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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,

30 And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side with their 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.

31 And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.

32 As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gazara, where Chereas was governor. 33 But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the fortress courageously four days.

34 And they that were within, trusting in the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.

35 Nevertheless, upon the fifth day early, twenty young men of Maccabeus's company, inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed all that they met withal.

36 Others likewise ascending after them, while they were busied with them that were within, burned the towers, and kindling fires, burned the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates, and having received in the rest of the army, and took the city,

37 And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.

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.

CHAPTER XI.

2 Lysias thinking to get Jerusalem, 8 is put to flight. 16 The letters of Lysias to the Jews: 22 of the king unto Lysias, 27 and to the Jews: 34 of the Romans to the Jews.

NOT OT long after this, Lysias the king's protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.

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, 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:

4 Not at all considering the power of God, but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and fourscore elephants.

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.

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.

7 Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons,

together with him to help their brethren: forth together with a willing mind.

8 And as they were at Jerusalem, ther fore them on horseback one in white clo his armour of gold.

9 Then they praised the merciful God and took heart, insomuch that they were to fight with men, but with most cruel pierce through walls of iron.

10 Thus they marched forward in having an helper from heaven: for the I ciful unto them.

11 And giving a charge upon their ener they slew eleven thousand footmen, and si horsemen, and put all the other to flight. 12 Many of them also being wour naked; and Lysias himself fled away sh so escaped.

13 Who, as he was a man of understa with himself what loss he had had, and co the Hebrews could not be overcome, be mighty God helped them, he sent unto the 14 And persuaded them to agree to conditions, and promised that he would king that he must needs be a friend unto t

15 Then Maccabeus consented to all th sired, being careful of the common good ever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concern the king granted it.

16 For there were letters written unto t Lysias to this effect: Lysias unto the peopl sendeth greeting.

17 John and Absalom, who were sent f livered me the petition subscribed, and ma the performance of the contents thereof.

18 Therefore what things soever were 1 ported to the king, I have declared them, granted as much as might be.

19 If then ye will keep yourselves loyal hereafter also will I endeavour to be a m good.

20 But of the particulars I have given these, and the others that came from me, with you.

21 Fare ye well. The hundred and eigh year, the four and twentieth day of the m rinthius.

22 Now the king's letter contained these Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth

23 Since our father is translated unto will is, that they that are in our realm live every one may attend upon his own affairs.

24 We understand also that the Jews w sent to our father, for to be brought unto th the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own living for the which cause they require of should suffer them to live after their own la

25 Wherefore our mind is, that this na in rest, and we have determined to restore temple, that they may live according to the

ha.

II. MACCABEES, XII.

ou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, It them peace, that when they are certified of 1, they may be of good comfort, and ever go y about their own affairs.

id the letter of the king unto the nation of the 3 after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth unto the council, and the rest of the Jews: ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also iealth.

enelaus declared unto us, that your desire was home, and to follow your own business: herefore they that will depart shall have safe till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security. ad the Jews shall use their own kind of meats , as before; and none of them any manner of 11 be molested for things ignorantly done. have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort

re ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth in the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus. e Romans also sent unto them a letter contain› words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, lors of the Romans, send greeting unto the peoe Jews.

hatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, 1 we also are well pleased.

it touching such things as he judged to be rethe king, after ye have advised thereof, send with, that we may declare as it is convenient for we are now going to Antioch.

erefore send some with speed, that we may at is your mind.

arewell. This hundred and eighth and fortieth fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

CHAPTER XII.

g's lieutenants vex the Jews: 3 They of Joppe drown two Jews. 6 Judas is avenged upon them: 11 He maketh ith the Arabians, 16 and taketh Caspis. 22 Timotheus' verthrown.

N these covenants were made, Lysias went to the king, and the Jews were about their y.

of the governors of several places, Timotheus, lonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, ophon, and besides them Nicanor the governor s, would not suffer them to be quiet, and live in

men of Joppe also did such an ungodly deed: yed the Jews that dwelt among them to go ir wives and children into the boats which prepared, as though they had meant them no

o accepted of it according to the common dehe city, as being desirous to live in peace, and g nothing: but when they were gone forth Jeep, they drowned no less than two hundred

Apocrypha. countrymen, he commanded those that were with him to make them ready.

6 And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against those murderers of his brethren, and burned the haven by night, and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.

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 Joppe.

8 But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,

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.

10 Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their journey towards Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.

11 Whereupon there was a very sore battle: but Judas' side, by the help of God, gat 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.

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.

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 diverse countries; and the name of it was Caspis.

14 But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the walls and provisions of victuals, that they behaved themselves rudely towards them that were with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.

15 Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of the world, who without any rams or engines of war did cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,

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.

17 Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.

18 But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he had despatched any thing, he departed from thence, having left a very strong garrison in

a certain hold.

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.

20 And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him a hundred and twenty thousand men en Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his of foot, and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.

Apocrypha.

II. MACCABEES, XIII.

21 Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas' | long, and were weary, Judas called upor coming, he sent the women and children and the other he would show himself to be their helpe baggage unto a fortress called Carnion: for the town was the battle. hard to besiege, and uneasy to come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.

22 But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him that seeth all things, fled amain, one running 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.

23 Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.

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.

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.

26 Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.

27 And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the host towards 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.

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.

29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem.

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:

31 They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feasts of the weeks approaching.

32 And after the feast called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,

33 Who came out with three thousand men of foot, and four hundred horsemen.

34 And it happened, in their fighting together, a few of the Jews were slain.

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.

36 Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought

37 And with that he began in his ow sung psalms with a loud voice, and ru upon Gorgias' men, he put them to fligh

38 So Judas gathered his host, and city Odollam. And when the seventh purified themselves, as the custom was sabbath in the same place.

Judas and his company came to take up 39 And upon the day following, as the them that were slain, and to bury them men in their fathers' graves.

40 Now under the coats of every one they found things consecrated to the ido nites, which is forbidden the Jews by t every man saw that this was the cause were slain.

41 All men therefore praising the Lor Judge, who had opened the things that v

42 Betook themselves unto prayer, an that the sin committed might wholly be membrance. Besides, that noble Judas people to keep themselves from sin, fora saw before their eyes the things that ca the sins of those that were slain.

43 And when he had made a gatheri the company to the sum of two thousan silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer doing therein very well and honestly, i

mindful of the resurrection:

44 For if he had not hoped that they should have risen again, it had been s vain to pray for the dead.

45 And also in that he perceived t great favour laid up for those that di was an holy and good thought. Whereu reconciliation for the dead, that they mig from sin.

CHAPTER XIII.

1 Eupator invadeth Judea. 15 Judas by nig 18 Eupator's purpose is defeated; 23 He m Judas.

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IN the hundred forty and ninth year it w that Antiochus Eupator was coming power into Judea,

2 And with him Lysias his protector. his affairs, having either of them a G of footmen a hundred and ten thousan men five thousand and three hundred, two and twenty, and three hundred charid hooks.

3 Menelaus also joined himself with t great dissimulation encouraged Antiochu safeguard of the country, but because have been made governor.

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10 Which things when Judas perceived, he comnded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and 7, that if ever at any other time, he would now also p them, being at the point to be put from their law, m their country, and from the holy temple:

11 And that he would not suffer the people, that had en now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection the blasphemous nations.

7:12 So when they had all done this together, and be1ght the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, d lying flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, ving exhorted them, commanded they should be in

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idiness.

13 And Judas, being apart with the elders, deterined, before the king's host should enter into Judea, d get the city, to go forth and try the matter in fight the help of the Lord.

14 So when he had committed all to the Creator the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manlly, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, the y, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by odin:

15 And having given the watchword to them that ere about him, Victory is of God; with the most liant and choice young men, he went into the king's nt by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand en, and the chiefest of the elephants, with all that ere upon him.

16 And at last they filled the camp with fear and mult, and departed with good success. 17 This was done in the break of the day, because protection of the Lord did help him.

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18 Now when the king had taken a taste of the manness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by olicy,

19 And marched towards Bethsura, which was a rong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, ad lost of his men:

Apocrypha.

20 For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things as were necessary.

21 But Rhodicus, 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.

22 The king treated with them in Bethsura the second time, gave his hand, took theirs, departed, fought with Judas, was overcome;

23 Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch, was desperately bent, confounded, entreated ditions, agreed with them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the Jews, submitted himself, and sware to all equal conthe temple, and dealt kindly with the place,

24 And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians; 25 Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed because they would make their covenants void :

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.

CHAPTER XIV.

6 Alcimus accuseth Judas. 18 Nicanor maketh peace with Judas: 39 He seeketh to take Razis; 46 who, to escape their hands, killeth himself.

Atrius, the son of Seleuces, having entered by the three years was Judas informed that Demehaven of Tripolis with a great power and navy,

2 Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.

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,

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.

5 Howbeit, having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprise, and being called into council by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto:

captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war, and are seditious, and will not let the realm be in peace.

6 Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose

7 Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come

hither:

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 aforesaid.

Apocrypha.

II. MACCABEES, XIV.

9 Wherefore, O king, seeing thou 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 showest unto all.

10 For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.

11 This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.

12 And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,

13 Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.

14 Then the heathen that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare.

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.

16 So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.

17 Now Simon, Judas's brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.

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.

ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, t

successor,

27 Then the king being in a rage, an the accusations of the most wicked man nor, signifying that he was much disp covenants, and commanding him that Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto Ar 28 When this came to Nicanor's 1 much confounded in himself, and took it he should make void the articles whi upon, the man being in no fault.

29 But because there was no deal king, he watched his time to accomplish policy.

30 Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus nor began to be churlish unto him, a treated him more roughly than he was that such sour behaviour came not of go together not a few of his men, and w from Nicanor.

31 But the other knowing that he v vented by Judas' policy, came into the temple, and commanded the priests, the their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the 32 And when they sware that they where the man was whom he sought,

33 He stretched out his right hand to ple, and made an oath in this manner: deliver me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay God even with the ground, and I will b altar, and erect a notable temple unto Ba

34 After these words he departed. T lifted up their hands toward heaven, and that was ever a defender of their nation

19 Wherefore we sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, manner: and Mattathias, to make peace.

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,

21 And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves and when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,

22 Judas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.

23 Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto

him.

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35 Thou, O Lord of all things, who nothing, was pleased that the temple of t should be among us :

36 Therefore now, O holy Lord of all this house ever undefiled, which lately wa stop every unrighteous mouth.

37 Now was there accused unto Nica one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover o men, and a man of very good report, who ness was called a father of the Jews.

38 For in the former times, when the themselves with the Gentiles, he had be Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body all vehemency for the religion of the Jew

39 So Nicanor, willing to declare the ha unto the Jews, sent above five hundred n take him:

40 For he thought by taking him to much hurt.

41 Now when the multitude would h

tower, and violently broken into the ou bade that fire should be brought to bu ready to be taken on every side, fell upon 42 Choosing rather to die manfully,

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