This second book of MACHABEES is not a continuation of the
history contained in the first: nor does is come down so
low as the first does: but relates many of the same facts
more at large, and adds other remarkable particulars,
omitted in the first book, relating to the state of the
Jews, as well before as under the persecution of ANTIOCHUS.
The author, who is not the same with that of the first
book, has given (as we learn from chap. 2.20, etc.) a short
abstract of what JASON of Cyrene had written in the five
volumes, concerning JUDAS and his brethren. He wrote in
Greek, and begins with two letters, sent by the Jews of
Jerusalem to their brethren in Egypt.
2 Machabees Chapter 1
Letters of the Jews of Jerusalem to them that were in
Egypt. They give thanks for their delivery from Antiochus:
and exhort their brethren to keep the feast of the
dedication of the altar, and of the miraculous fire.
1:1. To the brethren, the Jews that are throughout Egypt;
the brethren, the Jews that are in Jerusalem, and in the
land of Judea, send health and good peace.
1:2. May God be gracious to you, and remember his covenant
that he made with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, his
faithful servants:
1:3. And give you all a heart to worship him, and to do his
will with a great heart, and a willing mind.
1:4. May he open your heart in his law, and in his
commandments, and send you peace.
1:5. May he hear your prayers, and be reconciled unto you,
and never forsake you in the evil time.
1:6. And now here we are praying for you.
1:7. When Demetrius reigned, in the year one hundred and
sixty-nine, we Jews wrote to you in the trouble and
violence that came upon us in those years, after Jason
withdrew himself from the holy land, and from the kingdom.
1:8. They burnt the gate, and shed innocent blood: then we
prayed to the Lord, and were heard, and we offered
sacrifices, and fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set
forth the loaves.
1:9. And now celebrate ye the days of Scenopegia in the
month of Casleu.
Scenopegia... Viz., the Encenia, or feast of the
dedication of the altar, called here Scenopegia, or feast
of tabernacles, from being celebrated with the like
solemnity.
1:10. In the year one hundred and eighty-eight, the people
that is at Jerusalem, and in Judea, and the senate, and
Judas, to Aristobolus, the preceptor of king Ptolemee, who
is of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews
that are in Egypt, health and welfare.
1:11. Having been delivered by God out of great dangers, we
give him great thanks, forasmuch as we have been in war
with such a king.
Such a king... Viz., Antiochus Sidetes, who began to make
war upon the Jews, whilst Simon was yet alive. 1 Mac.
15.39. And afterwards besieged Jerusalem under John
Hircanus. So that the Judas here mentioned, ver. 10, is
not Judas Machabeus, who was dead long before the year 188
of the kingdom of the Greeks, for he died in the year 146
of that epoch, (see above 1 Mac. chap. 2., ver. 70, also
the note on chap. 1, ver. 2,) but either Judas the eldest
son of John Hircanus, or Judas the Essene, renowned for
the gift of prophecy, who flourished about that time.
1:12. For he made numbers of men swarm out of Persia, that
have fought against us, and the holy city.
1:13. For when the leader himself was in Persia, and with
him a very great army, he fell in the temple of Nanea,
being deceived by the counsel of the priests of Nanea.
Nanea... A Persian goddess, which some have taken for
Diana, others for Venus.
1:14. For Antiochus, with his friends, came to the place as
though he would marry her, and that he might receive great
sums of money under the title of a dowry.
1:15. And when the priests of Nanea had set it forth, and
he with a small company had entered into the compass of the
temple, they shut the temple,
1:16. When Antiochus was come in: and opening a secret
entrance of the temple, they cast stones and slew the
leader, and them that were with him, and hewed them in
pieces; and cutting off their heads, they threw them forth.
1:17. Blessed be God in all things, who hath delivered up
the wicked.
1:18. Therefore, whereas we purpose to keep the
purification of the temple on the five and twentieth day of
the month of Casleu, we thought it necessary to signify it
to you: that you also may keep the day of Scenopegia, and
the day of the fire, that was given when Nehemias offered
sacrifice, after the temple and the altar was built.
1:19. For when our fathers were led into Persia, the
priests that then were worshippers of God, took privately
the fire from the altar, and hid it in a valley where there
was a deep pit without water, and there they kept it safe,
so that the place was unknown to all men.
Persia... Babylonia, called here Persia, from being
afterwards a part of the Persian empire.
1:20. But when many years had passed, and it pleased God
that Nehemias should be sent by the king of Persia, he sent
some of the posterity of those priests that had hid it, to
seek for the fire: and as they told us, they found no fire,
but thick water.
1:21. Then he bade them draw it up, and bring it to him:
and the priest, Nehemias, commanded the sacrifices that
were laid on, to be sprinkled with the same water, both the
wood, and the things that were laid upon it.
1:22. And when this was done, and the time came that the
sun shone out, which before was in a cloud, there was a
great fire kindled, so that all wondered.
1:23. And all the priests made prayer, while the sacrifice
was consuming, Jonathan beginning, and the rest answering.
1:24. And the prayer of Nehemias was after this manner: O
Lord God, Creator of all things, dreadful and strong, just
and merciful, who alone art the good king,
1:25. Who alone art gracious, who alone art just, and
almighty, and eternal, who deliverest Israel from all evil,
who didst choose the fathers, and didst sanctify them:
1:26. Receive the sacrifice for all thy people Israel, and
preserve thy own portion, and sanctify it.
1:27. Gather together our scattered people, deliver them
that are slaves to the Gentiles, and look upon them that
are despised and abhorred: that the Gentiles may know that
thou art our God
1:28. Punish them that oppress us, and that treat us
injuriously with pride.
1:29. Establish thy people in thy holy place, as Moses hath
spoken.
1:30. And the priests sung hymns till the sacrifice was
consumed.
1:31 .And when the sacrifice was consumed, Nehemias
commanded the water that was left to be poured out upon the
great stones.
1:32. Which being done, there was kindled a flame from
them: but it was consumed by the light that shined from the
altar.
1:33. And when this matter became public, it was told to
the king of Persia, that in the place where the priests
that were led away, had hid the fire, there appeared water,
with which Nehemias and they that were with him had
purified the sacrifices.
1:34. And the king considering, and diligently examining
the matter, made a temple for it, that he might prove what
had happened.
A temple... That is, an enclosure, or a wall round about
the place where the fire was hid, to separate it from
profane uses, to the end that it might be respected as a
holy place.
1:35. And when he had proved it, he gave the priests many
goods, and divers presents, and he took and distributed
them to them with his own hand.
1:36. And Nehemias called this place Nephthar, which is
interpreted purification. But many call it Nephi.
2 Machabees Chapter 2
A continuation of the second letter. Of Jeremias' hiding
the ark at the time of the captivity. The author's preface.
2:1.Now it is found in the descriptions of Jeremias, the
prophet, that he commanded them that went into captivity,
to take the fire, as it hath been signified, and how he
gave charge to them that were carried away into captivity.
The descriptions... That is, the records or memoirs of
Jeremias, a work that is now lost.
2:2. And how he gave them the law, that they should not
forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they should
not err in their minds, seeing the idols of gold, and
silver, and the ornaments of them.
2:3. And with other such like speeches, he exhorted them
that they would not remove the law from their heart.
2:4. It was also contained in the same writing, how the
prophet, being warned by God, commanded that the tabernacle
and the ark should accompany him, till he came forth to the
mountain where Moses went up, and saw the inheritance of
God.
2:5. And when Jeremias came thither he found a hollow cave:
and he carried in thither the tabernacle, and the ark, and
the altar of incense, and so stopped the door.
2:6 .Then some of them that followed him, came up to mark
the place: but they could not find it.
2:7. And when Jeremias perceived it, he blamed them,
saying: The place shall be unknown, till God gather
together the congregation of the people, and receive them
to mercy.
2:8. And then the Lord will shew these things, and the
majesty of the Lord shall appear, and there shall be a
cloud as it was also shewed to Moses, and he shewed it when
Solomon prayed that the place might be sanctified to the
great God.
2:9. For he treated wisdom in a magnificent manner: and
like a wise man, he offered the sacrifice of thc
dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.
2:10. And as Moses prayed to the Lord, and fire came down
from heaven, and consumed the holocaust: so Solomon also
prayed, and fire came down from heaven and consumed the
holocaust.
2:11. And Moses said: Because the sin offering was not
eaten, it was consumed.
2:12. So Solomon also celebrated the dedication eight days.
2:13. And these same things were set down in the memoirs,
and commentaries of Nehemias: and how he made a library,
and gathered together out of the countries, the books both
of the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the
kings, and concerning the holy gifts.
2:14. And in like manner Judas also gathered together all
such things as were lost by the war we had, and they are in
our possession.
2:15. Wherefore, if you want these things, send some that
may fetch them to you.
2:16. As we are then about to celebrate the purification,
we have written unto you: and you shall do well, if you
keep the same days.
The purification... That is, the feast of the purifying
or cleansing of the temple.
2:17. And we hope that God, who hath delivered his people,
and hath rendered to all the inheritance, and the kingdom,
and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,
2:18. As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy
upon us, and will gather us together from every land under
heaven into the holy place.
2:19. For he hath delivered us out of great perils, and
hath cleansed the place.
2:20. Now as concerning Judas Machabeus, and his brethren,
and the purification of the great temple, and the
dedication of the altar:
2:21. As also the wars against Antiochus, the Illustrious,
and his son, Eupator:
2:22. And the manifestations that came from heaven to them,
that behaved themselves manfully on the behalf of the Jews,
so that, being but a few they made themselves masters of
the whole country, and put to flight the barbarous
multitude:
2:23. And recovered again thc most renowned temple in all
the world, and delivered the city, and restored the laws
that were abolished, the Lord with all clemency shewing
mercy to them.
2:24. And all such things as have been comprised in five
books by Jason, of Cyrene, we have attempted to abridge in
one book.
2:25. For considering the multitude of books, and the
difficulty that they find that desire to undertake the
narrations of histories, because of the multitude of the
matter,
2:26. We have taken care for those indeed that are willing
to read, that it might be a pleasure of mind: and for the
studious, that they may more easily commit to memory: and
that all that read might receive profit.
2:27. And as to ourselves indeed, in undertaking this work
of abridging, we have taken in hand no easy task; yea,
rather a business full of watching and sweat.
No easy task, etc... The spirit of God, that assists the
sacred penmen, does not exempt them from labour in seeking
out the matter which they are to treat of, and the order
and manner in which they are to deliver it. So St. Luke
writ the gospel having diligently attained to all things.
Luke 1. ver. 3.
2:28. But as they that prepare a feast, and seek to satisfy
the will of others: for the sake of many, we willingly
undergo the labour.
2:29. Leaving to the authors the exact handling of every
particular, and as for ourselves, according to the plan
proposed, studying to be brief.
2:30. For as the master builder of a new house must have
care of the whole building: but he that taketh care to
paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning of it:
so must it be judged of us.
2:31. For to collect all that is to be known, to put the
discourse in order, and curiously to discuss every
particular point, is the duty of the author of a history:
2:32. But to pursue brevity of speech, and to avoid nice
declarations of things, is to be granted to him that maketh
an abridgment.
2:33. Here then we will begin the narration: let this be
enough by way of a preface: for it is a foolish thing to
make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.
2 Machabees Chapter 3
Heliodorus is sent by king Seleucus to take away the
treasures deposited in the temple. He is struck by God, and
healed by the prayers of the high priest.
3:1. Therefore, when the holy city was inhabited with all
peace, and the laws as yet were very well kept, because of
the godliness of Onias, the high priest and the hatred his
soul had of evil,
3:2. It came to pass that even the kings themselves and the
princes esteemed the place worthy of the highest honour,
and glorified the temple with very great gifts:
3:3. So that Seleucus, king of Asia, allowed out of his
revenues all the charges belonging to the ministry of the
sacrifices.
Seleucus... Son of Antiochus the Great, and elder brother
of Antiochus Epiphanes.
3:4. But one Simon, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was
appointed overseer of the temple, strove in opposition to
the high priest, to bring about some unjust thing in the
city.
3:5. And when he could not overcome Onias, he went to
Apollonius, the son of Tharseas, who at that time was
governor of Celesyria, and Phenicia:
3:6. And told him, that the treasury in Jerusalem was full
of immense sums of money, and the common store was
infinite, which did not belong to the account of the
sacrifices: and that it was possible to bring all into the
king's hands.
3:7. Now when Apollonius had given the king notice
concerning the money that he was told of, he called for
Heliodorus, who had the charge over his affairs, and sent
him with commission to bring him the foresaid money.
3:8. So Heliodorus forthwith began his journey, under a
colour of visiting the cities of Celesyria and Phenicia,
but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose.
3:9. And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been
courteously received in the city by the high priest, he
told him what information had been given concerning the
money: and declared the cause for which he was come: and
asked if these things were so indeed.
3:10. Then the high priest told him that these were sums
deposited, and provisions for the subsistence of the widows
and the fatherless:
3:11. And that some part of that which wicked Simon had
given intelligence of belonged to Hircanus, son of Tobias,
a man of great dignity; and that the whole was four hundred
talents of silver, and two hundred of gold.
3:12. But that to deceive them who had trusted to the place
and temple which is honoured throughout the whole world,
for the reverence and holiness of it, was a thing which
could not by any means be done.
3:13. But he, by reason of the orders he had received from
the king, said, that by all means the money must be carried
to the king.
3:14. So on the day he had appointed, Heliodorus entered in
to order this matter. But there was no small terror
throughout the whole city.
3:15. And the priests prostrated themselves before the
altar in their priests' vestments, and called upon him from
heaven, who made the law concerning things given to be
kept, that he would preserve them safe, for them that had
deposited them.
3:16. Now whosoever saw the countenance of the high priest,
was wounded in heart: for his face, and the changing of his
colour, declared the inward sorrow of his mind.
3:17. For the man was so compassed with sadness and horror
of the body, that it was manifest to them that beheld him,
what sorrow he had in his heart.
3:18. Others also came flocking together out of their
houses, praying and making public supplication, because the
place was like to come into contempt.
3:19. And the women, girded with haircloth about their
breasts, came together in the streets. And the virgins also
that were shut up, came forth, some to Onias, and some to
the walls, and others looked out of the windows.
3:20. And all holding up their hands towards heaven made
supplication.
3:21. For the expectation of the mixed multitude, and of
the high priest, who was in an agony, would have moved any
one to pity.
3:22. And these indeed called upon almighty God, to
preserve the things that had been committed to them safe
and sure for those that had committed them.
3:23. But Heliodorus executed that which he had resolved
on, himself being present in the same place with his guard
about the treasury.
3:24. But the spirit of the Almighty God gave a great
evidence of his presence, so that all that had presumed to
obey him, falling down by the power of God, were struck
with fainting and dread.
3:25. For there appeared to them a horse, with a terrible
rider upon him, adorned with a very rich covering: and he
ran fiercely and struck Heliodorus with his fore feet, and
he that sat upon him seemed to have armour of gold.
3:26. Moreover there appeared two other young men,
beautiful and strong, bright and glorious, and in comely
apparel: who stood by him, on either side, and scourged him
without ceasing with many stripes.
3:27. And Heliodorus suddenly fell to the ground, and they
took him up, covered with great darkness, and having put
him into a litter, they carried him out.
3:28. So he that came with many servants, and all his
guard, into the aforesaid treasury, was carried out, no one
being able to help him, the manifest power of God being
known.
3:29. And he indeed, by the power of God, lay speechless,
and without all hope of recovery.
3:30. But they praised the Lord, because he had glorified
his place: and the temple, that a little before was full of
fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was
filled with joy and gladness.
3:31. Then some of the friends of Heliodorus forthwith
begged of Onias, that he would call upon the Most High to
grant him his life, who was ready to give up the ghost.
3:32. So the high priest, considering that the king might
perhaps suspect that some mischief had been done to
Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice of health for
the recovery of the man.
3:33. And when the high priest was praying, the same young
men in the same clothing stood by Heliodorus, and said to
him: Give thanks to Onias the priest: because for his sake
the Lord hath granted thee life.
3:34. And thou having been scourged by God, declare unto
all men the great works and the power of God. And having
spoken thus, they appeared no more.
3:35. So Heliodorus, after he had offered a sacrifice to
God, and made great vows to him, that had granted him life,
and given thanks to Onias, taking his troops with him,
returned to the king.
3:36. And he testified to all men the works of the great
God, which he had seen with his own eyes.
3:37. And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a
fit man to be sent yet once more to Jerusalem, he said:
3:38. If thou hast any enemy, or traitor to thy king dom,
send him thither, and thou shalt receive him again
scourged, if so be he escape: for there is undoubtedly in
that place a certain power of God.
3:39. For he that hath his dwelling in the heavens, is the
visiter and protector of that place, and he striketh and
destroyeth them that come to do evil to it.
3:40. And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping
of thc treasury, fell out in this manner
2 Machabees Chapter 4
Onias has recourse to the king. The ambition and wickedness
of Jason and Menelaus. Onias is treacherously murdered.
4:1. But Simon, of whom we spoke before, who was the
betrayer of the money, and of his country, spoke ill of
Onias, as though he had incited Heliodorus to do these
things, and had been the promoter of evils:
4:2. And he presumed to call him a traitor to the kingdom,
who provided for the city, and defended his nation, and was
zealous for the law of God.
4:3. But when the enmities proceeded so far, that murders
also were committed by some of Simon's friends:
4:4. Onias, considering the danger of this contention, and
that Apollonius, who was the governor of Celesyia, and
Phenicia, was outrageous, which increased the malice of
Simon, went to the king,
4:5. Not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but with view
to the common good of all the people.
4:6. For he saw that, except the king took care, it was
impossible that matters should be settled in peace, or that
Simon would cease from his folly.
4:7. But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, who
was called the Illustrious, had taken possession of the
kingdom, Jason, the brother of Onias, ambitiously sought
the high priesthood:
4:8. And went to the king, promising him three hundred and
sixty talents of silver, and out of other revenues
fourscore talents.
4:9. Besides this he promised also a hundred and fifty
more, if he might have license to set him up a place for
exercise, and a place for youth, and to entitle them that
were at Jerusalem, Antiochians.
4:10. Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten
the rule into his hands, forthwith he began to bring over
his countrymen to the fashion of the heathens.
4:11. And abolishing those things, which had been decreed
of special favour by the kings in behalf of the Jews, by
the means of John, the father of that Eupolemus, who went
ambassador to Rome to make amity and alliance, he
disannulled the lawful ordinances of the citizens, and
brought in fashions that were perverse.
4:12. For he had the boldness to set up, under the very
castle, a place of exercise, and to put all the choicest
youths in brothel houses.
4:13. Now this was not the beginning, but an increase, and
progress of heathenish and foreign manners, through the
abominable and unheard of wickedness of Jason, that impious
wretch, and no priest.
4:14. Insomuch that the priests were not now occupied about
the offices of the altar, but despising the temple and
neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the
games, and of the unlawful allowance thereof, and of the
exercise of the discus.
4:15. And setting nought by the honours of their fathers,
they esteemed the Grecian glories for the best:
4:16. For the sake of which they incurred a dangerous
contention, and followed earnestly their ordinances, and in
all things they coveted to be like them, who were their
enemies and murderers.
4:17. For acting wickedly against the laws of God doth not
pass unpunished: but this the time following will declare.
4:18. Now when the game that was used every fifth year was
kept at Tyre, the king being present,
4:19. The wicked Jason sent from Jerusalem sinful men, to
carry three hundred didrachmas of silver for the sacrifice
of Hercules; but the bearers thereof desired it might not
be bestowed on the sacrifices, because it was not
necessary, but might be deputed for other charges.
4:20. So the money was appointed by him that sent it to the
sacrifice of Hercules: but because of them that carried it
was employed for thc making of galleys.
4:21. Now when Apollonius, the son of Mnestheus was sent
into Egypt to treat with the nobles of king Philometor, and
Antiochus understood that he was wholly excluded from the
affairs of the kingdom, consulting his own interest, he
departed thence and came to Joppe, and from thence to
Jerusalem.
4:22. Where he was received in a magnificent manner by
Jason, and the city, and came in with torch lights, and
with praises, and from thence he returned with his army
into Phenicia.
4:23. Three years afterwards Jason sent Menelaus, brother
of the aforesaid Simon, to carry money to the king, and to
bring answers from him concerning certain necessary
affairs.
4:24. But he being recommended to the king, when he had
magnified the appearance of his power, got the high
priesthood for himself, by offering more than Jason by
three hundred talents of silver.
4:25. So having received the king's mandate, he returned,
bringing nothing worthy of the high priesthood: but having
the mind of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.
4:26. Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being
himself undermined, was driven out a fugitive into the
country of the Ammonites.
4:27. So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the
money he had promised to the king, he took no care, when
Sostratus, the governor of the castle, called for it.
4:28. For to him appertained the gathering of the taxes:
wherefore they were both called before the king.
4:29. And Menelaus was removed from the priesthood,
Lysimachus, his brother, succeeding: and Sostratus alas
made governor of the Cyprians.
4:30. When these things were in doing, it fell out that
they of Tharsus, and Mallos, raised a sedition, because
they were given for a gift to Antiochus, the king's
concubine.
4:31. The king, therefore, went in all haste to appease
them, leaving Andronicus, one of his nobles, for his
deputy.
4:32. Then Menelaus supposing that he had found a
convenient time, having stolen certain vessels of gold out
of the temple, gave them to Andronicus, and others he had
sold at Tyre, and in the neighbouring cities:
4:33. Which when Onias understood most certainly, he
reproved him, keeping himself in a safe place at Antioch,
beside Daphne.
4:34. Whereupon Menelaus coming to Andronicus, desired him
to kill Onias. And he went to Onias, and gave him his right
hand with an oath, and (though he were suspected by him)
persuaded him to come forth out of the sanctuary, and
immediately slew him, without any regard to justice.
4:35. For which cause not only the Jews, but also the other
nations, conceived indignation, and were much grieved for
the unjust murder of so great a man.
4:36. And when the king was come back from the places of
Cilicia, the Jews that were at Antioch, and also the
Greeks, went to him: complaining of the unjust murder of
Onias.
4:37. Antiochus, therefore, was grieved in his mind for
Onias, and being moved to pity, shed tears, remembering the
sobriety and modesty of the deceased.
4:38. And being inflamed to anger, he commanded Andronicus
to be stripped of his purple, and to be led about through
all the city: and that in the same place wherein he had
committed the impiety against Onias, the sacrilegious
wretch should be put to death, the Lord repaying him his
deserved punishment.
4:39. Now when many sacrileges had been committed by
Lysimachus in the temple, by the counsel of Menelaus, and
the rumour of it was spread abroad, the multitude gathered
themselves together against Lysimachus, a great quantity of
gold being already carried away.
4:40. Wherefore the multitude making an insurrection, and
their minds being filled with anger, Lysimachus armed about
three thousand men, and began to use violence, one Tyrannus
being captain, a man far gone both in age and in madness.
4:41. But when they perceived the attempt of Lysimachus,
some caught up stones, some strong clubs, and some threw
ashes upon Lysimachus.
4:42. And many of them were wounded, and some struck down
to the ground, but all were put to flight: and as for the
sacrilegious fellow himself, they slew him beside the
treasury.
4:43. Now concerning these matters, an accusation was laid
against Menelaus.
4:44. And when the king was come to Tyre, three men were
sent from the ancients to plead the cause before him.
4:45. But Menelaus being convicted, promised Ptolemee to
give him much money to persuade the king to favour him.
Ptolemee... The son of Dorymenus, a favourite of the king.
4:46. So Ptolemee went to the king in a certain court where
he was, as it were to cool himself, and brought him to be
of another mind:
4:47. So Menelaus, who was guilty of all the evil, was
acquitted by him of the accusations: and those poor men,
who, if they had pleaded their cause even before Scythians,
should have been judged innocent, were condemned to death.
4:48. Thus they that persecuted the cause for the city, and
for the people, and the sacred vessels, did soon suffer
unjust punishment.
4:49. Wherefore even the Tyrians, being moved with
indignation, were very liberal towards their burial.
4:50. And so through the covetousness of them that were in
power, Menelaus continued in authority, increasing in
malice to the betraying of the citizens.
2 Machabees Chapter 5
Wonderful signs are seen in the air. Jason's wickedness and
end. Antiochus takes Jerusalem, and plunders the temple.
5:1. At the same time Antiochus prepared for a second
journey into Egypt.
5:2. And it came to pass, that through the whole city of
Jerusalem, for the space of forty days, there were seen
horsemen running in the air, in gilded raiment, and armed
with spears, like bands of soldiers.
5:3. And horses set in order by ranks, running one against
another, with the shakings of shields, and a multitude of
men in helmets, with drawn swords, and casting of darts,
and glittering of golden armour, and of harnesses of all
sorts.
5:4. Wherefore all men prayed that these prodigies might
turn to good.
5:5. Now when there was gone forth a false rumour as though
Antiochus had been dead, Jason taking with him no fewer
than a thousand men, suddenly assaulted the city: and
though the citizens ran together to the wall, the city at
length was taken, and Menelaus fled into the castle.
5:6. But Jason slew his countrymen without mercy, not
considering that prosperity against one's own kindred is a
very great evil, thinking they had been enemies, and not
citizens, whom he conquered.
5:7. Yet he did not get the principality, but received
confusion at the end, for the reward of his treachery, and
fled again into the country of the Ammonites.
5:8. At the last, having been shut up by Aretas, the king
of the Arabians, in order for his destruction, flying from
city to city, hated by all men, as a forsaker of the laws
and execrable, as an enemy of his country and countrymen,
he was thrust out into Egypt:
5:9. And he that had driven many out of their country
perished in a strange land, going to Lacedemon, as if for
kindred sake he should have refuge there:
5:10. But he that had cast out many unburied, was himself
cast forth both unlamented and unburied, neither having
foreign burial, nor being partaker of the sepulchre of his
fathers.
5:11. Now when these things were done, the king suspected
that the Jews would forsake the alliance: whereupon
departing out of Egypt with a furious mind, he took the
city by force of arms,
5:12. And commanded the soldiers to kill, and not to spare
any that came in their way, and to go up into the houses to
slay.
5:13. Thus there was a slaughter of young and old,
destruction of women and children, and killing of virgins
and infants.
5:14. And there were slain in the space of three whole days
fourscore thousand, forty thousand were made prisoners, and
as many sold.
5:15. But this was not enough, he presumed also to enter
into the temple, the most holy in all the world Menelaus,
that traitor to the laws, and to his country, being his
guide.
5:16. And taking in his wicked hands the holy vessels,
which were given by other kings and cities, for the
ornament and the glory of the place, he unworthily handled
and profaned them.
5:17. Thus Antiochus going astray in mind, did not consider
that God was angry for a while, because of the sins of the
inhabitants of the city: and therefore this contempt had
happened to the place:
5:18. Otherwise had they not been involved in many sins, as
Heliodorus, who was sent by king Seleucus to rob the
treasury, so this man also, as soon as he had come, had
been forthwith scourged, and put back from his presumption.
5:19. But God did not choose the people for the place's
sake, but the place for the people's sake.
5:20. And, therefore, the place also itself was made
partaker of the evils of the people: but afterwards shall
communicate in the good things thereof, and as it was
forsaken in the wrath of Almighty God, shall be exalted
again with great glory, when the great Lord shall be
reconciled.
5:21. So when Antiochus had taken away out of the temple a
thousand and eight hundred talents, he went back in all
haste to Antioch, thinking through pride that he might now
make the land navigable, and the sea passable on foot: such
was the haughtiness of his mind.
5:22. He left also governors to afflict the people: at
Jerusalem, Philip, a Phrygian by birth, but in manners more
barbarous than he that set him there:
5:23. And in Gazarim, Andronicus and Menelaus, who bore a
more heavy hand upon the citizens than the rest.
5:24. And whereas he was set against the Jews, he sent that
hateful prince, Apollonius, with an army of two and twenty
thousand men, commanding him to kill all that were of
perfect age, and to sell the women and the younger sort.
5:25. Who, when he was come to Jerusalem, pretending peace,
rested till the holy day of the sabbath: and then the Jews
keeping holiday, he commanded his men to take arms.
5:26. And he slew all that were come forth to flee: and
running through the city with armed men, he destroyed a
very great multitude.
5:27. But Judas Machabeus, who was the tenth, had withdrawn
himself into a desert place, and there lived amongst wild
beasts in the mountains with his company: and they
continued feeding on herbs, that they might not be
partakers of the pollution.
Was the tenth... That is, he had nine others in his
company.
2 Machabees Chapter 6
Antiochus commands the law to be abolished, sets up an idol
in the temple, and persecutes the faithful. The martyrdom
of Eleazar.
6:1. But not long after the king sent a certain old man of
Antioch, to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of
their fathers and of God:
6:2. And to defile the temple that was in Jerusalem, and to
call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius: and that in
Garazim of Jupiter Hospitalis, according as they were that
inhabited the place.
That in Gazarim... Viz., the temple of the Samaritans. And
as they were originally strangers, the name of Hospitalis
(which signifies of or belonging to strangers) was
applicable to the idol set up in their temple.
6:3. And very bad was this invasion of evils, and grievous
to all.
6:4. For the temple was full of the riot and revellings of
the Gentiles: and of men lying with lewd women. And women
thrust themselves of their accord into the holy places, and
brought in things that were not lawful.
6:5. The altar also was filled with unlawful things, which
were forbidden by the laws.
6:6. And neither were the sabbaths kept, nor the solemn
days of the fathers observed, neither did any man plainly
profess himself to be a Jew.
6:7. But they were led by bitter constraint on the king's
birthday to the sacrifices: and when the feast of Bacchus
was kept, they were compelled to go about crowned with ivy
in honour of Bacchus.
6:8. And there went out a decree into the neighbouring
cities of the Gentiles, by the suggestion of the
Ptolemeans, that they also should act in like manner
against the Jews, to oblige them to sacrifice:
6:9. And whosoever would not conform themselves to the ways
of the Gentiles, should be put to death: then was misery to
be seen.
6:10. For two women were accused to have circumcised their
children: whom, when they had openly led about through the
city, with the infants hanging at their breasts, they threw
down headlong from the walls.
6:11. And others that had met together in caves that were
near, and were keeping the sabbath day privately, being
discovered by Philip, were burnt with fire, because they
made a conscience to help themselves with their hands, by
reason of the religious observance of the day.
Philip... The governor of Jerusalem.
6:12. Now I beseech those that shall read this book, that
they be not shocked at these calamities, but that they
consider the things that happened, not as being for the
destruction, but for the correction of our nation.
6:13. For it is a token of great goodness, when sinners are
not suffered to go on in their ways for a long time, but
are presently punished.
6:14. For, not as with other nations, (whom the Lord
patiently expecteth, that when the day of judgment shall
come, he may punish them in the fulness of their sins:)
6:15. Doth he also deal with us, so as to suffer our sins
to come to their height, and then take vengeance on us.
6:16. And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us:
but though he chastise his people with adversity he
forsaketh them not.
6:17. But let this suffice in a few words for a warning to
the readers. And now we must come to the narration.
6:18. Eleazar one of the chief of the scribes, a man
advanced in years, and of a comely countenance, was pressed
to open his mouth to eat swine's flesh.
6:19. But he, choosing rather a most glorious death than a
hateful life, went forward voluntarily to the torment.
6:20. And considering in what manner he was to come to it,
patiently bearing, he determined not to do any unlawful
things for the love of life.
6:21. But they that stood by, being moved with wicked pity,
for the old friendship they had with the man, taking him
aside, desired that flesh might be brought which it was
lawful for him to eat, that he might make as if he had
eaten, as the king had commanded, of the flesh of the
sacrifice:
Wicked pity... Their pity was wicked, inasmuch as it
suggested that wicked proposal of saving his life by
dissimulation.
6:22. That by so doing he might be delivered from death;
and for the sake of their old friendship with the man, they
did him this courtesy.
6:23. But he began to consider the dignity of his age, and
his ancient years, and the inbred honour of his grey head,
and his good life and conversation from a child; and he
answered without delay, according to the ordinances of the
holy law made by God, saying, that he would rather be sent
into the other world.
6:24. For it doth not become our age, said he, to
dissemble: whereby many young persons might think that
Eleazar, at the age of fourscore and ten years, was gone
over to the life of the heathens:
6:25. And so they, through my dissimulation, and for a
little time of a corruptible life, should be deceived, and
hereby I should bring a stain and a curse upon my old age.
6:26. For though, for the present time, I should be
delivered from the punishments of men, yet should I not
escape the hand of the Almighty neither alive nor dead.
6:27. Wherefore, by departing manfully out of this life, I
shall shew myself worthy of my old age:
6:28. And I shall leave an example of fortitude to young
men, if with a ready mind and constancy I suffer an
honourable death, for thc most venerable and most holy
laws. And having spoken thus, he was forthwith carried to
execution.
6:29. And they that led him, and had been a little before
more mild, were changed to wrath for the words he had
spoken, which they thought were uttered out of arrogancy.
6:30. But when be was now ready to die with the stripes, he
groaned: and said: O Lord, who hast the holy knowledge,
thou knowest manifestly that whereas I might be delivered
from death, I suffer grievous pains in body: but in soul am
well content to suffer these things, because I fear thee.
6:31. Thus did this man die, leaving not only to young men,
but also to the whole nation, the memory of his death, for
an example of virtue and fortitude.
2 Machabees Chapter 7
The glorious martyrdom of the seven brethren and their
mother.
7:1. It came to pass also, that seven brethren, together
with their mother, were apprehended, and compelled by the
king to eat swine's flesh against the law, for which end
they were tormented with whips and scourges.
7:2. But one of them, who was the eldest, said thus: What
wouldst thou ask, or learn of us? we are ready to die,
rather than to transgress the laws of God, received from
our fathers.
7:3. Then the king being angry, commanded fryingpans and
brazen caldrons to be made hot: which forthwith being
heated,
7:4. He commanded to cut out the tongue of him that had
spoken first: and the skin of his head being drawn off, to
chop off also the extremities of his hands and feet, the
rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.
7:6. And when he was now maimed in all parts, he commanded
him, being yet alive, to be brought to the fire, and to be
fried in the fryingpan: and while he was suffering therein
long torments, the rest, together with the mother, exhorted
one another to die manfully,
7:6. Saying: The Lord God will look upon the truth, and
will take pleasure in us, as Moses declared in the
profession of the canticle; And in his servants he will
take pleasure.
7:7. So when the first was dead after this manner, they
brought the next to make him a mocking stock: and when they
had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they
asked him if he would eat, before he were punished
throughout the whole body in every limb. 7:8. But he
answered in his own language, and said: I will not do it.
Wherefore he also, in the next place, received the torments
of the first:
7:9. And when he was at the last gasp, he said thus: Thou
indeed, O most wicked man, destroyest us out of this
present life: but the King of the world will raise us up,
who die for his laws, in the resurrection of eternal life.
7:10. After him the third was made a mocking-stock, and
when he was required, he quickly put forth his tongue, and
courageously stretched out his hands:
7:11. And said with confidence: These I have from heaven,
but for the laws of God I now despise them, because I hope
to receive them again from him.
7:12. So that the king, and they that were with him,
wondered at the young man's courage, because he esteemed
the torments as nothing.
7:13. And after he was thus dead, they tormented the fourth
in the like manner.
7:14. And when he was now ready to die, he spoke thus: It
is better, being put to death by men, to look for hope from
God, to be raised up again by him; for, as to thee, thou
shalt have no resurrection unto life.
7:15. And when they had brought the fifth, they tormented
him. But he, looking upon the king, 7:16. Said: Whereas
thou hast power among men though thou art corruptible, thou
dost what thou wilt but think not that our nation is
forsaken by God.
7:17. But stay patiently a while, and thou shalt see his
great power, in what manner he will torment thee and thy
seed.
7:18. After him they brought the sixth, and he being ready
to die, spoke thus: Be not deceived without cause: for we
suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against
our God, and things worthy of admiration are done to us:
7:19. But do not think that thou shalt escape unpunished,
for that thou hast attempted to fight against God.
7:20. Now the mother was to be admired above measure, and
worthy to be remembered by good men, who beheld her seven
sons slain in the space of one day, and bore it with a good
courage, for the hope that she had in God:
7:21. And she bravely exhorted every one of them in her own
language, being filled with wisdom; and joining a man's
heart to a woman's thought,
7:22. She said to them: I know not how you were formed in
my womb; for I neither gave you breath, nor soul, nor life,
neither did I frame the limbs of every one of you.
7:23. But the Creator of the world, that formed the
nativity of man, and that found out the origin of all, he
will restore to you again, in his mercy, both breath and
life, as now you despise yourselves for the sake of his
laws.
7:24. Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and withal
despising the voice of the upbraider, when the youngest was
yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also
assured him with an oath, that he would make him a rich and
a happy man, and, if he would turn from the laws of his
fathers, would take him for a friend, and furnish him with
things necessary.
7:25. But when the young man was not moved with these
things, the king called the mother, and counselled her to
deal with the young man to save his life.
7:26. And when he had exhorted her with many words she
promised that she would counsel her son.
7:27. So bending herself towards him, mocking the cruel
tyrant, she said in her own language: My son have pity upon
me, that bore thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee
suck three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up
unto this age.
7:28. I beseech thee, my son, look upon heaven and earth,
and all that is in them, and consider that God made them
out of nothing, and mankind also:
7:29. So thou shalt not fear this tormentor, but being made
a worthy partner with thy brethren, receive death, that in
that mercy I may receive thee again with thy brethren.
7:30. While she was yet speaking these words, the young man
said: For whom do you stay? I will not obey the commandment
of the king, but the commandment of the law which was given
us by Moses.
7:31. But thou that hast been the author of all mischief
against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hand of God.
7:32. For we suffer thus for our sins.
7:33. And though the Lord, our God, is angry with us a
little while, for our chastisement and correction, yet he
will be reconciled again to his servants.
7:34. But thou, O wicked, and of all men most flagitious,
be not lifted up without cause with vain hopes, whilst thou
art raging against his servants.
7:35. For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of the
Almighty God, who beholdeth all things.
7:36. For my brethren having now undergone a short pain,
are under the covenant of eternal life: but thou, by the
judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy
pride.
7:37. But I, like my brethren, offer up my life and my body
for the laws of our fathers: calling upon God to be
speedily merciful to our nation, and that thou by torments
and stripes mayst confess that he alone is God.
7:38. But in me, and in my brethren, the wrath of the
Almighty, which hath justly been brought upon all our
nation, shall cease.
7:39. Then the king being incensed with anger, raged
against him more cruelly than all the rest, taking it
grievously that he was mocked.
7:40. So this man also died undefiled, wholly trusting in
the Lord.
7:41. And last of all, after the sons, the mother also was
consumed.
7:42. But now there is enough said of the sacrifices and of
the excessive cruelties.
2 Machabees Chapter 8
Judas Machabeus gathering an army gains divers victories.
8:1. But Judas Machabeus, and they that were with him, went
privately into the towns: and calling together their
kinsmen and friends, and taking unto them such as continued
in the Jews' religion, they assembled six thousand men.
8:2. And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon
his people that was trodden down by all and would have pity
on the temple, that was defiled by the wicked:
8:3. That he would have pity also upon the city that was
destroyed, that was ready to be made even with the ground,
and would hear the voice of the blood that cried to him:
8:4. That he would remember also the most unjust deaths of
innocent children, and the blasphemies offered to his name,
and would shew his indignation on this occasion.
8:5. Now when Machabeus had gathered a multitude, he could
not be withstood by the heathens: for the wrath of the Lord
was turned into mercy.
8:6. So coming unawares upon the towns and cities, he set
them on fire, and taking possession of the most commodious
places, he made no small slaughter of the enemies:
8:7. And especially in the nights he went upon these
expeditions, and the fame of his valour was spread abroad
every where.
8:8. Then Philip seeing that the man gained ground by
little and little, and that things for the most part
succeeded prosperously with him, wrote to Ptolemee, the
governor of Celesyria and Phenicia, to send aid to the
king's affairs.
Philip seeing, etc... The governor of Jerusalem found
himself unable to contend with Judas, especially after
the victories he had obtained over Apollonius and Seron.
1 Mac. 3.
8:9. And he with all speed sent Nicanor, the son of
Patroclus, one of his special friends, giving him no fewer
than twenty thousand armed men of different nations, to
root out the whole race of the Jews, joining also with him
Gorgias, a good soldier, and of great experience in matters
of war.
Twenty thousand... The whole number of the forces sent at
that time into Judea, was 40,000 footmen, and 7000
horsemen, 1 Mac. 3.30. But only 20,000 are here taken
notice of, because there were no more with Nicanor at the
time of the battle.
8:1O. And Nicanor purposed to raise for the king the
tribute of two thousand talents, that was to be given to
the Romans, by making so much money of the captive Jews:
8:11. Wherefore he sent immediately to the cities upon the
sea coast, to invite men together to buy up the Jewish
slaves, promising that they should have ninety slaves for
one talent, not reflecting on the vengeance which was to
follow him from the Almighty.
8:12. Now when Judas found that Nicanor was coming, he
imparted to the Jews that were with him, that the enemy was
at hand.
8:13. And some of them being afraid, and distrusting the
justice of God, fled away.
8:14. Others sold all that they had left, and withal
besought the Lord, that he would deliver them from the
wicked Nicanor, who had sold them before he came near them:
8:15. And if not for their sakes, yet for the covenant that
he had made with their fathers, and for the sake of his
holy and glorious name that was invoked upon them.
8:16. But Machabeus calling together seven thousand that
were with him, exhorted them not to be reconciled to the
enemies, nor to fear the multitude of the enemies who came
wrongfully against them, but to fight manfully:
Seven thousand... In the Greek it is six thousand. But
then three thousand of them had no arms. 1 Mac. 4.6.
8:17. Setting before their eyes the injury they had
unjustly done the holy place, and also the injury they had
done to the city, which had been shamefully abused, besides
their destroying the ordinances of the fathers.
8:18. For, said he, they trust in their weapons, and in
their boldness: but we trust in the Almighty Lord, who at a
beck can utterly destroy both them that come against us,
and the whole world.
8:19. Moreover, he put them in mind also of the helps their
fathers had received from God: and how, under Sennacherib,
a hundred and eighty-five thousand had been destroyed.
8:20. And of the battle that they had fought against the
Galatians, in Babylonia; how they, being in all but six
thousand, when it came to the point, and the Macedonians,
their companions, were at a stand, slew a hundred and
twenty thousand, because of the help they had from heaven,
and for this they received many favours.
Galatians... That is, the Gauls, who having ravaged Italy
and Greece, poured themselves in upon Asia, in immense
multitudes, where also they founded the kingdom of Galatia
or Gallo Graecia.
8:21. With these words they were greatly encouraged and
disposed even to die for the laws and their country.
8:22. So he appointed his brethren captains over each
division of his army; Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan,
giving to each one fifteen hundred men.
8:23. And after the holy book had been read to them by
Esdras, and he had given them for a watchword, The help of
God: himself leading the first band, he joined battle with
Nicanor:
8:24. And the Almighty being their helper, they slew above
nine thousand men: and having wounded and disabled the
greater part of Nicanor's army, they obliged them to fly.
Above nine thousand... Viz., including the three thousand
slain in the pursuit.
8:25. And they took the money of them that came to buy
them, and they pursued them on every side.
8:26. But they came back for want of time: for it was the
day before the sabbath: and therefore they did not continue
the pursuit.
8:27. But when they had gathered together their arms and
their spoils, they kept the sabbath: blessing the Lord who
had delivered them that day, distilling the beginning of
mercy upon them.
8:28. Then after the sabbath they divided the spoils to the
feeble and the orphans, and the widows, and the rest they
took for themselves and their servants.
8:29. When this was done, and they had all made a common
supplication, they besought the merciful Lord, to be
reconciled to his servants unto the end.
8:30. Moreover, they slew above twenty thousand of them
that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought against
them, and they made themselves masters of the high strong
holds: and they divided amongst them many spoils, giving
equal portions to the feeble, the fatherless, and the
widows; yea, and the aged also
8:31. And when they had carefully gathered together their
arms, they laid them all up in convenient places, and the
residue of their spoils they carried to Jerusalem:
8:32. They slew also Philarches, who was with Timotheus, a
wicked man, who had many ways afflicted the Jews.
8:33. And when they kept the feast of the victory at
Jerusalem, they burnt Callisthenes, that had set fire to
the holy gates, who had taken refuge in a certain house,
rendering to him a worthy reward for his impieties:
8:34. But as for that most wicked man, Nicanor, who had
brought a thousand merchants to the sale of the Jews,
8:35. Being, through the help of the Lord, brought down by
them, of whom he had made no account, laying aside his
garment of glory, fleeing through the midland country, he
came alone to Antioch, being rendered very unhappy by the
destruction of his army.
Laying aside his garment of glory... That is, his splendid
apparel, which he wore through ostentation; he now throws
it off, lest he should be known on his flight.
8:36. And he that had promised to levy the tribute for the
Romans, by the means of the captives of Jerusalem, now
professed that the Jews had God for their protector, and
therefore they could not be hurt, because they followed the
laws appointed by him.
2 Machabees Chapter 9
The wretched end, and fruitless repentance of king
Antiochus.
9:1. At that time Antiochus returned with dishonour out of
Persia.
9:2. For he had entered into the city called Persepolis,
and attempted to rob the temple, and to oppress the city,
but the multitude running together to arms, put them to
flight: and so it fell out that Antiochus being put to
flight, returned with disgrace.
Persepolis... Otherwise called Elymais.
9:3. Now when he was come about Ecbatana, he received the
news of what had happened to Nicanor and Timotheus.
9:4. And swelling with anger, he thought to revenge upon
the Jews the injury done by them that had put him to
flight. And therefore he commanded his chariot to be
driven, without stopping in his journey, the judgment of
heaven urging him forward, because he had spoken so
proudly, that he would come to Jerusalem, and make it a
common burying place of the Jews.
9:5. But the Lord, the God of Israel, that seeth all
things, struck him with an incurable and an invisible
plague. For as soon as he had ended these words, a dreadful
pain in his bowels came upon him, and bitter torments of
the inner parts.
9:6. And indeed very justly, seeing he had tormented the
bowels of others with many and new torments, albeit he by
no means ceased from his malice.
9:7. Moreover, being filled with pride, breathing out fire
in his rage against the Jews, and commanding the matter to
be hastened, it happened as he was going with violence,
that he fell from the chariot, so that his limbs were much
pained by a grievous bruising of the body.
9:8. Thus he that seemed to himself to command even the
waves of the sea, being proud above the condition of man,
and to weigh the heights of the mountains in a balance, now
being cast down to the ground, was carried in a litter,
bearing witness to the manifest power of God in himself:
9:9. So that worms swarmed out of the body of this man, and
whilst he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell off, and
the filthiness of his smell was noisome to the army.
9:10. And the man that thought a little before he could
reach to the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry,
for the intolerable stench.
9:11. And by this means, being brought from his great
pride, he began to come to the knowledge of himself, being
admonished by the scourge of God, his pains increasing
every moment.
9:12. And when he himself could not now abide his own
stench, he spoke thus: It is just to be subject to God, and
that a mortal man should not equal himself to God.
9:13. Then this wicked man prayed to the Lord, of whom he
was not like to obtain mercy.
Of whom he was not like to obtain mercy... Because his
repentance was not for the offence committed against God:
but barely on account of his present sufferings.
9:14. And the city, to which he was going in haste to lay
it even with the ground, and to make it a common burying
place, he now desireth to make free:
9:15. And the Jews, whom he said he would not account
worthy to be so much as buried, but would give them up to
be devoured by the birds and wild beasts, and would utterly
destroy them with their children, he now promiseth to make
equal with the Athenians.
9:16. The holy temple also, which before he had spoiled, he
promised to adorn with goodly gifts, and to multiply the
holy vessels, and to allow out of his revenues the charges
pertaining to the sacrifices.
9:17. Yea also, that he would become a Jew himself, and
would go through every place of the earth, and declare the
power of God.
9:18. But his pains not ceasing, (for the just judgment of
God was come upon him) despairing of life, he wrote to the
Jews, in the manner of a supplication, a letter in these
words:
9:19. To his very good subjects the Jews, Antiochus, king
and ruler, wisheth much health, and welfare, and happiness.
9:20. If you and your children are well, and if all matters
go with you to your mind, we give very great thanks.
9:21. As for me, being infirm, but yet kindly remembering
you, returning out of the places of Persia, and being taken
with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to take
care for the common good:
9:22. Not distrusting my life, but having great hope to
escape the sickness.
9:23. But considering that my father also, at what time he
led an army into the higher countries, appointed who should
reign after him:
9:24. To the end that if any thing contrary to expectation
should fall out, or any bad tidings should be brought, they
that were in the countries, knowing to whom the whole
government was left, might not be troubled.
9:25. Moreover, considering that neighbouring princes, and
borderers, wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be
the event, I have appointed my son, Antiochus, king, whom I
often recommended to many of you, when I went into the
higher provinces: and I have written to him what I have
joined here below.
9:26. I pray you, therefore, and request of you, that,
remembering favours both public and private, you will every
man of you continue to be faithful to me and to my son.
9:27. For I trust that he will behave with moderation and
humanity, and following my intentions, will be gracious
unto you.
9:28. Thus the murderer and blasphemer being grievously
struck, as himself had treated others, died a miserable
death in a strange country, among the mountains.
9:29. But Philip, that was brought up with him, carried
away his body: and out of fear of the son of Antiochus,
went into Egypt to Ptolemee Philometor.
2 Machabees Chapter 10
The purification of the temple and city. Other exploits of
Judas. His victory over Timotheus.
10:1. But Machabeus, and they that were with him, by the
protection of the Lord, recovered the temple and the city
again.
10:2. But he threw down the altars which the heathens had
set up in the streets, as also the temples of the idols.
10:3. And having purified the temple, they made another
altar: and taking fire out of the fiery stones, they
offered sacrifices after two years, and set forth incense,
and lamps, and the loaves of proposition.
10:4. And when they had done these things, they besought
the Lord, lying prostrate on the ground, that they might no
more fall into such evils; but if they should at any time
sin, that they might be chastised by him more gently, and
not be delivered up to barbarians and blasphemous men.
10:5. Now upon the same day that the temple had been
polluted by the strangers on the very same day it was
cleansed again; to wit, on the five and twentieth day of
the month of Casleu.
10:6. And they kept eight days with joy, after the manner
of the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long
before they had kept the feast of the tabernacles when they
were in the mountains, and in dens like wild beasts.
10:7. Therefore they now carried boughs and green branches
and palms, for him that had given them good success in
cleansing his place.
10:8. And they ordained by a common statute, and decree,
that all the nation of the Jews should keep those days
every year.
10:9. And this was the end of Antiochus, that was called
the Illustrious.
10:10. But now we will repeat the acts of Eupator, the son
of that wicked Antiochus, abridging the account of the
evils that happened in the wars.
10:11. For when he was come to the crown, he appointed over
the affairs of his realm one Lysias, general of the army of
Phenicia and Syria.
10:12. For Ptolemee, that was called Macer, was determined
to be strictly just to the Jews and especially by reason of
the wrong that had been done them, and to deal peaceably
with them. 10:13. But being accused for this to Eupator by
his friends, and being oftentimes called traitor, because
he had left Cyprus, which Philometor had committed to him,
and coming over to Antiochus the Illustrious, had revolted
also from him, he put an end to his life by poison.
10:14. But Gorgias, who was governor of the holds, taking
with him the strangers, often fought against the Jews.
10:15. And the Jews that occupied the most commodious
holds, received those that were driven out of Jerusalem,
and attempted to make war.
The Jews, etc... He speaks of them that had fallen from
their religion, and were enemies of their country, who
joining with the Idumeans or Edomites, kept possession of
the strong holds, and from thence annoyed their
countrymen.
10:16. Then they that were with Machabeus, beseeching the
Lord by prayers to be their helper, made a strong attack
upon the strong holds of the Idumeans:
10:17. And assaulting them with great force, won the holds,
killed them that came in the way, and slew altogether no
fewer than twenty thousand.
10:18. And whereas some were fled into very strong towers,
having all manner of provision to sustain a siege,
10:19. Machabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zacheus, and
them that were with them, in sufficient number to besiege
them, and departed to those expeditions which urged more.
10:20. Now they that were with Simon, being led with
covetousness, were persuaded for the sake of money by some
that were in the towers: and taking seventy thousand
didrachmas, let some of them escape.
10:21. But when it was told Machabeus what was done, he
assembled the rulers of the people, and accused those men
that they had sold their brethren for money, having let
their adversaries escape. 10:22. So he put these traitors
to death, and forthwith took the two towers.
10:23. And having good success in arms, and all things he
took in hand, he slew more than twenty thousand in the two
holds.
10:24. But Timotheus, who before had been overcome by the
Jews, having called together a multitude of foreign troops,
and assembled horsemen out of Asia, came as though he would
take Judea by force of arms.
10:26. But Machabeus, and they that were with him, when he
drew near, prayed to the Lord, sprinkling earth upon their
heads, and girding their loins with haircloth,
10:26. And lying prostrate at the foot of the altar,
besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to
their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as
the law saith.
10:27. And so after prayer taking their arms, they went
forth further from the city, and when they were come very
near the enemies they rested.
10:28. But as soon as the sun was risen both sides joined
battle: the one part having, with their valour, the Lord
for a surety of victory, and success: but the other side
making their rage their leader in battle.
10:29. But when they were in the heat of the engagement,
there appeared to the enemies from heaven five men upon
horses, comely, with golden bridles, conducting the Jews:
10:30. Two of them took Machabeus between them, and covered
him on every side with their arms, and kept him safe; but
cast darts and fireballs against the enemy, so that they
fell down, being both confounded with blindness, and filled
with trouble.
10:31. And there were slain twenty thousand five hundred,
and six hundred horsemen.
10:32. But Timotheus fled into Gazara, a strong hold where
Chereas was governor.
10:33. Then Machabeus, and they that were with him
cheerfully laid siege to the fortress four days.
10:34. But they that were within, trusting to the strength
of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and cast forth
abominable words.
10:35. But when the fifth day appeared, twenty young men of
them that were with Machabeus, inflamed in their minds,
because of the blasphemy, approached manfully to the wall,
and pushing forward with fierce courage, got up upon it:
10:36. Moreover, others also getting up after them, went to
set fire to the towers and the gates, and to burn the
blasphemers alive.
10:37. And having for two days together pillaged and sacked
the fortress, they killed Timotheus, who was found hid in a
certain place: they slew also his brother Chereas, and
Apollophanes.
Timotheus... This man, who was killed at the taking of
Gazara, is different from that Timotheus who is mentioned
in the fifth chapter of the first book of Machabees, and
of whom there is mention in the following chapter.
10:38. And when this was done, they blessed the Lord with
hymns and thanksgiving, who had done great things in
Israel, and given them the victory.
2 Machabees Chapter 11
Lysias is overthrown by Judas. He sues for peace.
11:1. A short time after this Lysias, the king's
lieutenant, and cousin, and who had chief charge over all
the affairs, being greatly displeased with what had
happened,
11:2. Gathered together fourscore thousand men, and all the
horsemen, and came against the Jews, thinking to take the
city, and make it a habitation of the Gentiles:
11:3. And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other
temples of the Gentiles and to set the high priesthood to
sale every year:
11:4. Never considering the power of God, but puffed up in
mind, and trusting in the multitude of his foot soldiers,
and the thousands of his horsemen, and his fourscore
elephants.
11:5. So he came into Judea, and approaching to Bethsura,
which was in a narrow place, the space of five furlongs
from Jerusalem, he laid siege to that fortress.
11:6. But when Machabeus, and they that were with him,
understood that the strong holds were besieged, they and
all the people besought the Lord with lamentations and
tears, that he would send a good angel to save Israel.
11:7. Then Machabeus himself first taking his arms,
exhorted the rest to expose themselves together with him,
to the danger, and to succour their brethren.
11:8. And when they were going forth together with a
willing mind, there appeared at Jerusalem a horseman going
before them in white clothing, with golden armour, shaking
a spear.
11:9. Then they all together blessed the merciful Lord, and
took great courage: being ready to break through not only
men, but also the fiercest beasts, and walls of iron.
11:10. So they went on courageously, having a helper from
heaven, and the Lord, who shewed mercy to them.
11:11. And rushing violently upon the enemy, like lions,
they slew of them eleven thousand footmen, and one thousand
six hundred horsemen:
11:12. And put all the rest to flight; and many of them
being wounded, escaped naked: Yea, and Lysias himself fled
away shamefully, and escaped.
11:13. And as he was a man of understanding, considering
with himself the loss he had suffered, and perceiving that
the Hebrews could not be overcome, because they relied upon
the help of the Almighty God, he sent to them:
11:14. And promised that he would agree to all things that
are just, and that he would persuade the king to be their
friend.
11:15. Then Machabeus consented to the request of Lysias,
providing for the common good in all things; and whatsoever
Machabeus wrote to Lysias, concerning the Jews, the king
allowed of.
11:16. For there were letters written to the Jews from
Lysias, to this effect: Lysias, to the people of the Jews,
greeting.
11:17. John, and Abesalom, who were sent from you,
delivering your writings, requested that I would accomplish
those things which were signified by them. 11:18.
Therefore whatsoever things could be reported to the king,
I have represented to him: and he hath granted as much as
the matter permitted.
11:19. If, therefore, you will keep yourselves loyal in
affairs, hereafter also I will endeavour to be a means of
your good.
11:20. But as concerning other particulars, I have given
orders by word both to these, and to them that are sent by
me, to commune with you.
11:21. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and
forty-eight, the four and twentieth day of the month of
Dioscorus.
In the year 148... Viz., according to the computation
followed by the Greeks; which was different from that of
the Hebrews, followed by the writer of the first book of
Machabees. However, by this date, as well as by other
circumstances, it appears that the expedition of Lysias,
mentioned in this chapter, is different from that which
is recorded, 1 Mac. 6.
11:22. But the king's letter contained these words King
Antiochus to Lysias, his brother, greeting.
11:23. Our father being translated amongst the gods we are
desirous that they that are in our realm should live
quietly, and apply themselves diligently to their own
concerns.
11:24. And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to
my father to turn to the rites of the Greeks but that they
would keep to their own manner of living and therefore that
they request us to allow them to live after their own laws.
11:25. Wherefore being desirous that this nation also
should be at rest, we have ordained and decreed, that the
temple should be restored to them, and that they may live
according to the custom of their ancestors.
11:26. Thou shalt do well, therefore, to send to them, and
grant them peace, that our pleasure being known, they may
be of good comfort, and look to their own affairs.
11:27. But the king's letter to the Jews was in this
manner: King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to
the rest of the Jews, greeting.
11:28. If you are well, you are as we desire: we ourselves
also are well.
11:29. Menelaus came to us, saying that you desired to come
down to your countrymen, that are with us.
11:30. We grant, therefore, a safe conduct to all that come
and go, until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,
11:31. That the Jews may use their own kind of meats, and
their own laws, as before: and that none of them any manner
of ways be molested for things which have been done by
ignorance.
11:32. And we have sent also Menelaus to speak to you.
11:33. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and
forty-eight, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
11:34. The Romans also sent them a letter, to this effect:
Quintus Memmius, and Titus Manilius, ambassadors of the
Romans, to the people of the Jews, greeting.
11:35. Whatsoever Lysias, the king's cousin, hath granted
to you, we also have granted.
11:36. But touching such things as he thought should be
referred to the king, after you have diligently conferred
among yourselves, send some one forthwith, that we may
decree as it is convenient for you: for we are going to
Antioch.
11:37. And therefore make haste to write back, that we may
know of what mind you are.
11:38. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and
forty-eight, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
2 Machabees Chapter 12
The Jews are still molested by their neighbours. Judas
gains divers victories over them. He orders sacrifice and
prayers for the dead.
12:1. When these covenants were made, Lysias went to the
king, and the Jews gave themselves to husbandry.
12:2. But they that were behind, viz. Timotheus, and
Apollonius, the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and
Demophon, and besides them Nicanor, the governor of Cyprus,
would not suffer them to live in peace, and to be quiet.
12:3. The men of Joppe also were guilty of this kind of
wickedness: they desired the Jews, who dwelt among them, to
go with their wives and children into the boats, which they
had prepared, as though they had no enmity to them.
12:4. Which when they had consented to, according to the
common decree of the city, suspecting nothing, because of
the peace: when they were gone forth into the deep, they
drowned no fewer than two hundred of them.
12:5. But as soon as Judas heard of this cruelty done to
his countrymen, he commanded the men that were with him:
and after having called upon God, the just judge,
12:6. He came against those murderers of his brethren, and
set the haven on fire in the night, burnt the boats, and
slew with the sword them that escaped from the fire.
12:7. And when he had done these things in this manner, he
departed as if he would return again, and root out all the
Joppites.
12:8. But when he understood that the men of Jamnia also
designed to do in like manner to the Jews that dwelt among
them,
12:9. He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set the
haven on fire, with the ships, so that the light of the
fire was seen at Jerusalem, two hundred and forty furlongs
off.
12:10. And when they were now gone from thence nine
furlongs, and were marching towards Timotheus, five
thousand footmen, and five hundred horsemen of the
Arabians, set upon them.
12:11. And after a hard fight, in which, by the help of
God, they got the victory, the rest of the Arabians being
overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising to give him
pastures, and to assist him in other things.
12:12. And Judas thinking that they might be profitable
indeed in many things, promised them peace, and after
having joined hands, they departed to their tents.
12:13. He also laid siege to a certain strong city,
encompassed with bridges and walls, and inhabited by
multitudes of different nations, the name of which is
Casphin.
12:14. But they that were within it, trusting in the
strength of the walls, and the provision of victuals,
behaved in a more negligent manner, and provoked Judas with
railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were
not to be spoken.
12:15. But Machabeus calling upon the great Lord of the
world, who without any rams or engines of war threw down
the walls of Jericho, in the time of Josue, fiercely
assaulted the walls.
Rams... That is, engines for battering walls, etc., which
were used in sieges in those times.
12:16. And having taken the city by the will of the Lord,
he made an unspeakable slaughter, so that a pool adjoining,
of two furlongs broad, seemed to run with the blood of the
slain.
12:17. From thence they departed seven hundred and fifty
furlongs, and came to Characa, to the Jews that are called
Tubianites.
12:18. But as for Timotheus, they found him not in those
places, for before he had dispatched any thing he went
back, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold:
12:19. But Dositheus, and Sosipater, who were captains with
Machabeus, slew them that were left by Timotheus in the
hold, to the number of ten thousand men.
12:20. And Machabeus having set in order about him six
thousand men, and divided them by bands, went forth against
Timotheus, who had with him a hundred and twenty thousand
footmen, aad two thousand five hundred horsemen.
12:21. Now when Timotheus had knowledge of the coming of
Judas, he sent the women and children, and the other
baggage, before him into a fortress, called Carnion: for it
was impregnable, and hard to come at, by reason of the
straitness of the places.
12:22. But when the first band of Judas came in sight, the
enemies were struck with fear, by the presence of God, who
seeth all things, and they were put to flight one from
another, so that they were often thrown down by their own
companions, and wounded with the strokes of their own
swords.
12:23. But Judas pursued them close, punishing the profane,
of whom he slew thirty thousand men.
12:24. And Timotheus himself fell into the hands of the
band of Dositheus and Sosipater, and with many prayers he
besought them to let him go with his life, because he had
the parents and brethren of many of the Jews, who, by his
death, might happen to be deceived.
12:25. And when he had given his faith that he would
restore them according to the agreement, they let him go
without hurt, for the saving of their brethren.
12:26. Then Judas went away to Carnion, where he slew five
and twenty thousand persons.
12:27. And after he had put to flight and destroyed these,
he removed his army to Ephron, a strong city, wherein there
dwelt a multitude of divers nations: and stout young men
standing upon the walls, made a vigorous resistance: and in
this place there were many engines of war, and a provision
of darts.
12:28. But when they had invocated the Almighty, who with
his power breaketh the strength of the enemies, they took
the city: and slew five and twenty thousand of them that
were within.
12:29. From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which
lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem.
Scythopolis... Formerly called Bethsan.
12:30. But the Jews that were among the Scythopolitans
testifying that they were used kindly by them, and that
even in the times of their adversity they had treated them
with humanity:
12:31. They gave them thanks, exhorting them to be still
friendly to their nation, and so they came to Jerusalem,
the feast of the weeks being at hand.
12:32. And after Pentecost they marched against Gorgias,
the governor of Idumea.
12:33. And he came out with three thousand footmen and four
hundred horsemen.
12:34. And when they had joined battle, it happened that a
few of the Jews were slain.
12:35. But Dositheus, a horseman, one of Bacenor's band, a
valiant man, took hold of Gorgias: and when he would have
taken him alive, a certain horseman of the Thracians came
upon him, and cut off his shoulder: and so Gorgias escaped
to Maresa.
12:36. But when they that were with Esdrin had fought long,
and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord to be their
helper, and leader of the battle:
12:37. Then beginning in his own language, and singing
hymns with a loud voice, he put Gorgias's soldiers to
flight.
12:38. So Judas having gathered together his army, came
into the city Odollam: and when the seventh day came, they
purified themselves according to the custom, and kept the
sabbath in the same place.
12:39. And the day following Judas came with his company,
to take away the bodies of them that were slain, and to
bury them with their kinsmen, in the sepulchres of their
fathers.
12:40. And they found under the coats of the slain, some of
the donaries of the idols of Jamnia, which the law
forbiddeth to the Jews: so that all plainly saw, that for
this cause they were slain.
Of the donaries, etc... That is, of the votive offerings,
which had been hung up in the temples of the idols, which
they had taken away when they burnt the port of Jamnia,
ver. 9., contrary to the prohibition of the law, Deut.
7.25.
12:41. Then they all blessed the just judgment of the Lord,
who had discovered the things that were hidden.
12:42. And so betaking themselves to prayers, they besought
him, that the sin which had been committed might be
forgotten. But the most valiant Judas exhorted the people
to keep themselves from sin, forasmuch as they saw before
their eyes what had happened, because of the sins of those
that were slain.
12:43. And making a gathering, he sent twelve thousand
drachms of silver to Jerusalem for sacrifice to be offered
for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously
concerning the resurrection.
12:44. (For if he had not hoped that they that were slain
should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and
vain to pray for the dead,)
12:45. And because he considered that they who had fallen
asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them.
With godliness... Judas hoped that these men who died
fighting for the cause of God and religion, might find
mercy: either because they might be excused from mortal
sin by ignorance; or might have repented of their sin, at
least at their death.
12:46. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray
for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.
It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for
the dead... Here is an evident and undeniable proof of the
practice of praying for the dead under the old law, which
was then strictly observed by the Jews, and consequently
could not be introduced at that time by Judas, their chief
and high priest, if it had not been always their custom.
2 Machabees Chapter 13
Antiochus and Lysias again invade Judea. Menelaus is put to
death. The king's great army is worsted twice. The peace is
renewed.
13:1. In the year one hundred and forty-nine, Judas
understood that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a
multitude against Judea,
13:2. And with him Lysias, the regent, who had charge over
the affairs of the realm, having with him a hundred and ten
thousand footmen, five thousand horsemen, twenty-two
elephants, and three hundred chariots.
A hundred and ten thousand, etc... The difference between
the numbers here set down, and those recorded, 1 Mac. 4,
is easily accounted for; if we consider that such armies
as these are liable to be at one time more numerous than
at another; either by sending away large detachments, or
being diminished by sickness; or increased by receiving
fresh supplies of troops, according to different
exigencies or occurrences.
13:3. Menelaus also joined himself with them: and with
great deceitfulness besought Antiochus, not for the welfare
of his country, but in hopes that he should be appointed
chief ruler.
13:4. But the King of kings stirred up the mind of
Antiochus against the sinner, and upon Lysias suggesting
that he was the cause of all the evils, he commanded (as
the custom is with them) that he should be apprehended and
put to death in the same place.
13:5. Now there was in that place a tower fifty cubits
high, having a heap of ashes on every side: this had a
prospect steep down.
13:6. From thence he commanded the sacrilegious wretch to
be thrown down into the ashes, all men thrusting him
forward unto death.
13:7. And by such a law it happened that Menelaus the
transgressor of the law, was put to death: not having so
much as burial in the earth.
13:8. And indeed very justly, for insomuch as he had
committed many sins against the altar of God, the fire and
ashes of which were holy: he was condemned to die in ashes.
13:9. But the king, with his mind full of rage, came on to
shew himself worse to the Jews than his father was.
13:10. Which when Judas understood, he commanded the people
to call upon the Lord day and night, that as he had always
done, so now also he would help them:
13:11. Because they were afraid to be deprived of the law,
and of their country, and of the holy temple: and that he
would not suffer the people, that had of late taken breath
for a little while, to be again in subjection to
blasphemous nations.
13:12. So when they had all done this together, and had
craved mercy of the Lord with weeping and fasting, lying
prostrate on the ground for three days continually, Judas
exhorted them to make themselves ready.
13:13. But he, with the ancients, determined before the
king should bring his army into Judea, and make himself
master of the city, to go out, and to commit the event of
the thing to the judgment of the Lord.
13:14. So committing all to God, the Creator of the world,
and having exhorted his people to fight manfully, and to
stand up even to death for the laws, the temple, the city,
their country, and citizens: he placed his army about
Modin.
13:15. And having given his company for a watchword, The
victory of God, with most valiant chosen young men, he set
upon the king's quarter by night, and slew four thousand
men in the camp, and the greatest of the elephants, with
them that had been upon him,
13:16. And having filled the camp of the enemies with
exceeding great fear and tumult, they went off with good
success.
13:17. Now this was done at the break of day, by the
protection and help of thc Lord.
13:18. But the king having taken a taste of the hardiness
of the Jews, attempted to take the strong places by policy:
13:19. And he marched with his army to Bethsura, which was
a strong hold of the Jews: but he was repulsed, he failed,
he lost his men.
13:20. Now Judas sent necessaries to them that were within
13:21. But Rhodocus, one of the Jews' army, disclosed the
secrets to the enemies, so he was sought out, and taken up,
and put iu prison.
13:22. Again the king treated with them that were in
Bethsura: gave his right hand: took theirs: and went away.
13:23. He fought with Judas: and was overcome. And when he
understood that Philip, who had been left over the affairs,
had rebelled at Antioch, he was in a consternation of mind,
and intreating the Jews, and yielding to them, he swore to
all things that seemed reasonable, and, being reconciled,
offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and left gifts.
13:24. He embraced Machabeus, and made him governor and
prince from Ptolemais unto the Gerrenians.
13:25. But when he was come to Ptolemais, the men of that
city were much displeased with the conditions of the peace,
being angry for fear they should break the covenant.
13:26. Then Lysias went up to the judgment seat, and set
forth the reason, and appeased the people, and returned to
Antioch: and thus matters went with regard to the king's
coming and his return.
2 Machabees Chapter 14
Demetrius challenges the kingdom. Alcimus applies to him to
be made high priest: Nicanor is sent into Judea: his
dealings with Judas: his threats. The history of Razias.
14:1. But after the space of three years Judas, and they
that were with him, understood that Demetrius, the son of
Seleucus, was come up with a great power, and a navy by the
haven of Tripolis, to places proper for his purpose,
14:2. And had made himself master of the countries against
Antiochus, and his general, Lysias.
14:3. Now one Alcimus, who had been chief priest, but had
wilfully defiled himself in the time of mingling with the
heathens, seeing that there was no safety for him, nor
access to the altar,
Now Alcimus, who had been chief priest... This Alcimus
was of the stock of Aaron, but for his apostasy here
mentioned was incapable of the high priesthood, but king
Antiochus Eupator appointed him in place of the high
priest, (see above, 1 Mac. chap. 7., ver. 9,) as Menelaus
had been before him, set up by Antiochus, (above chap.
4.,)yet neither of them were truly high priests; for the
true high priesthood was amongst the Machabees, who were
also of the stock of Aaron, and had strictly held their
religion, and were ordained according to the rites
commanded in the law of Moses.-Ibid. Mingling... with the
heathens; that is, in their idolatrous worship.
14:4. Came to king Demetrius in the year one hundred and
fifty, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and
besides these, some boughs that seemed to belong to the
temple. And that day indeed he held his peace.
14:5. But having gotten a convenient time to further his
madness, being called to counsel by Demetrius, and asked
what the Jews relied upon, and what were their counsels,
14:6. He answered thereunto: They among the Jews that are
called Assideans, of whom Judas Machabeus is captain,
nourish wars, and raise seditions, and will not suffer the
realm to be in peace.
14:7. For I also being deprived of my ancestor's glory (I
mean of the high priesthood) am now come hither:
14:8. Principally indeed out of fidelity to the king's
interests, but in the next place also to provide for the
good of my countrymen: for all our nation suffereth much
from the evil proceedings of these men.
14:9. Wherefore, O king, seeing thou knowest all these
things, take care, I beseech thee, both of the country, and
of our nation, according to thy humanity which is known to
all men.
14:10. For as long as Judas liveth it is not possible that
the state should be quiet.
14:11. Now when this man had spoken to this effect the rest
also of the king's friends, who were enemies of Judas,
incensed Demetrius against him.
14:12. And forthwith he sent Nicanor, the commander over
the elephants, governor into Judea:
14:13. Giving him in charge, to take Judas himself: and
disperse all them that were with him, and to make Alcimus
the high priest of the great temple.
14:14. Then the Gentiles who had fled out of Judea, from
Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the miseries and
calamities of the Jews to be the welfare of their affairs.
14:15. Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and
that the nations were assembled against them, they cast
earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him who
chose his people to keep them for ever, and who protected
his portion by evident signs.
14:16. Then at the commandment of their captain, they
forthwith removed from the place where they were, and went
to the town of Dessau, to meet them.
14:17. Now Simon, the brother of Judas, had joined battle
with Nicanor: but was frightened with the sudden coming of
the adversaries.
14:18. Nevertheless Nicanor hearing of the valour of
Judas's companions, and the greatness of courage, with
which they fought for their country, was afraid to try the
matter by the sword.
14:19. Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotius and
Matthias before to present and receive the right hands.
14:20. And when there had been a consultation thereupon,
and the captain had acquainted the multitude with it, they
were all of one mind to consent to covenants.
14:21. So they appointed a day upon which they might comne
together by themselves: and seats were brought out, and set
for each one.
14:22. But Judas ordered armed men to be ready in
convenient places, lest some mischief might be suddenly
practised by the enemies: so they made an agreeable
conference.
14:23. And Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no wrong,
but sent away the flocks of the multitudes that had been
gathered together.
14:24. And Judas was always dear to him from the heart, and
he was well affected to the man.
14:25. And he desired him to marry a wife, and to have
children. So he married: he lived quietly, and they lived
in common.
14:26. But Alcimus seeing the love they had one to another,
and the covenants, came to Demetrius, and told him that
Nicanor had assented to the foreign interest, for that he
meant to make Judas, who was a traitor to the kingdom, his
successor.
14:27. Then the king, being in a rage, and provoked with
this man's wicked accusation, wrote to Nicanor, signifying
that he was greatly displeased with the covenant of
friendship: and that he commanded him nevertheless to send
Machabeus prisoner in all haste to Antioch.
14:28. When this was known, Nicanor was in a consternation,
and took it grievously that he should make void the
articles that were agreed upon, having received no injury
from the man.
14:29. But because he could not oppose the king, he watched
an opportunity to comply with the orders
14:30. But when Machabeus perceived that Nicanor was more
stern to him, and that when they met together as usual he
behaved himself in a rough manner; and was sensible that
this rough behaviour came not of good, he gathered together
a few of his men, and hid himself from Nicanor.
14:31. But he finding himself notably prevented by the man,
came to the great and holy temple: and commanded the
priests that were offering the accustomed sacrifices, to
deliver him the man.
14:32. And when they swore unto him, that they knew not
where the man was whom he sought, he stretched out his hand
to the temple,
14:33. And swore, saying: Unless you deliver Judas prisoner
to me, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground,
and will beat down the altar, and I will dedicate this
temple to Bacchus.
14:34. And when he had spoken thus, he departed. But the
priests stretching forth their hands to heaven, called upon
him that was ever the defender of their nation, saying in
this manner:
14:35. Thou, O Lord of all things, who wantest nothing,
wast pleased that the temple of thy habitation should be
amongst us.
14:36. Therefore now, O Lord, the holy of all holies, keep
this house for ever undefiled, which was lately cleansed.
14:37. Now Razias, one of the ancients of Jerusalem, was
accused to Nicanor, a man that was a lover of the city, and
of good report, who for his kindness was called the father
of the Jews.
14:38. This man, for a long time, had held fast his purpose
of keeping himself pure in the Jews' religion, and was
ready to expose his body and life, that he might persevere
therein.
14:39. So Nicanor being willing to declare the hatred that
he bore the Jews, sent five hundred soldiers to take him.
14:40. For he thought by ensnaring him to hurt the Jews
very much.
14:41. Now as the multitude sought to rush into his house,
and to break open the door, and to set fire to it, when he
was ready to be taken, he struck himself with his sword:
He struck himself, etc... St. Augustine, (Epist. 61, ad
Dulcitium, et lib. 2, cap. 23, ad Epist. 2, Gaud.)
discussing this fact of Razias, says, that the holy
scripture relates it, but doth not praise it, as to be
admired or imitated, and that either it was not well done
by him, or at least not proper in this time of grace.
14:42. Choosing to die nobly rather than to fall into the
hands of the wicked, and to suffer abuses unbecoming his
noble birth.
14:43. But whereas through haste he missed of giving a sure
wound, and the crowd was breaking into the doors, he ran
boldly to the wall, and manfully threw himself down to the
crowd:
14:44. But they quickly making room for his fall, he came
upon the midst of the neck.
He came upon the midst of the neck... Venit per mediam
cervicem. In the Greek it is keneona, which signifies a
void place, where there is no building.
14:45. And as he had yet breath in him, being inflamed in
mind, he arose: and while his blood ran down with a great
stream, and he was grievously wounded, he ran through the
crowd:
14:46. And standing upon a steep rock, when he was now
almost without blood, grasping his bowels, with both hands
he cast them upon the throng, calling upon the Lord of life
and spirit, to restore these to him again: and so he
departed this life.
2 Machabees Chapter 15
Judas encouraged by a vision gains a glorious victory over
Nicanor. The conclusion.
15:1. But when Nicanor understood that Judas was in the
places of Samaria, he purposed to set upon him with all
violence, on the sabbath day.
15:2. And when the Jews that were constrained to follow
him, said: Do not act so fiercely and barbarously, but give
honour to the day that is sanctified: and reverence him
that beholdeth all things:
15:3. That unhappy man asked, if there were a mighty One in
heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.
15:4. And when they answered: There is the living Lord
himself in heaven, the mighty One, that commanded the
seventh day to be kept.
15:5. Then he said: And I am mighty upon the earth, and I
command to take arms, and to do the king's business.
Nevertheless he prevailed not to accomplish his design.
15:6. So Nicanor being puffed up with exceeding great
pride, thought to set up a public monument of his victory
over Judas.
15:7. But Machabeus ever trusted with all hope that God
would help them.
15:8. And he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of
the nations, but to remember the help they had before
received from heaven, and now to hope for victory from the
Almighty.
15:9. And speaking to them out of the law, and the
prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles
they had fought before, he made them more cheerful:
15:10. Then after he had encouraged them, he shewed withal
the falsehood of the Gentiles, and their breach of oaths.
15:11. So he armed every one of them, not with defence of
shield and spear, but with very good speeches, and
exhortations, and told them a dream worthy to be believed,
whereby he rejoiced them all.
15:12. Now the vision was in this manner. Onias, who had
been high priest, a good and virtuous man, modest in his
looks, gentle in his manners, and graceful in speech, and
who from a child was exercised in virtues holding up his
hands, prayed for all the people of the Jews:
15:13. After this there appeared also another man,
admirable for age, and glory, and environed with great
beauty and majesty:
15:14. Then Onias answering, said: This is a lover of his
brethren, and of the people of Israel: this is he that
prayeth much for the people, and for all the holy city,
Jeremias, the prophet of God.
15:15. Whereupon Jeremias stretched forth his right hand,
and gave to Judas a sword of gold, saying:
15:16. Take this holy sword, a gift from God, wherewith
thou shalt overthrow the adversaries of my people Israel.
15:17. Thus being exhorted with the words of Judas, which
were very good, and proper to stir up the courage, and
strengthen the hearts of the young men, they resolved to
fight, and to set upon them manfully: that valour might
decide the matter, because the holy city, and the temple
were in danger.
15:18. For their concern was less for their wives, and
children, and for their brethren, and kinsfolks: but their
greatest and principal fear was for the holiness of the
temple.
15:19. And they also that were in the city, had no little
concern for them that were to be engaged in battle.
15:20. And now when all expected what judgment would be
given, and the enemies were at hand, and the army was set
in array, the beasts and the horsemen ranged in convenient
places,
15:21. Machabeus considering the coming of the multitude,
and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness
of the beasts, stretching out his hands to heaven, called
upon the Lord, that worketh wonders, who giveth victory to
them that are worthy, not according to the power of their
arms, but according as it seemeth good to him.
15:22. And in his prayer he said after this manner: Thou, O
Lord, who didst send thy angel in the time of Ezechias,
king of Juda, and didst kill a hundred and eighty-five
thousand of the army of Sennacherib:
15:23. Send now also, O Lord of heaven, thy good angel
before us, for the fear and dread of the greatness of thy
arm,
15:24. That they may be afraid, who come with blasphemy
against thy holy people. And thus he concluded his prayer.
15:25. But Nicanor, and they that were with him came
forward, with trumpets and songs.
15:26. But Judas, and they that were with him, encountered
them, calling upon God by prayers:
15:27. So fighting with their hands, but praying to the
Lord with their hearts, they slew no less than five and
thirty thousand, being greatly cheered with the presence of
God.
15:28. And when the battle was over, and they were
returning with joy, they understood that Nicanor was slain
in his armour.
15:29. Then making a shout, and a great noise, they blessed
the Almighty Lord in their own language.
15:30. And Judas, who was altogether ready, in body and
mind, to die for his countrymen, commanded that Nicanor's
head, and his hand, with the shoulder, should be cut off,
and carried to Jerusalem.
15:31. And when he was come thither, having called together
his countrymen, and the priests to the altar, he sent also
for them that were in the castle,
15:32. And shewing them the head of Nicanor, and the wicked
hand, which he had stretched out, with proud boasts,
against the holy house of the Almighty God,
15:33. He commanded also, that the tongue of the wicked
Nicanor should be cut out, and given by pieces to birds,
and the hand of the furious man to be hanged up over
against the temple.
15:34. Then all blessed the Lord of heaven, saying: Blessed
be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.
15:35. And he hung up Nicanor's head in the top of the
castle, that it might be an evident and manifest sign of
the help of God.
15:36. And they all ordained by a common decree, by no
means to let this day pass without solemnity:
15:37. But to celebrate the thirteenth day of the month of
Adar, called in the Syrian language, the day before
Mardochias' day.
15:38. So these things being done with relation to Nicanor,
and from that time the city being possessed by the Hebrews,
I also will here make an end of my narration.
15:39. Which if I have done well, and as it becometh the
history, it is what I desired: but if not so perfectly, it
must be pardoned me.
If not so perfectly, etc... This is not said with regard
to the truth of the narration; but with regard to the
style and manner of writing: which in the sacred penmen
is not always the most accurate. See St. Paul, 2 Cor.
11.6.
15:40. For as it is hurtful to drink always wine, or always
water, but pleasant to use sometimes the one, and sometimes
the other: so if the speech be always nicely framed, it
will not be grateful to the readers. But here it shall be
ended.
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