being known they may be of good comfort, and look to their own affairs.

27 But the king's letter to the Jews was in this manner: KING Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews, greeting.

28 If you are well, you are as we desire: we ourselves also are well.

burnt the boats, and slew with the sword them that escaped from the fire.

7 And when he had done these things in this manner, he departed as if he would return again, and root out all the Joppites.

8 But when he understood that the men of Jam nia also designed to do in like manner to the

29 Menelaus came to us, saying that you desir-Jews that dwelt among them,
ed to come down to your countrymen, that are
with us.

30 We grant therefore a safe-conduct to all that come and go, until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,

31 That the Jews may use their own kind of meats, and their own laws as before: and that none of them any manner of ways be molested for things which have been done by ignorance. 32 And we have sent also Menelaus to speak

to you.

33 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty eight, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.

34 The Romans also sent them a letter, to this effect. QUINTUS Memmius, and Titus Manilius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greeting.

35 Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted you, we also have granted.

36 But touching such things as he thought should be referred to the king, after you have diligently conferred among yourselves, send some one forthwith, that we may decree as it is convenient for you: for we are going to Antioch. 37 And therefore make haste to write back, that we may know of what mind you are. 38 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty eight, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.

CHAP. XII.

9 He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set the haven on fire with the ships, so that the light of the fire was seen at Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.

10 And when they were now gone from thence nine furlongs, and were marching towards Timotheus, five thousand footmen, and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon them. 11 And after a hard fight, in which by the help of God they got the victory, the rest of the Arabians being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising to give him pastures, and to assist him in other things.

12 And Judas thinking that they might be profitable indeed in many things, promised them peace, and after having joined hands, they departed to their tents.

13 He also laid siege to a certain strong city, encompassed with bridges and walls, and inhabited by multitudes of different nations, the name of which is Casphin.

14 But they that were within it, trusting in the strength of the walls, and the provision of victuals, behaved in a more negligent manner, and provoked Judas with railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.

15 But Machabeus calling upon the great Lord' of the world, who without any rams or engines of war threw down the walls of Jericho in the time of Josue, fiercely assaulted the walls. The Jews are still molested by their neighbours. Ju- 16 And having taken the city by the will of das gains divers victories over them. He orders sa- the Lord, he made an unspeakable slaughter, crifice and prayers for the dead. THEN these covenants were made, Ly-seemed to run with the blood of the slain. so that a pool adjoining of two furlongs broad sias went to the king, and the Jews gave themselves to husbandry. 2 But they that were behind, viz., Timotheus and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and besides them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to live in peace, and to be quiet.

WE

17 From thence they departed seven hundred Jews that are called Tubianites. and fifty furlongs, and came to Chareca to the

18 But as for Timotheus, they found him not in those places, for before he had despatched any thing he went back, having left a very strong 19 But Dositheus, and Sosipater, who were garrison in a certain hold: captains with Machabeus, slew them that were left by Timotheus in the hold, to the number

3 The men of Joppe also were guilty of this
kind of wickedness: they desired the Jews who
dwelt among them to go with their wives and
children into the boats, which they had prepa-of ten thousand men.
red, as though they had no enmity to them.

5 But as soon as Judas heard of this cruelty done to his countrymen, he commanded the men that were with him: and after having called upon God the just judge,

4 Which when they had consented to, accor-him six thousand men, and divided them by 20 And Machabeus having set in order about ding to the common decree of the city, suspect- bands, went forth against Timotheus, who had ing nothing, because of the peace: when they with him a hundred and twenty thousand footwere gone forth into the deep, they drowned no men, and two thousand five hundred horsemen. fewer than two hundred of them. 21 Now when Timotheus had knowledge of the coming of Judas, he sent the women and children, and the other baggage before him into a fortress, called Carnion: for it was impregnable and hard to come at, by reason of the strait22 But when the first band of Judas came in ness of the places. sight, the enemies were struck with fear, by the presence of God, who seeth all things, and they were put to flight one from another, so that thev

6 He came against those murderers of his brethren, and set the haven on fire in the night,

A. M. 3841.-b A. M. 3841. A. C. 163.- Jos. 6. 20.

Ch. 12. v. 15. Rams. That is, engines for battering walls, fc., which were used in sieges in those times.

were often thrown down by their own compa- | came into the city Odollam: and when the senions, and wounded with the strokes of their venth day came, they purified themselves accordown swords. ing to the custom, and kept the sabbath in the same place.

23 But Judas was vehemently earnest in punishing the profane, of whom he slew thirty thousand men.

24 And Timotheus himself fell into the hands of the band of Dositheus and Sosipater, and with many prayers he besought them to let him go with his life, because he had the parents and brethren of many of the Jews, who, by his death, might happen to be deceived.

25 And when he had given his faith that he would restore them according to the agreement, they let him go without hurt, for the saving of their brethren.

39 And the day following Judas came with his company, to take away the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen, in the sepulchres of their fathers. 40 And they found under the coats of the slain some of the donaries of the idols of Jamnia, which the law forbiddeth to the Jews: so that all plainly saw, that for this cause they were slain. 41 Then they all blessed the just judgment of the Lord, who had discovered the things that were hidden.

42 And so betaking themselves to prayers, they 26 Then Judas went away to Carnion, where besought him, that the sin which had been comhe slew five and twenty thousand persons. mitted might be forgotten. But the most valiant 27 And after he had put to flight and destroy-Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves ed these, he removed his army to Ephron a strong city, wherein there dwelt a multitude of divers nations and stout young men standing upon the walls, made a vigorous resistance: and in this place there were many engines of war, and a provision of darts.

28 But when they had invocated the Almighty, who with his power breaketh the strength of the enemies, they took the city: and slew five and twenty thousand of them that were within. 29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem.

30 But the Tews that were among the Scythopolitans testifying that they were used kindly by them, and that even in the times of their adversity they had treated them with humanity: 31 They gave them thanks, exhorting them to be still friendly to their nation, and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks being at hand. 32 And after Pentecost they marched against Gorgias the governor of Idumea.

33 And he came out with three thousand footmen, and four hundred horsemen.

from sin, forasmuch as they saw before their eyes what had happened, because of the sins of those that were slain.

43 And making a gathering, he sent twelvethousand drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously concerning the resurrection. 44 (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead) 45 And because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.

46 It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.

CHAP. XIII.

Antiochus and Lysias again invade Judea. Menelaus is put to death. The king's great army is worsted twice. The peace is renewed.

the year one hundred and forty-nine, Judas understood that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a multitude against Judea, 2 And with him Lysias the regent, who had

34 And when they had joined battle, it hap-charge over the affairs of the realm, having with pened that a few of the Jews were slain. 35 But Dositheus a horseman, one of Bacenor's band, a valiant man, took hold of Gorgias: and when he would have taken him alive, a certain horseman of the Thracians came upon him, and cut off his shoulder: and so Gorgias escaped to Maresa.

him a hundred and ten thousand footmen, five thousand horsemen, twenty-two elephants, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks. 3 Menelaus also joined himself with them: and with great deceitfulness besought Antiochus, not for the welfare of his country, but in hopes that he should be appointed chief ruler. 36 But when they that were with Esdrin had 4 But the King of kings stirred up the mind of fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon Antiochus against the sinner, and upon Lysias the Lord to be their helper, and leader of the battle: suggesting that he was the cause of all the evils, 37 Then beginning in his own language, and he commanded (as the custom is with them) singing hymns with a loud voice, he put Gor-that he should be apprehended and put to death gias's soldiers to flight. in the same place.

38 So Judas having gathered together his army,

5 Now there was in that place a tower filty &c. Here is an evident and undeniable proof of the prac tice of praying for the dead under the old law, which was then strictly observed by the Jews, and consequently could not be introduced at that time by Judas, their chief and high-priest, if it had not been always their custom. Ch. 13. v. 2. A hundred and ten thousand, &c. The difference between the numbers here set down, and those Ver. 45. With godliness. Judas hoped that these men recorded, 1 Mach. ch. 4., is easily accounted for; if we who died fighting for the cause of God and religion, consider that such armies as these are liable to be at one might find mercy: either because they might be ex-time more numerous than at another; either by sending cused from mortal sin by ignorance; or might have repented of their sin, at least at their death.

A. M. 3311. A. C. 163-b A. M. 3848. A. C. 163. Ver 29. Scythopolis. Formerly called Bethsan. Ver. 40. Of the donaries, &c. That is, of the votive of ferings, which had been hung up in the temples of the idols, which they had taken away when they burnt the port of Jamnia, ver. 9, contrary to the prohibition of the law, Deut. ch. 7. 25.

Ver. 46. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought,

away large detachments, or being diminished by sickness; or increased by receiving fresh supplies of troops according to different exigencies or occurrences

cubits high, having a heap of ashes on every in Bethsura: gave his right hand: took theirs side: this had a prospect steep down. and went away.

6 From thence he commanded the sacrilegious wretch to be thrown down into the ashes, all men thrusting him forward unto death.

7 And by such a law it happened that Menelaus the transgressor of the law was put to death: not having so much as burial in the earth.

8 And indeed very justly, for insomuch as he had committed many sins against the altar of God, the fire and ashes of which were holy: he was condemned to die in ashes.

9 But the king, with his mind full of rage, came on to shew himself worse to the Jews than his father was.

10 Which, when Judas understood, he commanded the people to call upon the Lord day and night, that as he had always done, so now also he would help them:

11 Because they were afraid to be deprived of the law, and of their country, and of the holy temple: and that he would not suffer the people, that had of late taken breath for a little while, to be again in subjection to blasphemous nations.

12 So when they had all done this together, and had craved mercy of the Lord with weeping and fasting, lying prostrate on the ground for three days continually, Judas exhorted them to make themselves ready.

13 But he with the ancients determined, before the king should bring his army into Judea, and make himself master of the city, to go out, and to commit the event of the thing to the judgment of the Lord.

14 So committing all to God, the creator of the world, and having exhorted his people to fight manfully, and to stand up even to death for the laws, the temple, the city, their country, and citizens: he placed his army about Modín.

15 And having given his company for a watch word, The victory of God, with most valiant chosen young men, he set upon the king's quarter by night, and slew four thousand men in the camp, and the greatest of the elephants, with them that had been upon him,

16 And having filled the camp of the enemies with exceeding great fear and tumult, they went off with good success.

17 Now this was done at the break of day, by the protection and help of the Lord.

18 But the king having taken a taste of the hardiness of the Jews, attempted to take the strong places by policy:

19 And he marched with his army to Bethsura, which was a strong-hold of the Jews: but he was repulsed, he failed, he lost his men. 20 Now Judas sent necessaries to them that were within.

21 But Rhodocus, one of the Jews' army, disclosed the secrets to the enemies, so he was sought out, and taken up, and put in prison. 22 Again the king treated with them that were

• A. M. 3842. A. C. 162b A. M. 3843.

23 He fought with Judas: and was overcome. And when he understood that Philip, who had been left over the affairs, had rebelled at Antioch, he was in a consternation of mind, and entreating the Jews, and yielding to them, he swore to all things that seemed reasonable, and, being reconciled, offered sacrifices, honoured the temple, and left gifts.

24 He embraced Machabeus, and made him governor and prince from Ptolemais unto the Gerrenians.

25 But when he was come to Ptolemais the men of that city were much displeased with the conditions of the peace, being angry for fear they should break the covenant.

26 Then Lysias went up to the judgment-seat, and set forth the reason, and appeased the people, and returned to Antioch: and thus matters went with regard to the king's coming and his return. CHAP. XIV.

Demetrius challenges the kingdom. Alcimus applies to
him to be made high priest: Nicanor is sent into Ju-
dea: his dealings with Judas: his threats. The his-
tory of Razias.

BUT
UT after the space of three years Judas, and
they that were with him, understood that
Demetrius the son of Seleucus was come up
with a great power, and a navy by the haven
of Tripolis to places proper for his purpose,
2 And had made himself master of the countries
against Antiochus, and his general Lysias.
3 Now one Alcimus, who had been chief priest,
but had wilfully defiled himself in the time of
mingling with the Heathens, seeing that there
was no safety for him, nor access to the altar,
4 Came to king Demetrius in the year one
hundred and fifty, presenting unto him a crown
of gold, and a palm, and besides these, some
boughs which seemed to belong to the temple.
And that day indeed he held his peace.
5 But having gotten a convenient time to fur-
ther his madness, being called to counsel by
Demetrius, and asked what the Jews relied
upon, and what were their counsels,

6 He answered thereunto: They among the Jews that are called Assideans, of whom Judas Machabeus is captain, nourish wars, and raise seditions, and will not suffer the realm to be in

peace.

7 For I also being deprived of my ancestors' glory (I mean of the high priesthood) am now come hither:

8 Principally indeed out of fidelity to the king's interests, but in the next place also to provide for the good of my countrymen: for all our nation suffereth much from the evil proceedings of those men.

9 Wherefore, O king, seeing thou knowest all these things, take care, I beseech thee, both of the country, and of our nation, according to thy humanity which is known to all men. tiochus, (above, ch. 4.); yet neither of them were truly Ch. 14. v. 3. Now Alcimus, who had been chief priest. high-priests: for the true high-priesthood was amongst This Alcimus was of the stock of Aaron, but for his the Machabees, who were also of the stock of Aaron, apostacy here mentioned was incapable of the high- and had strictly held their religion, and were ordained priesthood, but king Antiochus Eupator appointed him according to the rites commanded in the law of Moses, in place of the high-priest, (see above, 1 Mach. ch. 7.-Ibid. Mingling with the Heathens; that is, in their v. 9.) as Menelaus had been before him, set up by An-idolatrous worshi

10 For as long as Judas liveth, it is not pos- Nicanor, signifying, that he was greatly dis sible that the state should be quiet.

11 Now when this man had spoken to this effect, the rest also of the king's friends, who were enemies of Judas, incensed Demetrius against him. 12 And forthwith he sent Nicanor, the commander over the elephants, governor into Judea: 13 Giving him in charge, to take Judas himself: and disperse all them that were with him, and to make Alcimus the high priest of the great temple, 14 Then the Gentiles who had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the miseries and calamities of the Jews to be the welfare of their affairs.

15 Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the nations were assembled against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him, who chose his people to keep them for ever, and who protected his portion by evident signs.

16 Then at the commandment of their captain, they forthwith removed from the place where they were, and went to the town of Dessau, to

meet them.

pleased with the covenant of friendship and
that he commanded him nevertheless to send
Machabeus prisoner in all haste to Antioch.
28 When this was known, Nicanor was in
a consternation, and took it grievously that he
should make void the articles that were agreed
upon, having received no injury from the man.
29 But because he could not oppose the king,
he watched an opportunity to comply with the
orders.

30 But when Machabeus perceived that Nicanor was more stern to him, and that when they met together as usual he behaved himself in a rough manner; and was sensible that this rough behaviour came not of good, he gathered together a few of his men, and hid himself from Nicanor.

31 But he finding himself notably prevented by the man, came to the great and holy temple: and commanded the priests that were offering the accustomed sacrifices, to deliver him the man.

32 And when they swore unto him, that they 17 Now Simon the brother of Judas had joined knew not where the man was whom he sought, battle with Nicanor: but was frightened with he stretched out his hand to the temple, the sudden coming of the adversaries. 33 And swore, saying: Unless you deliver 18 Nevertheless Nicanor hearing of the valour Judas prisoner to me, I will lay this temple of of Judas's companions, and the greatness of cou-God even with the ground, and will beat down rage, with which they fought for their country, the altar, and I will dedicate this temple to was afraid to try the matter by the sword. Bacchus. 19 Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotius, and Matthias before to present and receive the right hands.

20 And when there had been a consultation thereupon, and the captain had acquainted the multitude with it, they were all of one mind to

consent to covenants.

34 And when he had spoken thus, he departed. But the priests stretching forth their hands to heaven, called upon him that was ever the defender of their nation, saying in this manner: 35 Thou, O Lord of all things, who wantest nothing, was pleased that the temple of thy habitation should be amongst us.

36 Therefore now, O Lord, the holy of all holies, keep this house for ever undefiled, which was lately cleansed.

21 So they appointed a day upon which they might commune together by themselves: and seats were brought out, and set for each one. 22 But Judas ordered men to be ready in con- 37 Now Razias, one of the ancients of Jeruvenient places, lest some mischief might be sud-salem, was accused to Nicanor, a man that was denly practised by the enemies: so they made a lover of the city, and of good report, who for an agreeable conference. his affection was called the father of the Jews. 38 This man, for a long time, had held fast his purpose of keeping himself pure in the Jews' religion, and was ready to expose his body and life, that he might persevere therein. 39 So Nicanor being willing to declare the hatred that he bore the Jews, sent five hundred soldiers to take him.

23 And Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no wrong, but sent away the flocks of the multitudes that had been gathered together.

24 And Judas was always dear to him from the heart, and he was well affected to the man. 25 And he desired him to marry a wife, and to have children. So he married: he lived quietly, and they lived in common.

26 But Alcimus seeing the love they had one to another, and the covenants, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor assented to the foreign interest, for that he meant to make Judas, who was a traitor to the kingdom, his suc

cessor.

27 Then the king being in a rage and provoked with this man's wicked accusations, wrote to

Ver. 41. He struck himself, &c. St. Augustin, Epist. 61. ad Duicitium, et lib. 2 cap. 23. ad Epist. 2 Gaud, discussing this fact of Kazius, says, that the holy scripture relates it, but doth not praise it, as to be admired or imitated, and that either it was not well done by him, or at least not proper in this time of grace.

Ver. 44. He came upon the midst of the neck. Venit per mediam cervicem. In the Greek it is Kéve@ve, which signifies a void place, where there is no building.

40 For he thought by insnaring him to hurt the Jews very much.

41 Now as the multitude sought to rush into his house, and to break open the door, and to set fire to it, when he was ready to be taken, he struck himself with his sword: 42 Choosing to die nobly rather than to fall into the hands of the wicked, and to suffer abuses unbecoming his noble birth.

43 But whereas through haste he missed of giving himself a sure wound, and the crowd was breaking into the doors, he ran boldly to the wall, and manfully threw himself down to the crowd:

44 But they quickly making room for his fall, he came upon the midst of the neck.

45 And as he had yet breath in him, being in

flamed in mind he arose: and while his blood 16 Take this holy sword a gift from God, ran down with a great stream, and he was wherewith thou shalt overthrow the adversagrievously wounded, he ran through the crowd: ries of my people Israel. 46 And standing upon a steep rock, when he was now almost without blood, grasping his bowels with both hands, he cast them upon the throng, calling upon the Lord of life and spirit, to restore these to him again: and so he departed this life. CHAP. XV.

22 And in his prayer he said after this manner: Thou, O Lord, who didst send thy Angel in 6 So Nicanor being puffed up with exceeding the time of Ezechias king of Juda, and didst great pride, thought to set up a public monu-kill a hundred and eighty-five thousand of the ment of his victory over Judas.

31 And when he was come thither, having called together his countrymen, and the priests 14 Then Onias answering, said: This is a lov-to the altar, he sent also for them that were in er of his brethren, and of the people of Israel: this is he that prayeth much for the people, and for all the holy city, Jeremias the prophet of God.