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Chapter 6
Not long after this, sent the
king a messenger of *Antioche, for to compel the Jews to alter the
ordinances of their fathers and the law of God, to defile the temple
that was in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius:
and that they should be in Garizim, as those which dwell at the
place of Jupiter the *herberous. This wicked sedition of the ungodly
was heavy upon all the people: for the temple was full of
voluptuousness, *bibbing and *boiling of the Heathen, of *ribauds
and harlots together. The women went into the holy place, and bare
in that was not lawful. The altar also was full of unlawful things,
which the law forbiddeth to lay upon it. The Sabbaths were not kept,
the other solemn feasts of the land were not regarded. To be plain,
there durst no man be a known that he was a Jew. In the day of the
kings birth they were compelled *parforce to offer: and when the
feast of Bach was kept, they were constrained to wear garlands of
ivy, and so to go about for the honor of Bachus.
Moreover through the counsel of Ptolemy, there went out a
commandment in the next cities of the Heathen, that they should
entreat the Jews in like manner: namely, to compel them for to do
sacrifice after the laws of the Gentiles: and who so would not, to
put them to death. A piteous thing was it to see. There were two
women accused to have circumcised their sons, whom when they had led
round about the city ( the babies hanging from their breasts ) they
cast them down headlong over the walls. Some that were crept in to
dens and kept the Sabath, were accused unto Philippe, and burnt in
the fire: because that for the fear of God they kept the commandment
so stiffly, and would not defend themselves. Now I beseech all those
that read this book, that they refuse it not for all these falls of
adversity: and judge the things ( that are happened ) for no
destruction, but for a chastening of our people. And why? When God
suffereth not sinners long to follow their own mind, but *shorthly,
it is a token of his great loving kindness. For this grace have we
of God more than other people, that he suffereth not us long to sin
unpunished like other nations, that when the day of judgement
cometh, he may punish them in the fullness of their sins. If we sin,
he correcteth us, but he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and
though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his
people. But let this that we have spoken now with few words, be for
a warning and exhortation of the Heathen. Now will we come to the
declaring of the matter. Eleazar one of the principal Scribes, an
aged man and of a well favored countenance, was constrained to gape
with open mouth and to eat swines flesh. But he *desiring rather to
die gloriously than to live with shame, he offered himself willingly
to the martyrdom. Now when he saw that he must needs go to it, he
took it patiently: for he was at a point with himself, that he would
consent to no unlawful thing for any pleasure of life. They that
stood by being moved with pity ( but not aright ) for the old
friendship of the man, took him aside privately, and prayed him that
he would let such flesh be brought him as were lawful to eat, and
then to make a countenance as though he had eaten the flesh of the
sacrifice like as the king commanded, for so he might be delivered
from death: and so for the old friendship of the man, they showed
him this kindness. But he began to consider his discreet and
honorable age, his noble and worshipful *stoke, and how that from
his youth up he had been of an honest and good conversation: yee and
how constantly he had kept the ordinances and laws commanded by God,
wherefore he gave them this answer, and said: Yet had I rather first
be laid in my grave. For it becometh not my age ( sayeth he) in any
wise to disassemble, whereby many young persons might think, that
Eleazar being ninety years old were now gone to a strange life: and
so through mine hippocracy ( for a little time of *a transitory life
) they might be deceived: by this means also should I defile mine
age, and make it abominable. For though I were now delivered from
the torment of men, yet should I not escape the hand of almighty
God, neither alive or dead. Wherefore I will die manfully, and do as
it becometh my age: Whereby I may peradventure leave an example of
steadfastness for such as be young, if I with a ready mind and
manfully die an honest death, for the most worthy and holy law.
When he had said these words, immediately he was drawn to the
torment. Now they that led him and were mild alittle afore, began to
take displeasure because of the words that he said: for they thought
he had spoken them of a high mind. But when he was in his martyrdom,
he mourned and said : Thou ( O' Lord ) which hast the holy
knowledge, knowest openly: that where as I might be delivered from
death, I suffer these sore pains of my body: but in my mind I am
well content to suffer them, because I fear thee. Thus this man
died, leaving the memorial of his death for an example, not only to
young men, but unto all people, to be steadfast and manly.
*Antioche, (kjv of Athens) *herberous (this is the exact spelling:
may be harborous) .
*bibbing (excessive drinking of alcohol) *boiling (to be stirred up,
delirious, wild)
*ribauds (vulgar, lewd humorers) *parforce (perforce; by force) *shorthly
(shorteshly/ surely) *desiring (kjv=choosing) *stoke (what he was
stirred by), ( for a little time of a *transitory (short lived) life
)
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Chapter 7
It happened also that were seven
brethren (with their mother) taken and compelled by the king against
the law, to eat swines flesh: namely with scourges and leather
whips. And one of them which was the chief, and said: What seekest
thou, and what requirest thou of us? As for us we are ready rather
to suffer death, than to offend the laws of *God and the fathers.
Then was the king angry, and bad heat caldrons and brazen pots.
Which when they were hot, immediately he commanded the tongue of him
that spake first to be cut out, to pull the skin over his head, to
pare the edges of his hands and feet: yee and that in the sight of
his mother and the other of his brethren. Now when he was clean
marred, he commanded a fire to be made, and so ( while there was any
breath in him ) to be fried in the cauldron, In the which when he
was well pained, the other brethren with their mother exhorted him
to die manfully, saying: The Lord God shall regard the truth, and
comfort us, like as Moses testifieth and declareth in his song,
saying: and he will have compassion on his servants.
So when the first was dead after this *manner, they brought
the second to have him in *derision pulled the skin with the hair
over his head, and asked him, if he would eat swines flesh, or he
were pained in other members also through out his body. But he
answered boldly, and said: I will not do it. And so he was tormented
like the first, and when he was even giving up the ghost he said:
Thou most ungracious person puttest us now to death, but the king of
this world shall raise us up ( which die for his laws ) in the
resurrection of everlasting life.
After him, was the third had in derision: and when he was
required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth
his hands manfully, and spake with steadfast faith: These have I of
heaven, but now for the law of God I despise them, for my trust is,
that I shall receive them of him again. In so much that the king and
they which were with him, marvelled at the young mans boldness, that
he nothing regarded the pains.
Now when he was dead also, they vexed the fourth with torments
in like manner. So when he was now at his death, he said: It is
better that we being put to death of men, have our hope and trust in
God, for he shall raise us up again. As for thee, thou shalt have no
resurrection to life.
And when they had spoken to the fifth, they tormented him.
Then looked he unto the king, and said: Thou hast power *among men,
for thou art a mortal man also thy self, to do what thou wilt, but
think not that God hath forsaken our generation. Abide thee, tarry
still a while, and thou shalt see the great power of God, how he
will *punish thee and thy seed. After him they brought the sixth,
which being at the point of death, said: Be not deceived ( O king )
for this we suffer for our own sakes, because we have offended our
God, and therefore marvelous things are showed upon us. But think
not thou, which takest in hand to strive against God, that thou
shalt escape unpunished.
This excellent mother ( worthy to be well reported of, and had
in remembrance) saw her seven sons die in one day, and suffered it
patiently, because of the hope that she had in God: Yee she exhorted
every one of them in especial,( to treat each one significant) and
that boldly and steadfastly with *parfite wisdom, making up her *wivish
thoughts with a manly stomach, and she said unto them: I cannot tell
how ye came in my womb, for I gave you neither breath nor soul, no
ner life. It is not I that joined the members of your bodies
together, but the maker of the world, which fashioned the breath of
man, and began all things. Even he also of his own mercy shall give
you breath and life again like as ye now regard not our own selves
for his laws sake.
Now thought Antiochus that she had despised him, therefore he
let her go with her reproves, and began to exhort the youngest son (
which was yet left ) not only with words but swore unto him with an
oath, that he should make him a rich and wealthy man ( if he would
forsake the laws of his fathers ) yee and that he should give him,
whatsoever, were necessary for him. But when the young man would not
be moved, for all these things, he called his mother, and counseled
her to save her sons life. And when he had exhorted her with many
words, she promised him that she should speak unto her son. So she
turned her unto him ( laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn ) and spake
with a bold voice: O' my son, have pity upon me, that bare thee nine
months in my womb, and gave thee suck, and brought thee up unto this
age.
I beseech thee ( my son ) look upon the heaven and the earth,
and all that is therein, and consider, that God made them and mans
generation of nought: so shalt thou not fear this hangman, but
suffer death steadfastly, like as thy brethren have done: that I may
receive thee again in the same mercy with thy brethren.
While she was yet speaking these words, the young man said:
*Whom look ye for ? Wherefore do ye tarry? I will not obey the kings
commandment, but the law that *God gave us by Moses. As for thee
that imagineth all mischief against the Jews, shalt not escape the
hand of God, for we suffer these things, because of our sins.
And though God be angry with us a little while ( for our
chastening and reformation ) yet shall he be at one again with his
servants. But thou, ( O shameful and most abominable person ). Pride
not thy self through vain hope, in being so malicious upon the
servants of God: For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of the
God which is almighty, thou shalt be punished righteously for thy
pride.
As for me ( like as my brethren have done ) I offer my soul
and my body for the laws of our fathers, calling upon God, that he
will soon be merciful unto our people: yee and with pain and
punishment to make the *graunte, that he only is God. In me now and
in my brethren the wrath of almighty God is at an end, which
righteously is fallen upon our people.
Then the king being kindled in anger was more cruel upon him
than upon all the other, and took indignation, that he was so
lightly regarded. So this young man died undefiled, and put his
trust still in the Lord. Last of all after the sons, was the mother
put to death also. Let this now be enough spoken, concerning the
offerings and extreme cruelness.
the laws of *God and the fathers. (kjv leaves out of God) *manner (jkv=number),
*derision (ridicule, mockery) Thou hast power *among (kjv=over) men,
*punish (kjv=torment) *parfite (perfect) *wivish (wifesh) (kjv=womanish)
*Whom look ye for ? (kjv = wait ye for?) but the law that *God gave
us by Moses. (kjv leaves out God) *graunte, (grant: to consent to
the fulfillment of / grantee; one to whom the grant is made)
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Chapter 8
Then Judas Maccabeus and they
that were with him, went *privily into the towns, and called their
kinsfolks and friends together, and took unto them all such as
continued yet in the faith and *law of the Jews, and brought forth
six thousand men.
So they called upon the Lord, that he would have an eye unto
his people, which was trodden down of every man: to be gracious unto
the temple, that was defiled of the ungodly: to have compassion upon
the destruction of the city, which was shortly like to be layed
waste, to hear the voice of the blood that cried unto him: to
remember the most unrighteous deaths of young innocent children, the
blasphemes also done unto his name, and to punish them.
Now when Maccabeus had gathered his multitude together, he was
to mighty for the Heathen ( for the wrath of the Lord was turned
into mercy ) he fell upon the towns and cities unawares, burnt them
took the most *commodious places, and slew many of the enemies. But
specially he made such chases by night, in so much that his
manliness was spoken of everywhere.
So when Philip saw that the man increased by little and
little, and that the matter prospered with him for the most part: he
wrote unto Ptolemy ( which was a captain in Celosyria and Phenices )
to help him in the kings business. Then sent he Nicanor Patrocly ( a
special friend of his ) in all haste, and gave him of the common
sort of Heathen no less than twenty thousand harnessed men, to root
out the whole generation of the Jews, having to help him one Gorgias
a man of war, which in matters concerning battles had great
experience. Nicanor ordered also that tribute ( which the Romans
should have had ) to be given unto the king, out of the captivity of
the Jews, namely two thousand talents. And immediately he sent to
the cities of the sea coast, requiring them for to buy Jews to be
their servants and bondmen, promising to sell them ninety for one
talent: but he considered not the wrath of almighty God, that was to
come upon him.
When Judas knew of this, he told the Jews that were with him
of Nicanors coming. Now were there some of them fearful, not
trusting unto the righteousness of God and fled their way. But the
other remained, came together and besought the Lord, to deliver them
from that wicked Nicanor, which had sold or ever he came nye them:
and thought he would not do it for their sakes, yet for the covenant
that he made with their fathers, and because they called upon his
holy and glorious name. And so Machabeus called his men together,
namely about six thousand, exhorting them not to agree unto their
enemies neither to be afraid for the multitude of their adversaries
coming against them unrighteously: but to fight manfully,
considering the reproof that they had done to the holy place without
cause. how they had despised and oppressed the city, yee and
destroyed the laws of the fathers. For they ( said he ) trust in
their weapons and boldness, but our confidence is in the almighty
Lord, which in a twinkling of an eye may both destroy them that come
against us, and all the world.
He exhorted them also to call to remembrance the help, that
God showed unto their fathers: as when there perished an hundred and
eighty five thousand of Sennacheribs people: and of the battle that
they had in Babylon against the Galatians: how that all the
Macedonians that came to help them, stood in fear: and how they
being but only six thousand, slew an hundred and twenty thousand
through the help that was given them from heaven, whereby they also
had received many benefits.
Through these words the men took good hearts unto them, ready
to die for the law and the country. So he set upon every company a
captain, one of his own brethren: Simon, Joseph and Jonathas: giving
each one fifteen hundred men. He caused *Esdras also to read the
holy book unto them, and to give them a token of the help of God.
Then he himself being captain in the forefront of the battle,
buckled with Nicanor. And God was their help, in so much that they
slew about nine thousand men and compelled the more part of Nicanors
host to flee, they were so wounded and feeble. Thus took the money
from those that came to buy them, and followed upon them on every
side. But when the time came upon them, they returned, for it was
the Sabbath, and therefore they followed no more upon them. So they
had took their weapons and spoils and kept the Sabbath, giving
thanks unto the Lord, which had delivered them that day, and showed
them his mercy. After the Sabbath they distributed the spoils to the
sick, the fatherless and to the widows, and the residue had they
themselves and with theirs. When this was done, and they all had
made a general prayer: they besought the merciful Lord to be at one
with his servants.
Of those also that were with Timotheus and Bachides, which
fought against them, they slew twenty thousand, won high and strong
holds, and divided more spoils: ever giving an equal portion unto
the sick, to the fatherless to widows and to the aged persons. And
when they had diligently gathered their weapons together, they laid
them all in convenient places, and the remnant of the spoils brought
they to Jerusalem. They slew Philarches that wicked person, which
was with Timotheus, and had vexed many Jews. *And when they held the
thanksgiving feast at Jerusalem for the victory, they burnt those
that had set fire on the ports of the temple: namely Calisthenes,
which was fled into an house: and so they got a worthy reward for
their wickedness. As for that most ungracious Nicanor, which had
brought a thousand merchants, to buy the Jews, he was through the
help of the Lord brought down even of them he regarded not: in so
much that he put off his glorious raiment, fled by sea, and came
alone to Antioch, with great shame and dishonor, which he got
through the destruction of his host. Thus he that promised the
Romans to pay them their tribute, when he took Jerusalem: began now
to say plainly , that God was the defender of the Jews, and
therefore not possible to wound them, because they followed the laws
that God had made.
*privily (secretly) *law of the Jews, (kjv =Jews religion)
*commodious (abundant, plenteous) He caused *Esdras (kjv =Eleazar)
also to read the holy book
*And when they held the thanksgiving feast at Jerusalem for the
victory, they burnt those that had set fire on the ports of the
temple: namely Calisthenes, (kjv leaves out this line)
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Chapter 9
At the same time came Antiochus
again with dishonor out of Persis. For he when he came to Persepolis,
and undertook to rob the temple and to subdue the city, the people
ran together and defended themselves, in so much that he and his
were *faine to flee with shame. And so after that flight, it
happened, that Antiochus came again with dishonor. But when he came
to Egbathana, he got knowledge what was happened unto Nicanor and
Timotheus. Now as he was avenging himself in his wrath, he thought
he was able to avenge the injury that was done unto them, upon the
Jews: and therefore commanded to make ready his chariot, hastening
on his journey without ceasing, the judgment of God provoking him,
because he had spoken so proudly, that he would come to Jerusalem,
and make it a grave of the Jews. But the Lord God of Israel, that
seeth all things, smote him with an invisible plague, which no man
could heal.
For as soon as he had spoken these words, there came upon him
an horrible pain of his bowels, and a sore grief of *tharmes. And
that was but right: for he had martyred other mens bowels with
diverse and strange torments, how be it he would no wise cease from
his malice. Yee he was yet the prouder and more malicious against
the Jews: But while he was commanding to make haste in the matter,
it happened that he fell down violently from the chariot, so that it
bruised his body, and did him great pain.
And so he thought he might command the floods of the sea, (so
proud was he beyond the condition of man) and to weigh the high
mountains in a pyre of coals, was now brought down to the ground,
and carried upon an horselitter, knowledging the manifest power of
God upon him: so that the wicked body of his was full of worms,
which in his pain fell quick out of his flesh: In so much that his
host was grieved with the smell and stink of him. Thus he that a
little afore thought he might reach to the stars of heaven, him
might no man now abide ner bear, for the vehemence of stink.
Therefore he being brought from his great pride, began for to
come to the knowledge of himself: for the punishment of God warned
him, and his pain increased ever more and more. And when he himself
could not abide his own stink, he said these words: It is reason to
be *obedient unto God and that a man desire not to be like unto him.
This wicked person prayed also unto the Lord, of whom he should have
obtained mercy. And as for the city that he came unto so hastily, to
bring it down to the ground, and to make it a grave for dead men:
now he desire to deliver it free.
And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy to be
buried, but would have cast them out for to be devoured of the fowls
and wild beasts, saying, that he would have destroyed both old and
young: Now he promiseth, to make them like the citizens of Athens.
And where as he had spoiled the holy temple afore, now he maketh
promise to garnish it with great gifts, to increase the holy
ornaments, and of his own rents to bear the costs, and charges
belonging to the offerings: yee and that he would also become a Jew
him self, to go through every place of the world, and to preach the
power of God.
But when his pains would not cease, ( for the *righteous )
judgment of God was come upon him ) out of a very despair he wrote
unto the Jews a letter of intersession, containing these words: The
king and prince Antiochus wisheth unto the virtuous citizens of the
Jews, much health and good prosperity.
If ye and your children fare well, and if all things go after
your mind: *we give great thanks. In my sickness also do I remember
you lovingly: for as I came out of Persia, and was taken with sore
disease: I thought it necessary to care for the common *wealth.
Neither despair I in myself, but have a good hope to escape this
sickness.
But considering that my father led an host sometime in the
higher places, and showed who should reign after him, that ( if
there happened any controversy, or any hard thing were declared )
they in the land might know their chief Lord, that their should be
no insurrection: Again, when I ponder by myself, how that all the
mighty men and neighbors round about, are laying wait, and look but
for an opportunity to do harm: I have ordained that my son Antiochus
shall reign after me, whom I often commended to many of you, when I
was in the higher kingdoms, and have written unto him as it
followeth hereafter. Therefore I pray you and require you, to
remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally and in
especial. For I hope that he shall be of sober and loving behavior,
and if he follow my devise, he shall be indifferent unto you.
Thus that murderer and blasphemer of *God was sore smitten:
and like as he had entreated other men, so he died a miserable death
in a strange country upon a mountain. And his body did Phillip (
that went with him ) carry away: which fearing the son of Antiochus,
went into Egypt to Ptolomy Philometor.
*faine ( obligated/ willing) *tharmes (the arms). *obedient (kjv=subject)
*righteous (kjv=just) *we give great thanks. (kjv= thanks to God)
*wealth. (kjv=safety)
blasphemer of *God (kjv leaves out; of God)
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Chapter 10
Maccabeus now and his company (
through the help of the Lord ) won the temple and the city again,
destroyed the altars and chapels that the Heathen had builded
through the streets: cleansed the temple, made another altar of
brick stone, and after two years they offered sacrifices, set forth
the incense, the lights and show bread. When that was done, they
fell down flat upon the ground, and besought the Lord, that they
might come no more into such trouble: but if they sinned any more
against him, he himself to chasten them with mercy, and not to come
in the hands of those aliens and blasphemous men.
Now upon the same day that the strangers *polluted the temple,
it happened that on the very same day it was cleansed again: namely,
the *twenty second day of the month called Casleu. They kept the
eight days in gladness, like as in the feast of the tabernacles:
remembering that not long afore, they held the feast of the
tabernacles upon the mountains and in dens like beasts. And to the
same token they bare green bows, branches and palms before him that
had given them good fortune to clean his place. They agreed also
together, and made a statute, that every year those days should be
solemnly kept of all the people of the Jews.
Now Antiochus then, ( that was called the noble ) died, it is
sufficiently told. Now will we speak of Nicanor the son of that
wicked Antiochus, how it happened with him: and with few words to
comprehend the adversity that chanced in the wars. When he had taken
the kingdom, he made one Lysias ( which had been captain of the host
in Phenice and Syria ) ruler over the matters of the realm. For
Ptolomy that was called Macron, being ruler for the Jews ( and
specially, to sit in judgement for such wrong as was done unto them
) under took to deal peaceably with them. For the which cause he was
accused of the friends before Eupator: and when he was suspect to be
a traitor ( because he had left Cyprus that Philometor had committed
unto him: and because he departed from noble Antiochus, that he was
come unto ) he poisoned himself and died.
Now when Gorgias was governor of the same places, he took
strangers and undertook of times to war with the Jews. Moreover the
Idumeans that held the strongholds, received those that were driven
from Jerusalem, and took in hand to war also. But they that were
with Maccabeus besought and prayed unto the Lord, that he would be
our helper: and so they fell in to the strong holds of the Idumeans,
and won many places of strength: Such as came against them they
slew, and killed no less ( of all together ) then twenty thousand.
Nevertheless some, no less then nine thousand, were fled into two
strong holds, having all manner of ordinance to with stand them.
Then Maccabeus leaving Simon, Josephus, Zachaus and those that
were with them ( which were very many ) went to besiege them, and to
fight where most need was. Now they that were with Simon being led
with covetousness, were increased for money, through certain of
those that lay in the towns: took seventy thousand Drachmas, and let
some of them escape. But when it was told Maccabeus what had
happened, he called the captains of the people together, accusing
those persons, that they had sold their brethren for money, and let
their enemies go. So he slew those traitors, and immediately went in
hand with the two towers. And when they had ordered themselves manly
with their weapons and hands, they slew in the two castles more than
twenty thousand.
Now Timotheus whom the Jews had overcome afore, gathered a
multitude of strange people, brought an host also of horsemen of the
Asias, to win Jewry by strength. But when he drew near, Maccabeus
and they that were with him fell to their prayer, sprinkled with
ashes upon their heads, being girded with hair cloth about their
loins, fell down before the altar, and besought the Lord that he
would be merciful unto them, but an enemy unto their enemies, and to
take part against their adversaries, according as it is promised in
the law. So after the prayer, they went on further from the city:
and when they came nye the enemies, they prepared themselves against
them.
And by times in the morning at the break of day, both the
hosts buckled together. The one part had *the Lord for their refuge,
which is the giver of prosperity, strength, and victory. The other
had a manly stomach, which is a captain of war.
The battle now being great, there appeared unto the enemies
from heaven five men upon horsebacks, with bridles of gold, leading
the Jews, and two of them having Maccabeus betwixt them, *that kept
him safe on every side with their weapons but shot darts and
lightnings upon the enemies: where through they were confounded with
blindness and so sore afraid, that they fell down. There were slain
of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred
horsemen. As for Timotheus himself, he fled into Gaza a very strong
hold, wherein Cereas was captain. But Maccabeus and his company laid
siege to it cheerfully four days.
Now they that were within trusting to the strength of the
place, cursed and *banned exceedingly, and made great *craking with
wicked words. Nevertheless upon the fifth day in the morning twenty
young men of Maccabeus company, being, set on fire in their minds
because of the blasphemy: came manfully to the wall, and with bold
stomachs they and their other companions climbed up upon the towers,
undertaking to set fire upon the ports, and to burn those
blasphemous persons quick. Two days were they destroying the castle,
which when they found Timotheus,( that was crept into a corner )
they killed him, and slew Cereas his brother in like manner with
Apollophanes. When this was done, they sung psalms, with praises and
thanksgivings *unto the Lord, which had done so great things for
Israel, and given them the victory.
*polluted(kjv=profaned) *twenty
second day of the month called Casleu. (kjv= five and twentieth day)
*the Lord for their refuge, (kjv= with their virtue their refuge)
which is the giver of prosperity. *that kept him safe on every side
with their weapons (kjv =and covered him on every side weapons)
*banned (condemned and/ or called to arms)
*craking (trouble) *unto the Lord, (kjv leaves out unto the
Lord)
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Chapter 11
Not long after this, Lysias the
kings steward and a kinsman of his, which had the governance of his
matters ( took sore displeasure for the things that had happened:
and when he had gathered eighty thousand men of foot with all the
host of horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to win the city
to make it an habitation for the Heathen, and the temple would he
have to be an house of *lucre, like as the other goddes houses of
the Heathen are, and to sell the priests office every year: Not
considering the power of God, but was wild in his mind, trusting in
the multitude of footmen, in thousands of horsemen, and in his
eighty Elephants.
So he came to Jewry and then to Bethsura, ( a castle of
defense laying in a narrow place five furlongs from Jerusalem ) Now
when Maccabeus and his company knew that the strongholds were taken,
they fell to their prayers with weeping and tears before the Lord:
and all the people in like manner besought him, that he would send a
good angel to deliver Israel. Maccabeus himself was the first that
made him ready to the battle, exhorting the other that were with
him, to jeopard themselves and to help their brethren. And when they
were going forth of Jerusalem together with a ready and willing
mind, there appeared before them upon horse back a man in white
clothing with harness of gold, shaking his spear. Then they praised
the Lord all together, which had showed them mercy, and were
comforted in their minds: in so much that they were ready, not only
to fight with men, but with the most cruel beasts, yee and to run
through the walls of iron.
Thus they went on willing having an helper from heaven, and
the Lord merciful unto them. They fell mightily upon their enemies
like lions, brought down eleven thousand footmen, sixteen hundred
horsemen, put all the other to flight, many of them also being
wounded, and some got away naked. Yee Lysias himself was faine to
flee shamefully, and so to escaped. Nevertheless the man was not
without understanding, but considered by himself that his power was
minished and pondered how the Jews being defended by the help of
Almighty God, were not able to be overcome: wherefore he sent them
word, and promised, that he would consent unto all things which were
reasonable, and to make the king their friend. To the which prayer
of Lysias Maccabeus agreed seeking in all things the common wealth:
and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the
king granted it.
For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias
containing these words.
Lysias sendeth greeting to the people of the Jews. Jhon and
Absolom which were sent from you, delivered me writings, and
required me to fulfill the things concerning their errand. Therefore
look what might be granted, I certified the king thereof: and
whatsoever was convenient. I agreed thereto. If ye will now be
faithful in the matters, I shall endeavor to myself hereafter also
to do you good. As concerning other things by every article thereof:
I have committed them to your messengers, and to those whom I have
sent you, to commune with you of the same, fare ye well, In the
hundred and forty eighth year, the twenty fourth day of the month *Dioscorinthius.
Now the kings letter contained these words. King Antiochus
sendeth greeting unto his brother Lysias. For so much as our father
*is now dead, our will is, that they which are in our realm, live
without any insurrection, and that every man to be diligent in his
own matters. We understand also, that the Jews would not consent to
our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but
stiffly to keep their own statutes: for the which cause they require
of us also, to let them remain still by their own laws.
Wherefore our mind is, that this people shall be in rest: we
have concluded and determined also, to restore them their temple
again: that they may live according to the use and custom of their
forefathers. Thou shalt do us a pleasure therefore, if thou send
unto them and agree with them: that when they are certified of our
mind, they may be of good cheer, and look to their own wealth.
And this was the letter, that the king wrote unto the Jews:
King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council and the other
people of the Jews. If ye fare well, we have our desire: as for us,
we are in good health. Menelaus came and told us, how that your
desire was to come down to your people, which are with us.
Wherefore those that well come, we gave them free liberty,
unto the thirtieth day of the month of *April, that they may use the
meats of the Jews and their own laws, like as afore: and none of
them by any manner of ways to have harm, for things done in
ignorance. Menelaus whom we have sent unto you, shall commune with
you at large, fare ye well. In the hundred and forty eighth year,
the fifteenth day of the month of *April.
The Romans also sent a letter, containing these words: Quintus
Mennius and Titus Manilius ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting
unto the people of the Jews. Look what Lysias the kings kinsmen hath
granted you, we grant you the same also. But as concerning the
things which he referred unto the king, sent hither some with speed:
and ponder the matter diligently among yourselves, that we may cast
the best to your profit, for we must depart now unto Antioche. And
therefore write shortly again, that we may know your mind Fair well.
In the hundred forty eighth year, the fifteenth day of the month of
*April.
*lucre (Heb: covetousness, gain, profit, greed, to break off, cut
off)
*Dioscorinthius.(unknown of sources) *is now dead, (kjv= is
translated unto the gods)
*April (kjv = Xanthicus)
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