1  To the brothers, the Jews, who are throughout Egypt: the brothers, the Jews, who are in Jerusalem and in the region of Judea, send greetings and good peace.

1  The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and in the land of Judea, wish unto the brethren, the Jews that are throughout Egypt health and peace

2  May God be gracious to you, and may he remember his covenant, which was spoken to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants.

2  God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;

3  And may he give all of you the heart to worship him, and to do his will, with a great heart and a willing soul.

3  And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will, with a good courage and a willing mind;

4  May he throw open your heart with his law and with his precepts, and may he create peace.

4  And open your hearts in his law and commandments, and send you peace,

5  May he heed your prayers and be reconciled to you, and may he not forsake you in the evil time.

5  And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never forsake you in time of trouble.

6  And now, in this place, we are praying for you.

7  When Demetrius reigned, in the one hundred and sixty-ninth year, we Jews wrote to you during the tribulation and assaults which overcame us in those years, from the time that Jason withdrew from the holy land and from the kingdom.

7  What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred threescore and ninth year, we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity of trouble that came upon us in those years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and kingdom,

8  They burnt the gate, and they shed innocent blood. And we prayed to the Lord and were heard, and we brought forth sacrifices and fine wheat flour, and we kindled the lamps and set forth the loaves.

8  And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed unto the Lord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices and fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.

9  And now, celebrate the days of shelters in the month of Kislev.

9  And now see that ye keep the feast of tabernacles in the month Casleu.

10  In the one hundred and eighty-eighth year, from the people who are at Jerusalem and in Judea, and from the Senate and Judas: to Aristobulus, the magistrate of king Ptolemy, who is of the ancestry of anointed priests, and to those Jews who are in Egypt: greetings and good health.

10  In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that were at Jerusalem and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus’ master, who was of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that were in Egypt

11  Having been freed by God from great peril, we give thanks to him greatly, in as much as we have been struggling against so great a king.

11  Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank him highly, as having been in battle against a king.

12  For he caused those who fought against us and against the holy city to burst forth from Persia.

12  For he cast them out that fought within the holy city.

13  For when the commander himself was in Persia, and with him an immense army, he fell in the temple of Nanea, having been deceived by the counsel of the priests of Nanea.

14  For Antiochus also came to the place with his friends, as if to live with her, and so that he would receive much money in the name of a dowry.

15  And when the priests of Nanea had made the proposal, and he had entered with a few men into the vestibule of the shrine, they closed the temple,

15  Which when the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was entered with a small company into the compass of the temple, they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come in

16  after Antiochus had entered. And throwing open a hidden entrance to the temple, they cast stones, and they struck the leader and those who were with him. And, having severed their limbs and cut off their heads, they threw them outside.

16  And opening a privy door of the roof, they threw stones like thunderbolts, and struck down the captain, hewed them in pieces, smote off their heads and cast them to those that were without.

17  Blessed be God through all things, who has delivered up the impious.

18  Therefore, establishing the purification of the temple on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Kislev, we considered it necessary to signify this to you, so that you, likewise, may keep the day of shelters, and the day of the fire that was given when Nehemiah offered sacrifice, after the temple and the altar had been built.

18  Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep the purification of the temple upon the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, we thought it necessary to certify you thereof, that ye also might keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias offered sacrifice, after that he had builded the temple and the altar.

19  For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests, who at that time were worshippers of God, secretly took the fire from the altar, and they kept it hidden in a valley, where there was a deep and dry pit, and they kept it safe in that place, in such a way that the place would be unknown to all.

20  But when many years had passed, and it pleased God that Nehemiah should be sent by the king of Persia, he sent some of the posterity of those priests who had hidden it to seek the fire. And, just as they told us, they did not find fire, but only deep water.

20  Now after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being sent from the king of Persia, did send of the posterity of those priests that had hid it to the fire: but when they told us they found no fire, but thick water;

21  Then he ordered them to draw it up and to carry it to him. And the priest, Nehemiah, ordered the sacrifices, which had been set out, to be sprinkled with the same water, both the wood and those things that were placed on it.

21  Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the priests to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the water.

22  And when this was done, and the time came when the sun shined brightly, which before was in a cloud, there was kindled a great fire, so much so that all were filled with wonder.

22  When this was done, and the time came that the sun shone, which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great fire kindled, so that every man marvelled.

23  But all the priests were reciting prayer, while the sacrifice was being consumed, with Jonathan beginning and the rest answering.

23  And the priests made a prayer whilst the sacrifice was consuming, I say, both the priests, and all the rest, Jonathan beginning, and the rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did.

24  And the prayer of Nehemiah was held in this way: “O Lord God, Creator of all, terrible and strong, just and merciful, you alone are the good King.

24  And the prayer was after this manner; O Lord, Lord God, Creator of all things, who art fearful and strong, and righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King,

25  You alone are excellent, you alone are just, and all-powerful, and eternal, who frees Israel from all evil, who created the chosen fathers and sanctified them.

25  The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty, and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and didst choose the fathers, and sanctify them

26  Receive the sacrifice on behalf of all of your people Israel, and preserve and sanctify your portion.

27  Gather together our dispersion, free those who are in servitude to the Gentiles, and respect those who are despised and abhorred, so that the Gentiles may know that you are our God.

27  Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver them that serve among the heathen, look upon them that are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art our God.

28  Afflict those who, in their arrogance, are oppressing us and treating us abusively.

28  Punish them that oppress us, and with pride do us wrong.

29  Establish your people in your holy place, just as Moses said.”

29  Plant thy people again in thy holy place, as Moses hath spoken.

30  And so the priests sang hymns until the sacrifice had been consumed.

30  And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving.

31  But when the sacrifice had been consumed, Nehemiah ordered the remainder of the water to be poured upon the great stones.

31  Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the water that was left to be poured on the great stones.

32  When this had been done, a flame was kindled from them, but it was consumed by the light that shined brightly from the altar.

33  In truth, when this thing became known, it was reported to the king of Persia that in the place where the fire had been hidden by those priests who had been led away, water appeared, by which Nehemiah, and those who were with him, purified the sacrifices.

33  So when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that in the place, where the priests that were led away had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had purified the sacrifices therewith.

34  But the king, considering and examining the matter diligently, made a temple for it, so that he might study what had happened.

34  Then the king, inclosing the place, made it holy, after he had tried the matter.

35  And when he had studied it, he gave the priests many goods and presents, of one kind or another, and using his own hands, he distributed these.

35  And the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those whom he would gratify.

36  And Nehemiah called this place Nephthar, which is interpreted as Purification. But with many it is called Nephi.

36  And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.

2:1  Now it is found in the descriptions of the prophet Jeremiah that he ordered those who transmigrated to take the fire, just as it was signified and as he ordered, into the transmigration.

1  It is also found in the records, that Jeremy the prophet commanded them that were carried away to take of the fire, as it hath been signified

2:2  And he gave them the law, so that they would never forget the commandments of the Lord, and so that they would not go astray in their minds, seeing the idols of gold and silver, and their ornaments.

2  And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged them not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver and gold, with their ornaments.

2:3  And in this manner, with other sayings, he exhorted them, lest they remove the law from their heart.

3  And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts.

2:4  Furthermore, it was in the same writing, how the prophet, by divine response, ordered that the tabernacle and the ark be made to accompany him, until he exited from the mountain, where Moses ascended and saw the inheritance of God.

4  It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.

2:5  And arriving there, Jeremiah found a place in a cave. And he brought both the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense into that place, and he obstructed the opening.

5  And when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door.

2:6  And certain ones of those who followed him, approached to make note of the location, but they were not able to find it.

6  And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it.

2:7  But when Jeremiah knew of it, he blamed them, saying: “The place shall be unknown, until God shall gather together the congregation of the people, and until he may be favorably inclined.

7  Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.

2:8  And then the Lord will reveal these things, and the majesty of the Lord shall appear, and there will be a cloud, just as it was also manifested to Moses, and just as he manifested these when Solomon petitioned that the place should be sanctified to the great God.

8  Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as it was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be honourably sanctified.

2:9  For he also drew upon wisdom magnificently, and so, having wisdom, he offered the sacrifice of the dedication and the consummation of the temple.

9  It was also declared, that he being wise offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.

2:10  And, just as Moses prayed to the Lord, and fire descended from heaven and consumed the holocaust, so also Solomon prayed and fire descended from heaven and consumed the holocaust.

10  And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offerings.

2:11  And Moses said that it was consumed because the sin offering was not eaten.

2:12  And similarly, Solomon also celebrated the eight days of the dedication.

12  So Solomon kept those eight days.

2:13  Moreover, these same things were put into the descriptions and commentaries of Nehemiah, including how, when constructing a library, he gathered together from the regions the books of the Prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings, and from the holy gifts.

13  The same things also were reported in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; and how he founding a library gathered together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.

2:14  And, similarly, Judas also gathered together all the things that were destroyed by the war that befell us, and these are with us.

14  In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with us,

2:15  Therefore, if you desire these things, send those who may carry them to you.

15  Wherefore if ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them unto you.

2:16  And so, since we will be celebrating the purification, we wrote to you. Therefore, you will do well, if you keep these days.

16  Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification, we have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days.

2:17  But we hope that God, who has freed his people and has rendered to all the inheritance, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and sanctification,

17  We hope also, that the God, that delivered all his people, and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,

2:18  just as he promised in the law, will quickly have mercy on us and will gather us together from under heaven into the holy place.

19  For he has rescued us from great perils, and he has purged the place.

18  As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together out of every land under heaven into the holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and hath purified the place.

2:19  The truth about Judas Maccabeus, and his brothers, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar,

2:20  and also about the battles, which pertain to Antiochus the illustrious, and his son, Eupator,

20  And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his son,

2:21  and about the illuminations, which came from heaven to those who acted on behalf of the Jews with fortitude, was such that they, though few, vindicated the entire region and put to flight a multitude of the barbarous,

21  And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and chased barbarous multitudes,

2:22  and recovered the most famous temple in the whole world, and freed the city, and restored the laws that were abolished. For the Lord, with all tranquility, was acting favorably toward them.

22  And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over, and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour

2:23  And similar things as have been comprised in five books by Jason the Cyrenean, we have attempted to abridge into one volume.

23  All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.

2:24  For, considering the multitude of the books, and the difficulty that those who are willing to undertake the narrations of histories find, due to the multitude of events,

24  For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of the matter,

2:25  we have taken care, so that, indeed, those who are willing to read may have delights of the mind, and so that, in truth, the studious may more easily be able to commit it to memory, and also so that all readers may find it useful.

25  We have been careful, that they that will read may have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.

2:26  And indeed, we ourselves, who have taken up the task of abridging this work, have no easy labor. For, in truth, more correctly, we have assumed an activity full of vigilance and sweat.

26  Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;

2:27  Just as those who prepare a feast also seek to be attentive to the will of others, for the sake of the gratitude of many, we willingly undertake the labor.

27  Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we will undertake gladly this great pains;

2:28  Indeed, leaving to the authors the truths about particular details, we instead have been devoted to this form, striving to be brief.

28  Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.

2:29  For, just as the architect of a new house will have concern for the entire structure, and, in truth, he who takes care to paint it will seek out what is fitting to adorn it, so also should such things be considered by us.

29  For as the master builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.

2:30  Moreover, to collect knowledge, and to order words, and to discuss every particular point attentively, is the duty of the author of a history.

30  To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story

2:31  Yet truly, to pursue brevity of speech, and to shun the extension of matters, is conceded to an abbreviator.

31  But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.

2:32  Therefore, here we will begin the narration. Let so much be sufficient to say in preface. For it is foolish to go on and on before the account, when the account itself is succinct.

32  Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.

3:2  it happened that even the kings and princes themselves considered the place worthy of the highest honor, and so they glorified the temple with very great gifts,

2Mc3:2  It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;

3:3  so much so that Seleucus, king of Asia, furnished from his revenues all of the expenses for the ministry pertaining to the sacrifices.

2Mc3:3  Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.

3:4  But Simon, from the tribe of Benjamin, having been appointed as overseer of the temple, obstructed the chief priest, in order to undertake some kind of iniquity in the city.

2Mc3:4  But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in the city.

3:5  But when he was not able to overcome Onias, he went to Apollonius, the son of Tarsus, who at that time was governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia,

2Mc3:5  And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,

3:6  and he announced to him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of innumerable sums of money, and that the common storehouse, which did not pertain to the allotment for the sacrifices, was immense, and that it would be possible for all of this to fall under the power of the king.

2Mc3:6  And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the king’s hand.

3:7  And when he had presented the news that he brought back to king Apollonius about the money, he summoned Heliodorus, who was in charge of this matter, and he sent him with orders, in order to transport the aforesaid money.

2Mc3:7  Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.

3:8  And immediately Heliodorus set forth on the way, indeed, appearing as if sojourning to the cities of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, but in truth the reason was to complete the proposition of the king.

2Mc3:8  So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king’s purpose.

3:9  But, when he had arrived at Jerusalem and had been kindly accepted into the city by the high priest, he explained to him the information that had been provided concerning the money. And he freely disclosed the cause for which he was present. But he questioned whether these things were truly so.

2Mc3:9  And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high priest of the city, he told him what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so indeed.

3:10  Then the high priest revealed to him that these things had been deposited, along with provisions for the widows and the orphans.

2Mc3:10  Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children

3:11  In truth, a certain part of that which impious Simon had reported belonged to Hyrcanus, son of Tobias, a very eminent man. But the entire amount was four hundred talents of silver and two hundred of gold.

2Mc3:11  And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold

3:12  For in truth, to deceive those who had trusted in the place and the temple that is honored throughout the whole world for its veneration and sanctity would be altogether impossible.

2Mc3:12  And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world.

3:13  But because of those things that he held as orders from the king, he said that by all means the money must be transferred to the king.

2Mc3:13  But Heliodorus, because of the king’s commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king’s treasury.

3:14  And so, on the appointed day, Heliodorus entered to set these things in order. Yet truly, there was no small amount of trepidation throughout the entire city.

2Mc3:14  So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole city.

3:15  And so the priests threw themselves before the altar in their priestly vestments, and they called upon him from heaven, who had established the law about deposits, such that those with whom they had deposited it would keep it safe.

2Mc3:15  But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests’ vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made a law concerning things given to he kept, that they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.

3:16  Now truly, whoever saw the countenance of the high priest was wounded in mind. For his face and the changing of its color declared the inner sorrow of the soul.

2Mc3:16  Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.

3:17  For this one man was so immersed in grief and in physical dread that it was clear to those who beheld him that sorrow had affected his heart.

2Mc3:17  For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.

3:18  And now, others flowed together in flocks from the houses, pleading and making public supplication, on behalf of the place, which soon might be brought into contempt.

2Mc3:18  Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.

3:19  And the women, wrapped with haircloth around the chest, flowed together through the streets. And even the virgins, who were cloistered, rushed forth to Onias, and others rushed to the walls, and, truly, certain ones looked through the windows.

2Mc3:19  And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.

3:20  But every one of them, stretching forth their hands toward heaven, made supplication.

2Mc3:20  And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made supplication.

3:21  For the expectation of the mixed multitude, and of the great priest in agony, would have endowed anyone with pity.

2Mc3:21  Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest being in such an agony.

3:22  And indeed, these called upon almighty God, so that the trust that had been entrusted to them would be preserved with all integrity.

2Mc3:22  They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed them.

3:23  But Heliodorus completed the same thing that had been decreed, being himself present in the place, with his attendants, near the treasury.

2Mc3:23  Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.

3:24  Then the Spirit of Almighty God made a great manifestation of his presence, so much so that all who had presumed to yield to him were turned aside by fainting and dread, falling by the power of God.

2Mc3:24  Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid.

3:25  For there appeared to them a certain horse, having a terrible rider, adorned with the best covering, and he rushed forth and assailed Heliodorus with his front hooves. And he who sat upon him seemed to have armor of gold.

2Mc3:25  For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.

3:26  Moreover, there appeared two other youths with the appearance of power, the glory of nobility, and the apparel of splendor. These stood near him on each side, and they scourged him without ceasing, striking with many scourges.

2Mc3:26  Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.

3:27  Then Heliodorus suddenly fell to the ground, and they quickly took him up, draped by a great darkness, and, having placed him onto a stretcher, they rushed him away.

2Mc3:27  And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him took him up, and put him into a litter.

3:28  And so, he who had approached the aforesaid treasury, with so many officials and attendants, was carried away, with no one to bring help to him, the manifest power of God being made known.

2Mc3:28  Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.

3:29  And indeed, through divine power, he lay mute and also was deprived of all hope of recovery.

2Mc3:29  For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.

3:30  But they blessed the Lord, because he had magnified his place, and because the temple, which a little while before was filled with confusion and fear, became filled with joy and gladness, when the all-powerful Lord appeared.

2Mc3:30  But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.

3:31  Then, truly, certain friends of Heliodorus came forth to petition Onias, so that he would call upon the Most High to grant life to him who was appointed to breathe his last breath.

2Mc3:31  Then straightways certain of Heliodorus’ friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.

3:32  But the high priest, considering that the king might perhaps suspect that some malice against Heliodorus had been completed by the Jews, offered a beneficial sacrifice for the health of the man.

2Mc3:32  So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.

3:33  And when the high priest was praying, the same youths, dressed in the same clothing, were standing by Heliodorus, and they said: “Give thanks to Onias the priest, for it is on his behalf that the Lord has granted life to you.

2Mc3:33  Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life

3:34  But, having been scourged by God, you must announce to all the great things of God and his power.” And having said this, they disappeared.

2Mc3:34  And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.

3:35  Then Heliodorus offered sacrifice to God and made great vows to him who had permitted him to live. And he gave thanks to Onias. And, gathering his troops, he returned to the king.

2Mc3:35  So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.

3:36  But he testified to all about the works of the great God, which he had seen with his own eyes.

2Mc3:36  Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.

3:37  And so, when the king questioned Heliodorus as to who might be fit to be sent once more to Jerusalem, he said

2Mc3:37  And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,

3:38  “If you have any enemy, or a traitor to your kingdom, send him there, and he will return to you scourged, if he even escapes. For truly, in that place, there is a certain power of God.

2Mc3:38  If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power of God.

3:39  Yes, he who has his dwelling in the heavens is the visitor and protector of that place, and he strikes and destroys those arriving to do evil.”

2Mc3:39  For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it.

3:40  Thus, the things about Heliodorus and the preservation of the treasury happened in this way.

2Mc3:40  And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.

4:1  But the aforementioned Simon, who was a betrayer of the money and of his nation, spoke evil about Onias, as if he had instigated Heliodorus to do these things and as if he had been the inciter of evils.

2Mc4:1  This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he ha terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.

4:2  And he dared to say that he was a traitor to the kingdom, though he provided for the city, and defended his people, and was zealous for the law of God.

2Mc4:2  Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so zealous of the laws.

4:3  But when the hostilities had proceeded to such an extent that even murders were committed by certain close associates of Simon,

2Mc4:3  But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon’s faction murders were committed,

4:4  Onias, considering the peril of this contention, and Apollonius to be mad, though he was governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, which only augmented the malice of Simon, he brought himself before the king,

2Mc4:4  Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon’s malice,

4:5  not so as to be an accuser of a citizen, but in view of his own consideration for the common good of the entire multitude.

2Mc4:5  He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both publick and private

4:6  For he saw that, without royal providence, it would be impossible to provide peace to events, nor would Simon ever cease from his foolishness.

2Mc4:6  For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.

4:7  But after the life of Seleucus expired, when Antiochus, who was called the illustrious, had assumed the kingdom, Jason, the brother of Onias, was ambitious for the high priesthood.

2Mc4:7  But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured underhand to be high priest,

4:8  He went to the king, promising him three hundred and sixty talents of silver, and from other revenues eighty talents,

2Mc4:8  Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty talents

4:9  and beyond these, he promised also one hundred and fifty more, if he would be granted the authority to establish a sports arena, and a school for boys, and to enroll those who were at Jerusalem as Antiochians.

2Mc4:9  Beside this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.

4:10  When the king had assented, and he had obtained the leadership, he immediately began to transfer his subjects to the rituals of the heathens.

2Mc4:10  Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish fashion.

4:11  And taking away those things that had been established by the kings, by reason of the humanitarianism of the Jews, through John, the father of Eupolemus, who formed a friendship and alliance with the Romans, he discharged the legitimate legislations, voiding the oaths of the citizens, and he sanctioned depraved customs.

2Mc4:11  And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting down the governments which were according to the law, he brought up new customs against the law

4:12  For he even had the audacity to set up, below the very stronghold, a sports arena, and to place all of the best adolescent boys in brothels.

2Mc4:12  For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection, and made them wear a hat.

4:13  Now this was not the beginning, but a certain increase and progression of heathenism and foreign practices, due to the nefarious and unheard of wickedness of the impious non-priest Jason,

2Mc4:13  Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, and no high priest;

4:14  so much so that now the priests were not devoted to the concerns of services at the altar, but, despising the temple and neglecting the sacrifices, they hurried to become participants of the wrestling school, and of its prohibited injustices, and of the training of the discus.

2Mc4:14  That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth;

4:15  And, even holding the honors of their fathers to be nothing, they esteemed the glories of the Greeks as best.

2Mc4:15  Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all.

4:16  For the sake of these, they held a dangerous competition, and were imitators of their practices, and so, in all things, they desired to be similar to those who had been their enemies and destroyers.

2Mc4:16  By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in all things.

4:17  But acting impiously against the divine laws does not go unpunished, as these subsequent events will reveal.

2Mc4:17  For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.

4:18  But when the competition that was celebrated every fifth year was at Tyre, the king being present,

2Mc4:18  Now when the game that was used every faith year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present,

4:19  the villainous Jason sent sinful men from Jerusalem, carrying three hundred didrachmas of silver for the sacrifice of Hercules. But those who transported it asked that it might not be paid out for the sacrifices, because it was not needed, but might be used for other expenses.

2Mc4:19  This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.

4:20  So, even though this was offered by him who sent it for the sacrifice of Hercules, it was instead given over to the manufacture of Greek warships, because of those presenting it.

2Mc4:20  This money then, in regard of the sender, was appointed to Hercules’ sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof, it was employed to the making of gallies.

4:21  Then Apollonius, the son of Menestheus, was sent into Egypt because of the nobles of king Philometor of Ptolemy. But when Antiochus realized that he had been effectively alienated from the affairs of the kingdom, consulting his own interests, he started out from there and came to Joppa, and from there to Jerusalem.

2Mc4:21  Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus, understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa, and from thence to Jerusalem

4:22  And he was received magnificently by Jason and the city, and he entered with the lights of little torches and with praises. And from there he turned back with his army to Phoenicia.

2Mc4:22  Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city, and was brought in with torch alight, and with great shoutings: and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.

4:23  And, after three years, Jason sent Menelaus, the brother of the above mentioned Simon, carrying money to the king, and bearing responses about essential matters.

2Mc4:23  Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid Simon’s brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certain necessary matters.

4:24  And he, being recommended to the king, when he had magnified the appearance of his power, usurped the high priesthood for himself, outbidding Jason by three hundred talents of silver.

2Mc4:24  But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had magnified him for the glorious appearance of his power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.

4:25  And so, having received orders from the king, he returned, holding nothing at all worthy of the priesthood, in truth, having the soul of a cruel tyrant and the rage of a wild beast.

2Mc4:25  So he came with the king’s mandate, bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.

4:26  And indeed, Jason, who had taken captive his own brother, was himself deceived, and was expelled to become a fugitive in the region of the Ammonites.

2Mc4:26  Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.

4:27  Then Menelaus, indeed, obtained the principality, but truly, concerning the money that he had promised to the king, nothing was done. Although Sostratus, who was first over the stronghold, attempted to collect it,

2Mc4:27  So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that he had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it, albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it

4:28  since the collection of certain taxes pertained to him. For this reason, they were both called before the king.

2Mc4:28  For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.

4:29  And Menelaus was removed from the priesthood, being succeeded by Lysimachus, his brother. Then Sostratus was appointed over the Cyprians.

2Mc4:29  Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.

4:30  And while these things were occurring, it happened that those from Tarsus and Mallus incited a sedition, because they had been given as a gift to Antiochidi, the concubine of the king.

2Mc4:30  While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the king’s concubine, called Antiochus.

4:31  And so, the king hurried to come and calm them, leaving behind Andronicus, one of his associates, as his deputy.

2Mc4:31  Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.

4:32  Then Menelaus, believing that he had reached an opportune time, having stolen certain gold vessels out of the temple, gave them to Andronicus, along with others he had gained at Tyre and throughout the neighboring cities.

2Mc4:32  Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time, stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave some of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus and the cities round about.

4:33  But when Onias had realized this with certainty, he accused him, keeping himself in a safe place at Antioch beside Daphne.

2Mc4:33  Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by Antiochia.

4:34  Meanwhile, Menelaus met with Andronicus, asking him to execute Onias. So he then went to Onias, and he gave him his right hand with an oath, and, even though he was suspicious of him, he persuaded him to venture out of asylum, and he immediately killed him, with no respect for justice.

2Mc4:34  Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed, him to get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths; and though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.

4:35  For this reason, not only the Jews, but also the other nations, were indignant and bore much grief for the unjust killing of so great a man.

2Mc4:35  For the which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other nations, took great indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust murder of the man.

4:36  But when the king returned from the places of Cilicia, the Jews at Antioch, and similarly the Greeks, went to him, complaining of the iniquitous killing of Onias.

2Mc4:36  And when the king was come again from the places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was slain without cause.

4:37  And so Antiochus was grieved in his mind because of Onias, and, being moved to compassion, he shed tears, remembering the sobriety and modesty of the deceased.

2Mc4:37  Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.

4:38  And, being inflamed in soul, he ordered the purple to be torn from Andronicus, and that he be led around, throughout the entire city, and that, in the same place where he had committed the impiety against Onias, the sacrilegious man should be deprived of his life, as his fitting punishment rendered by the Lord.

2Mc4:38  And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him through the whole city unto that very place, where he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved.

4:39  But when many sacrileges were committed by Lysimachus in the temple through the counsel of Menelaus, and the news was divulged, the multitude gathered together against Lysimachus, though a great quantity of gold had been exported already.

2Mc4:39  Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried away.

4:40  But when the multitude stirred up an insurrection, and their minds were filled with anger, Lysimachus armed about three thousand, who began to act with hands of iniquity. A certain tyrant was their leader, a man advanced both in age and in madness.

2Mc4:40  Whereupon the common people rising, and being filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly.

4:41  But when they perceived the attempt of Lysimachus, some took hold of stones, others strong clubs, and, in truth, certain ones threw ashes upon Lysimachus.

2Mc4:41  They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them.

4:42  And indeed, many were wounded, and some were struck down; however, all were put to flight. And, as for the sacrilegious man, they executed him beside the treasury.

2Mc4:42  Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.

4:43  Therefore, about these things, a judgment began to be stirred up against Menelaus.

2Mc4:43  Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelaus.

4:44  And when the king had arrived at Tyre, three men were sent from the elders to bring the matter to him.

2Mc4:44  Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him

4:45  But when Menelaus was overcome, he promised to give much money to Ptolemy to persuade the king.

2Mc4:45  But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him.

4:46  And so, Ptolemy went to the king in a certain court where he was, as if merely to refresh himself, and he influenced him away from the sentence.

2Mc4:46  Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind

4:47  And so Menelaus, though indeed guilty of all malice, was absolved of the crimes. Moreover, these pitiable men, who, even if they had pleaded their case before Scythians, would have been judged innocent, he condemned to death.

2Mc4:47  Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.

4:48  Therefore, those who brought the case on behalf of the city, and the people, and the sacred vessels were quickly given an unjust punishment.

2Mc4:48  Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.

4:49  For this reason, even the Tyrians, being indignant, proved to be very liberal toward their burial.

2Mc4:49  Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.

4:50  Thus, because of the greed of those who were in power, Menelaus remained in authority, increasing in malice, to the betrayal of the citizens.

2Mc4:50  And so through the covetousness of them that were of power Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens.

5:1  At the same time, Antiochus prepared for a second journey into Egypt.

2Mc5:1  About the same time Antiochus prepared his second voyage into Egypt

5:2  But it happened, throughout the entire city of Jerusalem, that there were seen, for forty days, horsemen rushing through the air, having golden robes, and armed with spears, like a cohort of soldiers,

2Mc5:2  And then it happened, that through all the city, for the space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen running in the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of soldiers,

5:3  and horses, set in order by ranks, running, coming together to engage in close combat, and the shaking of shields, and a helmeted multitude stretching forth swords, and the casting of darts, and the splendor of golden armor, and all kinds of breastplates.

2Mc5:3  And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude of pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.

5:4  Because of this, everyone begged that these prodigies might be turned to good.

2Mc5:4  Wherefore every man prayed that that apparition might turn to good.

5:5  But when a false rumor went out, as though the life of Antiochus had expired, Jason, taking with him no less than one thousand men, suddenly assaulted the city. And, though the citizens together rushed to the wall, the city at last was taken, and Menelaus fled into the stronghold.

2Mc5:5  Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that were upon the walls being put back, and the city at length taken, Menelaus fled into the castle

5:6  Truly, Jason did not spare his citizens from the slaughter; not realizing that success at the expense of kin is a very great evil, he considered those over whom he was victorious to be enemies, and not citizens.

2Mc5:6  But Jason slew his own citizens without mercy, not considering that to get the day of them of his own nation would be a most unhappy day for him; but thinking they had been his enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he conquered.

5:7  And so, he certainly did not obtain the leadership, but truly, in the end, received confusion for his betrayals, and he departed again to take refuge among the Ammonites.

2Mc5:7  Howbeit for all this he obtained not the principality, but at the last received shame for the reward of his treason, and fled again into the country of the Ammonites.

5:8  In the end, to his ruin, he was enclosed by Aretas, the sovereign of the Arabs. And then, fleeing from city to city, hated by all as a detestable fugitive from the laws, and as an enemy of his own nation and citizens, he was expelled into Egypt.

2Mc5:8  In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused before Aretas the king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and being had in abomination as an open enemy of his country and countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt.

5:9  And he who had expelled many from their native land perished abroad, starting out toward the Lacedaemonians, as if, for the sake of kinship, he should have refuge there.

2Mc5:9  Thus he that had driven many out of their country perished in a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking there to find succour by reason of his kindred

5:10  And he who cast out many, unburied, was himself also cast out, both unlamented and unburied, and without having use of either foreign burial or a share of the sepulcher of his fathers.

2Mc5:10  And he that had cast out many unburied had none to mourn for him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his fathers.

5:11  And so, when these things were done, the king suspected that the Jews would desert the alliance. And because of this, departing from Egypt with a raging soul, he indeed took the city by force.

2Mc5:11  Now when this that was done came to the king’s ear, he thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing out of Egypt in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,

5:12  Moreover, he ordered the military to execute, and not to spare, anyone they met, and to ascend through the houses to slay.

2Mc5:12  And commanded his men of war not to spare such as they met, and to slay such as went up upon the houses.

5:13  Therefore, a massacre occurred of youths and elders, an extermination of women and children, a killing of virgins and little ones.

2Mc5:13  Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men, women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.

5:14  And so, over three whole days, eighty thousand were executed, forty thousand were imprisoned, and no small number were sold.

2Mc5:14  And there were destroyed within the space of three whole days fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the conflict; and no fewer sold than slain.

5:15  But, as if this were not enough, he even presumed to enter into the most holy temple in the entire world, with Menelaus, that traitor to the law and to his own nation, as his guide.

2Mc5:15  Yet was he not content with this, but presumed to go into the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to the laws, and to his own 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 adornment and glory of the place, he unworthily handled and contaminated them.

2Mc5:16  And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with profane hands pulling down the things that were dedicated by other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the place, he gave them away.

5:17  So Antiochus, having gone astray in mind, did not consider that, because of the sins of the inhabitants of the city, God had become angry for a while, and so, for this reason, contempt had fallen upon the place.

2Mc5:17  And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins of them that dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the place.

5:18  Otherwise, if it had not happened that they were involved in so many sins, as with Heliodorus, who was sent by king Seleucus to plunder the treasury, so also this one, as soon as he had arrived, certainly would have been scourged and driven away from his audacity.

2Mc5:18  For had they not been formerly wrapped in many sins, this man, as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus the king sent to view the treasury.

5:19  Truly, God did not choose the people because of the place, but the place because of the people.

2Mc5:19  Nevertheless 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 itself also became a participant in the evils of the people. But afterwards, it shall be a companion to what is good. And she who was abandoned to the wrath of Almighty God shall be exalted again with the greatest glory, at the reconciliation of the great Lord.

2Mc5:20  And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them of the adversity that happened to the nation, did afterward communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and as it was forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord being reconciled, it was set up with all glory.

5:21  Therefore, when Antiochus had taken away from the temple one thousand eight hundred talents, he quickly returned to Antioch, thinking, in his arrogance, to navigate the earth, even by finding a passage leading across the open ocean: such was the elation of his mind.

2Mc5:21  So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste unto Antiochia, weening in his pride to make the land navigable, and the sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind.

5:22  Yet he left behind rulers to afflict the people. In fact, at Jerusalem, Philip was by birth a Phrygian, but he was in manners more cruel than he who had appointed him.

2Mc5:22  And he left governors to vex the nation: at Jerusalem, Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more barbarous than he that set him there;

5:23  Yet Andronicus and Menelaus hung a heavier weight over the citizens at Garizim than the others.

2Mc5:23  And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides, Menelaus, who worse than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the citizens, having a malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews.

5:24  And when he had been appointed over the Jews, he sent that hateful leader, Apollonius, with an army of twenty-two thousand, instructing him to execute all men in the prime of life, and to sell the women and the youths.

2Mc5:24  He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their best age, and to sell the women and the younger sort

5:25  When he had arrived at Jerusalem, feigning peace, he remained quiet until the holy day of the Sabbath. And then, when the Jews were taking rest, he instructed his own to take up arms.

2Mc5:25  Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves.

5:26  And he slaughtered all those who were seen going out. And rushing throughout the city with armed men, he destroyed a vast multitude.

2Mc5:26  And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons slew great multitudes.

5:27  But Judas Maccabeus, who was the tenth, had withdrawn himself to a deserted place, and there he lived life among the wild beasts in the mountains, with his own. And they remained there, consuming herbs as food, lest they be partakers in the defilement.

2Mc5:27  But Judas Maccabeus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs continually, lest they should be partakers of the pollution.

6:1  But not much time later, the king sent a certain elder of Antioch, who compelled the Jews to transfer themselves from the laws of God and of their fathers,

2Mc6:1  Not long after this the king sent an old man of Athens to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live after the laws of God

6:2  and also to contaminate the temple that was in Jerusalem, and to name it ‘Jupiter of Olympus,’ and in Garizim, ‘Jupiter of Hospitality,’ exactly like those who inhabited the place.

2Mc6:2  And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the place.

6:3  Yet the worst and most grievous thing of all was the onrush of evils.

2Mc6:3  The coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to the people

6:4  For the temple was full of the luxuries and carousings of the Gentiles, and of consorting with promiscuous women. And the women hurried themselves unreservedly into the sacred buildings, bringing in things that were not lawful.

2Mc6:4  For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought in things that were not lawful.

6:5  And even the altar was filled with illicit things, which were prohibited by the laws.

2Mc6:5  The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law forbiddeth.

6:6  And also the Sabbaths were not kept, and the solemn days of the fathers were not observed, neither did anyone simply confess himself to be a Jew.

2Mc6:6  Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.

6:7  And so, they were led by bitter necessity, on the birthday of the king, to the sacrifices. And, when the holy things of Liber were celebrated, they were forced to go around crowned with the ivy of Liber.

2Mc6:7  And in the day of the king’s birth every month they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.

6:8  Then a decree went out to the neighboring cities of the Gentiles, suggested by the Ptolemeans, that they too should act in a similar manner against the Jews, to oblige them to sacrifice,

2Mc6:8  Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of their sacrifices

6:9  and that those who were not willing to conform to the institutions of the Gentiles should be executed. Therefore, there was misery to be seen.

2Mc6:9  And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.

6:10  For two women were denounced for having had their boys circumcised. These, with the infants suspended at their breasts, when they had publicly led them around the city, they cast down from the walls.

2Mc6:10  For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes handing at their breasts, they cast them down headlong from the wall.

6:11  Truly, others, meeting together in nearby caves and celebrating the Sabbath day secretly, when they had been discovered by Philip, were burned with fire, because they showed reverence to the observances of religion, deciding to help themselves by their own hand.

2Mc6:11  And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.

6:12  So then, I beg those who will read this Book, let them not be repelled by these adverse events, but let them consider that these things happened, not for the destruction, but for the correction, of our people.

2Mc6:12  Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of our nation.

6:13  For it is also an indication of great benefits that sinners are not permitted to continue in their ways for a long time, but are promptly brought to punishment.

2Mc6:13  For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.

6:14  For, as it is with other nations, (whom the Lord patiently awaits, so that, when the day of Judgment will arrive, he may punish them according to the plentitude of their sins,)

2Mc6:14  For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us,

6:15  not so does he also deal with us, as if to put off our sins until the end, so as to punish us for them eventually.

2Mc6:15  Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he should take vengeance of us.

6:16  Because of this, he certainly would never take away his mercy from us. Yet truly, chastising his people in adversity, he does not abandon them.

2Mc6:16  And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.

6:17  But these few things have been spoken by us as a reminder to the reader. For now we have arrived at the narration.

2Mc6:17  But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.

6:18  And so, Eleazar, one of the chief scribes, a man advanced in years and of stately countenance, was compelled to open his mouth wide to consume the flesh of swine.

2Mc6:18  Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swine’s flesh.

6:19  Yet he, embracing a most glorious death as greater than a detestable life, went forward voluntarily to the torments.

2Mc6:19  But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment,

6:20  And so, thinking over the manner by which he ought to approach it, enduring patiently, he was determined not to permit, due to a love for life, any unlawful things.

2Mc6:20  As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted.

6:21  Yet those who stood near, being moved by an iniquitous pity because of long friendship with the man, taking him aside privately, asked that flesh be brought which was lawful for him to eat, so that he could pretend to have eaten, just as the king had commanded, from the flesh of the sacrifice.

2Mc6:21  But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;

6:22  So then, by doing this, he might be freed from death. And it was because of their old friendship with the man that they performed this kindness for him.

2Mc6:22  That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for the old friendship with them find favour.

6:23  But he began to consider the eminent dignity of his stage of life and old age, and the natural honor of gray hair, as well as his exemplary words and deeds from childhood. And he responded quickly, according also to the ordinances of the sacred law preserved by God, saying, that he would first be sent to the underworld.

2Mc6:23  But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave.

6:24  “For it is not worthy for those of our age,” he said, “to deceive, so that many adolescents might think that Eleazar, at ninety years, had converted to the life of the foreigners.

2Mc6:24  For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange religion;

6:25  And so, they, because of my pretense and for the sake of a brief time of a corruptible life, would be misled, and, through this stain and desecration, I would defile my last years.

2Mc6:25  And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.

6:26  But if, in the present time, I were rescued from the torments of men, I would then not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither in life, nor in death.

2Mc6:26  For though for the present time I should be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.

6:27  For this reason, by departing life with fortitude, I will show myself to be clearly worthy of my long life.

2Mc6:27  Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth,

6:28  And so, I will bequeath an example of fortitude to youths, if, with a ready soul and constancy, I carry out an honest death, for the sake of the most serious and most holy laws.” And having said this, he was immediately dragged away to execution.

2Mc6:28  And leave a notable example to such as be young to die willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment

6:29  But those who led him, and who were more mild a little before, were turned to anger because of the words spoken by him, which they considered to have been brought forth by way of arrogance.

2Mc6:29  They that led him changing the good will they bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.

6:30  But when he was ready to perish by the scourges, he groaned, and he said: “O Lord, who holds all holy knowledge, you clearly understand that, although I could be freed from death, I suffer grievous pains in body. Truly, according to the soul, I willingly endure these things, because of your fear.”

2Mc6:30  But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.

6:31  And the way in which this man passed from this life, bequeathed, not only to youths, but also to the entire people, the memory of his death as an example of virtue and fortitude.

2Mc6:31  And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation.

7:1  And it happened also that seven brothers, united with their mother, were apprehended and compelled by the king to eat the flesh of swine against divine law, being tormented with scourges and whips.

2Mc7:1  It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste swine’s flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.

7:2  But one of them, who was first, spoke in this way: “What would you ask, or what would you want to learn from us? We are ready to die, rather than to betray the laws that our fathers received from God.”

2Mc7:2  But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers.

7:3  And so the king, being angry, ordered frying pans and bronze caldrons to be heated. When these were presently heated,

2Mc7:3  Then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot

7:4  he ordered the tongue of him who had spoken first to be cut off, and, once the skin of his head had been pulled off, likewise his hands and feet to be cut off at the top, while the rest of his brothers and his mother were watching.

2Mc7:4  Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.

7:5  And when now he had been made helpless in all parts, he commanded him to be moved to the fire, and, while still breathing, to be fried in the frying pan. As he was suffering long torments therein, the rest, united with the mother, exhorted one another to die with fortitude,

2Mc7:5  Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan: and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die manfully, saying thus,

7:6  saying: “The Lord God will perceive the truth, and he will be consoled in us, in the way that Moses declared in the profession of the canticle: ‘And in his servants, he will be consoled.’ ”

2Mc7:6  The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to their faces, declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants.

7:7  And so, when the first had died in this way, they led in the next one, so as to ridicule him. And when the skin of his head was pulled off with the hair, they asked him if he would eat, instead of being punished throughout the whole body in every limb.

2Mc7:7  So when the first was dead after this number, they brought the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy body?

7:8  But responding in the language of his fathers, he said, “I will not do it.” Because of this, he also, in the next place, received the torments of the first.

2Mc7:8  But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment in order, as the former did.

7:9  And when he had reached his last breath, he spoke in this way: “You, indeed, O most wicked man, are destroying us in this present life. But the King of the world will raise us up, in eternal life at the resurrection, for we die on behalf of his laws.”

2Mc7:9  And when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting life.

7:10  After this one, the third was ridiculed, and when he was asked, he quickly offered up his tongue, and he resolutely extended his hands.

2Mc7:10  After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully.

7:11  And he said with confidence, “I possess these from heaven, but, because of the laws of God, I now despise them, for I hope to receive them again from him.”

2Mc7:11  And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again.

7:12  So then, the king and those who were with him, wondered at the soul of this youth, because he considered the torments as if they were nothing.

2Mc7:12  Insomuch that the king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man’s courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains.

7:13  And after he had died in this way, they afflicted the fourth with similar tortures.

2Mc7:13  Now when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled the fourth in like manner.

7:14  And when he was about to die, he spoke in this way: “It is preferable, being put to death by men, to wait for hope from God, so as to be revived again by him. But the resurrection to life will not be for you.

2Mc7:14  So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life.

7:15  And when they had brought the fifth, they afflicted him. But he, gazing at him,

2Mc7:15  Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him.

7:16  said: “Having power among men, though you are corruptible, you do what you want, but do not think that our nation has been abandoned by God.

2Mc7:16  Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think not that our nation is forsaken of God;

7:17  And so, wait patiently for a while, and you will see his great power, by the manner in which he will torture you and your offspring.”

2Mc7:17  But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will torment thee and thy seed.

7:18  After this one, they brought the sixth, and he, being about to die, spoke in this way: “Do not go astray in vain. For we suffer because of ourselves, having sinned against our God, yet things worthy of admiration have been accomplished in us.

2Mc7:18  After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore marvellous things are done unto us.

7:19  But do not consider that you will be without punishment, for you have attempted to fight against God.”

2Mc7:19  But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.

7:20  Now the mother was wonderful beyond measure, and a worthy memorial of the good, for she watched her seven sons perish within the time of one day, and she bore it with a good soul, because of the hope that she had in God.

2Mc7:20  But the mother was marvellous above all, and worthy of honourable memory: for when she saw her seven sons slain within the space of one day, she bare it with a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord.

7:21  And, with fortitude, she exhorted every one of them, in the language of the fathers, being filled with wisdom. And, joining masculine courage with feminine thinking,

2Mc7:21  Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language, filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,

7:22  she said to them: “I do not know how you were formed in my womb. For I did not give you spirit, nor soul, nor life; neither did I construct each of your limbs.

2Mc7:22  I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the members of every one of you;

7:23  Nevertheless, the Creator of the world, who formed the nativity of man, and who founded the origins of all, will restore both spirit and life to you again, with his mercy, just as you now despise yourselves for the sake of his laws.”

2Mc7:23  But doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the generation of man, and found out the beginning of all things, will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as ye now regard not your own selves for his laws’ sake.

7:24  But Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and at the same time also despising the voice of the reproacher, when only the youngest was still left, not only exhorted him with words, but also assured him with an oath, that he would make him wealthy and happy, and, if he would convert from the laws of his fathers, he would have him as a friend, and he would provide him with necessary things.

7:25  But, when the youth was not swayed by these things, the king called the mother and persuaded her to act toward the youth to save him.

2Mc7:25  But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel the young man to save his life.

7:26  And so, when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised that she would counsel her son.

7:27  Then, leaning towards him and mocking the cruel tyrant, she said in the language of the fathers: “My son, take pity on me, for I carried you for nine months in my womb, and I gave you milk for three years, and I nourished you and led you through to this stage of life.

2Mc7:27  But she bowing herself toward him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, spake in her country language on this manner; O my son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee such three years, and nourished thee, and brought thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.

7:28  I ask you, child, gaze upon heaven and earth, and all that is in them, and understand that God made them, and the family of man, out of nothing.

2Mc7:28  I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.

7:29  So shall it be that you will not fear this executioner, but, participating worthily with your brothers, you shall accept death, so that, by this mercy, I shall receive you again with your brothers.”

2Mc7:29  Fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren.

7:30  While she was still saying these things, the youth said: “What are you waiting for? I will not obey the precepts of the king, but the precepts of the law, which was given to us through Moses.

2Mc7:30  Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king’s commandment: but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses.

7:31  In truth, you, who have been the inventor of all malice against the Hebrews, will not escape the hand of God.

2Mc7:31  And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.

7:32  For we suffer these things because of our sins.

7:33  And if, for the sake of our chastisement and correction, the Lord our God is angry with us for a little while, yet still he will be reconciled again to his servants.

2Mc7:33  And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his servants.

7:34  But as for you, O wicked and most disgraceful of all men, do be not be extolled over nothing, with vain hopes, while you are inflamed against his servants.

2Mc7:34  But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God

7:35  For you have not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God, who examines all things.

2Mc7:35  For thou hast not yet escaped the judgement of Almighty God, who seeth all things.

7:36  Therefore, my brothers, having now sustained brief sorrow, have been brought under the covenant of eternal life. But, in truth, you, by the judgment of God, will be released into just punishment for your arrogance.

2Mc7:36  For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead under God’s covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through the judgement of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.

7:37  But I, like my brothers, deliver up my soul and my body for the sake of the laws of the fathers, calling upon God so as to bring forgiveness upon our nation sooner, and so that you, with torments and lashings, may confess that he alone is God.

2Mc7:37  But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be merciful unto our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues mayest confess, that he alone is God;

7:38  Truly, in me and in my brothers, the wrath of the Almighty, which has been led over all our people justly, shall cease.”

2Mc7:38  And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.

7:39  Then the king, burning with anger, raged against this one with cruelty beyond all the rest, bearing it indignantly that he himself was derided.

2Mc7:39  Than the king’ being in a rage, handed him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.

7:40  And so this one also died in purity, trusting in the Lord through all things.

2Mc7:40  So this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the Lord.

7:41  Then, last of all, after the sons, the mother also was consumed.

2Mc7:41  Last of all after the sons the mother died.

7:42  Therefore, about the sacrifices and about the exceedingly great cruelties, enough has been said.

2Mc7:42  Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.

8:1  In truth, Judas Maccabeus, and those who were with him, went secretly into the villages, and, calling together their relatives and friends, and accepting among them those who persevered in Judaism, they brought six thousand men together.

2Mc8:1  Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with him, went privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together, and took unto them all such as continued in the Jews’ religion, and assembled about six thousand men.

8:2  And they called upon the Lord: to look upon his people, who were downtrodden by all; and to take pity on the temple, which was defiled by the impious;

8:3  and even to take pity on the city by utter destruction, for it was willing to be immediately leveled to the ground; and to hear the voice of the blood that was crying out to him,

2Mc8:3  And that he would have compassion upon the city, sore defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground; and hear the blood that cried unto him,

8:4  so that he would remember also the most iniquitous deaths of the innocent little ones, and the blasphemies brought upon his name; and to show his indignation over these things.

2Mc8:4  And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants, and the blasphemies committed against his name; and that he would shew his hatred against the wicked.

8:5  And so Maccabeus, having gathered together a multitude, could not be withstood by the Gentiles. For the wrath of the Lord had turned into mercy.

2Mc8:5  Now when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be withstood by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy.

8:6  And so, overwhelming the towns and cities unexpectedly, he set them on fire. And, occupying strategic positions, he made no small slaughter of the enemies.

2Mc8:6  Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt up towns and cities, and got into his hands the most commodious places, and overcame and put to flight no small number of his enemies.

8:7  Moreover, especially in the nights, he carried out expeditions in this way. And the fame of his virtuous strength was spread abroad everywhere.

2Mc8:7  But specially took he advantage of the night for such privy attempts, insomuch that the fruit of his holiness was spread every where.

8:8  Then Philip, seeing that the man gained ground little by little, and that things frequently fell out in his favor, wrote to Ptolemy, governor of Coelesyria and Phoenicia, to send auxiliaries to carry out the work of the king.

2Mc8:8  So when Philip saw that this man increased by little and little, and that things prospered with him still more and more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, to yield more aid to the king’s affairs.

8:9  And so, he quickly sent Nicanor, son of Patroclus, from his foremost friends, providing him with no less than twenty thousand armed men from throughout the Gentiles, to wipe out the entire race of the Jews, joining with him Gorgias, a military man with very great experience in the things of warfare.

2Mc8:9  Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of his special friends, he sent him with no fewer than twenty thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole generation of the Jews; and with him he joined also Gorgias a captain, who in matters of war had great experience.

8:10  Moreover, Nicanor decided to raise a tribute for the king of two thousand talents, which was to be given to the Romans, and which would be supplied by means of the captivity of the Jews.

2Mc8:10  So Nicanor undertook to make so much money of the captive Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand talents, which the king was to pay to the Romans.

8:11  And immediately he sent to the maritime cities, calling them to the auction of the Jewish slaves, promising them a parcel of ninety slaves for one talent, not reflecting on the vengeance which would befall him subsequently from the Almighty.

2Mc8:11  Wherefore immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and promising that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent, not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon him from the Almighty God.

8:12  Then, when Judas learned that Nicanor was approaching, he revealed it to those Jews who were with him.

2Mc8:12  Now when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor’s coming, and he had imparted unto those that were with him that the army was at hand,

8:13  And certain ones among them, being afraid and not trusting in the justice of God, turned and fled away.

2Mc8:13  They that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God, fled, and conveyed themselves away.

8:14  In truth, others sold all that was in excess, and together beseeched the Lord, that he would rescue them from the impious Nicanor, who had sold them before he even came near them,

2Mc8:14  Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord to deliver them, sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met together

8:15  and if not for their sakes, then for the sake of the covenant which was made with their fathers, and for the sake of the invocation of his holy and magnificent name over them.

2Mc8:15  And if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he had made with their fathers, and for his holy and glorious name’s sake, by which they were called.

8:16  But Maccabeus, calling together seven thousand who were with him, asked them not to be reconciled to the enemies, and not to fear the multitude of the enemies who came against them unjustly, but to struggle with fortitude,

2Mc8:16  So Maccabeus called his men together unto the number of six thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, who came wrongly against them; but to fight manfully,

8:17  holding before their eyes the contempt that had been brought upon the holy place by them, and likewise also the mockery which they held to the injury of the city, even to the extent of overthrowing the institutions of old.

2Mc8:17  And to set before their eyes the injury that they had unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of the city, whereof they made a mockery, and also the taking away of the government of their forefathers

8:18  For he said that these, indeed, trust in their weapons, as well as in their boldness; but we trust in the Almighty Lord, who is able to wipe out both those coming against us, and even the whole world, with one nod.

2Mc8:18  For they, said he, trust in their weapons and boldness; but our confidence is in the Almighty who at a beck can cast down both them that come against us, and also all the world.

8:19  Moreover, he reminded them also of the assistance of God which their parents had received; and how, under Sennacherib, one hundred and eighty-five thousand had perished;

2Mc8:19  Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers had found, and how they were delivered, when under Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished.

8:20  and of the battle by them, which was against the Galatians in Babylonia, how, when the event had arrived and the allies of the Macedonians hesitated, though they were only six thousand in all, yet they slew one hundred and twenty thousand, because of the help provided to them from heaven; and how, for the sake of these things, very many benefits followed.

2Mc8:20  And he told them of the battle that they had in Babylon with the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the business, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an hundred and twenty thousand because of the help that they had from heaven, and so received a great booty.

8:21  By these words, they were brought to constancy and were prepared to die for the laws and their nation.

2Mc8:21  Thus when he had made them bold with these words, and ready to die for the law and the country, he divided his army into four parts;

8:22  And so, he appointed his brothers as leaders over each division: Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, subjecting one thousand and five hundred men to each of them.

2Mc8:22  And joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one fifteen hundred men.

8:23  And at that point, the holy book having been read to them by Esdras, and having given them a sign of the assistance of God, with himself leading the first point, he joined battle with Nicanor.

2Mc8:23  Also he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and when he had given them this watchword, The help of God; himself leading the first band,

8:24  And, with the Almighty as their helper, they slew over nine thousand men. Furthermore, having wounded and disabled the greater part of the army of Nicanor, they forced them to take flight.

2Mc8:24  And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of Nicanor’s host, and so put all to flight;

8:25  In fact, they took away the money from those who came to buy them, and they pursued them everywhere.

2Mc8:25  And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them far: but lacking time they returned

8:26  But they turned back at the close of the hour, for it was before the Sabbath. For this reason, they did not continue the pursuit.

2Mc8:26  For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they would no longer pursue them.

8:27  But, having gathered together their weapons and spoils, they kept the Sabbath, blessing the Lord who had delivered them in that day, showering the beginning of mercy on them.

2Mc8:27  So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled their enemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy distilling upon them.

8:28  In truth, after the Sabbath, they divided the spoils to the disabled, and the orphans, and the widows, and the remainder they kept for themselves and their own.

2Mc8:28  And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils to the maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they divided among themselves and their servants.

8:29  And so, when these things were done, and supplication was made by all in common, they asked the merciful Lord to be reconciled to his servants unto the end.

2Mc8:29  When this was done, and they had made a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his servants for ever.

8:30  And, among those who were fighting against them with Timothy and Bacchides, they slew more than twenty thousand, and they obtained the high fortresses, and they divided many spoils, making equal portions for the disabled, the fatherless, and the widows, and even the aged.

2Mc8:30  Moreover of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought against them, they slew above twenty thousand, and very easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves many spoils more, and made the maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves.

8:31  And when they had carefully collected their weapons, they stored them all in strategic places, and, in truth, the remainder of the spoils they carried to Jerusalem.

8:32  And they put to death Philarches, a wicked man, who was with Timothy, who had brought many afflictions upon the Jews.

2Mc8:32  They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.

8:33  And when they celebrated the song of victory at Jerusalem, they burned him who had set fire to the sacred doors, that is, Callisthenes, when he had taken refuge in a certain house, repaying him a worthy reward for his impieties.

2Mc8:33  Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for the victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes, that had set fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house; and so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.

8:34  But as for that most vicious Nicanor, who had led in a thousand merchants for the sale of the Jews,

2Mc8:34  As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had brought a thousand merchants to buy the Jews,

8:35  he was brought low with the help of the Lord, and by those whom he considered to be worthless. Putting aside the glorious vestments, fleeing by an inland route, he arrived alone at Antioch, having been brought to the greatest unhappiness by the destruction of his army.

2Mc8:35  He was through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of whom he made least account; and putting off his glorious apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive servant through the midland unto Antioch having very great dishonour, for that his host was destroyed.

8:36  And he who had promised to pay a tribute to the Romans from the captives of Jerusalem, now professed that the Jews had God as their protector, and, for this reason, they were invulnerable, because they followed the laws established by him.

2Mc8:36  Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their tribute by means of captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that the Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could not be hurt, because they followed the laws that he gave them.

9:1  At the same time, Antiochus returned in dishonor from Persia.

2Mc9:1  About that time came Antiochus with dishonour out of the country 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, rushing to arms, turned them to flight, and so it happened that Antiochus, after fleeing, returned in disgrace.

2Mc9:2  For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about to rob the temple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude running to defend themselves with their weapons put them to flight; and so it happened, that Antiochus being put to flight of the inhabitants returned with shame.

9:3  And when he had arrived near Ecbatana, he realized what had happened to Nicanor and Timothy.

2Mc9:3  Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him what had happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.

9:4  And so, rising up in anger, he thought to turn back upon the Jews the injury done by those who had put him to flight. And, therefore, he ordered his chariot to be driven without stopping along the way, for the judgment of heaven was urging him on, because he had spoken so arrogantly about how he would come to Jerusalem and make it into a mass grave for the Jews.

2Mc9:4  Then swelling with anger. he thought to avenge upon the Jews the disgrace done unto him by those that made him flee. Therefore commanded he his chariotman to drive without ceasing, and to dispatch the journey, the judgement of God now following him. For he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come to Jerusalem and make it a common burying place of the Jews.

9:5  But the Lord God of Israel, who oversees all things, struck him with an incurable and invisible plague. For, as soon as he had finished these words, a dire pain in his abdomen seized him, with bitter internal torments.

2Mc9:5  But the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, smote him with an incurable and invisible plague: or as soon as he had spoken these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came upon him, and sore torments of the inner parts;

9:6  And, indeed, it sprung forth justly, since he had tormented the internal organs of others with many strange and new tortures, yet he in no way ceased from his malice.

2Mc9:6  And that most justly: for he had tormented other men’s bowels with many and strange torments.

9:7  But, beyond this, being filled with arrogance, breathing fire with his soul against the Jews, and instructing the task to be accelerated, it happened that, as he was rushing on forcefully, he fell from the chariot, and his limbs were afflicted with a serious bruising of the body.

2Mc9:7  Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still was filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage against the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey: but it came to pass that he fell down from his chariot, carried violently; so that having a sore fall, all the members of his body were much pained.

9:8  And he, being filled with arrogance beyond human means, seemed to himself to command even the waves of the sea and to weigh even the heights of the mountains in a balance. But now, humbled to the ground, he was carried on a stretcher, calling himself as a witness to the manifest virtue of God.

2Mc9:8  And thus he that a little afore thought he might command the waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the condition of man) and weigh the high mountains in a balance, was now cast on the ground, and carried in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all the manifest power of God.

9:9  So then, worms swarmed from his impious body, and, as he lived on in pain, his flesh fell away, and then his odorous stench oppressed the army.

2Mc9:9  So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man, and whiles he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell away, and the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army.

9:10  And him who, a little before, thought that he could touch the stars of heaven, no one could endure to carry, because of the intolerable stench.

2Mc9:10  And the man, that thought a little afore he could reach to the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry for his intolerable stink.

9:11  And so, from then on, being led away from his heavy arrogance by the admonishment of a divine plague, he began to come to an understanding of himself, with his pains increasing through every moment.

2Mc9:11  Here therefore, being plagued, he began to leave off his great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself by the scourge of God, his pain increasing every moment.

9:12  And, when he could not even bear his own stench, he spoke in this way: “It is just to be subject to God, and a mortal should not consider himself equal to God.”

2Mc9:12  And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said these words, It is meet to be subject unto God, and that a man that is mortal should not proudly think of himself if he were God.

9:13  Then this wicked one prayed to the Lord, from whom, subsequently, there might be no mercy.

2Mc9:13  This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more would have mercy upon him, saying thus,

9:14  And the city, to which he was going in haste to pull it down to the ground and to make it a mass grave, he now wanted to make free.

2Mc9:14  That the holy city (to the which he was going in haste to lay it even with the ground, and to make it a common buryingplace,) he would set at liberty

9:15  And the Jews, whom he had said he certainly did not consider worthy even to be buried, but would deliver them to be torn apart by birds and wild beasts, and would exterminate them with their little ones, he now promised to make equal with the Athenians.

2Mc9:15  And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy so much as to be buried, but to be cast out with their children to be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them all equals to the citizens of Athens

9:16  And even the holy temple, which before he had plundered, he would adorn with the best gifts, and increase the holy vessels, and pay out from his revenues the charges pertaining to the sacrifices.

2Mc9:16  And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with many more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges belonging to the sacrifices

9:17  Beyond these things, he would even become a Jew himself, and would travel through every place on earth and declare the power of God.

2Mc9:17  Yea, and that also he would become a Jew himself, and go through all the world that was inhabited, and declare the power of God.

9:18  But, when his pains did not cease, (for the just judgment of God had overwhelmed him,) in despair he wrote to the Jews, in the manner of a supplication, a letter composed in this way

2Mc9:18  But for all this his pains would not cease: for the just judgement of God was come upon him: therefore despairing of his health, he wrote unto the Jews the letter underwritten, containing the form of a supplication, after this manner

9:19  “To the very good citizens of the Jews, Antiochus, king and ruler, wishes much health, and welfare, and happiness.

2Mc9:19  Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity

9:20  If you and your sons are faring well, and if everything is according to your will, we give very great thanks.

2Mc9:20  If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be to your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my hope in heaven.

9:21  And so, fixed in infirmity, yet kindly remembering you, I am returning from the places of Persia, and, having been seized by a serious infirmity, I considered it necessary to have a concern for the common good,

2Mc9:21  As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly your honour and good will returning out of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to care for the common safety of all

9:22  not despairing in myself, but having a great hope to escape the infirmity.

2Mc9:22  Not distrusting mine health, but having great hope to escape this sickness.

9:23  Moreover, considering that my father also, during the time that he led an army into the upper regions, revealed who would take up the leadership after him,

2Mc9:23  But considering that even my father, at what time he led an army into the high countries. appointed a successor,

9:24  so that, if anything contrary should occur, or any if difficulties should be reported, those who were in the regions, knowing to whom the whole matter had been bequeathed, would not be disturbed.

2Mc9:24  To the end that, if any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if any tidings were brought that were grievous, they of the land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not be troubled

9:25  In addition to these things, considering that whichever are the nearest powers and neighbors lie in ambush for the right time and await the right event, I have designated my son, Antiochus, as king, whom I frequently commended to many of you while traveling in the upper provinces. And I have written to him what I have added below.

2Mc9:25  Again, considering how that the princes that are borderers and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event. I have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended unto many of you, when I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have written as followeth

9:26  And so, I beg you and petition you, that remembering the public and private benefits, each one will continue to be faithful to me and to my son.

2Mc9:26  Therefore I pray and request you to remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally, and in special, and that every man will be still faithful to me and my son.

9:27  For I trust that he will behave with moderation and humanity, and that, following my intentions, he will be impartial to you.”

2Mc9:27  For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will favourably and graciously yield to your desires.

9:28  And so the murderer and blasphemer, having been struck very badly, just as he himself had treated others, passed from this life in a miserable death on a journey among the mountains.

2Mc9:28  Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered most grievously, as he entreated other men, so died he a miserable death in a strange country in the mountains.

9:29  But Philip, who was nurtured with him, carried away his body, and, fearing the son of Antiochus, went into Egypt to Ptolemy Philometor.

2Mc9:29  And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body, who also fearing the son of Antiochus went into Egypt to Ptolemeus Philometor.

10:1  But Maccabeus and those who were with him, the Lord protecting them, even recovered the temple and the city.

2Mc10:1  Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord guiding them, recovered the temple and the city

10:2  Then he demolished the altars, which the foreigners had constructed in the streets, and likewise the shrines.

2Mc10:2  But the altars which the heathen had built in the open street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.

10:3  And, having purged the temple, they made another altar. And, taking glowing stones from the fire, they began to offer sacrifices again after two years, and they set out incense, and lamps, and the bread of the Presence.

10:4  Having done these things, they petitioned the Lord, lying prostrate on the ground, lest they should fall once more into such evils, but also, if they should at any time sin, that they might be chastised by him more mildly, and not be delivered over to barbarians and blasphemous men.

2Mc10:4  When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the Lord that they might come no more into such troubles; but if they sinned any more against him, that he himself would chasten them with mercy, and that they might not be delivered unto the blasphemous and barbarous nations.

10:5  Then, on the day that the temple had been polluted by the foreigners, it happened on the same day that the purification was accomplished, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, which was Kislev.

2Mc10:5  Now upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple, on the very same day it was cleansed again, even the five and twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.

10:6  And they celebrated for eight days with joy, in the manner of the Feast of Tabernacles, remembering that, a little time before, they had celebrated the solemn days of the Feast of Tabernacles in mountains and caves, in the manner of wild beasts.

2Mc10:6  And they kept the eight days with gladness, as in the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long afore they had held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the mountains and dens like beasts.

10:7  Because of this, they now preferred to carry boughs and green branches and palms, for him who had prospered the cleansing of his place.

2Mc10:7  Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.

10:8  And they decreed a common precept and decree, that all the people of the Jews should keep those days every year.

2Mc10:8  They ordained also by a common statute and decree, That every year those days should be kept of the whole nation of the Jews.

10:9  Now certainly Antiochus, who was called illustrious, held himself to be so at the passing of his life.

2Mc10:9  And this was the end of Antiochus, called Epiphanes.

10:10  But next we will describe what happened with Eupator, the son of the impious Antiochus, abridging the evils which happened in the wars.

2Mc10:10  Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities of the wars.

10:11  For when he assumed the kingdom, he appointed, over the affairs of the kingdom, a certain Lysias, leader of the Phoenician and Syrian military.

2Mc10:11  So when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias over the affairs of his realm, and appointed him his chief governor of Celosyria and Phenice.

10:12  For Ptolemy, who was called Macer, decided to be strict in justice toward the Jews, especially because of the iniquity that had been done to them, and to deal with them peacefully.

2Mc10:12  For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron, choosing rather to do justice unto the Jews for the wrong that had been done unto them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.

10:13  But, for this reason, he was accused before Eupator by his friends, and was frequently called a traitor. For he had deserted Cyprus, which Philometor had entrusted to him. And so, transferring to Antiochus the illustrious, he even withdrew from him. And he ended his life by poison.

2Mc10:13  Whereupon being accused of the king’s friends before Eupator, and called traitor at every word because he had left Cyprus, that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to Antiochus Epiphanes, and seeing that he was in no honourable place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself and died.

10:14  But Gorgias, when he was the leader of the places, taking to him new arrivals, frequently made war against the Jews.

2Mc10:14  But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews

10:15  In truth, the Jews, who held the strategic fortresses, took in those who were fleeing from Jerusalem, and they attempted to make war.

2Mc10:15  And therewithal the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands the most commodious holds, kept the Jews occupied, and receiving those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about to nourish war.

10:16  In fact, those who were with Maccabeus, petitioning the Lord through prayers to be their helper, made a forceful attack upon the fortresses of the Idumeans.

2Mc10:16  Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and besought God that he would be their helper; and so they ran with violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans,

10:17  And, persevering with much force, they obtained the places, killing those they met, and cutting down in all no less than twenty thousand.

2Mc10:17  And assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.

10:18  Yet certain ones, when they had fled into two well-fortified towers, gave all appearance of fighting back.

2Mc10:18  And because certain, who were no less than nine thousand, were fled together into two very strong castles, having all manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,

10:19  So Maccabeus left behind Simon and Joseph, and likewise Zachaeus, and those who were with them, to fight against them. And since those who were with them were sufficient in number, he turned back to those who attacked more forcefully.

2Mc10:19  Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them that were with him, who were enough to besiege them, and departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.

10:20  In truth, those who were with Simon, being led by avarice, were persuaded by money from certain ones who were in the towers. And accepting seventy thousand didrachmas, they allowed certain ones to flee.

2Mc10:20  Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were persuaded for money through certain of those that were in the castle, and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some of them escape.

10:21  But when what was done had been reported to Maccabeus, gathering together the leaders of the people, he accused those who had sold their brothers for money, having sent away their adversaries.

2Mc10:21  But when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the governors of the people together, and accused those men, that they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies free to fight against them.

10:22  Therefore, he executed these who had acted as traitors, and he quickly captured the two towers.

2Mc10:22  So he slew those that were found traitors, and immediately took the two castles.

10:23  And so, having success in arms and in all things that he took in hand, he destroyed more than twenty thousand in the two fortresses.

2Mc10:23  And having good success with his weapons in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty thousand.

10:24  And Timothy, who had been overcome by the Jews before, calling together a multitude of foreign troops and gathering horsemen from Asia, arrived as if he would capture Judea with arms.

2Mc10:24  Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.

10:25  But Maccabeus, and those who were with him, as he was approaching, beseeched the Lord, sprinkling dirt on their heads and wrapping their waists with haircloth.

2Mc10:25  But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,

10:26  And lying prostrate at the pedestal of the altar, they beseeched him to be forgiving to them, but to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, just as the law says.

2Mc10:26  And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.

10:27  And so, after prayer, taking up arms, they proceeded further from the city, and, reaching close proximity to the enemies, they settled in.

2Mc10:27  So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on further from the city: and when they drew near to their enemies, they kept by themselves.

10:28  But, as soon as the sun rose, both sides joined battle: these ones having the guarantee of victory and success by the strength of the Lord, yet the others having courage as their leader in battle.

2Mc10:28  Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the one part having together with their virtue their refuge also unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the other side making their rage leader of their battle

10:29  But, while they were fighting vehemently, to the adversaries there appeared from heaven five men on horses, which were adorned with bridles of gold, providing leadership to the Jews.

2Mc10:29  But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of gold, and two of them led the Jews,

10:30  Two of them, having Maccabeus in the middle and surrounding him with their weapons, kept him safe. But, at the enemy, they cast darts and lightning, so that they fell down, being both confused with blindness and filled with disturbances.

2Mc10:30  And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness, and full of trouble, they were killed.

10:31  Moreover, there were slain twenty thousand five hundred, along with six hundred horsemen.

2Mc10:31  And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.

10:32  In fact, Timothy fled away to Gazara, to a fortified stronghold, where Chaereas was in charge.

2Mc10:32  As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gazara, where Chereas was governor.

10:33  Then Maccabeus, and those who were with him, joyfully besieged the stronghold for four days.

2Mc10:33  But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the fortress courageously four days.

10:34  But those who were inside, trusting to the strength of the place, spoke evil without limit and cast out nefarious words.

2Mc10:34  And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.

10:35  But when the fifth day began to dawn, twenty youths of those who were with Maccabeus, inflamed in soul because of the blasphemy, manfully approached to the wall, and, advancing with fierce courage, ascended it.

2Mc10:35  Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men of Maccabeus’ company, inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed all that they met withal.

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.

2Mc10:36  Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates, and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,

10:37  Then, having continued throughout two days to lay waste to the fortress, they killed Timothy, who was found hiding himself in a certain place. And they also killed his brother Chaereas, and Apollophanes.

2Mc10:37  And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.

10:38  When this was done, they blessed the Lord with hymns and confessions, who had done great things in Israel and had given them the victory.

11:1  But a short time afterwards, Lysias, the procurator of the king and a near relative, who also was in charge of the government, was heavily weighed upon by what had happened.

2Mc11:1  Not long after the, Lysias the king’s protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.

11:2  Gathering together eight thousand, along with all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking that the city would certainly be captured, making it a dwelling place for the Gentiles,

2Mc11:2  And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the city an habitation of the Gentiles,

11:3  in truth, also thinking to make a profit in money from the temple, just as from the other shrines of the Gentiles, and to put the priesthood up for sale every year.

2Mc11:3  And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year

11:4  Never recognizing the power of God, but inflated in mind, he trusted in the multitude of the foot soldiers, and in the thousands of horsemen, and in the eighty elephants.

2Mc11:4  Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.

11:5  And so, he entered Judea, and, approaching Bethzur, which was in a narrow place, at an interval of five stadia from Jerusalem, he laid siege to that stronghold.

2Mc11:5  So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.

11:6  But when Maccabeus and those who were with him realized that the strongholds were besieged, they and all the crowd together petitioned the Lord with weeping and tears, that he would send a good Angel to save Israel.

2Mc11:6  Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.

11:7  And so the leader Maccabeus, taking up arms, exhorted the others, to undergo the peril together with him, and to bring assistance to their brothers.

2Mc11:7  Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a willing mind.

11:8  And when they together were going forth with a ready spirit, there appeared at Jerusalem a horseman, preceding them in radiant clothing and with weapons of gold, waving a spear.

2Mc11:8  And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.

11:9  Then they all together blessed the merciful Lord, and strengthened their souls, being prepared to break through not only men, but also the most ferocious beasts and walls of iron.

2Mc11:9  Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.

11:10  Thus, they went forth readily, having a helper from heaven, and with the Lord taking pity on them.

2Mc11:10  Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them

11:11  Then, rushing violently against the enemy, in the manner of lions, they struck down from among them: eleven thousand foot soldiers and one thousand six hundred horsemen.

2Mc11:11  And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the other to flight.

11:12  And they turned all the rest to flight. But many of them, being wounded, escaped with nothing. And Lysias himself also escaped, fleeing in disgrace.

2Mc11:12  Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.

11:13  And because he was not irrational, thinking to himself about the loss that had happened against him, and understanding the Hebrews to be invincible because they depend upon the help of Almighty God, he sent to them,

2Mc11:13  Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto them,

11:14  and he promised that he would agree to all things that are just, and that he would persuade the king to be their friend.

2Mc11:14  And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a friend unto them.

11:15  Then Maccabeus assented to the request of Lysias, considering it useful in every way. And whatever Maccabeus wrote to Lysias, concerning the Jews, the king consented to it.

2Mc11:15  Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.

11:16  For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, which, indeed, were composed in this way: “Lysias, to the people of the Jews: greetings.

11:17  John and Absalom, who had been sent from you to deliver your writings, requested that I would implement these things that were signified by them.

2Mc11:17  John and Absalon, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.

11:18  Therefore, whatever things could be brought before the king, I have presented them. And he has conceded to those things that are permitted.

2Mc11:18  Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.

11:19  If, therefore, you will keep yourselves faithful in these matters, then, from now on, I will endeavor to be a cause of your good.

2Mc11:19  And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.

11:20  But as for other particulars, I have given orders by word, both to these, and to those who have been sent by me, to confer with you.

2Mc11:20  But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.

11:21  Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the twenty-fourth day of the month of Dioscorus.”

2Mc11:21  Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.

11:22  But the letter of the king contained this: “King Antiochus to Lysias, his brother: greetings.

2Mc11:22  Now the king’s letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting

11:23  Since our father has been transferred among the gods, we are willing that those who are in our kingdom should act without tumult, and should attend diligently to their own concerns.

2Mc11:23  Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.

11:24  We have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father to convert to the rites of the Greeks, but that they chose to keep to their own institutions, and, because of this, that they ask of us to leave them to their own laws.

2Mc11:24  We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws.

11:25  Therefore, wanting this nation, likewise, to be at rest, we have reached a judgment that the temple should be restored to them, so that they may act according to the custom of their ancestors.

2Mc11:25  Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.

11:26  You will do well, therefore, if you send to them and grant them a pledge, so that our will becomes known, and they may be of good courage, and may look after their own needs.”

2Mc11:26  Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.

11:27  Truly, the letter of the king to the Jews was such as this: “King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews: greetings.

2Mc11:27  And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews

11:28  If you are well, such is what we desire. But we ourselves are also well.

2Mc11:28  If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.

11:29  Menelaus came to us, saying that you wished to come down to your own, who are among us.

2Mc11:29  Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business

11:30  Therefore, we grant a pledge of security to those who come and go, even until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,

2Mc11:30  Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.

11:31  so that the Jews may make use of their own foods and laws, just as also before, and so that none of them should endure any kind of trouble for things which have been done by ignorance.

2Mc11:31  And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.

11:32  And so, we have also sent Menelaus, who will talk with you.

2Mc11:32  I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.

11:33  Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.”

11:34  But the Romans also now sent a letter, having this in it: “Quintus Memmius and Titus Manilius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews: greetings.

2Mc11:34  The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.

11:35  Concerning these things that Lysias, the relative of the king, has conceded to you, we also have conceded.

2Mc11:35  Whatsoever Lysias the king’s cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased.

11:36  But about such things as he judged should be referred to the king, send someone, as soon as you have diligently conferred among yourselves, so that we may make a decree, just as it is agreeable to you. For we are going to Antioch.

2Mc11:36  But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.

11:37  And, therefore, make haste to write back, so that we may know whatever your will may be.

2Mc11:37  Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.

11:38  Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.”

12:1  After these pacts were made, Lysias proceeded on to the king, but the Jews undertook the work of agriculture.

2Mc12:1  When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king, and the Jews were about their husbandry.

12:2  However, those who had withdrawn: Timothy, and Apollonius, the son of Gennaeus, along with Hieronymus, and Demophon, and, in addition to these, Nicanor, the governor of Cyprus, would not permit them to live in peace and quiet.

2Mc12:2  But of the governors of several places, Timotheus, and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to be quiet and live in peace.

12:3  Truly, those of Joppa were also perpetrators of very shameful acts. They asked the Jews, who lived among them, to go up into small boats, which they had prepared, with their wives and sons, as if no underlying hostility was between them.

2Mc12:3  The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives and children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they had meant them no hurt.

12:4  And so, according to the common decree of the city, they acquiesced to them, having no suspicions and because there was peace. When they had proceeded out into deep water, they drowned no less than two hundred of them.

2Mc12:4  Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no less than two hundred of them.

12:5  When Judas learned of the cruelty done to the men of his nation, he informed the men who were with him, and, having called upon God, the Just Judge,

2Mc12:5  When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commanded those that were with him to make them ready.

12:6  he went against the executors of his brothers, and he even set the port on fire in the night; he burned the boats, but those who took refuge from the fire, he destroyed with the sword.

2Mc12:6  And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by night, and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.

12:7  And when he had done these things in this way, he departed, as if he would return again to eradicate all those of Joppa.

2Mc12:7  And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.

12:8  But when he also realized those who were of Jamnia wanted to act in a similar way to the Jews living among them,

2Mc12:8  But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,

12:9  he went against those of Jamnia also by night, and he set the port on fire, along with the ships, so much so that the light of the fire was seen at Jerusalem, two hundred and forty stadia away.

2Mc12:9  He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.

12:10  When they had now gone from there nine stadia, and were making their way toward Timothy, they met in battle with those of Arabia: five thousand men and five hundred horsemen.

2Mc12:10  Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.

12:11  And when a strong fight occurred, and, by the help of God, it ceased favorably, the remainder of the Arabians who were overcome petitioned Judas to give them a pledge, promising to give him pastures and to assist him in other things in the future.

2Mc12:11  Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas’ side by the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia, being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.

12:12  Then Judas, thinking that they truly might be useful in many ways, promised peace. And after receiving the pledge of his right hand, they withdrew to their tents.

12:13  Then he also assaulted a certain strong city, surrounded with bridges and walls, which was inhabited by a crowd from many different nations, the name of which is Casphin.

2Mc12:13  He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.

12:14  In truth, those who were inside, trusting in the strength of the walls and in the preparations of rations, acted irresponsibly, and they challenged Judas with evil words and blaspheming, as well as by speaking what is not lawful.

2Mc12:14  But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.

12:15  But Maccabeus rushed fiercely to the walls, calling upon the great Leader of the world, who, without battering rams or machines of war, had thrown down the walls of Jericho in the time of Joshua.

2Mc12:15  Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of the world, who without rams or engines of war did cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,

12:16  And, having captured the city through the will of the Lord, he made a slaughter without number, so much so that an adjoining pool, two stadia in width, was seen to flow with the blood of the slain.

2Mc12:16  And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.

12:17  From there, they withdrew seven hundred and fifty stadia, and they came to Charax, to those Jews who are called Tubianites.

2Mc12:17  Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.

12:18  And Timothy, indeed, they did not find in those places, for he withdrew before he completed any endeavor, having left behind a very strong garrison in a certain place.

2Mc12:18  But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.

12:19  But Dositheus and Sosipater, who were commanders with Maccabeus, destroyed those who were left behind by Timothy in the stronghold: ten thousand men.

2Mc12:19  Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus’ captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in the fortress, above ten thousand men.

12:20  And Maccabeus, having positioned six thousand men around him and having divided them into cohorts, went forth against Timothy, who had with him one hundred twenty thousand foot soldiers, and two thousand five hundred horsemen.

2Mc12:20  And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.

12:21  But when Timothy learned of the arrival of Judas, he sent ahead the women, and the children, and the remainder of the preparations, into a fortress, which is called Carnion. For it was impregnable and difficult to access because of the narrowness of the places.

2Mc12:21  Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas’ coming, he sent the women and children and the other baggage unto a fortress called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.

12:22  And when the first cohort of Judas had appeared, the enemies were struck with fear by the presence of God, who beholds all things, and they were turned to flight, one over another, to such an extent that they were being knocked over by one another and were being wounded with the strokes of their own swords.

2Mc12:22  But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way, another that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.

12:23  But Judas pursued them vehemently, punishing the profane and striking down thirty thousand of their men.

2Mc12:23  Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.

12:24  In truth, Timothy himself fell to the group under Dositheus and Sosipater. And with much begging, he pleaded with them to release him alive, because he held the parents and brothers of many of the Jews, who, at his death, might happen to be mistreated.

2Mc12:24  Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft to let him go with his life, because he had many of the Jews’ parents, and the brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to death, should not be regarded.

12:25  And when he had given his faith that he would restore them according to the agreement, they released him unharmed, for the sake of their brothers’ well-being.

2Mc12:25  So when he had assured them with many words that he would restore them without hurt, according to the agreement, they let him go for the saving of their brethren.

12:26  Then Judas departed to Carnion, where he slew twenty-five thousand.

2Mc12:26  Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.

12:27  After having put to flight or killed these, he moved his army to Ephron, a fortified city, in which there lived a multitude of diverse peoples. And hardy young men, standing upon the walls, put up a strong fight. Moreover, in this place, there were many machines of war, and equipment for casting darts.

2Mc12:27  And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily: wherein also was great provision of engines and darts.

12:28  But when they had called upon the Almighty, who with his power breaks the strength of enemies, they seized the city. And they struck down twenty-five thousand of those who were inside.

2Mc12:28  But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God, who with his power breaketh the strength of his enemies, they won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that were within,

12:29  From there, they went to the city of Scythia, which was six hundred stadia away from Jerusalem.

2Mc12:29  From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,

12:30  But the Jews, those who were among the Scythians, testified that they were treated kindly by them, and that, even in the times of unhappiness, they had treated them mildly.

2Mc12:30  But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated them kindly in the time of their adversity;

12:31  They gave thanks to them, exhorting them to be kind to their people, now and at other times. And they went to Jerusalem, as the solemn days of the seven weeks were underway.

2Mc12:31  They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks approaching.

12:32  And, after Pentecost, they marched against Gorgias, the foremost leader over Idumea.

2Mc12:32  And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,

12:33  And he went out with three thousand foot soldiers and four hundred horsemen.

2Mc12:33  Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred horsemen.

12:34  And when they came together, it happened that a few of the Jews were overthrown.

2Mc12:34  And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the Jews were slain.

12:35  In fact, a certain Dositheus, a horseman of Bacenor, a strong man, took hold of Gorgias. And when he would have captured him alive, a certain horseman of the Thracians rushed upon him and cut off his arm, and so, in this way, Gorgias escaped to Maresa.

2Mc12:35  At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor’s company, who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.

12:36  But when those who were with Esdris had fought all day and were fatigued, Judas called upon the Lord to be their helper and leader in the battle.

2Mc12:36  Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.

12:37  Beginning in the language of the fathers, and loudly extolling hymns, he inspired the soldiers of Gorgias to take flight.

2Mc12:37  And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias’ men, he put them to flight.

12:38  Then Judas, having collected his army, went into the city Adullam. And, when the seventh day came, they purified themselves according to the custom, and they kept the Sabbath in the same place.

2Mc12:38  So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.

12:39  And the following day, Judas came with his own, in order to take away the bodies of the fallen, and to place them in the sepulchers of their fathers with their ancestors.

2Mc12:39  And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers’ graves.

12:40  But they found, under the tunics of the slain, some of the treasures of the idols that were near Jamnia, which were prohibited to Jews by the law. Therefore, it became manifest that it was for this reason that they had been overthrown.

2Mc12:40  Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain.

12:41  And so, they all blessed the just judgment of the Lord, who had made hidden things manifest.

2Mc12:41  All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had opened the things that were hid,

12:42  So then, turning themselves to prayers, they petitioned him that the offense which had been done would be delivered into oblivion. And truly, the very strong Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves without sin, since they had seen with their own eyes what had happened because of the sins of those who were struck down.

2Mc12:42  Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to pass for the sins of those that were slain.

12:43  And, calling an assembly, he sent twelve thousand drachmas of silver to Jerusalem, to be offered for a sacrifice for the sins of the dead, thinking well and religiously about the resurrection,

2Mc12:43  And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection

12:44  (for if he had not hoped that those who had fallen would be resurrected, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead,)

2Mc12:44  For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.

12:45  and because he considered that those who had fallen asleep with piety had great grace stored up for them.

46  Therefore, it is a holy and beneficial thought to pray on behalf of those who have passed away, so that they may be released from sins.

2Mc12:45  And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.

13:2  And with him was Lysias, the procurator, who was in charge of the government, having with him one hundred and ten thousand foot soldiers, five thousand horsemen, and twenty-two elephants, and three hundred swift chariots with curved blades.

2Mc13:2  And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs, having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks.

13:3  Menelaus also joined himself to them, and with many lies he pleaded with Antiochus, not for the welfare of his country, but hoping that he would be appointed as first ruler.

13:4  But the King of kings awakened the mind of Antiochus against the sinner. And when Lysias was suggesting this to be the cause of all the evils, he ordered (as is the custom with them) that he should be apprehended and killed in the same place.

2Mc13:4  But the King of kings moved Antiochus’ mind against this wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man was the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in that place.

13:5  Now there was, in the same place, a tower of fifty cubits, having a pile of ashes on every side. This had a lookout over a precipice.

2Mc13:5  Now there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high, full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which on every side hanged down into the ashes.

13:6  From there, he ordered this sacrilegious one to be thrown down into the ashes, with all propelling him into the afterlife.

2Mc13:6  And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto death.

13:7  And by such a law, it turned out that the betrayer of the law, Menelaus, died, not having so much as a burial in the earth.

2Mc13:7  Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly

13:8  And indeed, this satisfied justice, for just as he had committed many offenses toward the altar of God, the fire and ashes of which are holy, so was he condemned to die in ashes.

2Mc13:8  For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar, whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.

13:9  But the king, with his mind being unbridled, came to reveal himself as more wicked to the Jews than his father was.

2Mc13:9  Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father’s time.

13:10  When Judas understood this, he instructed the people to call upon the Lord day and night, so that, just as always, now also he would help them.

2Mc13:10  Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple

13:11  Of course, they were afraid to be deprived of their law and their country, and of the holy temple, and also that he might allow the people, who had recently taken a breath for a little while, to be again subdued by blasphemous nations.

2Mc13:11  And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the blasphemous nations.

13:12  And so, having together done all these things, and having sought mercy from the Lord with weeping and fasting, lying prostrate on the ground continually for three days, Judas exhorted them to prepare themselves.

2Mc13:12  So when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.

13:13  In truth, with the elders he decided that, before the king could move his army into Judea and obtain the city, they would go out and commit the outcome of the event to the judgment of the Lord.

2Mc13:13  And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before the king’s host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.

13:14  And so, giving everything to God, the Creator of the world, and having exhorted his own to contend with fortitude and to stand up, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, the city, their country and the citizens: he positioned his army around Modin.

2Mc13:14  So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by Modin

13:15  And having given his own a sign of the victory of God, he attacked the quarters of the king by night, with the strongest chosen young men, and he slew four thousand men in the camp, and the greatest of the elephants, along with those who would have been positioned on them.

2Mc13:15  And having given the watchword to them that were about him, Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he went in into the king’s tent by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with all that were upon him.

13:16  And so, having filled the camp of their enemies with the greatest fear and disturbance, they went away with good success.

2Mc13:16  And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and departed with good success.

13:17  Now this was done at the first light of day, with the Lord assisting and protecting them.

2Mc13:17  This was done in the break of the day, because the protection of the Lord did help him.

13:18  But the king, having received a taste of the audacity of the Jews, attempted to take the difficult places by craftiness.

2Mc13:18  Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,

13:19  And so, he moved his camp to Bethzur, which was a fortified garrison of the Jews. But as he struck, he was put to flight and reduced in number.

2Mc13:19  And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his men

13:20  Then Judas sent necessities to those who were inside.

2Mc13:20  For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things as were necessary.

13:21  But Rhodocus, a certain one from the Jewish army, reported the secrets to the enemies, so he was sought out, apprehended, and imprisoned.

2Mc13:21  But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews’ host, disclosed the secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when they had gotten him, they put him in prison.

13:22  Again, the king held talks with those who were in Bethzur. He gave his right hand as a pledge, and accepted theirs, and he went away.

2Mc13:22  The king treated with them in Bethsura the second time, gave his hand, took their’s, departed, fought with Judas, was overcome;

13:23  He joined battle with Judas; he was overcome. But when he realized that Philip, who had been left out of these events, had rebelled at Antioch, he was in a consternation of mind, and, begging the Jews, and being submissive to them, he swore to all things that seemed just. And, being reconciled, he offered sacrifice, honored the temple, and left gifts.

2Mc13:23  Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch, was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly with the place,

13:24  He embraced Maccabeus, and he made him commander and leader from Ptolemais all the way to the Gerrenians.

2Mc13:24  And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;

13:25  But when he arrived at Ptolemais, the Ptolemaians considered the conditions of the alliance burdensome, being indignant lest perhaps they might break the pact.

2Mc13:25  Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed, because they would make their covenants void

13:26  Then Lysias went up to the tribunal, and explained the reasons, and calmed the people, and so he returned to Antioch. And this is the way things went concerning the journey and return of the king.

2Mc13:26  Lysias went up to the judgement seat, said as much as could be in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king’s coming and departing.

14:1  But after a time of three years, Judas and those who were with him realized that Demetrius of Seleucus had gone up to strategic places with a very strong multitude and a navy at the port of Tripoli,

2Mc14:1  After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a great power and navy,

14:2  and had taken hold of the regions opposite Antiochus, and his commander, Lysias.

2Mc14:2  Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.

14:3  Now a certain Alcimus, who had been high priest, but who had willfully defiled himself in the time of the co-mingling, considering there to be no means for his safety, nor access to the altar,

2Mc14:3  Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar,

14:4  went to king Demetrius in the one hundred and fiftieth year, offering to him a crown of gold, and a palm, and beyond these, some branches that seemed to belong to the temple. And, indeed, on that day, he was silent.

2Mc14:4  Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace.

14:5  But, having met with an opportune time for his madness, he was called to a counsel by Demetrius and asked what things the Jews relied upon and what were their counsels.

2Mc14:5  Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprise, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto

14:6  He responded: “Those among the Jews who are called Hasideans, of whom Judas Maccabeus is foremost, nourish wars, and raise seditions, and will not permit the kingdom to be at peace.

2Mc14:6  Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the rest be in peace.

14:7  For I also, being cheated out of the glory of my ancestors (but I speak of the high priesthood), have come here,

2Mc14:7  Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors’ honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come hither

14:8  first, indeed, in faithful service to the king’s interests, but also as an advisor of the citizens. For our entire nation is no less afflicted by their depravity.

2Mc14:8  First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforesaid.

14:9  But I beg you, O king, knowing each of these things, look after both the region and our people, according to your humanity, which is publicly known to all.

2Mc14:9  Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto all.

14:10  For, as long as Judas survives, it is impossible for the matter to be at peace.”

2Mc14:10  For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.

14:11  Then, having spoken such things before them, the rest of the allies, who held themselves to be enemies against Judas, further inflamed Demetrius.

2Mc14:11  This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king’s friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.

14:12  And immediately he sent Nicanor, the commander over the elephants, into the first position against Judea,

2Mc14:12  And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,

14:13  giving him orders to be certain to capture Judas himself, and, truly, to scatter all those who were with him, and to appoint Alcimus as the high priest of the great temple.

2Mc14:13  Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.

14:14  Then the Gentiles, who had fled from Judas away from Judea, mingled themselves in flocks with Nicanor, thinking that the miseries and calamities of the Jews would become the cause of their prosperity.

2Mc14:14  Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare.

14:15  And so, when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s arrival and that the nations were assembled, they, sprinkling dirt on their heads, petitioned him who established his people to preserve them in eternity, and who likewise protected his portion by clear signs.

2Mc14:15  Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor’s coming, and that the heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him that had established his people for ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of his presence.

14:16  Then, at the command of their leader, they moved promptly from there, and together assembled at the town of Dessau.

2Mc14:16  So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.

14:17  In truth, Simon, the brother of Judas, had joined battle with Nicanor, but he became frightened at the unexpected arrival of the adversaries.

2Mc14:17  Now Simon, Judas’ brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.

14:18  Even so, Nicanor, hearing of the virtue of the companions of Judas, and the great courage with which they struggled on behalf of their country, was afraid to accomplish judgment by the sword.

2Mc14:18  Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.

14:19  For this reason, he sent ahead Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Matthias, so as to give and receive the pledge of right hands.

2Mc14:19  Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to make peace.

14:20  And when a council was held all day about this, and the commander had brought it before the multitude, they were all of one opinion to consent to an alliance.

2Mc14:20  So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the covenants,

14:21  And so, they appointed a day, on which they would act among themselves secretly, and seats were brought out and placed for each of them.

2Mc14:21  And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,

14:22  But Judas instructed armed men to be in strategic places, lest some kind of malice might unexpectedly spring up from the enemies. And they had an agreeable conference.

2Mc14:22  Judas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.

14:23  Then Nicanor stayed in Jerusalem, and he did no iniquity; he sent away the flocks of the crowds, which had been gathered together.

2Mc14:23  Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto him.

14:24  And Judas always held him dear to the heart, and was favorably inclined toward the man.

2Mc14:24  And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he love the man from his heart

14:25  And he asked him to consider a wife, and to procreate sons. He got married; he lived quietly, and they all lived in common.

2Mc14:25  He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.

14:26  But Alcimus seeing the love that they had for one another, and the agreements, went to Demetrius, and he told him that Nicanor had assented to foreign interests, and that he had chosen Judas, a traitor to the kingdom, as his successor.

2Mc14:26  But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state; for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king’s successor.

14:27  And so the king, being exasperated and provoked by this very wicked accusation, wrote to Nicanor, saying that he was certainly overburdened by the agreement of alliance, and he ordered him nevertheless to send Maccabeus quickly to Antioch in chains.

2Mc14:27  Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto Antioch.

14:28  When this was known, Nicanor was in consternation, and he took it grievously that he would make void the things that were agreed, having received no injury from the man.

2Mc14:28  When this came to Nicanor’s hearing, he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.

14:29  But, because he was not able to oppose the king, he watched for an opportunity to follow through with the orders.

2Mc14:29  But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy.

14:30  But Maccabeus, seeing that Nicanor acted more formally with him, and that, when they met together as usual, he exhibited insolence, understood this austerity not to be from goodness. So, gathering together a few men, he hid himself from Nicanor.

2Mc14:30  Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor.

14:31  But when he realized that he was effectively prevented by the man, he went to the greatest and holiest temple, and he ordered the priests, offering the usual sacrifices, to deliver the man to him.

2Mc14:31  But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by Judas’ policy, came into the great and holy temple, and commanded the priests, that were offering their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the man.

14:32  When these spoke oaths to him that they did not know where he who was being sought was, he extended his hand toward the temple,

2Mc14:32  And when they sware that they could not tell where the man was whom he sought,

14:33  and he swore, saying: “Unless you deliver Judas to me in chains, I will reduce this shrine of God to the ground, and I will dig up the altar, and I will consecrate this temple to Liber the father.”

2Mc14:33  He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto Bacchus.

14:34  And having said this, he departed. But the priests, extending their hands toward heaven, called upon him who had always fought for his people, saying this

2Mc14:34  After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a defender of their nation, saying in this manner;

14:35  “O Lord of the universe, who needs nothing, you willed that the temple of your dwelling should be with us.

2Mc14:35  Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us

14:36  And now, O Lord, Holy of all holies, preserve unpolluted, until eternity, this house, which was recently made clean.”

2Mc14:36  Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.

14:37  Then Razias, a certain one of the elders from Jerusalem, was brought before Nicanor; the man was of good reputation, and was one who loved the city. For his affection, he was called the father of the Jews.

2Mc14:37  Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of the Jews.

14:38  This one, for a long time, held on to his purpose of continuing in Judaism, and he was content to hand over body and life, so that he might persevere in it.

2Mc14:38  For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews.

14:39  Then Nicanor, being willing to manifest the hatred that he held for the Jews, sent five hundred soldiers to apprehend him.

2Mc14:39  So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him

14:40  For he thought, if he mistreated him, it would bring great disaster upon the Jews.

2Mc14:40  For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.

14:41  Now, as the group sought to rush into his house, and to break open the door, and wanting even to bring in fire, as he was about to be apprehended, he struck himself with the sword

2Mc14:41  Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side fell upon his sword;

14:42  choosing to prefer to die nobly rather than to become subject to sinners, or to suffer unworthy injustices against his birth.

2Mc14:42  Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble birth

14:43  But, since he had, in haste, not obtained the certitude of a decisive wound, and the crowd was breaking in the doors, he, running boldly to the wall, manfully threw himself down upon the crowd.

2Mc14:43  But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast himself down manfully among the thickest of them.

14:44  But they quickly provided a place for his fall, so he landed at the middle of the neck.

2Mc14:44  But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void place.

14:45  And, since he was still breathing, and being inflamed in soul, he rose up, and as his blood flowed down in a great stream, being very gravely wounded, he ran through the crowd.

2Mc14:45  Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,

14:46  And standing upon a certain steep rock, and being now almost without blood, grasping his intestines with both hands, he threw himself over the crowd, calling upon the Ruler of life as well as spirit, to restore these to him again. And so he passed away from this life.

2Mc14:46  When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died.

15:1  But when Nicanor discovered Judas to be in the places of Samaria, he decided to meet him in warfare with all violence, on the Sabbath day.

2Mc15:1  But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath day.

15:2  In truth, the Jews who followed him out of necessity were saying: “Do not act so fiercely and barbarously, but give honor to the day of sanctification and reverence to him who beholds all things.”

2Mc15:2  Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above all other days.

15:3  That unhappy man asked, “Is there a powerful One in heaven, who commanded the day of the Sabbath to be kept.”

2Mc15:3  Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.

15:4  And they responded to him, “There is the living Lord himself in heaven, the powerful One, who ordered the seventh day to be kept.”

2Mc15:4  And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept

15:5  And so he said: “I also am powerful upon the earth, so I command arms to be taken up and the king’s plans to be fulfilled.” Nevertheless, he did not succeed in accomplishing his plan.

2Mc15:5  Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king’s business. Yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done.

15:6  And Nicanor, being certainly lifted up with the greatest arrogance, had decided to establish a public monument of his victory over Judas.

2Mc15:6  So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them that were with him.

15:7  But Maccabeus, as always, trusted with all hope that God would be present to help them.

2Mc15:7  But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him

15:8  And he exhorted his own not to fear the arrival of the nations, but to keep in mind the assistance they had received before from heaven, and now to hope for a future victory from the Almighty.

2Mc15:8  Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the Almighty.

15:9  And speaking to them from the law and the prophets, reminding them even of the conflicts they had fought before, he made them more willing.

2Mc15:9  And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore, he made them more cheerful.

15:10  And so, having raised up their courage, at the same time he revealed the deceitful plan of the Gentiles and their betrayal of the oaths.

2Mc15:10  And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithal the falsehood of the heathen, and the breach of oaths.

15:11  Then he armed every one of them, not with the weapons of shield and spear, but with the best speeches and exhortations; and he explained to them a dream, worthy to be believed, in which he rejoiced with them all.

2Mc15:11  Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.

15:12  Now the vision was in this manner: Onias, who had been high priest, a good and kind man, modest in appearance, gentle in manners, and noble in speech, and who from boyhood was trained in the virtues, extending his hands, prayed on behalf of all the people of the Jews.

2Mc15:12  And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for the whole body of the Jews.

15:13  After this, there appeared also another man, admirable in age and glory, and with a bearing of great dignity about him.

2Mc15:13  This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.

15:14  In truth, Onias responded by saying: “This one loves his brothers and the people of Israel. This is he who prays greatly for the people and for all the holy city: Jeremiah, the prophet of God.”

2Mc15:14  Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.

15:15  Then Jeremiah extended his right hand, and he gave to Judas a sword of gold, saying

2Mc15:15  Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,

15:16  “Receive this holy sword as a gift from God, with it you shall cast down the adversaries of my people Israel.”

2Mc15:16  Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.

15:17  And so, having been exhorted by the very good words of Judas, by which the readiness and courage of the young men were able to be raised and strengthened, they resolved to strive and to contend with fortitude, so that virtue would judge the matter, because the holy city and the temple were in peril.

2Mc15:17  Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.

15:18  For their concern was less for their wives and sons, and likewise less for their brothers and relatives; in truth, their greatest and first fear was for the sanctity of the temple.

2Mc15:18  For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.

15:19  But those also who were in the city had no small concern for those who had gathered together.

2Mc15:19  Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.

15:20  And, when all now hoped that judgment would soon occur, and when the enemies were near, and the army was set in order, with the beasts and the horsemen positioned in strategic places,

2Mc15:20  And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,

15:21  Maccabeus, considering the arrival of the multitude, and the various preparations of weapons, and the fierceness of the beasts, extending his hands to heaven, called upon the Lord, who works miracles, who gives victory to those who are worthy, not according to the power of the weapons, but just as it pleases him.

2Mc15:21  Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy

15:22  Then, calling out in this way, he said: “You, O Lord, who sent your Angel under Hezekiah, king of Judah, and who killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand from the camp of Sennacherib,

2Mc15:22  Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and five thousand

15:23  now also, O Ruler of the heavens, send your good Angel before us, who are in fear and trembling at the greatness of your arm,

2Mc15:23  Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them;

15:24  so that those who approach against your holy people with blasphemy may be afraid.” And in this way, indeed, he concluded his prayer.

2Mc15:24  And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.

15:25  But Nicanor, and those who were with him, advanced with trumpets and songs.

2Mc15:25  Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs.

15:26  In truth, Judas, and those who were with him, calling upon God through prayers, came together against them.

2Mc15:26  But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.

15:27  Indeed, fighting with their hands, but praying to the Lord with their hearts, they struck down no less than thirty-five thousand, being delighted by the presence of God.

2Mc15:27  So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.

15:28  And when they had ceased and were returning with gladness, they realized, by his armor, that Nicanor had been slain.

2Mc15:28  Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.

15:29  And so, making a loud noise and inciting a disturbance, they blessed the Almighty Lord in the language of the fathers.

2Mc15:29  Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language.

15:30  But Judas, who was prepared throughout all his body and soul to die for his citizens, instructed that Nicanor’s head, and his hand with the arm, should be cut off and carried through to Jerusalem.

2Mc15:30  And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor’s head, and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.

15:31  When it arrived, having called together his fellow tribesmen, and the priests to the altar, he summoned those also who were in the stronghold.

2Mc15:31  So when he was there, and called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,

15:32  And he displayed the head of Nicanor, and his nefarious hand, which he had extended against the holy house of Almighty God with magnificent boasting.

2Mc15:32  And shewed them vile Nicanor’s head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.

15:33  He even ordered now that the tongue of the impious Nicanor should be cut up and given in pieces to the birds, but that the hand of this demented man should be suspended opposite the temple.

2Mc15:33  And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.

15:34  Therefore, they all blessed the Lord of heaven, saying, “Blessed is he who has kept his own place uncontaminated.”

2Mc15:34  So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.

15:35  Then he suspended Nicanor’s head at the top of the stronghold, so that it would be an evident and manifest sign of the assistance of God.

2Mc15:35  He hanged also Nicanor’s head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.

15:36  And so, they all decreed by common counsel in no way to let this day pass without celebration,

37  but to hold a celebration on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, which was called in the Syrian language: the day before Mardochias’ day.

15:39  And, indeed, if I have done well, so as to have made an adequate history, this also is what I wanted. But if it is less than worthy, may it be permitted me.

2Mc15:38  And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.

15:40  For, just as it is adverse to drink always wine, or always water, so also it is pleasant to use sometimes the one, and sometimes the other. So, if the words were always exact, it would not be pleasing to the readers. Therefore, here it shall be completed.

2Mc15:39  For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste: even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.