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Chapter 12
When these covenants were made
Lysias went unto the king, and the Jews tilled their ground. But
Timotheus, Apollonius the son of Gemei, *Jerome and Demophon the
proud, Nicanor the captain of the Cypers, and they that lay in those
places: would not let them live in rest and peace. They of Joppa
also did even such a shameful deed. They prayed the Jews that dwelt
among them, to go with their wives and children into the ships which
they had prepared, and did with them, as though they had ought them
no evil will. For so much then as there was gone forth a general
proclamation through the city because of peace, they consented
thereto, and suspect nothing: but when they were gone forth in to
the deep, they drowned no less then two hundred of them.
When Judas knew of this cruelty showed unto his people, he
commanded those that were with him to make them ready, exhorting
them to call upon God the righteous judge: went forth against those
murderers of his brethren, set fire in the haven by night, burnt up
the ships, and those that escaped from the fire, he slew with the
sword. And when he had done this, he departed as though he would
come again, and root out all them of Joppa. But when he had gotten
word that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the
Jews which dwelt among them, he came upon the Jamnites by night, and
set fire in the haven with the ships: so that the light of the fire
was seen at Jerusalem upon two hundred and forty furlongs.
Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs, in their
journey toward Timotheus, five thousand men of foot and five hundred
horsemen of the Arabians fought with him. So when the battle was
earnest, and prospered with Judas through the help of God: the
residue of the Arabians being overcome, besought Judas to be at one
with them, and promised to give him certain pastures, and to do him
good in other things. Judas thinking that they should in deed be
profitable concerning many things, promised them peace: whereupon
they shook hands, and so they departed to their tents. Judas went
also unto a city, which was very fast kept with bridges, fenced
round about with walls, and diverse kinds of people dwelling therein
called *Caspin.
They that were within it, put such trust in the strength of
the walls, and in their store of victuals: that they were the
slacker in their doings, cursing and reviling Judas with blasphemes,
and speaking such words as it becometh not. But Machabeus calling
upon the great Prince of the world ( which without any battlerams or
ordinance of war, did cast down the walls of Jericho, in the time of
Joshua ) fell manfully upon the walls, and took the city, and (
through the help of the Lord ) made an exceedingly great slaughter:
Insomuch that a lake of two furlongs broad which lay thereby, seemed
to flow with the blood of the slain.
Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty
furlongs, and came to *Taraca unto the Jews that are called *Tubianei.
But as for Timothe, they could not get him there: for ( not one
matter dispatched ) he was departed from thence, and had left
certain men in a very stronghold. But Dositheus and Sosipater, which
were Captains with Maccabeus, slew those that Timotheus had left in
the house of defense, even ten thousand men. And Maccabeus prepared
him with the six thousand men that were about him, set them in order
by companies, and went forth against Timotheus, which had with him
an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot, two thousand five
hundred horsemen.
When Timotheus had knowledge of Judas coming, he sent the
women, children and the other baggage unto a castle called Carnion.(
For it could not be won and was hard to come unto, the ways of the
same places were so narrow ) and when Judas company came first in
sight, the enemies were smitten with fear, through the presence of
God, which seeth all things: In so much that they fleeing one here,
another there, were rather discomfited of their own people, and
wounded with many strokes of their own swords. Judas also was very
earnest in following upon them punishing those ungodly, and slew
thirty thousand men of them. Timotheus himself fell into the hands
of Dositheus and Sosipater, whom he besought with many prayers, to
let him go with his life: because he had many of the Jews fathers
and brethren in prison which ( if they put him to death ) might be
disappointed. So when he had promised faithfully to deliver them
again according to the condition made, they let him go without harm,
for the health of the brethren. And when Judas had slain twenty five
thousand he went from Carnion.
Now after he had chased away a slain his enemies, he removed
the host toward Ephron a strong city, wherein dwelt many diverse
people of the Heathen, and the strong young men kept the walls,
defending them mightily. In this city was much ordinance, and
provision of darts. But when Judas and his company had called upon
Almighty God ( which with his power breaketh the strength of his
enemies ) they won the city and slew twenty five thousand of them,
that were within. From thence went they to the city of the
Scythians, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem. But when
the Jews which were in the city testified, that the citizens dealt
lovingly with them, yee and entreated them kindly in the time of
their adversity, Judas and his company gave them thanks, desiring
them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem
the high feast of the weeks being at hand. And after the feast they
went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea, with three
thousand men of foot and four hundred horsemen. Which when they met
together, it chanced a few of the Jews to be slain. And Dositheus
one of the Bachenors a mighty horsemen took hold of Gorgias, and
would have taken him quick. But a horseman of Thracia fell upon him,
and smote off his arm, so that Gorgias fled into Moresa. When they
now that were of Gorgias side, had fought long and were weary: Judas
called upon the Lord that he would be their helper, and captain of
the field: and with that, he began with a manly voice to take up a
song of praise, and a cry: In so much that he made the enemies
afraid, and Gorgias men of war took their flight.
So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odolla.
And when the seventh day came upon them, they cleansed themselves (
as the custom was ) and kept the Sabbath in the same place. And upon
the day following, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies
of them that were slain, and to bury them in the fathers graves. Now
under the coats of certain Jews which were slain, they found Jewels
that they had taken out of the temple and from the Idols of the
Jamniters: which thing is forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every
man saw that this was the cause, wherefore they were slain.
And so every man gave thanks unto the Lord for his righteous
judgment, which had opened the thing that was hid. They fell down
also unto their prayers, and besought God, that the fault which was
made, might be put out of remembrance. Besides that, Judas exhorted
the people earnestly, to keep themselves from such sin: for so much
as they saw before their eyes, that these men were slain for the
same offense. So he gathered of everyone a certain, insomuch that he
brought together two thousand drachms of silver, which he sent unto
Jerusalem, that there might a sacrifice be offered for the misdeed.
In the which place he did well and right: For he had some
consideration and pondering of the life that is after this time. For
if he had not thought that they, which were slain, did yet live, it
had been superfluous and vain, to make any vow or sacrifice, for
them, that were dead. But for so much as he saw, that they which die
in favor and belief of God, are in good rest and joy, he thought it
to be good and honorable for reconciling, to do the same for those
which were slain, that the offense might be forgiven.
*Jerome (kjv =Hieronymus) *Caspin. (kjv= Caspis) *Taraca (kjv=Characa)
*Tubianei (kjv= Tubieni)
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Chapter 13
In the hundred forty ninth year
gat Judas knowledge, that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great
power into Jewry, and Lysias the steward and ruler of his matters
with him: having an hundred and ten thousand men of foot five
thousand horsemen, twenty two Elephants, and three hundred chariots.
Menelaus also joined himself with them ( but with great deceit ) and
spake fair to the king, not for any good of the country, but because
he thought to have been made some great man of authority. But the
king of kings moved Antiochus mind against this ungodly person, and
Lysias informed the king, that this Menelaus was the cause of all
mischief: so that the king commanded to take him, and ( as the
manner of them is ) to put him unto death in the same place.
There was also in the same place a tower of fifty cubits high,
heaped with ashes: but above it was so made, that men might look
down on every side. Where into the king commanded that shameful
person to be cast among the ashes, as one that was cause of all
ungraciousness. And reason it was, that the unthrift should die such
a death, and not be buried: for he had done much mischief unto the
altar of God ( whose fire and ashes were holy ) therefore it was
right, that he himself also should be destroyed with ashes.
But the king was wood in his mind and came to show himself
more cruel unto the Jews, than his father was. Which when Judas
perceived, he commanded the people to call upon the Lord night and
day: that he would now help them also, like as he had done always:
For they were afraid to be put from their law, from their natural
country and from the holy temple: and not to suffer the people (
which a little while afore began to recover ) to be subdued again of
the blasphemous nations.
So when they had done this together, and besought the Lord for
mercy, with weeping and fasting three days long, flat upon the
ground: Judas exhorted them to make themselves ready. But he and the
elders together devised, to go forth first with their people, afore
the king brought his host into Jewry, and afore he besieged the
city, and *so to commit the matter unto God.
Wherefore he ascribed the power of all things unto God the
maker of the world, exhorting his people to fight manfully, ( Ye
even unto death ) for the laws, the temple, the city, and their own
natural country, and to defend the *citizens: and set his host
before Modin. He gave them also that were with him, a token of the
victory of God, choosing out the manliest young men, went to the
kings pavilion, slew of the host fourteen thousand men, and the
greatest Elephants, with those that sat upon them.
Thus when they had brought great fear and rumor among the
tents of their enemies, and all things went prosperously with them,
they departed in the break of the day, God being their helper and
defender. Now when the king perceived the manliness of the Jews, he
went about to take the strong places by craft, and removed his host
unto Bethsura, which was a well kept house of defense of the Jews:
but they were chased away, hurt and discomfited.
And Judas sent unto them that were in it, such things as were
necessary. In the Jews host also there was one Rhodocus, which told
the enemies their secrets; but they sought him out, and when they
had gotten him, they put him in prison. After this did the king
commune with them in Bethsum, took truce with them, departed, and
stuck battle with Judas, which over came him.
But when he understood, that Phillip ( whom he had left to be
overseer of his business at Antioche ) began to rebel against him,
he was astonished in his mind: so that he yielded himself to the
Jews, and made them an oath, to do whatsoever they thought right.
Now when he was reconciled with them, he offered, made much of
the temple, and gave great gifts unto it, embraced Maccabeus, making
him captain and governor from Ptolemais unto the Gerrenes.
Nevertheless when he came to Ptolemais, the people of the city
were not content with that bond of friendship: for they were afraid,
that he would break the covenant. Then went Lysias went up in to the
seat and in formed the people, showed them the cause why, and
pacified them. So he came again to Antioch. This is now the matter
concerning the kings journey, and his return.
*so to commit the matter unto God. (kjv= to go forth and try the
matter in fight by the help of the Lord.) *citizens: (kjv=
commonwealth)
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Chapter 14
After three years was Judas
informed, how that Demetrius the son of Seleucus, was come up with
great power and ships, through the haven of Tripolis, to take
certain commodious places and countries, against Antiochus and his
captain Lysias. Now Alcimus ( which had been high Priest, and
*willfully defiled himself, in the time of the martyring ) seeing,
that *by no means he could be helped, ner have any more entrance to
the altar: he came to king Demetrius in the hundred and fifty first
year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, a palm, and an olive
tree: which ( as men thought ) belonged to the temple, and that day
he held his tongue. But when he had gotten opportunity for his
madness, Demetrius called him to counsel, and asked him, what things
or councils the Jews leaned unto? He answered: The Jews that be
called Assidei ( whose captain is Judas Maccabeus ) maintain wars,
make insurrections, and will not let the realm be in peace.
For being deprived of my fathers honor,( I mean the high
priesthood ) am come hither: partly because I was faithful unto the
king, and partly because I sought the profit of the citizens. And
why? all our people, through the wickedness of them, are not a
little troubled. Wherefore I beseech thee ( O king ) consider all
these things diligently, and then make some provision for the land
and the people, according to the kindness that thou hast offered
unto them. For as long as Judas hath the upper hand, it is not
possible that men can live in peace.
When he had spoken these words, other friends also having evil
will at Judas, set the king Demetrius on fire against him. Which
immediately sent Nicanor ( ruler of the Elephants ) a captain, in to
Jewry: commanding him, to take Judas himself alive, but to slay them
that were with him, and make Alcimus high priest of the temple.
Then the Heathen which fled out of Jewry from Judas, came to
Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and decay of the Jews to be
their welfare. Now when the Jews heard of Nicanors coming, and that
the gathering together of the Heathen: they sprinkled themselves
with earth, and besought him, which made them his people, and ever
defended his own portion with evident tokens, that he would preserve
them still. So at the commandment of the captain, they removed from
thence, and came to a town called Dessasan. And Simon Judas brother
fell in hand with Nicanor, but through the sudden coming of the
enemies, he was afraid.
Nevertheless Nicanor hearing of the manliness of them that
were with Judas, and the bold stomachs that they had to fight for
their natural country, durst not prove the matter with bloodshedding.
Wherefore he sent Possidonius, Theodocius, and Mathias before, to
give and to take peace. So when they had taken long advisement
thereupon, and the captain showed it unto the multitude: they were
agreed in one mind, to have peace. And they appointed a day to sit
upon these matters quietly among themselves, the stools also were
set forth. Nevertheless Judas commanded certain men of arms to wait
in convenient places, lest there should suddenly arise any evil
through the enemies. And so they communed reasonably together.
Nicanor, while he abode in Jerusalem, ordered himself not
unreasonably, but sent away the people that *were gathered together.
He loved Judas ever in his heart, and favored him. He prayed him
also to take a wife, and to bring forth children. So he married,
lived in rest, and they led a common life. But Alcimus perceiving
the love that was betwixt them, and how they were agreed together,
came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor had taken strange
matters in hand, and ordained Judas ( an enemy of the realm ) to be
the kings successor. Then the king was sore displeased, and through
the wicked accusations which Alcimus made of Nicanor, he was
provoked, that he wrote unto Nicanor, saying: that he was very angry
for the friendship and the agreement, which he had made with
Machabeus. Nevertheless he commanded him in all the haste, that he
should take Maccabeus prisoner, and send him to Antioche.
Which letters when Nicanor had seen, he was at his wits end,
and sore grieved, that he should break the things wherein they had
agreed: specially, saying Machabeus was the man, that never did him
harm. But that he might not withstand the king, he sought
opportunity to fulfill his commandment. Not withstanding when
Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be *churlish unto him, and that
he entreated him more roughly than he was wont, he perceived that
such unkindness came not of good, and therefore he gathered a few of
his men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor. Which when he knew that
Machabeus had manfully prevented him, he came into the great and
most holy temple: and commanded the priests ( which were doing their
usual offerings ) to deliver him the man. And when they sware that
they could not tell where the man was whom he sought, he stretched
out his hand, and made an oath, saying: If ye will not deliver me
Judas captive, I shall remove this temple of God into *the plain
field, I shall break down the altar, and consecrate this temple unto
Bacchus.
Then the priests lift up their hands toward heaven, and
besought him that was ever the defender of their people, saying:
Thou O' Lord of *all, which hast need of nothing, wouldest that the
temple of thy habitation should be among us.
Therefore now O' most holy Lord, keep this house ever
undefiled, which lately was cleansed. Now was there accused unto
Nicanor, one Razis one Alderman of Jerusalem, a lover of the whole
city, and a man of good report: which for the kind heart that he
bare unto the people, was called a father of the Jews. This man
often times, when the Jews were minded to keep them selves
undefiled, defended and delivered them, being content steadfastly to
spend his body and his life for the people.
So Nicanor willing to declare the hate, that he bare to the
Jews, sent five hundred men to take him: For he thought, if he got
him, he should bring the Jews in great decay. Now when the people
began to rush in at his house, to break doors, and to set fire on
it: he being now taken, would have defended himself with his sword:
choosing rather to die manfully, than to yield himself to those
wicked doers: and because of his noble stock, he had rather been put
to extreme cruelty. Notwithstanding what time as he missed of his
stroke for haste, and the multitude fell violently betwixted the
doors: he ran boldly to the wall, and cast himself down manfully
among the heap of them, which gave soon place to his fall, so that
he fell upon his belly. Nevertheless while there was yet breath
within him, he was kindled in his mind, and while his blood gushed
out exceedingly ( for he was very sore wounded ) he ran through the
middest of the people, and gat him to the top of a rock. So when his
blood was gone, he took out his own bowels with both his hands, and
threw them upon the people: calling upon the Lord of life and
spirit, to reward him this again, and so he died.
*willfully defiled himself, in the time of the martyring ) (kjv=
mingling with the Gentiles,)
*by no means he could be helped, (kjv= save himself)
*were gathered together. (kjv= came flocking unto him.) *churlish
(having a bad disposition, difficult to work with,pity, borish, rude
) God into the plain field, (kjv =even with the ground) Thou O' Lord
of *all, (kjv =all things)
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Chapter 15
Now when Nicanor knew that Judas
was in the country of Samaria, he thought with all his power to
strike a field with him upon a Sabbath day. Nevertheless the Jews
that were compelled to go with him, said: O do not so cruelly and
unkindly, but hallow the Sabbath day, and worship him that seeth all
things. For all this, yet said the ungracious person: Is there a
mighty one in heaven, that commandeth the Sabbath day to be kept?
And when they said: Yee the living God, the mighty Lord in heaven
commanded the seventh day to be kept, he said: And I am mighty upon
earth, to command them for to arm themselves, and to perform the
kings business. Notwithstanding he might not have his purpose.
Nicanor had devised with great pride to overcome Judas, and to
bring away the victory. But Maccabeus had ever a fast confidence and
a perfect hope in God that he would help him, and exhorted his
people, not to be afraid at the coming of the Heathen: but always to
remember the help that had been shown unto them from heaven, Yee and
to be sure now also, that almighty God would give them the victory.
He spake unto them out of the law and the prophets, putting them in
remembrance of the battles, that they had stricken afore, and made
them to be of good courage.
So when their hearts were plucked up he showed them also the
deceitfulness of the Heathen, and how they would keep no covenant
nor oath. **Thus he weaponed them not with the armor of the shield
and spear, but with wholesome words and exhortations. He showed them
a dream also, where through he made them all glad, which was this:
He thought that he saw Onias ( which had been high priest, a
virtuous and loving man, sad and of honest conversation, well
spoken, and one that had been exercised in Godliness from a child )
holding up his hands toward heaven, and praying for his people.
After this there appeared unto him another man, which was aged,
honorable and glorious. And Onias said: This is a lover of the
brethren, and of the people of Israel. This is he that prayeth much
for the people, and for all the holy city: Jeremy the prophet of
God. He thought also that Jeremy held out his right hand, and gave
him ( namely unto Judas ) a sword of gold, saying: Take this holy
sword, a gift from God, wherewith thou shall smite down the enemies
of the people of Israel.
And so they were well comforted through the words of Judas,
and took courage unto them, so that the young men were determined in
their minds to fight, and to bide stiffly at it: In so much that in
the things which they took in hand, their boldness showed the same,
because the holy city and the temple were in peril: for the which
they took more care, then for their wives, children, brethren and
kinsfolks. Again, they were in the city, were most careful for those
which were to fight. Now when they were all in a hope that the
judgement of the matter was at hand, and the enemies drew nye, the
host set in array, the Elephants and the horsemen everyone standing
in his place: Maccabeus considered the coming of the multitude, the
ordinance of divers weapons, the cruelness of the beasts, and held
up his hands toward heaven, calling upon the Lord that doeth
wonders, which giveth not the victory after the multitude of weapons
and power of the host ( but to them that please him ) according to
his own will. Therefore in his prayer he said these words.
O' Lord, thou didst send thine Angel in the time of Ezekiah
king of Judea, and in the host of Sennacherib slewest an hundred and
eighty five thousand: send now also thy good angel before us ( O'
Lord of heavens ) in the fearfulness and dread of thine mighty arm,
that they which come against thy holy people to blaspheme them, may
be afraid. And so he made an end of his words. Then Nicanor and they
that were with him, drew nye with *shawmes and songs: but Judas and
his company with prayer and calling upon God.
With their hands they smote, but with their hearts they prayed
unto the Lord, and slew no less than thirty five thousand men: For
through the present help of God they were gloriously comforted.
Now when they left off, and were turning away with joy, they
understood that Nicanor himself was slain with other. Then they gave
a great shout and cry, praising the Almighty Lord with a loud voice.
And Judas ( *which was ever ready to spend his body and life for his
citizens ) commanded to smite off Nicanors head, with his arm and
hand, and to be brought to Jerusalem. When he came there, he called
all the people, and the priests at the altar with those that were in
the castle, and showed them Nicanors head, and his wicked hand,
which he had presumptuously holden up against the temple of God. He
caused the tongue also of the ungodly Nicanor to be cut in little
pieces, and to be cast to the fowls, and the cruel mans hand to be
hanged up before the temple.
So every man gave thanks unto the Lord, saying: Blessed be he,
that hath kept his place undefiled.
As for Nicanors head, he hanged it up upon the castle, for an
evident and plain token of the help of God. And so they agreed
altogether, to keep that day holy, namely the thirtieth day of the
month Adar, which in the *Syrian language is called the next day
before Mardocheus day. Thus was Nicanor slain, and from that time
forth the Jews had the city in possession: And here I will now make
an end.
**(kjv = armed every one of them, not so much with defense of
shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words) *shawmes
(like an oboe; a double reed instrument)(kjv = *the chief defender
of the citizens both in body and mind) *Syrian language (see kjv :
as if Adar is given from Syrian)
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