Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten

Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his

stead, the first over Greece,

1:2 And made many wars, and won many strong holds, and slew the

kings of the earth,

1:3 And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of

many nations, insomuch that the earth was quiet before him;

whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.

1:4 And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries,

and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto him.

1:5 And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should

die.

1:6 Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and

had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his

kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.

1:7 So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died.

1:8 And his servants bare rule every one in his place.

1:9 And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so did

their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the

earth.

1:10 And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed

Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage

at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh

year of the kingdom of the Greeks.

1:11 In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who

persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the

heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them

we have had much sorrow.

1:12 So this device pleased them well.

1:13 Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went

to the king, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of

the heathen:

1:14 Whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according

to the customs of the heathen:

1:15 And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy

covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to

do mischief.

1:16 Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he

thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of

two realms.

1:17 Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with

chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,

1:18 And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was

afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.

1:19 Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he took

the spoils thereof.

1:20 And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again in

the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and

Jerusalem with a great multitude,

1:21 And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the

golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels

thereof,

1:22 And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the

vials. and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown, and the

golden ornaments that were before the temple, all which he pulled

off.

1:23 He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also

he took the hidden treasures which he found.

1:24 And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land,

having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.

1:25 Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every place

where they were;

1:26 So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young

men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.

1:27 Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the

marriage chamber was in heaviness,

1:28 The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the

house of Jacob was covered with confusion.

1:29 And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief collector

of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a

great multitude,

1:30 And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for

when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city,

and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.

1:31 And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and

pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.

1:32 But the women and children took they captive, and possessed the

cattle.

1:33 Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall,

and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them.

1:34 And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified

themselves therein.

1:35 They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had

gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there,

and so they became a sore snare:

1:36 For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil

adversary to Israel.

1:37 Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary,

and defiled it:

1:38 Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them:

whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and

became strange to those that were born in her; and her own

children left her.

1:39 Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were

turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into

contempt.

1:40 As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased, and her

excellency was turned into mourning.

1:41 Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all

should be one people,

1:42 And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed

according to the commandment of the king.

1:43 Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and

sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.

1:44 For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and

the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the

land,

1:45 And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in

the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival

days:

1:46 And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:

1:47 Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice

swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:

1:48 That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and

make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and

profanation:

1:49 To the end they might forget the law, and change all the

ordinances.

1:50 And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of

the king, he said, he should die.

1:51 In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and

appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of

Juda to sacrifice, city by city.

1:52 Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every

one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;

1:53 And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they

could flee for succour.

1:54 Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty

and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the

altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every

side;

1:55 And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets.

1:56 And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which

they found, they burnt them with fire.

1:57 And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or

if any committed to the law, the king's commandment was, that

they should put him to death.

1:58 Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month,

to as many as were found in the cities.

1:59 Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice

upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.

1:60 At which time according to the commandment they put to death

certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.

1:61 And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their

houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.

1:62 Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in

themselves not to eat any unclean thing.

1:63 Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with

meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then

they died.

1:64 And there was very great wrath upon Israel.

The First Book of

2:1 In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of

Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt

in Modin.

2:2 And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:

2:3 Simon; called Thassi:

2:4 Judas, who was called Maccabeus:

2:5 Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was

Apphus.

2:6 And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda

and Jerusalem,

2:7 He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of

my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was

delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the

hand of strangers?

2:8 Her temple is become as a man without glory.

2:9 Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants

are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword of the

enemy.

2:10 What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of her

spoils?

2:11 All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is become

a bondslave.

2:12 And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid

waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.

2:13 To what end therefore shall we live any longer?

2:14 Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on

sackcloth, and mourned very sore.

2:15 In the mean while the king's officers, such as compelled the

people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them

sacrifice.

2:16 And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and

his sons came together.

2:17 Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias on this

wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this

city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:

2:18 Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king's

commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men

of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and

thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and thy

children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many

rewards.

2:19 Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though

all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him, and

fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give

consent to his commandments:

2:20 Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of

our fathers.

2:21 God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.

2:22 We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our religion,

either on the right hand, or the left.

2:23 Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of

the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at

Modin, according to the king's commandment.

2:24 Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal,

and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger

according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the

altar.

2:25 Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he

killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.

2:26 Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees did

unto Zambri the son of Salom.

2:27 And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice,

saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the

covenant, let him follow me.

2:28 So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever

they had in the city.

2:29 Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into

the wilderness, to dwell there:

2:30 Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle;

because afflictions increased sore upon them.

2:31 Now when it was told the king's servants, and the host that was

at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had

broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the secret

places in the wilderness,

2:32 They pursued after them a great number, and having overtaken

them, they camped against them, and made war against them on

the sabbath day.

2:33 And they said unto them, Let that which ye have done hitherto

suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the

king, and ye shall live.

2:34 But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the

king's commandment, to profane the sabbath day.

2:35 So then they gave them the battle with all speed.

2:36 Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at

them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;

2:37 But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will

testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.

2:38 So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they

slew them, with their wives and children and their cattle, to the

number of a thousand people.

2:39 Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they

mourned for them right sore.

2:40 And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren have

done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the heathen,

they will now quickly root us out of the earth.

2:41 At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall

come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight

against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were

murdered im the secret places.

2:42 Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were

mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted

unto the law.

2:43 Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves unto

them, and were a stay unto them.

2:44 So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger,

and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the heathen for

succour.

2:45 Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled

down the altars:

2:46 And what children soever they found within the coast of Israel

uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.

2:47 They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered

in their hand.

2:48 So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out

of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.

2:49 Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said

unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the

time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:

2:50 Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your

lives for the covenant of your fathers.

2:51 Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so

shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.

2:52 Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was

imputed unto him for righteousness?

2:53 Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and was

made lord of Egypt.

2:54 Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the

covenant of an everlasting priesthood.

2:55 Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.

2:56 Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received the

heritage of the land.

2:57 David for being merciful possessed the throne of an everlasting

kingdom.

2:58 Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up into

heaven.

2:59 Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of the

flame.

2:60 Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions.

2:61 And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their

trust in him shall be overcome.

2:62 Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be

dung and worms.

2:63 To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found,

because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to

nothing.

2:64 Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in

the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.

2:65 And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel,

give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.

2:66 As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even

from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of

the people.

2:67 Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye

the wrong of your people.

2:68 Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the

commandments of the law.

2:69 So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.

2:70 And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons

buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel

made great lamentation for him.

MACCABEES CHAPTER 3

4:1 Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the

best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;

4:2 To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite

them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.

4:3 Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the

valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which

was at Emmaus,

4:4 While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.

4:5 In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas:

and when he found no man there, he sought them in the

mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us

4:6 But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with

three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor

swords to their minds.

4:7 And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and

well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and

these were expert of war.

4:8 Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their

multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.

4:9 Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when

Pharaoh pursued them with an army.

4:10 Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord

will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our

fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:

4:11 That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth

and saveth Israel.

4:12 Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over

against them.

4:13 Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that

were with Judas sounded their trumpets.

4:14 So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into

the plain.

4:15 Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for

they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea,

and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a

three thousand men.

4:16 This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing

them,

4:17 And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as

there is a battle before us,

4:18 And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but

stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after

this ye may boldly take the spoils.

4:19 As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of

them looking out of the mountain:

4:20 Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to

flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen

declared what was done:

4:21 When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore

afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,

4:22 They fled every one into the land of strangers.

4:23 Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold,

and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.

4:24 After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and

praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy

endureth forever.

4:25 Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.

4:26 Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what

had happened:

4:27 Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged,

because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel,

nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.

4:28 The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together

threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand

horsemen, that he might subdue them.

4:29 So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura,

and Judas met them with ten thousand men.

4:30 And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed

art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the

mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the

host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and

his armourbearer;

4:31 Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them

be confounded in their power and horsemen:

4:32 Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their

strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:

4:33 Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all

those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.

4:34 So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias

about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.

4:35 Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness

of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die

valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a

company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it

was, he purposed to come again into Judea.

4:36 Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are

discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.

4:37 Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went

up into mount Sion.

4:38 And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar

profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the

courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the

priests' chambers pulled down;

4:39 They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast

ashes upon their heads,

4:40 And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an

alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.

4:41 Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were

in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.

4:42 So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had

pleasure in the law:

4:43 Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into

an unclean place.

4:44 And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt

offerings, which was profaned;

4:45 They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach

to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled

it down,

4:46 And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a

convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what

should be done with them.

4:47 Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a

new altar according to the former;

4:48 And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the

temple, and hallowed the courts.

4:49 They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they

brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of

incense, and the table.

4:50 And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were

upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the

temple.

4:51 Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out

the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to

make.

4:52 Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is

called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year,

they rose up betimes in the morning,

4:53 And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of

burnt offerings, which they had made.

4:54 Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it,

even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps,

and cymbals.

4:55 Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and

praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.

4:56 And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and

offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice

of deliverance and praise.

4:57 They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold,

and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed,

and hanged doors upon them.

4:58 Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the

reproach of the heathen was put away.

4:59 Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of

Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should

be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight

days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with

mirth and gladness.

4:60 At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls

and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and

tread it down as they had done before.

4:61 And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to

preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.

The First Book of

5:1 Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built

and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very

much.

5:2 Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that

was among them, and thereupon they began to slay and destroy

the people.

5:3 Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at

Arabattine, because they besieged Gael: and he gave them a great

overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.

5:4 Also he remembered the injury of the children of Bean, who had

been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they lay in

wait for them in the ways.

5:5 He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against

them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that

place with fire, and all that were therein.

5:6 Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he

found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their

captain.

5:7 So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were

discomfited before him; and he smote them.

5:8 And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging thereto,

he returned into Judea.

5:9 Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves

together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to

destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.

5:10 And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren, The heathen that are

round about us are assembled together against us to destroy us:

5:11 And they are preparing to come and take the fortress whereunto

we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.

5:12 Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many of

us are slain:

5:13 Yea, all our brethren that were in the places of Tobie are put to

death: their wives and their children also they have carried away

captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have destroyed

there about a thousand men.

5:14 While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other

messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who reported on

this wise,

5:15 And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all

Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to

consume us.

5:16 Now when Judas and the people heard these words, there

assembled a great congregation together, to consult what they

should do for their brethren, that were in trouble, and assaulted of

them.

5:17 Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Choose thee out men,

and go and deliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and

Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.

5:18 So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of

the people, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it.

5:19 Unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of

this people, and see that ye make not war against the heathen

until the time that we come again.

5:20 Now unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into

Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of

Galaad.

5:21 Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles with

the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.

5:22 And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais; and there were

slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he

took.

5:23 And those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives

and their children, and all that they had, took he away with him,

and brought them into Judea with great joy.

5:24 Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over Jordan,

and travelled three days' journey in the wilderness,

5:25 Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in a

peaceable manner, and told them every thing that had happened

to their brethren in the land of Galaad:

5:26 And how that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor,

and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all these cities are

strong and great:

5:27 And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the country

of Galaad, and that against to morrow they had appointed to

bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and to destroy

them all in one day.

5:28 Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the

wilderness unto Bosora; and when he had won the city, he slew

all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their spoils,

and burned the city with fire,

5:29 From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the

fortress.

5:30 And betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, there

was an innumerable people bearing ladders and other engines of

war, to take the fortress: for they assaulted them.

5:31 When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that the

cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a great

sound,

5:32 He said unto his host, Fight this day for your brethren.

5:33 So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded

their trumpets, and cried with prayer.

5:34 Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus, fled

from him: wherefore he smote them with a great slaughter; so that

there were killed of them that day about eight thousand men.

5:35 This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had

assaulted it he took and slew all the males therein, and received

the spoils thereof and and burnt it with fire.

5:36 From thence went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the

other cities of the country of Galaad.

5:37 After these things gathered Timotheus another host and

encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.

5:38 So Judas sent men to espy the host, who brought him word,

saying, All the heathen that be round about us are assembled unto

them, even a very great host.

5:39 He hath also hired the Arabians to help them and they have

pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight

against thee. Upon this Judas went to meet them.

5:40 Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas

and his host come near the brook, if he pass over first unto us, we

shall not be able to withstand him; for he will mightily prevail

against us:

5:41 But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go over

unto him, and prevail against him.

5:42 Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of

the people to remain by the brook: unto whom he gave

commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but

let all come to the battle.

5:43 So he went first over unto them, and all the people after him: then

all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast away their

weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at Carnaim.

5:44 But they took the city, and burned the temple with all that were

therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand any

longer before Judas.

5:45 Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in the

country of Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even their

wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great host, to the

end they might come into the land of Judea.

5:46 Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the

way as they should go, very well fortified) they could not turn

from it, either on the right hand or the left, but must needs pass

through the midst of it.

5:47 Then they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the gates

with stones.

5:48 Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying,

Let us pass through your land to go into our own country, and

none shall do you any hurt; we will only pass through on foot:

howbeit they would not open unto him.

5:49 Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made

throughout the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the

place where he was.

5:50 So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day and all

that night, till at the length the city was delivered into his hands:

5:51 Who then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and rased

the city, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through the city

over them that were slain.

5:52 After this went they over Jordan into the great plain before

Bethsan.

5:53 And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and exhorted

the people all the way through, till they came into the land of

Judea.

5:54 So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where

they offered burnt offerings, because not one of them were slain

until they had returned in peace.

5:55 Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Galaad,

and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,

5:56 Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the

garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which they

had done.

5:57 Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight

against the heathen that are round about us.

5:58 So when they had given charge unto the garrison that was with

them, they went toward Jamnia.

5:59 Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city to fight against

them.

5:60 And so it was, that Joseph and Azaras were put to flight, and

pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there were slain that day

of the people of Israel about two thousand men.

5:61 Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of Israel,

because they were not obedient unto Judas and his brethren, but

thought to do some valiant act.

5:62 Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose

hand deliverance was given unto Israel.

5:63 Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned in

the sight of all Israel, and of all the heathen, wheresoever their

name was heard of;

5:64 Insomuch as the the people assembled unto them with joyful

acclamations.

5:65 Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought against

the children of Esau in the land toward the south, where he smote

Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it,

and burned the towers thereof round about.

5:66 From thence he removed to go into the land of the Philistines, and

passed through Samaria.

5:67 At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour, were

slain in battle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly.

5:68 So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and when

he had pulled down their altars, and burned their carved images

with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into the land of

Judea.

The First Book of

6:1 About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high

countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a

city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold;

6:2 And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were

coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander,

son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the

Grecians, had left there.

6:3 Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but

he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning

thereof,

6:4 Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence

with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.

6:5 Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia,

that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put to

flight:

6:6 And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was

driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the

armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of

the armies, whom they had destroyed:

6:7 Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had

set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed

about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city

Bethsura.

6:8 Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and

sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell

sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for.

6:9 And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more

and more, and he made account that he should die.

6:10 Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The

sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.

6:11 And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and

how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I was

bountiful and beloved in my power.

6:12 But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I

took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent

to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.

6:13 I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come

upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange

land.

6:14 Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler

over all his realm,

6:15 And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end

he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the

kingdom.

6:16 So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year.

6:17 Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up

Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being young, to reign

in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.

6:18 About this time they that were in the tower shut up the Israelites

round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the

strengthening of the heathen.

6:19 Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people

together to besiege them.

6:20 So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and

fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other

engines.

6:21 Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom

some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:

6:22 And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere

thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?

6:23 We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would

have us, and to obey his commandments;

6:24 For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are

alienated from us: moreover as many of us as they could light on

they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.

6:25 Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only, but

also against their borders.

6:26 And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem,

to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they fortified.

6:27 Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do the

greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them.

6:28 Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered

together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and those

that had charge of the horse.

6:29 There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles of

the sea, bands of hired soldiers.

6:30 So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand

footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty

elephants exercised in battle.

6:31 These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which

they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they of

Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought

valiantly.

6:32 Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in

Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp.

6:33 Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his host

toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to

battle, and sounded the trumpets.

6:34 And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they

shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.

6:35 Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for

every elephant they appointed a thousand men, armed with coats

of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside this,

for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best.

6:36 These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast was,

and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither

departed they from him.

6:37 And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which

covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with

devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong

men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.

6:38 As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this side

and that side at the two parts of the host giving them signs what

to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.

6:39 Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the

mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of fire.

6:40 So part of the king's army being spread upon the high mountains,

and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely and in

order.

6:41 Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and the

marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness, were

moved: for the army was very great and mighty.

6:42 Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle, and

there were slain of the king's army six hundred men.

6:43 Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts,

armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest, and

supposing that the king was upon him,

6:44 Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his people,

and get him a perpetual name:

6:45 Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of the

battle, slaying on the right hand and on the left, so that they were

divided from him on both sides.

6:46 Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under,

and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and

there he died.

6:47 Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king, and

the violence of his forces, turned away from them.

6:48 Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the

king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount Sion.

6:49 But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they

came out of the city, because they had no victuals there to endure

the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.

6:50 So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep it.

6:51 As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there

artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones, and

pieces to cast darts and slings.

6:52 Whereupon they also made engines against their engines, and held

them battle a long season.

6:53 Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for that it

was the seventh year, and they in Judea that were delivered from

the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the store;)

6:54 There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the famine did

so prevail against them, that they were fain to disperse

themselves, every man to his own place.

6:55 At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus the

king, whiles he lived, had appointed to bring up his son

Antiochus, that he might be king,

6:56 Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king's host also

that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the ruling

of the affairs.

6:57 Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the

captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our

victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is strong,

and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:

6:58 Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make peace

with them, and with all their nation;

6:59 And covenant with them, that they shall live after their laws, as

they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and have done

all these things, because we abolished their laws.

6:60 So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto

them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.

6:61 Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them:

whereupon they went out of the strong hold.

6:62 Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the

strength of the place, he broke his oath that he had made, and gave

commandment to pull down the wall round about.

6:63 Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto Antiochia,

where he found Philip to be master of the city: so he fought

against him, and took the city by force.

The First Book of

10:1 In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus

surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people

had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,

10:2 Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an

exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.

10:3 Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving

words, so as he magnified him.

10:4 For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join with

Alexander against us:

10:5 Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him,

and against his brethren and his people.

10:6 Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and

to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he

commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should

be delivered him.

10:7 Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the

audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:

10:8 Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given

him authority to gather together an host.

10:9 Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto

Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.

10:10 This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to

build and repair the city.

10:11 And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the

mount Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and

they did so.

10:12 Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which Bacchides

had built, fled away;

10:13 Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own

country.

10:14 Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and

the commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge.

10:15 Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius

had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles

and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the

pains that they had endured,

10:16 He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will

make him our friend and confederate.

10:17 Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to

these words, saying,

10:18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:

10:19 We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and

meet to be our friend.

10:20 Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of

thy nation, and to be called the king's friend; (and therewithal he

sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to

take our part, and keep friendship with us.

10:21 So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the

feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and

gathered together forces, and provided much armour.

10:22 Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,

10:23 What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making

amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?

10:24 I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise

them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.

10:25 He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto

the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:

10:26 Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our

friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have

heard hereof, and are glad.

10:27 Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we

will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,

10:28 And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.

10:29 And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews,

from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown

taxes,

10:30 And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third

part or the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it

from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of

Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto

out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for

evermore.

10:31 Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders thereof,

both from tenths and tributes.

10:32 And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority

over it, and give the high priest, that he may set in it such men as

he shall choose to keep it.

10:33 Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that were

carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of my

kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes even of

their cattle.

10:34 Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new

moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and

the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and freedom

for all the Jews in my realm.

10:35 Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest any

of them in any matter.

10:36 I will further, that there be enrolled among the king's forces about

thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given,

as belongeth to all king's forces.

10:37 And of them some shall be placed in the king's strong holds, of

whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom,

which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and governors be

of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the

king hath commanded in the land of Judea.

10:38 And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea

from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that

they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other

authority than the high priest's.

10:39 As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free

gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expences of

the sanctuary.

10:40 Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out

of the king's accounts from the places appertaining.

10:41 And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in former

time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the

temple.

10:42 And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they

took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by

year, even those things shall be released, because they appertain

to the priests that minister.

10:43 And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or

be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king, or for

any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in

my realm.

10:44 For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary

expences shall be given of the king's accounts.

10:45 Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the

fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of the

king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea.

10:46 Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave

no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered

the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them

very sore.

10:47 But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the

first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were

confederate with him always.

10:48 Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over

against Demetrius.

10:49 And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host fled:

but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them.

10:50 And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went down:

and that day was Demetrius slain.

10:51 Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt

with a message to this effect:

10:52 Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the

throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and

overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country;

10:53 For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was

discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom:

10:54 Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me

now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law, and will

give both thee and her as according to thy dignity.

10:55 Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day

wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest

in the throne of their kingdom.

10:56 And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me

therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will

marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.

10:57 So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and

they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second

year:

10:58 Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughter

Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great

glory, as the manner of kings is.

10:59 Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should

come and meet him.

10:60 Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the

two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and

many presents, and found favour in their sight.

10:61 At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked

life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king

would not hear them.

10:62 Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments,

and clothe him in purple: and they did so.

10:63 And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go

with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that

no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man

trouble him for any manner of cause.

10:64 Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to the

proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.

10:65 So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief friends,

and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.

10:66 Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and

gladness.

10:67 Furthermore in the; hundred threescore and fifth year came

Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his

fathers:

10:68 Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and

returned into Antioch.

10:69 Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his

general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia,

and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,

10:70 Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn

for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy

power against us in the mountains?

10:71 Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down

to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter together:

for with me is the power of the cities.

10:72 Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they

shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in their own

land.

10:73 Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and

so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor

place to flee unto.

10:74 So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was

moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of

Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.

10:75 And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut

him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there.

10:76 Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let

him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.

10:77 Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand

horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as

one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain.

because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his

trust.

10:78 Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies

joined battle.

10:79 Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.

10:80 And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him;

for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people,

from morning till evening.

10:81 But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and

so the enemies' horses were tired.

10:82 Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the

footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by

him, and fled.

10:83 The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus,

and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for safety.

10:84 But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and

took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were

fled into it, he burned with fire.

10:85 Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight

thousand men.

10:86 And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against

Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with

great pomp.

10:87 After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having

any spoils.

10:88 Now when king ALexander heard these things, he honoured

Jonathan yet more.

10:89 And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as

are of the king's blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders

thereof in possession.

The First Book of

11:1 And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand

that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about

through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own.

11:2 Whereupon he took his journey into Spain in peaceable manner,

so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king

Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his

brother in law.

11:3 Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of

them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.

11:4 And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple

of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that

were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them

that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them

by the way where he should pass.

11:5 Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the

intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.

11:6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where

they saluted one another, and lodged.

11:7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river

called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.

11:8 King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities

by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked

counsels against Alexander.

11:9 Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying,

Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my

daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy

father's kingdom:

11:10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to

slay me.

11:11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.

11:12 Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to

Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was

openly known.

11:13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns

upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.

11:14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those

that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.

11:15 But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him:

whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him

with a mighty power, and put him to flight.

11:16 So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king

Ptolemee was exalted:

11:17 For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it

unto Ptolemee.

11:18 King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in

the strong holds were slain one of another.

11:19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and

seventh year.

11:20 At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in

Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many

engines of war against it.

11:21 Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went

unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,

11:22 Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing,

he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should

not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at

Ptolemais in great haste.

11:23 Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege

it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests,

and put himself in peril;

11:24 And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents

besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found

favour in his sight.

11:25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made

complaints against him,

11:26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before,

and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,

11:27 And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours

that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief

friends.

11:28 Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free

from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of

Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.

11:29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these

things after this manner:

11:30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of

the Jews, sendeth greeting:

11:31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto

our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.

11:32 King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:

11:33 We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are

our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good

will toward us.

11:34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with

the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem,

that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all

things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in

Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of

them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.

11:35 And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and

customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown

taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for

their relief.

11:36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.

11:37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let

it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a

conspicuous place.

11:38 After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet

before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent

away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain

bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the

heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.

11:39 Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's

part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against

Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up

Antiochus the young son of Alexander,

11:40 And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that

he might reign in his father's stead: he told him therefore all that

Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with

him, and there he remained a long season.

11:41 In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he

would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in

the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.

11:42 So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this

for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy

nation, if opportunity serve.

11:43 Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help

me; for all my forces are gone from me.

11:44 Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto

Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad

of their coming.

11:45 Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together

into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and

twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.

11:46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept

the passages of the city, and began to fight.

11:47 Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all

at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew that day

in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.

11:48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and

delivered the king.

11:49 So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as

they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made

supplication to the king, and cried, saying,

11:50 Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the

city.

11:51 With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the

Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all

that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having

great spoils.

11:52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land

was quiet before him.

11:53 Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and

estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him

according to the benefits which he had received of him, but

troubled him very sore.

11:54 After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child

Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.

11:55 Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom

Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who

turned his back and fled.

11:56 Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.

11:57 At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I

confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over

the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.

11:58 Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave

him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to

wear a golden buckle.

11:59 His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The

ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.

11:60 Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond

the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto

him for to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the

city met him honourably.

11:61 From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out;

wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof

with fire, and spoiled them.

11:62 Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan,

he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for

hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the

country unto Damascus.

11:63 Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to

Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to

remove him out of the country,

11:64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.

11:65 Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a

long season, and shut it up:

11:66 But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them,

and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a

garrison in it.

11:67 As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of

Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to

the plain of Nasor.

11:68 And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who,

having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came

themselves over against him.

11:69 So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and

joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;

11:70 Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias

the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of

the host.

11:71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and

prayed.

11:72 Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so

they ran away.

11:73 Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned

again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto

their own tents, and there they camped.

11:74 So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand

men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

The First Book of