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Chapter 1
The brethren of the Jews which
be at Jerusalem and in the land of Jewry, wish unto those brethren
of the Jews that are throughout Egypt: good fortune, health and
peace. God *the Lord be gracious unto you, and think upon his
covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful
servants: and give you all such an heart, that you *may love and
serve him, yee and to perform his will with an *whole heart and a
willing mind: He open your hearts and in his law and in his
commandments, send you peace: hear your prayers, and be at one with
you, and never forsake you in time of trouble. This is here our
prayer for you.
What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred and sixty ninth
year, we Jews wrote unto you in the trouble and violence that came
upon us. In those years after that Jason departed out of the holy
land and kingdom, they burnt up the ports, and shed innocent blood.
Then made we our prayer unto the Lord, and were heard: we offered,
and lighted candles, setting forth cakes and bread. And now come ye
unto the feast of tabernacles in the month Casleu.
In the hundred and eighty eighth year, the people that was at
Jerusalem and in Jewry, the council and Judas himself, sent this
wholesome salvation unto Aristobolus king Ptolomys master, which
came of the generation of the anointed priests: and to the Jews that
were in Egypt: Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils,
we thank him highly. In that we resisted so mighty a king. And why ?
he brought men out of Persis by heaps, to fight against us and the
holy city. For as he was in Persis ( namely, the Captain with the
great host ) he perished in the temple of Naneas, being deceived
through the device of Naneass priests. For as he was purposed to
have dwelt there, Antiochus and his friends came thither, to receive
much money for a dowry. So when Naneas priests had layed forth the
money, he entered with a small company into the compass of the
temple, and so they shut the temple.
Now when Antiochus entered by opening the private entrance of
the temple, the priests stoned the captain to death, hewed them in
pieces that were with them, smote off their heads, and through them
out in all things. God be praised, who hath delivered the wicked in
to our hands.
Whereas we now are purposed to keep the purification of the
temple upon the twenty fifth day of the month Casleu, we thought it
necessary to certify you thereof: that ye also might keep
tabernacles feast day, and the day of the fire, which was given us
when Nehemiah offered, after that he had set up the temple and the
altar. For what time as our fathers were led away into *Persis, the
priests ( *which then sought the honor of God ) and took the fire *privily
from the altar, and hid it in a valley, where as was a deep dry pit:
and there they kept it, because the place was unknown to every man.
Now after many years when it pleased God, that Nehemiah should be
sent from the king of Persia: he sent the childrens children of
those priests (which had hid the fire ) to seek it. And as they told
us, they found no fire, but thick water. Then commanded he them to
draw it up, and to bring it him, and the offerings withal. Now when
the sacrifices were laid on and ordered, the priest Nehemiah
commanded to sprinkle them and the wood with the water. When this
was done, and the time come that the *Sun shone, which was afore hid
in the cloud: there was a great fire kindled. In so much that every
man marvelled. Now all the priests prayed, while the sacrifice was a
making. Jonathas prayed first, and the other gave answer.
And Nehemias prayer was after this manner: O' Lord God, maker
of all things, thou fearful and strong, thou righteous and merciful,
thou that art only and gracious king, only liberal, only just,
Almighty and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all
trouble, thou that hast chosen the fathers and hallowed them:
receiving the offering for the whole people of Israel, preserve
thine own portion, and hallow it. Gather those together, that are
scattered abroad from us: deliver them that are under the Heathens
bondage, look upon them that are despised and abhorred, that the
Heathen may know and see, how that thou art our God: Punish them
that oppress, and proudly put us to dishonor. Set thy people again
in thy holy place, like as Moses hath spoken.
And the priests song Psalmes of thanksgiving, so long as the
sacrifice endured. Now when the sacrifice was burnt, Nehemia
commanded the great stones to be sprinkled with the residue of the
water Which when it was done, there was kindled a flame of them
also: but it was consumed by the light, that shined from the altar.
So when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that
in the place where the priests, which were led away, had hid the
fire, there appeared water instead of fire, and that Nehemias had
purified the sacrifices withal. Then the king considering and
pondering the matter diligently, made him a temple to prove the
thing that was done. And when he found it so in deed, he gave the
priests many gifts and diverse rewards: yee he took them with his
own hand, and gave them. And Nehemias called the same place Nephthar,
which is as much to say as a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.
God *the Lord (kjv leaves out "the Lord") *may love (kjv leaves out
may love)
*whole heart (kjv = good courage) *Persis, (Persia) ( *which then
sought the honor of God ) (kjv = leaves this line out) *privily
(secretly)
*Sun shone, (cap S)
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Chapter 2
It is found also in the writings
of Jeremy the prophet, that he commanded them which were carried
away to take fire, as it is said afore. He commanded them also, that
they should not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that
they should not error in their minds, when they see Images of silver
and gold, with their ornaments. These and such other things
commanded he them, and exhorted them, that they should not let the
law of God go out of their hearts.
It is written also, how the prophet ( at the commandment of
God ) charged them, to take the tabernacle and the ark with them:
and he went forth unto the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw
the heritage of God. And when Jeremy came there, he found an open
cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, the ark, and the altar of
incense, and so stopped the hole. There came certain men together
also following him, to mark the place, but they could not find it.
Which when Jeremy perceived, he reproved them saying: As for that
place, it shall be unknown, until the time that God gather his
people together again, and receive them unto mercy. Then shall God
show them these things, and the majesty of the Lord shall appear,
and the cloud also, like as it was showed unto Moses: and like as
when Solomon desired that the place might be sanctified, and it was
showed him.
For he being a wise man, handled honorably and wisely offering
unto God in the hallowing of the temple when it was finished. And
like as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from
heaven, and consumed the burnt offering: Even so prayed Solomon
also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt
offering. And Moses said: because the sin offering *was not eaten,
therefore it is consumed. In like manner Solomon kept the dedication
( or hallowing ) eight days.
In the annotations and writings *of Jeremy, were these things
put also: and how he made a library, and how he gathered out of all
countries *the books of the prophets, of David, the epistles of the
kings, and of the presents. Even so Judas also, look what he learned
by experience of war, and such things as hath happened unto us, he
gathered them all together, and so we have them by us. If ye now
desire to have the same, send somebody to fetch them unto you. Where
as we are about to celebrate the purification, we have written unto
you. Therefore ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days. We hope
also, that the God, ( which delivered his people, and gave them all
the heritage, kingdom, priesthood, and Sanctuary that he promised
them in the law ) shall shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us
together from under the heaven into *his holy place: for he hath
saved us from great perils, and hath cleansed the place.
As concerning Judas Machabeus and his brethren, the
purification of the great temple, the dedication of the altar, yee
and of wars that concern noble *Antiochus and, and Eupator his son,
of the shinnings that came down from heaven upon those that defended
the Jews. For though they were but few, yet defended they the whole
land, drove away the enemies host, recovered again the temple, that
was spoken of throughout all the world, delivered the city, doing
their best that the law of the Lord which was put down, might with
all tranquility be restored again unto the Lord, that was so
merciful unto them. As touching Jason also of Cyren, we have
undertaken *compendiously to bring into one book, the things that
were comprehended of him in five. For we considering the multitude
of books and how hard it should be for them that would meddle with
stories and acts ( and that because of so diverse matters ) have
undertaken so to comprehend the stories: that such as are disposed
to read, might have pleasure and pastime therein: And that they
which are diligent in such things, might the better think upon them:
yee and that whosoever read them, might profit thereby.
Nevertheless we ourselves that have meddled with this matter
for the foreshortening of it, have taken no small labor, but great
diligence, watchings and travail. Like as they that make a feast,
would *faine do other men pleasure: Even so we also ( for many mens
sakes ) are very well content to take the labor, where as we may
shortly comprehend, the things that other men have truly written.
For he that buildeth an house anew, must provide for many
things, to the whole building: but he that painteth it afterward,
seeketh but only what is comely, *mete and convenient to garnish
withal. Even so do we also in like manner. And why? He that begineth
to write a story for the first, must with his understanding gather
the matter together, set his words in order, and diligently seek out
of every part: But he that afterward will shorten it, useth few
words, and toucheth not the matter at the largest. Let this be
sufficient for a Prologue, now will we begin to show the matter: for
it is but a foolish thing to make a long Prologue, and to be short
in the story it self.
*was not eaten, (kjv=was not to be eaten) *of Jeremy, (kjv says of
Neemias)
*the books of the prophets, (kjv = together the acts of the kings ),
*his holy place (kjv =the holy place) *Antiochus and (kjv adds
Epiphanes)
*compendiously (complete summary) *faine (be willing /obliged) *mete
(worthy)
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Chapter 3
What time as the holy city was
inhabited in all peace and wealth, and when the laws were yet very
well kept, ( for so was it ordained by Onias the high priest and
other godly men, that were enemies of wickedness ) It came
therefore, that even the kings and princes themselves did the place
great worship, and garnished the temple with great gifts: Insomuch
that Seleucus king of Asia of his own rents bare all the costs
belonging to the service of the offerings. Then Simon of the tribe
of Benjamin, a ruler of the temple, labored to work some mischief in
the city: but the high priest resisted him.
Nevertheless when he might not overcome Onias, he gat him to
Apollonius the son of Thersa ( which then was chief lord in
Celosyria and Phenice ) and told him that the treasury in Jerusalem
was full of innumerable money, and how that the commons goods (
which belonged not unto the offerings ) were exceedingly great also:
yee and how it were possible, that all these might come under the
kings power.
Now when Apollonius had showed the king of the money, as it
was told him: the king called for Heliodorus his stewart, and sent
him with a commandment, to bring him the same money. Immediately
Heliodorus took his journey, but under a color, as though he would
go through Celosyria and Phenices to visit the cities, but his
purpose was to fulfil the kings pleasure. So when he came to
Jerusalem, and was lovingly received of the high priest into the
city: he told what was determined concerning the money, and showed
the cause of his coming: he asked also, if it were so indeed. Then
the high priest told him, that there was such money laid up for the
up holding of widows and fatherless children, and how that certain
of it belonged unto Hircanus Tobias a noble man: and that of all the
money ( which that wicked Simon had *bewrayed ) there were four
hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold: yee and that it
were unpossible for those mens meaning to be deceived, that had
layed up their money in the place and temple, (which is had in
worship through the whole world) for the maintenance and honor of
the same. Whereunto Heliodorus answered, that the king had commanded
him in any wise, to bring him in the money.
So at the day appointed, Heliodorus entered in to temple to
order this matter. But there was no small fear throughout the whole
city. The priests fell down before the altar in their vestments, and
called unto heaven upon him, which had made a law concerning stuff
given to keep, that they should be safely preserved, for such as
commit them unto keeping. Then whoso had looked the high priest in
the face, it would have grieved his heart: For his countenance and
the changing of his color, declared the inward sorrow of his mind.
The man was all in heaviness, and his body in fear: whereby they
that looked upon him, might perceive the grief of his heart. The
other people also came out of their houses by heaps unto the common
prayer, because the place was like to come in to confusion. The
women came together through the streets, with hairy clothes about
their breasts.
The virgins also that were kept in, ran to Onias, some to the
walls, other some looked out of the windows: yee they all held their
hands toward heaven, and prayed. A miserable thing was it, to look
upon the common people, and the high priest being in such trouble.
But they besought almighty God, that the goods that were committed
unto them, might be kept whole, for those that had committed them
unto their keeping. Nevertheless the thing that Heliodorus was
determined to do, that performed he in the same place, he himself
personally being about the treasury with his men of war. But the
spirit of almighty God showed himself openly, so that all they which
presumed to obey Heliodorus, fell through the power of God into
great fearfulness and dread. For there appeared unto them an horse,
with a terrible man sitting upon him, decked in goodly array, and
the horse smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet. Now he that sat
upon the horse, had harness of gold upon him.
Moreover there appeared two fair and beautiful young men in
goodly array, which stood by him, scourged him of both sides, and
gave him many stripes without ceasing. With that fell Heliodorus
suddenly unto the ground. So that they took him up ( being compassed
about with great darkness ) and bare him out upon a *bare. Thus he
that came with so many runners and men of war into the said treasury
was born out, where as no man might help him: and so the power of
God was manifest and known. He lay still dumb by also by the power
of God, destitute of all hope and life. And they praised the Lord,
that he had showed his power upon his place and temple, which a
little afore was full of fear and trouble: and that through the
revelation of the almighty Lord it was filled with joy and gladness.
Then certain of Heliodorus friends prayed Onias, that in all
hast he would call upon God, to grant him his life, which was giving
up the ghost. So the high priest considered the matter, and least
the king should suspect that the Jews had done Heliodorus some evil:
he offered an healthoffering for him. Now when the high priest had
obtained his petition, the same young men in the same clothing
appeared, and stood beside Heliodorus, saying: Thank Onias the high
priest, for his sake hath the Lord granted thee thy life: Therefore
seeing that God hath scourged thee, give him praise and thanks, and
show every man his might and power. And when they had spoken these
words, they appeared no more.
So Heliodorus offered unto God, made vows unto him, which had
granted him his life, thanked Onias, took his host, and went again
to the king. Then testified he unto every man of the great works of
God, that he had seen with his eyes. And when the king asked
Heliodorus who were *mete to be sent once again to Jerusalem, he
said: If thou hast any enemy or adversary unto thy realm, send him
thither, and thou shalt have him punished, if he escape with his
life: for in that place, ( no doubt ) there is a special power and
working of God. For he that dwelleth in heaven, visiteth and
defendeth that place: and all that come to do it harm, he punisheth
and plagueth them. This is now the matter concerning Heliodorus, and
the keeping of the treasury at Jerusalem.
*bewrayed (betrayed /disclosed)
*But the spirit of almighty God (kjv = the Lord of spirits, and
the** Prince of all power caused a great apparition), ** Mark This
"Prince of the power of the air" in Ephes 2:2 in the KJV refers to
Satan. *bare (litter). *mete (worthy)
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Chapter 4
This Simon now ( of whom we spake
afore ) being a betrayer of the money and of his own natural
country, reported the worst of Onias: as though he had moved
Heliodorus unto this, and as though he had been a bringer up of
evil. Thus he was not ashamed call him an enemy of the realm, that
was so faithful an overseer and defender of the city and of his
people: yee and so fervent in the law of God. But when the malice of
Simon increased so far, that through his friends there were certain
manslaughters committed: Onias considered the peril that might come
through this strife, and how that Apollonius ( namely the chief lord
in Celosyria and Phenices ) was all set up tyranny, and Simons
malice increased the same: He gat him to the king, not as an accuser
of the citizens, but as one that by himself intended the common
wealth of the whole multitude. For he saw it was not possible to
live in peace, neither Simon to leave off from his foolishness,
except the king did look thereto. But after the death of Seleucus,
when *Antiochus ( which is called the noble ) took the kingdom:
Jason the brother of Onias labored to be high priest: for he came
unto the king, and promised him three hundred and sixty talents of
silver, and of the other rents eighty talents. Beside this he
promised him yet an hundred and fifty if he might have *the school
of the children, and that he might call them of Jerusalem
Antiochians. Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten the
superiority, he began immediately to draw his kinsmen to the custom
of the Heathen, put down the things that the Jews had set up of
love, by John the father of Eupolemius, which was sent ambassador
unto Rome, for to make the bond of friendship and love. He put down
all the Jews and Liberties of the Jews, and set up the wicked
statutes. He durst make a frightening school under the castle, and
set fair young men to learn the manners of whores and brodels.
This was now the beginning of the Heathenish and strange
conversation, brought in through the ungracious and unheard
wickedness of Jason, which should not be called a Priest, but an
ungodly person. In so much that the priests were now no more
occupied about the service of the altar, but despised the temple,
regarded not the offerings: yee gave their diligence to learn to
fight, to wrestle, to leap, to dance, and to put at the stone: not
setting by the honor of the fathers, but liked the glory of the
Greeks best of all: for the which they strove perilously, and were
greedy to follow their statutes, yee their lust was in all things to
be like them, which afore were their enemies and destroyers. How be
it to do wickedly against the law of God, shall not escape
unpunished: but of this we shall speak here after.
What time as the Olympiades sports were played at Tyrus ( the
king himself being present ) this ungracious Jason sent *wicked men
bearing from them of Jerusalem ( which were now called Antiochians )
three hundred drachmas of silver for an offering to Hercules. These
had they that carried them, desired under such a fashion, as though
they should not have been offered, but bestowed to other uses.
Nevertheless he that sent them, sent them to the intent that they
should be offered unto Hercules. But because of those that were
present, they were given as to the making of ships. And Apollonius
the son of Nesteus was sent into Egypt, because of the noble men of
king Ptolomy Philometor. Now when Antiochus perceived that he was
put out from meddling in the realm, he sought his own profit,
departed from thence, came to Joppa, and then to Jerusalem: where he
was honorably received of Jason and the city, and was brought in
with torch light and with great praise: and so he turned his host
unto Phenices.
After three years Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simons
brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to bring him answer of
other necessary matters. But he ( when he was praised of the king
for magnifying of his power ) turned the priesthood unto himself,
laying up three hundred talents of silver for Jason. So when he had
gotten the commandments from the king, he came having nothing that
becometh a priest, but bearing the stomach of a cruel tyrant, and
the wrath of a wild brute beast. Then Jason ( which had deceived his
own brother ) seeing that he himself was beguiled also, was *faine
to flee into the land of the Ammonites, and Menelaus got the
dominion. But as for the money that he had promised unto the king,
he did nothing therein, when Sostratus the ruler of the castle
required it of him. For Sostratus was the man that gathered the
customs: wherefore they were both called before the king. Thus was
Menelaus put out of the priesthood, and Lysimachus his brother came
in his stead. Sostratus also was made lord of the Cyprians.
It happened in the mean season, that the Tharsians and
Mallocians made insurrection, because they were given for a present
unto king Antiochus concubine. Then came the king in all haste, to
still them again, and to pacify the matter, leaving Andronicus there
to be his deputy, as one *mete therefore. Now Menelaus supposing
that he had gotten a right convenient time, stole certain vessels of
gold out of the temple, and gave them to Andronicus for a present:
and some he sold at Tyrus and in the cities thereby.
Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him: but he
kept him in a Sanctuary beside Daphnis, that lieth by Antioche.
Wherefore Menelaus gat him to Andronicus, and prayed him that he
would slay Onias. So when he came to Onias, he counselled him
craftily to come out of the Sanctuary, giving him his hand with an
oath ( how be it he suspected him ) and then he slew Onias, without
any regard of righteousness. For the which cause not only the Jews,
but other nations also took indignation, and were displeased for the
unrighteous death of so godly a man.
And when the king was come again from Cilicia, the Jews and
certain of the Greeks went unto him, complaining for the unrighteous
death of Onias. Yee Antiochus himself was sorry in his mind for
Onias, so that it pitied him, and he wept, remembering his soberness
and mannerly behavior. Wherefore was he so kindled in his mind, that
he commanded Andronicus to be stripped out of his purple clothing,
and so to be led throughout all the city: yee and the ungracious man
to be slain in the same place, where he committed his wickedness
upon Onais. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had
deserved. Now when Lysimachus had done many wicked deeds in the
temple through the counsel of Menelaus, and the voice came abroad:
the multitude gathered them together against Lysimachus, for he had
carried out now much gold.
So when the people arose, and were full of displeasure,
Lysimachus armed three thousand unthirifties to defend him: *a
certain tyrant being their captain, which was grown both in age and
woodness. But when the people understood the purpose of Lysimachus,
some gat stones, some good strong clubs, and some cast ashes upon
Lysimachus. Thus there were many of them wounded, some being slain,
and all the other chased away. But as for the wicked *churchrobber
himself, they killed him beside the treasury. Of these matters
therefore there was kept a court against Menelaus. Now when the king
came to Tyrus, they made a complaint unto him of Menelaus,
concerning this business, and the ambassadors were there. But
Menelaus went and promised Ptolomy to give him much money, if he
would persuade the king. So Ptolomy went to the king in to a court,
( where as he was set to cool him ) and brought him out of that
mind. In so much that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations,
that not withstanding was cause of all mischief: and those poor men,
which if they had told their cause, yee before the Scythians, they
should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.
Thus were they soon punished, which followed upon the matter
for the city, for the people, and for the holy vessel. Wherefore
they of Tyrus took indignation, and buried them honorably. And so
through the covetousness of them that were in power Menelaus
remained still in authority, increasing in malice, to the hurt of
the citizens.
*Antiochus ( which is called the noble ) (kjv =Epiphanes)
*the school of the children (kjv = *license 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.) *wicked men (kjv=special messengers) *faine
(obligated/willing)
*mete (worthy) *a certain tyrant being their captain,(kjv = one
Auranus being the leader)
for the wicked *churchrobber himself (church being a building
OUTSIDE of the temple)
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Chapter 5
At the same time Antiochus made
him ready to go again into Egypt. Then were there seen at Jerusalem,
forty days long, horsemen running to and fro in the air, which had
raiment of gold, and spears. There were seen also whole hosts of men
weaponed, and horses running in an order, how they came together,
how they held forth their shields, how the harnessed men drew out
their swords, and shot their darts.
The shine of the golden weapons was seen, and of all manner of
armor. Wherefore every man prayed, that those tokens might turn to
good. Now when there was gone forth a false rumor, as though
Antiochus had been dead, Jason took a thousand men, and came
suddenly upon the city. The citizens ran unto the walls, at the last
was the city taken, and Menelaus fled into the castle.
As for Jason he spared not his own citizens in the slaughter,
neither considered he what great evil it were, to destroy the people
of his own kinsmen: but did as one that had gotten the victory of
his enemies, and not his friends. For all this got he not the
superiority, but at the last received confusion for his malice, and
fled again like a vagabond in to the land of the Ammonites.
Finally, for a reward of his wickedness, he was accused before
Aretha the king of the Arabians: In so much that he was *faine to
flee from city to city, being despised of every man as a forsaker of
the laws, and an abominable person. And at the last ( as an open
enemy of his own natural country and of the citizens ) he was driven
in to Egypt.
Thus he that afore put many out of their own natural land,
perished from home himself. He went into Lacedemon, thinking there
to have gotten succor by reason of his kindred. And he that afore
had chased many one out unburied, was thrown out himself, no man
mourning for him, ner putting him in his grave: so that he neither
enjoyed the burial of a stranger, neither was he partaker of his
fathers sepulchre.
Now when this was done the king suspect, that the Jews would
have fallen from him: wherefore he came in a great displeasure out
of Egypt, and took the city by violence. He commanded his men of war
also, that they should kill and not spare, but slay down such as
withstood them, or climbed up upon the houses.
Thus was there a great slaughter of young men, old men, women,
children and virgins. In three days were there slain eighty
thousand, forty thousand put in prison, and no less sold. Yet was he
not content with this, but durst go in to the most holy temple (
Menelaus that traitor to the laws and to his own natural country,
being his guide ) and with his wicked hands took the holy vessel,
which other kings and cities had given thither for the garnishing
and honor of the place: them took he in his hands unworthily, and
defiled them.
So mad was Antiochus, that he considered not, how that God was
a little wroth for the sins of them that dwelt in the city, for the
which such confusion came upon the that place. And why? If it had
not happened them to have been lapped by many sins, this Antiochus (
as soon as he had come ) had so suddenly been punished, and shot out
for his presumption, like as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus the king
sent to *rob the treasury. Nevertheless God hath not chosen the
people for the places sake, but the place far the peoples sake: and
therefore is the place become a partaker of the peoples trouble, but
afterward shall it enjoy the wealth of them. And like as it is now
forsaken in the wrath of Almighty God, so when the great God is
reconciled, it shall be set up in high worship again.
So when Antiochus had taken a thousand and eight hundred
talents out of the temple, he gat him to Antioche in all the hast,
thinking in his pride, that he might make men sail upon the dry
land, and to go upon the sea, such an high mind had he. He left
deputies there to vex the people: At Jerusalem left he Philippe a
Phrygian, in manners more cruel than himself that set him there: At
Garizim he left Andronicus and Menelaus, which were more grievous to
the citizens then other. Now as he was thus set in malice against
the Jews, he sent Apollonius an hated prince, with twenty two
thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were of perfect age,
and to sell the women, maidens and children. When he came now unto
Jerusalem, he *fained peace, and kept him still until the Sabbath
day. And then he commanded his men to take themselves to their
weapons ( for the Jews kept the holy day ) and so he slew all them
that were gone forth to the open *playe, running here and there
through the city with his men weaponed and murdered a great number.
But Judas Maccabeus which was the tenth, fled into the wilderness,
led his life there with his company among the wild beasts and upon
the mountains, dwelling there, and eating grass, least they be
partakers of the *filthiness.
*faine (obliged/willing) *rob (kjv =view) *fained (pretended)
peace. *playe (plain, play),
*filthiness. (*kjv= pollution)
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