Levi for their irrational slaughter of the
entire tribe of the Shechemites, saying, "Cursed be their anger"?
20: For if reason could not control anger, he would not have spoken thus.
21: Now when God fashioned man, he planted in him emotions and inclinations,
22: but at the same time he enthroned the mind among the senses as a sacred governor over them all.
23: To the mind he gave the law; and one who lives subject to this will rule a kingdom that is temperate, just, good, and
courageous.
24: How is it then, one might say, that if reason is master of the emotions, it does not control forgetfulness and ignorance?
4 Maccabees, chapter 3
1: This notion is entirely ridiculous; for it is evident that reason rules not over its own emotions, but over those of the body.
2: No one of us can eradicate that kind of desire, but reason can provide a way for us not to be enslaved by desire.
3: No one of us can eradicate anger from the mind, but reason can help to deal with anger.
4: No one of us can eradicate malice, but reason can fight at our side so that we are not overcome by malice.
5: For reason does not uproot the emotions but is their antagonist.
6: Now this can be explained more clearly by the story of King David's thirst.
7: David had been attacking the Philistines all day long, and together with the soldiers of his nation had slain many of them.
8: Then when evening fell, he came, sweating and quite exhausted, to the royal tent, around which the whole army of our
ancestors had encamped.
9: Now all the rest were at supper,
10: but the king was extremely thirsty, and although springs were plentiful there, he could not satisfy his thirst from them.
11: But a certain irrational desire for the water in the enemy's territory tormented and inflamed him, undid and consumed him.
12: When his guards complained bitterly because of the king's craving, two staunch young soldiers, respecting the king's desire,
armed themselves fully, and taking a pitcher climbed over the enemy's ramparts.
13: Eluding the sentinels at the gates, they went searching throughout the enemy camp
14: and found the spring, and from it boldly brought the king a drink.
15: But David, although he was burning with thirst, considered it an altogether fearful danger to his soul to drink what was
regarded as equivalent to blood.
16: Therefore, opposing reason to desire, he poured out the drink as an offering to God.
17: For the temperate mind can conquer the drives of the emotions and quench the flames of frenzied desires;
18: it can overthrow bodily agonies even when they are extreme, and by nobility of reason spurn all domination by the
emotions.
19: The present occasion now invites us to a narrative demonstration of temperate reason.
20: At a time when our fathers were enjoying profound peace because of their observance of the law and were prospering, so
that even Seleucus Nicanor, king of Asia, had both appropriated money to them for the temple service and recognized their
commonwealth ‑‑
21: just at that time certain men attempted a revolution against the public harmony and caused many and various disasters.
4 Maccabees, chapter 4
1: Now there was a certain Simon, a political opponent of the noble and good man, Onias, who then held the high priesthood
for life. When despite all manner of slander he was unable to injure Onias in the eyes of the nation, he fled the country with the
purpose of betraying it.
2: So he came to Apollonius, governor of Syria, Phoenicia, and Cilicia, and said,
3: "I have come here because I am loyal to the king's government, to report that in the Jerusalem treasuries there are deposited
tens of thousands in private funds, which are not the property of the temple but belong to King Seleucus."
4: When Apollonius learned the details of these things, he praised Simon for his service to the king and went up to Seleucus to
inform him of the rich treasure.
5: On receiving authority to deal with this matter, he proceeded quickly to our country accompanied by the accursed Simon
and a very strong military force.
6: He said that he had come with the king's authority to seize the private funds in the treasury.
7: The people indignantly protested his words, considering it outrageous that those who had committed deposits to the sacred
treasury should be deprived of them, and did all that they could to prevent it.
8: But, uttering threats, Apollonius went on to the temple.
9: While the priests together with women and children were imploring God in the temple to shield the holy place that was being
treated so contemptuously,
10: and while Apollonius was going up with his armed forces to seize the money, angels on horseback with lightning flashing
from their weapons appeared from heaven, instilling in them great fear and trembling.
11: Then Apollonius fell down half dead in the temple area that was open to all, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and
with tears besought the Hebrews to pray for him and propitiate the wrath of the heavenly army.
12: For he said that he had committed a sin deserving of death, and that if he were delivered he would praise the blessedness of
the holy place before all people.
13: Moved by these words, Onias the high priest, although otherwise he had scruples about doing so, prayed for him lest King
Seleucus suppose that Apollonius had been overcome by human treachery and not by divine justice.
14: So Apollonius, having been preserved beyond all expectations, went away to report to the king what had happened to him.
15: When King Seleucus died, his son Antiochus Epiphanes succeeded to the throne, an arrogant and terrible man,
16: who removed Onias from the priesthood and appointed Onias's brother Jason as high priest.
17: Jason agreed that if the office were conferred upon him he would pay the king three thousand six hundred and sixty talents
annually.
18: So the king appointed him high priest and ruler of the nation.
19: Jason changed the nation's way of life and altered its form of government in complete violation of the law,
20: so that not only was a gymnasium constructed at the very citadel of our native land, but also the temple service was
abolished.
21: The divine justice was angered by these acts and caused Antiochus himself to make war on them.
22: For when he was warring against Ptolemy in Egypt, he heard that a rumor of his death had spread and that the people of
Jerusalem had rejoiced greatly. He speedily marched against them,
23: and after he had plundered them he issued a decree that if any of them should be found observing the ancestral law they
should die.
24: When, by means of his decrees, he had not been able in any way to put an end to the people's observance of the law, but
saw that all his threats and punishments were being disregarded,
25: even to the point that women, because they had circumcised their sons, were thrown headlong from heights along with their
infants, though they had known beforehand that they would suffer this ‑‑
26: when, then, his decrees were despised by the people, he himself, through torture, tried to compel everyone in the nation to
eat defiling foods and to renounce Judaism.
4 Maccabees, chapter 5
1: The tyrant Antiochus, sitting in state with his counselors on a certain high place, and with his armed soldiers standing about
him,
2: ordered the guards to seize each and every Hebrew and to compel them to eat pork and food sacrificed to idols.
3: If any were not willing to eat defiling food, they were to be broken on the wheel and killed.
4: And when many persons had been rounded up, one man, Eleazar by name, leader of the flock, was brought before the king.
He was a man of priestly family, learned in the law, advanced in age, and known to many in the tyrant's court because of his
philosophy.
5: When Antiochus saw him he said,
6: "Before I begin to torture you, old man, I would advise you to save yourself by eating pork,
7: for I respect your age and your gray hairs. Although you have had them for so long a time, it does not seem to me that you
are a philosopher when you observe the religion of the Jews.
8: Why, when nature has granted it to us, should you abhor eating the very excellent meat of this animal?
9: It is senseless not to enjoy delicious things that are not shameful, and wrong to spurn the gifts of nature.
10: It seems to me that you will do something even more senseless if, by holding a vain opinion concerning the truth, you
continue to despise me to your own hurt.
11: Will you not awaken from your foolish philosophy, dispel your futile reasonings, adopt a mind appropriate to your years,
philosophize according to the truth of what is beneficial,
12: and have compassion on your old age by honoring my humane advice?
13: For consider this, that if there is some power watching over this religion of yours, it will excuse you from any transgression
that arises out of compulsion."
14: When the tyrant urged him in this fashion to eat meat unlawfully, Eleazar asked to have a word.
15: When he had received permission to speak, he began to address the people as follows:
16: "We, O Antiochus, who have been persuaded to govern our lives by the divine law, think that there is no compulsion more
powerful than our obedience to the law.
17: Therefore we consider that we should not transgress it in any respect.
18: Even if, as you suppose, our law were not truly divine and we had wrongly held it to be divine, not even so would it be right
for us to invalidate our reputation for piety.
19: Therefore do not suppose that it would be a petty sin if we were to eat defiling food;
20: to transgress the law in matters either small or great is of equal seriousness,
21: for in either case the law is equally despised.
22: You scoff at our philosophy as though living by it were irrational,
23: but it teaches us self‑control, so that we master all pleasures and desires, and it also trains us in courage, so that we endure
any suffering willingly;
24: it instructs us in justice, so that in all our dealings we act impartially, and it teaches us piety, so that with proper reverence
we worship the only real God.
25: "Therefore we do not eat defiling food; for since we believe that the law was established by God, we know that in the
nature of things the Creator of the world in giving us the law has shown sympathy toward us.
26: He has permitted us to eat what will be most suitable for our lives, but he has forbidden us to eat meats that would be
contrary to this.
27: It would be tyrannical for you to compel us not only to transgress the law, but also to eat in such a way that you may deride
us for eating defiling foods, which are most hateful to us.
28: But you shall have no such occasion to laugh at me,
29: nor will I transgress the sacred oaths of my ancestors concerning the keeping of the law,
30: not even if you gouge out my eyes and burn my entrails.
31: I am not so old and cowardly as not to be young in reason on behalf of piety.
32: Therefore get your torture wheels ready and fan the fire more vehemently!
33: I do not so pity my old age as to break the ancestral law by my own act.
34: I will not play false to you, O law that trained me, nor will I renounce you, beloved self‑control.
35: I will not put you to shame, philosophical reason, nor will I reject you, honored priesthood and knowledge of the law.
36: You, O king, shall not stain the honorable mouth of my old age, nor my long life lived lawfully.
37: The fathers will receive me as pure, as one who does not fear your violence even to death.
38: You may tyrannize the ungodly, but you shall not dominate my religious principles either by word or by deed."
4 Maccabees, chapter 6
1: When Eleazar in this manner had made eloquent response to the exhortations of the tyrant, the guards who were standing by
dragged him violently to the instruments of torture.
2: First they stripped the old man, who remained adorned with the gracefulness of his piety.
3: And after they had tied his arms on each side they scourged him,
4: while a herald opposite him cried out, "Obey the king's commands!"
5: But the courageous and noble man, as a true Eleazar, was unmoved, as though being tortured in a dream;
6: yet while the old man's eyes were raised to heaven, his flesh was being torn by scourges, his blood flowing, and his sides
were being cut to pieces.
7: And though he fell to the ground because his body could not endure the agonies, he kept his reason upright and unswerving.
8: One of the cruel guards rushed at him and began to kick him in the side to make him get up again after he fell.
9: But he bore the pains and scorned the punishment and endured the tortures.
10: And like a noble athlete the old man, while being beaten, was victorious over his torturers;
11: in fact, with his face bathed in sweat, and gasping heavily for breath, he amazed even his torturers by his courageous spirit.
12: At that point, partly out of pity for his old age,
13: partly out of sympathy from their acquaintance with him, partly out of admiration for his endurance, some of the king's
retinue came to him and said,
14: "Eleazar, why are you so irrationally destroying yourself through these evil things?
15: We will set before you some cooked meat; save yourself by pretending to eat pork."
16: But Eleazar, as though more bitterly tormented by this counsel, cried out:
17: "May we, the children of Abraham, never think so basely that out of cowardice we feign a role unbecoming to us!
18: For it would be irrational if we, who have lived in accordance with truth to old age and have maintained in accordance with
law the reputation of such a life, should now change our course
19: become a pattern of impiety to the young, in becoming an example of the eating of defiling food.
20: It would be shameful if we should survive for a little while and during that time be a laughing stock to all for our cowardice,
21: and if we should be despised by the tyrant as unmanly, and not protect our divine law even to death.
22: Therefore, O children of Abraham, die nobly for your religion!
23: And you, guards of the tyrant, why do you delay?"
24: When they saw that he was so courageous in the face of the afflictions, and that he had not been changed by their
compassion, the guards brought him to the fire.
25: There they burned him with maliciously contrived instruments, threw him down, and poured stinking liquids into his nostrils.
26: When he was now burned to his very bones and about to expire, he lifted up his eyes to God and said,
27: "You know, O God, that though I might have saved myself, I am dying in burning torments for the sake of the law.
28: Be merciful to your people, and let our punishment suffice for them.
29: Make my blood their purification, and take my life in exchange for theirs."
30: And after he said this, the holy man died nobly in his tortures, and by reason he resisted even to the very tortures of death
for the sake of the law.
31: Admittedly, then, devout reason is sovereign over the emotions.
32: For if the emotions had prevailed over reason, we would have testified to their domination.
33: But now that reason has conquered the emotions, we properly attribute to it the power to govern.
34: And it is right for us to acknowledge the dominance of reason when it masters even external agonies. It would be ridiculous
to deny it.
35: And I have proved not only that reason has mastered agonies, but also that it masters pleasures and in no respect yields to
them.
4 Maccabees, chapter 7
1: For like a most skilful pilot, the reason of our father Eleazar steered the ship of religion over the sea of the emotions,
2: and though buffeted by the stormings of the tyrant and overwhelmed by the mighty waves of tortures,
3: in no way did he turn the rudder of religion until he sailed into the haven of immortal victory.
4: No city besieged with many ingenious war machines has ever held out as did that most holy man. Although his sacred life
was consumed by tortures and racks, he conquered the besiegers with the shield of his devout reason.
5: For in setting his mind firm like a jutting cliff, our father Eleazar broke the maddening waves of the emotions.
6: O priest, worthy of the priesthood, you neither defiled your sacred teeth nor profaned your stomach, which had room only
for reverence and purity, by eating defiling foods.
7: O man in harmony with the law and philosopher of divine life!
8: Such should be those who are administrators of the law, shielding it with their own blood and noble sweat in sufferings even
to death.
9: You, father, strengthened our loyalty to the law through your glorious endurance, and you did not abandon the holiness which
you praised, but by your deeds you made your words of divine philosophy credible.
10: O aged man, more powerful than tortures; O elder, fiercer than fire; O supreme king over the passions, Eleazar!
11: For just as our father Aaron, armed with the censer, ran through the multitude of the people and conquered the fiery angel,
12: so the descendant of Aaron, Eleazar, though being consumed by the fire, remained unmoved in his reason.
13: Most amazing, indeed, though he was an old man, his body no longer tense and firm, his muscles flabby, his sinews feeble,
he became young again
14: in spirit through reason; and by reason like that of Isaac he rendered the many‑headed rack ineffective.
15: O man of blessed age and of venerable gray hair and of law‑abiding life, whom the faithful seal of death has perfected!
16: If, therefore, because of piety an aged man despised tortures even to death, most certainly devout reason is governor of the
emotions.
17: Some perhaps might say, "Not every one has full command of his emotions, because not every one has prudent reason."
18: But as many as attend to religion with a whole heart, these alone are able to control the passions of the flesh,
19: since they believe that they, like our patriarchs Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, do not die to God, but live in God.
20: No contradiction therefore arises when some persons appear to be dominated by their emotions because of the weakness
of their reason.
21: What person who lives as a philosopher by the whole rule of philosophy, and trusts in God,
22: and knows that it is blessed to endure any suffering for the sake of virtue, would not be able to overcome the emotions
through godliness?
23: For only the wise and courageous man is lord of his emotions.
4 Maccabees, chapter 8
1: For this is why even the very young, by following a philosophy in accordance with devout reason, have prevailed over the
most painful instruments of torture.
2: For when the tyrant was conspicuously defeated in his first attempt, being unable to compel an aged man to eat defiling
foods, then in violent rage he commanded that others of the Hebrew captives be brought, and that any who ate defiling food
should be freed after eating, but if any were to refuse, these should be tortured even more cruelly.
3: When the tyrant had given these orders, seven brothers ‑‑ handsome, modest, noble, and accomplished in every way ‑‑
were brought before him along with their aged mother.
4: When the tyrant saw them, grouped about their mother as if in a chorus, he was pleased with them. And struck by their
appearance and nobility, he smiled at them, and summoned them nearer and said,
5: "Young men, I admire each and every one of you in a kindly manner, and greatly respect the beauty and the number of such
brothers. Not only do I advise you not to display the same madness as that of the old man who has just been tortured, but I
also exhort you to yield to me and enjoy my friendship.
6: Just as I am able to punish those who disobey my orders, so I can be a benefactor to those who obey me.
7: Trust me, then, and you will have positions of authority in my government if you will renounce the ancestral tradition of your
national life.
8: And enjoy your youth by adopting the Greek way of life and by changing your manner of living.
9: But if by disobedience you rouse my anger, you will compel me to destroy each and every one of you with dreadful
punishments through tortures.
10: Therefore take pity on yourselves. Even I, your enemy, have compassion for your youth and handsome appearance.
11: Will you not consider this, that if you disobey, nothing remains for you but to die on the rack?"
12: When he had said these things, he ordered the instruments of torture to be brought forward so as to persuade them out of
fear to eat the defiling food.
13: And when the guards had placed before them wheels and joint‑dislocators, rack and hooks and catapults and caldrons,
braziers and thumbscrews and iron claws and wedges and bellows, the tyrant resumed speaking:
14: "Be afraid, young fellows, and whatever justice you revere will be merciful to you when you transgress under compulsion."
15: But when they had heard the inducements and saw the dreadful devices, not only were they not afraid, but they also
opposed the tyrant with their own philosophy, and by their right reasoning nullified his tyranny.
16: Let us consider, on the other hand, what arguments might have been used if some of them had been cowardly and unmanly.
Would they not have been these?
17: "O wretches that we are and so senseless! Since the king has summoned and exhorted us to accept kind treatment if we
obey him,
18: why do we take pleasure in vain resolves and venture upon a disobedience that brings death?
19: O men and brothers, should we not fear the instruments of torture and consider the threats of torments, and give up this vain
opinion and this arrogance that threatens to destroy us?
20: Let us take pity on our youth and have compassion on our mother's age;
21: and let us seriously consider that if we disobey we are dead!
22: Also, divine justice will excuse us for fearing the king when we are under compulsion.
23: Why do we banish ourselves from this most pleasant life and deprive ourselves of this delightful world?
24: Let us not struggle against compulsion nor take hollow pride in being put to the rack.
25: Not even the law itself would arbitrarily slay us for fearing the instruments of torture.
26: Why does such contentiousness excite us and such a fatal stubbornness please us, when we can live in peace if we obey the
king?"
27: But the youths, though about to be tortured, neither said any of these things nor even seriously considered them.
28: For they were contemptuous of the emotions and sovereign over agonies,
29: so that as soon as the tyrant had ceased counseling them to eat defiling food, all with one voice together, as from one mind,
said:
4 Maccabees, chapter 9
1: "Why do you delay, O tyrant? For we are ready to die rather than transgress our ancestral commandments;
2: we are obviously putting our forefathers to shame unless we should practice ready obedience to the law and to Moses our
counselor.
3: Tyrant and counselor of lawlessness, in your hatred for us do not pity us more than we pity ourselves.
4: For we consider this pity of yours which insures our safety through transgression of the law to be more grievous than death
itself.
5: You are trying to terrify us by threatening us with death by torture, as though a short time ago you learned nothing from
Eleazar.
6: And if the aged men of the Hebrews because of their religion lived piously while enduring torture, it would be even more
fitting that we young men should die despising your coercive tortures, which our aged instructor also overcame.
7: Therefore, tyrant, put us to the test; and if you take our lives because of our religion, do not suppose that you can injure us
by torturing us.
8: For we, through this severe suffering and endurance, shall have the prize of virtue and shall be with God, for whom we suffer;
9: but you, because of your bloodthirstiness toward us, will deservedly undergo from the divine justice eternal torment by fire."
10: When they had said these things the tyrant not only was angry, as at those who are disobedient, but also was enraged, as at
those who are ungrateful.
11: Then at his command the guards brought forward the eldest, and having torn off his tunic, they bound his hands and arms
with thongs on each side.
12: When they had worn themselves out beating him with scourges, without accomplishing anything, they placed him upon the
wheel.
13: When the noble youth was stretched out around this, his limbs were dislocated,
14: and though broken in every member he denounced the tyrant, saying,
15: "Most abominable tyrant, enemy of heavenly justice, savage of mind, you are mangling me in this manner, not because I am
a murderer, or as one who acts impiously, but because I protect the divine law."
16: And when the guards said, "Agree to eat so that you may be released from the tortures,"
17: he replied, "You abominable lackeys, your wheel is not so powerful as to strangle my reason. Cut my limbs, burn my flesh,
and twist my joints.
18: Through all these tortures I will convince you that sons of the Hebrews alone are invincible where virtue is concerned."
19: While he was saying these things, they spread fire under him, and while fanning the flames they tightened the wheel further.
20: The wheel was completely smeared with blood, and the heap of coals was being quenched by the drippings of gore, and
pieces of flesh were falling off the axles of the machine.
21: Although the ligaments joining his bones were already severed, the courageous youth, worthy of Abraham, did not groan,
22: but as though transformed by fire into immortality he nobly endured the rackings.
23: "Imitate me, brothers," he said. "Do not leave your post in my struggle or renounce our courageous brotherhood.
24: Fight the sacred and noble battle for religion. Thereby the just Providence of our ancestors may become merciful to our
nation and take vengeance on the accursed tyrant."
25: When he had said this, the saintly youth broke the thread of life.
26: While all were marveling at his courageous spirit, the guards brought in the next eldest, and after fitting themselves with iron
gauntlets having sharp hooks, they bound him to the torture machine and catapult.
27: Before torturing him, they inquired if he were willing to eat, and they heard this noble decision.
28: These leopard‑like beasts tore out his sinews with the iron hands, flayed all his flesh up to his chin, and tore away his scalp.
But he steadfastly endured this agony and said,
29: "How sweet is any kind of death for the religion of our fathers!"
30: To the tyrant he said, "Do you not think, you most savage tyrant, that you are being tortured more than I, as you see the
arrogant design of your tyranny being defeated by our endurance for the sake of religion?
31: I lighten my pain by the joys that come from virtue,
32: but you suffer torture by the threats that come from impiety. You will not escape, most abominable tyrant, the judgments of
the divine wrath."
4 Maccabees, chapter 10
1: When he too had endured a glorious death, the third was led in, and many repeatedly urged him to save himself by tasting the
meat.
2: But he shouted, "Do you not know that the same father begot me and those who died, and the same mother bore me, and
that I was brought up on the same teachings?
3: I do not renounce the noble kinship that binds me to my brothers."
4:
5: Enraged by the man's boldness, they disjointed his hands and feet with their instruments, dismembering him by prying his
limbs from their sockets,
6: and breaking his fingers and arms and legs and elbows.
7: Since they were not able in any way to break his spirit, they abandoned the instruments and scalped him with their fingernails
in a Scythian fashion.
8: They immediately brought him to the wheel, and while his vertebrae were being dislocated upon it he saw his own flesh torn
all around and drops of blood flowing from his entrails.
9: When he was about to die, he said,
10: "We, most abominable tyrant, are suffering because of our godly training and virtue,
11: but you, because of your impiety and bloodthirstiness, will undergo unceasing torments."
12: When he also had died in a manner worthy of his brothers, they dragged in the fourth, saying,
13: "As for you, do not give way to the same insanity as your brothers, but obey the king and save yourself."
14: But he said to them, "You do not have a fire hot enough to make me play the coward.
15: No, by the blessed death of my brothers, by the eternal destruction of the tyrant, and by the everlasting life of the pious, I
will not renounce our noble brotherhood.
16: Contrive tortures, tyrant, so that you may learn from them that I am a brother to those who have just been tortured."
17: When he heard this, the bloodthirsty, murderous, and utterly abominable Antiochus gave orders to cut out his tongue.
18: But he said, "Even if you remove my organ of speech, God hears also those who are mute.
19: See, here is my tongue; cut it off, for in spite of this you will not make our reason speechless.
20: Gladly, for the sake of God, we let our bodily members be mutilated.
21: God will visit you swiftly, for you are cutting out a tongue that has been melodious with divine hymns."
4 Maccabees, chapter 11
1: When this one died also, after being cruelly tortured, the fifth leaped up, saying,
2: "I will not refuse, tyrant, to be tortured for the sake of virtue.
3: I have come of my own accord, so that by murdering me you will incur punishment from the heavenly justice for even more
crimes.
4: Hater of virtue, hater of mankind, for what act of ours are you destroying us in this way?
5: Is it because we revere the Creator of all things and live according to his virtuous law?
6: But these deeds deserve honors, not tortures."
7:
9: While he was saying these things, the guards bound him and dragged him to the catapult;
10: they tied him to it on his knees, and fitting iron clamps on them, they twisted his back around the wedge on the wheel, so
that he was completely curled back like a scorpion, and all his members were disjointed.
11: In this condition, gasping for breath and in anguish of body,
12: he said, "Tyrant, they are splendid favors that you grant us against your will, because through these noble sufferings you give
us an opportunity to show our endurance for the law."
13: After he too had died, the sixth, a mere boy, was led in. When the tyrant inquired whether he was willing to eat and be
released, he said,
14: "I am younger in age than my brothers, but I am their equal in mind.
15: Since to this end we were born and bred, we ought likewise to die for the same principles.
16: So if you intend to torture me for not eating defiling foods, go on torturing!"
17: When he had said this, they led him to the wheel.
18: He was carefully stretched tight upon it, his back was broken, and he was roasted from underneath.
19: To his back they applied sharp spits that had been heated in the fire, and pierced his ribs so that his entrails were burned
through.
20: While being tortured he said, "O contest befitting holiness, in which so many of us brothers have been summoned to an
arena of sufferings for religion, and in which we have not been defeated!
21: For religious knowledge, O tyrant, is invincible.
22: I also, equipped with nobility, will die with my brothers,
23: and I myself will bring a great avenger upon you, you inventor of tortures and enemy of those who are truly devout.
24: We six boys have paralyzed your tyranny!
25: Since you have not been able to persuade us to change our mind or to force us to eat defiling foods, is not this your
downfall?
26: Your fire is cold to us, and the catapults painless, and your violence powerless.
27: For it is not the guards of the tyrant but those of the divine law that are set over us; therefore, unconquered, we hold fast to
reason."
4 Maccabees, chapter 12
1: When he also, thrown into the caldron, had died a blessed death, the seventh and youngest of all came forward.
2: Even though the tyrant had been fearfully reproached by the brothers, he felt strong compassion for this child when he saw
that he was already in fetters. He summoned him to come nearer and tried to console him, saying,
3: "You see the result of your brothers' stupidity, for they died in torments because of their disobedience.
4: You too, if you do not obey, will be miserably tortured and die before your time,
5: but if you yield to persuasion you will be my friend and a leader in the government of the kingdom."
6: When he had so pleaded, he sent for the boy's mother to show compassion on her who had been bereaved of so many sons
and to influence her to persuade the surviving son to obey and save himself.
7: But when his mother had exhorted him in the Hebrew language, as we shall tell a little later,
8: he said, "Let me loose, let me speak to the king and to all his friends that are with him."
9: Extremely pleased by the boy's declaration, they freed him at once.
10: Running to the nearest of the braziers,
11: he said, "You profane tyrant, most impious of all the wicked, since you have received good things and also your kingdom
from God, were you not ashamed to murder his servants and torture on the wheel those who practice religion?
12: Because of this, justice has laid up for you intense and eternal fire and tortures, and these throughout all time will never let
you go.
13: As a man, were you not ashamed, you most savage beast, to cut out the tongues of men who have feelings like yours and
are made of the same elements as you, and to maltreat and torture them in this way?
14: Surely they by dying nobly fulfilled their service to God, but you will wail bitterly for having slain without cause the
contestants for virtue."
15: Then because he too was about to die, he said,
16: "I do not desert the excellent example of my brothers,
17: and I call on the God of our fathers to be merciful to our nation;
18: but on you he will take vengeance both in this present life and when you are dead."
19: After he had uttered these imprecations, he flung himself into the braziers and so ended his life.
4 Maccabees, chapter 13
1: Since, then, the seven brothers despised sufferings even unto death, everyone must concede that devout reason is sovereign
over the emotions.
2: For if they had been slaves to their emotions and had eaten defiling food, we would say that they had been conquered by
these emotions.
3: But in fact it was not so. Instead, by reason, which is praised before God, they prevailed over their emotions.
4: The supremacy of the mind over these cannot be overlooked, for the brothers mastered both emotions and pains.
5: How then can one fail to confess the sovereignty of right reason over emotion in those who were not turned back by fiery
agonies?
6: For just as towers jutting out over harbors hold back the threatening waves and make it calm for those who sail into the inner
basin,
7: so the seven‑towered right reason of the youths, by fortifying the harbor of religion, conquered the tempest of the emotions.
8: For they constituted a holy chorus of religion and encouraged one another, saying,
9: "Brothers, let us die like brothers for the sake of the law; let us imitate the three youths in Assyria who despised the same
ordeal of the furnace.
10: Let us not be cowardly in the demonstration of our piety."
11: While one said, "Courage, brother," another said, "Bear up nobly,"
12: and another reminded them, "Remember whence you came, and the father by whose hand Isaac would have submitted to
being slain for the sake of religion."
13: Each of them and all of them together looking at one another, cheerful and undaunted, said, "Let us with all our hearts
consecrate ourselves to God, who gave us our lives, and let us use our bodies as a bulwark for the law.
14: Let us not fear him who thinks he is killing us,
15: for great is the struggle of the soul and the danger of eternal torment lying before those who transgress the commandment of
God.
16: Therefore let us put on the full armor of self‑control, which is divine reason.
17: For if we so die, Abraham and Isaac and Jacob will welcome us, and all the fathers will praise us."
18: Those who were left behind said to each of the brothers who were being dragged away, "Do not put us to shame, brother,
or betray the brothers who have died before us."
19: You are not ignorant of the affection of brotherhood, which the divine and all‑wise Providence has bequeathed through the
fathers to their descendants and which was implanted in the mother's womb.
20: There each of the brothers dwelt the same length of time and was shaped during the same period of time; and growing from
the same blood and through the same life, they were brought to the light of day.
21: When they were born after an equal time of gestation, they drank milk from the same fountains. For such embraces
brotherly‑loving souls are nourished;
22: and they grow stronger from this common nurture and daily companionship, and from both general education and our
discipline in the law of God.
23: Therefore, when sympathy and brotherly affection had been so established, the brothers were the more sympathetic to one
another.
24: Since they had been educated by the same law and trained in the same virtues and brought up in right living, they loved one
another all the more.
25: A common zeal for nobility expanded their goodwill and harmony toward one another,
26: because, with the aid of their religion, they rendered their brotherly love more fervent.
27: But although nature and companionship and virtuous habits had augmented the affection of brotherhood, those who were
left endured for the sake of religion, while watching their brothers being maltreated and tortured to death.
4 Maccabees, chapter 14
1: Furthermore, they encouraged them to face the torture, so that they not only despised their agonies, but also mastered the
emotions of brotherly love.
2: O reason, more royal than kings and freer than the free!
3: O sacred and harmonious concord of the seven brothers on behalf of religion!
4: None of the seven youths proved coward or shrank from death,
5: but all of them, as though running the course toward immortality, hastened to death by torture.
6: Just as the hands and feet are moved in harmony with the guidance of the mind, so those holy youths, as though moved by an
immortal spirit of devotion, agreed to go to death for its sake.
7: O most holy seven, brothers in harmony! For just as the seven days of creation move in choral dance around religion,
8: so these youths, forming a chorus, encircled the sevenfold fear of tortures and dissolved it.
9: Even now, we ourselves shudder as we hear of the tribulations of these young men; they not only saw what was happening,
yes, not only heard the direct word of threat, but also bore the sufferings patiently, and in agonies of fire at that.
10: What could be more excruciatingly painful than this? For the power of fire is intense and swift, and it consumed their bodies
quickly.
11: Do not consider it amazing that reason had full command over these men in their tortures, since the mind of woman
despised even more diverse agonies,
12: for the mother of the seven young men bore up under the rackings of each one of her children.
13: Observe how complex is a mother's love for her children, which draws everything toward an emotion felt in her inmost
parts.
14: Even unreasoning animals, like mankind, have a sympathy and parental love for their offspring.
15: For example, among birds, the ones that are tame protect their young by building on the housetops,
16: and the others, by building in precipitous chasms and in holes and tops of trees, hatch the nestlings and ward off the
intruder.
17: If they are not able to keep him away, they do what they can to help their young by flying in circles around them in the
anguish of love, warning them with their own calls.
18: And why is it necessary to demonstrate sympathy for children by the example of unreasoning animals,
19: since even bees at the time for making honeycombs defend themselves against intruders as though with an iron dart sting
those who approach their hive and defend it even to the death?
20: But sympathy for her children did not sway the mother of the young men; she was of the same mind as Abraham.
4 Maccabees, chapter 15
1: O reason of the children, tyrant over the emotions! O religion, more desirable to the mother than her children!
2: Two courses were open to this mother, that of religion, and that of preserving her seven sons for a time, as the tyrant had
promised.
3: She loved religion more, religion that preserves them for eternal life according to God's promise.
4: In what manner might I express the emotions of parents who love their children? We impress upon the character of a small
child a wondrous likeness both of mind and of form. Especially is this true of mothers, who because of their birthpangs have a
deeper sympathy toward their offspring than do the fathers.
5: Considering that mothers are the weaker sex and give birth to many, they are more devoted to their children.
6: The mother of the seven boys, more than any other mother, loved her children. In seven pregnancies she had implanted in
herself tender love toward them,
7: and because of the many pains she suffered with each of them she had sympathy for them;
8: yet because of the fear of God she disdained the temporary safety of her children.
9: Not only so, but also because of the nobility of her sons and their ready obedience to the law she felt a greater tenderness
toward them.
10: For they were righteous and self‑controlled and brave and magnanimous, and loved their brothers and their mother, so that
they obeyed her even to death in keeping the ordinances.
11: Nevertheless, though so many factors influenced the mother to suffer with them out of love for her children, in the case of
none of them were the various tortures strong enough to pervert her reason.
12: Instead, the mother urged them on, each child singly and all together, to death for the sake of religion.
13: O sacred nature and affection of parental love, yearning of parents toward offspring, nurture and indomitable suffering by
mothers!
14: This mother, who saw them tortured and burned one by one, because of religion did not change her attitude.
15: She watched the flesh of her children consumed by fire, their toes and fingers scattered on the ground, and the flesh of the
head to the chin exposed like masks.
16: O mother, tried now by more bitter pains than even the birth‑pangs you suffered for them!
17: O woman, who alone gave birth to such complete devotion!
18: When the first‑born breathed his last it did not turn you aside, nor when the second in torments looked at you piteously nor
when the third expired;
19: nor did you weep when you looked at the eyes of each one in his tortures gazing boldly at the same agonies, and saw in
their nostrils the signs of the approach of death.
20: When you saw the flesh of children burned upon the flesh of other children, severed hands upon hands, scalped heads upon
heads, and corpses fallen on other corpses and when you saw the place filled with many spectators of the torturings, you did
not shed tears.
21: Neither the melodies of sirens nor the songs of swans attract the attention of their hearers as did the voices of the children in
torture calling to their mother.
22: How great and how many torments the mother then suffered as her sons were tortured on the wheel and with the hot irons!
23: But devout reason, giving her heart a man's courage in the very midst of her emotions, strengthened her to disregard her
temporal love for her children.
24: Although she witnessed the destruction of seven children and the ingenious and various rackings, this noble mother
disregarded all these because of faith in God.
25: For as in the council chamber of her own soul she saw mighty advocates ‑‑ nature, family, parental love, and the rackings of
her children ‑‑
26: this mother held two ballots, one bearing death and the other deliverance for her children.
27: She did not approve the deliverance which would preserve the seven sons for a short time,
28: but as the daughter of God‑fearing Abraham she remembered his fortitude.
29: O mother of the nation, vindicator of the law and champion of religion, who carried away the prize of the contest in your
heart!
30: O more noble than males in steadfastness, and more manly than men in endurance!
31: Just as Noah's ark, carrying the world in the universal flood, stoutly endured the waves,
32: so you, O guardian of the law, overwhelmed from every side by the flood of your emotions and the violent winds, the
torture of your sons, endured nobly and withstood the wintry storms that assail religion.
4 Maccabees, chapter 16
1: If, then, a woman, advanced in years and mother of seven sons, endured seeing her children tortured to death, it must be
admitted that devout reason is sovereign over the emotions.
2: Thus I have demonstrated not only that men have ruled over the emotions, but also that a woman has despised the fiercest
tortures.
3: The lions surrounding Daniel were not so savage, nor was the raging fiery furnace of Mishael so intensely hot, as was her
innate parental love, inflamed as she saw her seven sons tortured in such varied ways.
4: But the mother quenched so many and such great emotions by devout reason.
5: Consider this also. If this woman, though a mother, had been fainthearted, she would have mourned over them and perhaps
spoken as follows:
6: "O how wretched am I and many times unhappy! After bearing seven children, I am now the mother of none!
7: O seven childbirths all in vain, seven profitless pregnancies, fruitless nurturings and wretched nursings!
8: In vain, my sons, I endured many birth‑pangs for you, and the more grievous anxieties of your upbringing.
9: Alas for my children, some unmarried, others married and without offspring. I shall not see your children or have the
happiness of being called grandmother.
10: Alas, I who had so many and beautiful children am a widow and alone, with many sorrows.
11: Nor when I die, shall I have any of my sons to bury me."
12: Yet the sacred and God‑fearing mother did not wail with such a lament for any of them, nor did she dissuade any of them
from dying, nor did she grieve as they were dying,
13: but, as though having a mind like adamant and giving rebirth for immortality to the whole number of her sons, she implored
them and urged them on to death for the sake of religion.
14: O mother, soldier of God in the cause of religion, elder and woman! By steadfastness you have conquered even a tyrant,
and in word and deed you have proved more powerful than a man.
15: For when you and your sons were arrested together, you stood and watched Eleazar being tortured, and said to your sons
in the Hebrew language,
16: "My sons, noble is the contest to which you are called to bear witness for the nation. Fight zealously for our ancestral law.
17: For it would be shameful if, while an aged man endures such agonies for the sake of religion, you young men were to be
terrified by tortures.
18: Remember that it is through God that you have had a share in the world and have enjoyed life,
19: and therefore you ought to endure any suffering for the sake of God.
20: For his sake also our father Abraham was zealous to sacrifice his son Isaac, the ancestor of our nation; and when Isaac saw
his father's hand wielding a sword and descending upon him, he did not cower.
21: And Daniel the righteous was thrown to the lions, and Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael were hurled into the fiery furnace
and endured it for the sake of God.
22: You too must have the same faith in God and not be grieved.
23: It is unreasonable for people who have religious knowledge not to withstand pain."
24: By these words the mother of the seven encouraged and persuaded each of her sons to die rather than violate God's
commandment.
25: They knew also that those who die for the sake of God live in God, as do Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the
patriarchs.
4 Maccabees, chapter 17
1: Some of the guards said that when she also was about to be seized and put to death she threw herself into the flames so that
no one might touch her body.
2: O mother, who with your seven sons nullified the violence of the tyrant, frustrated his evil designs, and showed the courage of
your faith!
3: Nobly set like a roof on the pillars of your sons, you held firm and unswerving against the earthquake of the tortures.
4: Take courage, therefore, O holy‑minded mother, maintaining firm an enduring hope in God.
5: The moon in heaven, with the stars, does not stand so august as you, who, after lighting the way of your star‑like seven sons
to piety, stand in honor before God and are firmly set in heaven with them.
6: For your children were true descendants of father Abraham.
7: If it were possible for us to paint the history of your piety as an artist might, would not those who first beheld it have
shuddered as they saw the mother of the seven children enduring their varied tortures to death for the sake of religion?
8: Indeed it would be proper to inscribe upon their tomb these words as a reminder to the people of our nation:
9: "Here lie buried an aged priest and an aged woman and seven sons, because of the violence of the tyrant who wished to
destroy the way of life of the Hebrews.
10: They vindicated their nation, looking to God and enduring torture even to death."
11: Truly the contest in which they were engaged was divine,
12: for on that day virtue gave the awards and tested them for their endurance. The prize was immortality in endless life.
13: Eleazar was the first contestant, the mother of the seven sons entered the competition, and the brothers contended.
14: The tyrant was the antagonist, and the world and the human race were the spectators.
15: Reverence for God was victor and gave the crown to its own athletes.
16: Who did not admire the athletes of the divine legislation? Who were not amazed?
17: The tyrant himself and all his council marveled at their endurance,
18: because of which they now stand before the divine throne and live through blessed eternity.
19: For Moses says, "All who are consecrated are under your hands."
20: These, then, who have been consecrated for the sake of God, are honored, not only with this honor, but also by the fact
that because of them our enemies did not rule over our nation,
21: the tyrant was punished, and the homeland purified ‑‑ they having become, as it were, a ransom for the sin of our nation.
22: And through the blood of those devout ones and their death as an expiation, divine Providence preserved Israel that
previously had been afflicted.
23: For the tyrant Antiochus, when he saw the courage of their virtue and their endurance under the tortures, proclaimed them
to his soldiers as an example for their own endurance,
24: and this made them brave and courageous for infantry battle and siege, and he ravaged and conquered all his enemies.
4 Maccabees, chapter 18
1: O Israelite children, offspring of the seed of Abraham, obey this law and exercise piety in every way,
2: knowing that devout reason is master of all emotions, not only of sufferings from within, but also of those from without.
3: Therefore those who gave over their bodies in suffering for the sake of religion were not only admired by men, but also were
deemed worthy to share in a divine inheritance.
4: Because of them the nation gained peace, and by reviving observance of the law in the homeland they ravaged the enemy.
5: The tyrant Antiochus was both punished on earth and is being chastised after his death. Since in no way whatever was he
able to compel the Israelites to become pagans and to abandon their ancestral customs, he left Jerusalem and marched against
the Persians.
6: The mother of seven sons expressed also these principles to her children:
7: "I was a pure virgin and did not go outside my father's house; but I guarded the rib from which woman was made.
8: No seducer corrupted me on a desert plain, nor did the destroyer, the deceitful serpent, defile the purity of my virginity.
9: In the time of my maturity I remained with my husband, and when these sons had grown up their father died. A happy man
was he, who lived out his life with good children, and did not have the grief of bereavement.
10: While he was still with you, he taught you the law and the prophets.
11: He read to you about Abel slain by Cain, and Isaac who was offered as a burnt offering, and of Joseph in prison.
12: He told you of the zeal of Phineas, and he taught you about Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael in the fire.
13: He praised Daniel in the den of the lions and blessed him.
14: He reminded you of the scripture of Isaiah, which says, `Even though you go through the fire, the flame shall not consume
you.'
15: He sang to you songs of the psalmist David, who said, `Many are the afflictions of the righteous.'
16: He recounted to you Solomon's proverb, `There is a tree of life for those who do his will.'
17: He confirmed the saying of Ezekiel, `Shall these dry bones live?'
18: For he did not forget to teach you the song that Moses taught, which says,
19: `I kill and I make alive: this is your life and the length of your days.'"
20: O bitter was that day ‑‑ and yet not bitter ‑‑ when that bitter tyrant of the Greeks quenched fire with fire in his cruel
caldrons, and in his burning rage brought those seven sons of the daughter of Abraham to the catapult and back again to more
tortures,
21: pierced the pupils of their eyes and cut out their tongues, and put them to death with various tortures.
22: For these crimes divine justice pursued and will pursue the accursed tyrant.
23: But the sons of Abraham with their victorious mother are gathered together into the chorus of the fathers, and have received
pure and immortal souls from God,
24: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
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