# Maccabees 1

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> The First Book of the Maccabees
> 
> 1Mac 1
> And it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the
> Macedonian, who came out of the land of Chettiim, had smitten
> Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his
> stead, the first over Greece,
> 
> 2
> And made many wars, and won many strong holds, and slew the
> kings of the earth,
> 
> 3
> And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of
> many nations, insomuch that the earth was quiet before him;
> whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.
> 
> 4
> And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over
> countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto
> him.
> 
> 5
> And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he
> should die.
> 
> 6
> Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable,
> and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his
> kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.
> 
> 7
> So Alexander reigned twelves years, and then died.
> 
> 8
> And his servants bare rule every one in his place.
> 
> 9
> And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves; so
> did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied
> in the earth.
> 
> 10
> And there came out of them a wicked root Antiochus surnamed
> Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at
> Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year
> of the kingdom of the Greeks.
> 
> 11
> In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who
> persuaded many, saying, Let us go and make a covenant with the
> heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them
> we have had much sorrow.
> 
> 12
> So this device pleased them well.
> 
> 13
> Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they
> went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the
> ordinances of the heathen:
> 
> 14
> Whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem
> according to the customs of the heathen:
> 
> 15
> And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy
> covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to
> do mischief.
> 
> 16
> Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he
> thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of
> two realms.
> 
> 17
> Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with
> chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,
> 
> 18
> And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was
> afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.
> 
> 19
> Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he
> took the spoils thereof.
> 
> 20
> And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again
> in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel
> and Jerusalem with a great multitude,
> 
> 21
> And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the
> golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels
> thereof,
> 
> 22
> And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and
> the vials. and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown,
> and the golden ornaments that were before the temple, all which
> he pulled off.
> 
> 23
> He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious
> vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.
> 
> 24
> And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land,
> having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.
> 
> 25
> Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every
> place where they were;
> 
> 26
> So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young
> men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.
> 
> 27
> Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the
> marriage chamber was in heaviness,
> 
> 28
> The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all
> the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.
> 
> 29
> And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief
> collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto
> Jerusalem with a great multitude,
> 
> 30
> And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for
> when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the
> city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of
> Israel.
> 
> 31
> And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on
> fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every
> side.
> 
> 32
> But the women and children took they captive, and possessed
> the cattle.
> 
> 33
> Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong
> wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for
> them.
> 
> 34
> And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and
> fortified themselves therein.
> 
> 35
> They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they
> had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up
> there, and so they became a sore snare:
> 
> 36
> For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and
> an evil adversary to Israel.
> 
> 37
> Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary,
> and defiled it:
> 
> 38
> Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of
> them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers,
> and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own
> children left her.
> 
> 39
> Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts
> were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour
> into contempt.
> 
> 40
> As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased, and
> her excellency was turned into mourning.
> 
> 41
> Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all
> should be one people,
> 
> 42
> And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen
> agreed according to the commandment of the king.
> 
> 43
> Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion,
> and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.
> 
> 44
> For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem
> and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws
> of the land,
> 
> 45
> And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink
> offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the
> sabbaths and festival days:
> 
> 46
> And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:
> 
> 47
> Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and
> sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:
> 
> 48
> That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and
> make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and
> profanation:
> 
> 49
> To the end they might forget the law, and change all the
> ordinances.
> 
> 50
> And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of
> the king, he said, he should die.
> 
> 51
> In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and
> appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities
> of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.
> 
> 52
> Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every
> one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the
> land;
> 
> 53
> And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever
> they could flee for succour.
> 
> 54
> Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred
> forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation
> upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of
> Juda on every side;
> 
> 55
> And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the
> streets.
> 
> 56
> And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which
> they found, they burnt them with fire.
> 
> 57
> And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament,
> or if any committed to the law, the king's commandment was, that
> they should put him to death.
> 
> 58
> Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every
> month, to as many as were found in the cities.
> 
> 59
> Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did
> sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.
> 
> 60
> At which time according to the commandment they put to death
> certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.
> 
> 61
> And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled
> their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.
> 
> 62
> Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in
> themselves not to eat any unclean thing.
> 
> 63
> Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled
> with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant:
> so then they died.
> 
> 64
> And there was very great wrath upon Israel.
> 
> 1Mac 2
> In those days arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of
> Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and
> dwelt in Modin.
> 
> 2
> And he had five sons, Joannan, called Caddis:
> 
> 3
> Simon; called Thassi:
> 
> 4
> Judas, who was called Maccabeus:
> 
> 5
> Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was
> Apphus.
> 
> 6
> And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda
> and Jerusalem,
> 
> 7
> He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery
> of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it
> was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into
> the hand of strangers?
> 
> 8
> Her temple is become as a man without glory.
> 
> 9
> Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her
> infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword
> of the enemy.
> 
> 10
> What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of
> her spoils?
> 
> 11
> All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is
> become a bondslave.
> 
> 12
> And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is
> laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.
> 
> 13
> To what end therefore shall we live any longer?
> 
> 14
> Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on
> sackcloth, and mourned very sore.
> 
> 15
> In the mean while the king's officers, such as compelled the
> people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them
> sacrifice.
> 
> 16
> And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and
> his sons came together.
> 
> 17
> Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias on
> this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in
> this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:
> 
> 18
> Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king's
> commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men
> of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and
> thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and
> thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many
> rewards.
> 
> 19
> Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice, Though
> all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him, and
> fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give
> consent to his commandments:
> 
> 20
> Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant
> of our fathers.
> 
> 21
> God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
> 
> 22
> We will not hearken to the king's words, to go from our
> religion, either on the right hand, or the left.
> 
> 23
> Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of
> the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was
> at Modin, according to the king's commandment.
> 
> 24
> Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal,
> and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his
> anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon
> the altar.
> 
> 25
> Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice,
> he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.
> 
> 26
> Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Phinees
> did unto Zambri the son of Salom.
> 
> 27
> And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice,
> saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the
> covenant, let him follow me.
> 
> 28
> So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that
> ever they had in the city.
> 
> 29
> Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down
> into the wilderness, to dwell there:
> 
> 30
> Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their
> cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.
> 
> 31
> Now when it was told the king's servants, and the host that
> was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who
> had broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the
> secret places in the wilderness,
> 
> 32
> They pursued after them a great number, and having overtaken
> them, they camped against them, and made war against them on the
> sabbath day.
> 
> 33
> And they said unto them, Let that which ye have done hitherto
> suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the
> king, and ye shall live.
> 
> 34
> But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the
> king's commandment, to profane the sabbath day.
> 
> 35
> So then they gave them the battle with all speed.
> 
> 36
> Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at
> them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;
> 
> 37
> But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth
> will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully.
> 
> 38
> So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and
> they slew them, with their wives and children and their cattle,
> to the number of a thousand people.
> 
> 39
> Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they
> mourned for them right sore.
> 
> 40
> And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren
> have done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the
> heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.
> 
> 41
> At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall
> come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight
> against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were
> murdered im the secret places.
> 
> 42
> Then came there unto him a company of Assideans who were
> mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted
> unto the law.
> 
> 43
> Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves
> unto them, and were a stay unto them.
> 
> 44
> So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their
> anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the
> heathen for succour.
> 
> 45
> Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled
> down the altars:
> 
> 46
> And what children soever they found within the coast of
> Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.
> 
> 47
> They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered
> in their hand.
> 
> 48
> So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles,
> and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner
> to triumph.
> 
> 49
> Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he
> said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength,
> and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:
> 
> 50
> Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give
> your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
> 
> 51
> Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time;
> so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name.
> 
> 52
> Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was
> imputed unto him for righteousness?
> 
> 53
> Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and
> was made lord of Egypt.
> 
> 54
> Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the
> covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
> 
> 55
> Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.
> 
> 56
> Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received
> the heritage of the land.
> 
> 57
> David for being merciful possessed the throne of an
> everlasting kingdom.
> 
> 58
> Elias for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up
> into heaven.
> 
> 59
> Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of
> the flame.
> 
> 60
> Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of
> lions.
> 
> 61
> And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put
> their trust in him shall be overcome.
> 
> 62
> Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall
> be dung and worms.
> 
> 63
> To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be
> found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is
> come to nothing.
> 
> 64
> Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in
> the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.
> 
> 65
> And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of
> counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.
> 
> 66
> As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even
> from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle
> of the people.
> 
> 67
> Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge
> ye the wrong of your people.
> 
> 68
> Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the
> commandments of the law.
> 
> 69
> So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.
> 
> 70
> And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons
> buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all
> Israel made great lamentation for him.
> 
> 1Mac 3
> Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.
> 
> 2
> And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that
> held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the
> battle of Israel.
> 
> 3
> So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate
> as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made
> battles, protecting the host with his sword.
> 
> 4
> In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion's whelp
> roaring for his prey.
> 
> 5
> For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up
> those that vexed his people.
> 
> 6
> Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the
> workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered
> in his hand.
> 
> 7
> He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his
> acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.
> 
> 8
> Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the
> ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel:
> 
> 9
> So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth,
> and he received unto him such as were ready to perish.
> 
> 10
> Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great
> host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.
> 
> 11
> Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him,
> and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain,
> but the rest fled.
> 
> 12
> Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword
> also, and therewith he fought all his life long.
> 
> 13
> Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that
> Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the
> faithful to go out with him to war;
> 
> 14
> He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for
> I will go fight with Judas and them that are with him, who
> despise the king's commandment.
> 
> 15
> So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a
> mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the
> children of Israel.
> 
> 16
> And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, Judas
> went forth to meet him with a small company:
> 
> 17
> Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto
> Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to fight against so
> great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint
> with fasting all this day?
> 
> 18
> Unto whom Judas answered, It is no hard matter for many to be
> shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is
> all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company:
> 
> 19
> For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an
> host; but strength cometh from heaven.
> 
> 20
> They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy
> us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:
> 
> 21
> But we fight for our lives and our laws.
> 
> 22
> Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our
> face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.
> 
> 23
> Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly
> upon them, and so Seron and his host was overthrown before him.
> 
> 24
> And they pursued them from the going down of Bethhoron unto
> the plain, where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and
> the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.
> 
> 25
> Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an
> exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round about
> them:
> 
> 26
> Insomuch as his fame came unto the king, and all nations
> talked of the battles of Judas.
> 
> 27
> Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of
> indignation: wherefore he sent and gathered together all the
> forces of his realm, even a very strong army.
> 
> 28
> He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a
> year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need
> them.
> 
> 29
> Nevertheless, when he saw that the money of his treasures
> failed and that the tributes in the country were small, because
> of the dissension and plague, which he had brought upon the land
> in taking away the laws which had been of old time;
> 
> 30
> He feared that he should not be able to bear the charges any
> longer, nor to have such gifts to give so liberally as he did
> before: for he had abounded above the kings that were before
> him.
> 
> 31
> Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his mind, he determined
> to go into Persia, there to take the tributes of the countries,
> and to gather much money.
> 
> 32
> So he left Lysias, a nobleman, and one of the blood royal, to
> oversee the affairs of the king from the river Euphrates unto
> the borders of Egypt:
> 
> 33
> And to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came again.
> 
> 34
> Moreover he delivered unto him the half of his forces, and
> the elephants, and gave him charge of all things that he would
> have done, as also concerning them that dwelt in Juda and
> Jerusalem:
> 
> 35
> To wit, that he should send an army against them, to destroy
> and root out the strength of Israel, and the remnant of
> Jerusalem, and to take away their memorial from that place;
> 
> 36
> And that he should place strangers in all their quarters, and
> divide their land by lot.
> 
> 37
> So the king took the half of the forces that remained, and
> departed from Antioch, his royal city, the hundred forty and
> seventh year; and having passed the river Euphrates, he went
> through the high countries.
> 
> 38
> Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and
> Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends:
> 
> 39
> And with them he sent forty thousand footmen, and seven
> thousand horsemen, to go into the land of Juda, and to destroy
> it, as the king commanded.
> 
> 40
> So they went forth with all their power, and came and pitched
> by Emmaus in the plain country.
> 
> 41
> And the merchants of the country, hearing the fame of them,
> took silver and gold very much, with servants, and came into the
> camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a power also of
> Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto
> them.
> 
> 42
> Now when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were
> multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their
> borders: for they knew how the king had given commandment to
> destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;
> 
> 43
> They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune
> of our people, and let us fight for our people and the
> sanctuary.
> 
> 44
> Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might
> be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and
> compassion.
> 
> 45
> Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her
> children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden
> down, and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their
> habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the
> pipe with the harp ceased.
> 
> 46
> Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and
> came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the
> place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.
> 
> 47
> Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast
> ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,
> 
> 48
> And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had
> sought to paint the likeness of their images.
> 
> 49
> They brought also the priests' garments, and the firstfruits,
> and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had
> accomplished their days.
> 
> 50
> Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What
> shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?
> 
> 51
> For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy
> priests are in heaviness, and brought low.
> 
> 52
> And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to
> destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.
> 
> 53
> How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O
> God, be our help?
> 
> 54
> Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.
> 
> 55
> And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even
> captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties,
> and over tens.
> 
> 56
> But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed
> wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he
> commanded that they should return, every man to his own house,
> according to the law.
> 
> 57
> So the camp removed, and pitched upon the south side of
> Emmaus.
> 
> 58
> And Judas said, arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see
> that ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight
> with these nations, that are assembled together against us to
> destroy us and our sanctuary:
> 
> 59
> For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the
> calamities of our people and our sanctuary.
> 
> 60
> Nevertheless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.
> 
> 1Mac 4
> Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of
> the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;
> 
> 2
> To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and
> smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his
> guides.
> 
> 3
> Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the
> valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which
> was at Emmaus,
> 
> 4
> While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.
> 
> 5
> In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of
> Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the
> mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us
> 
> 6
> But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain
> with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor
> swords to their minds.
> 
> 7
> And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and
> well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and
> these were expert of war.
> 
> 8
> Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not
> their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.
> 
> 9
> Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when
> Pharaoh pursued them with an army.
> 
> 10
> Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the
> Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our
> fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:
> 
> 11
> That so all the heathen may know that there is one who
> delivereth and saveth Israel.
> 
> 12
> Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming
> over against them.
> 
> 13
> Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that
> were with Judas sounded their trumpets.
> 
> 14
> So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled
> into the plain.
> 
> 15
> Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword:
> for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of
> Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them
> upon a three thousand men.
> 
> 16
> This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing
> them,
> 
> 17
> And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch
> as there is a battle before us,
> 
> 18
> And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but
> stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after
> this ye may boldly take the spoils.
> 
> 19
> As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part
> of them looking out of the mountain:
> 
> 20
> Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to
> flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen
> declared what was done:
> 
> 21
> When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore
> afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to
> fight,
> 
> 22
> They fled every one into the land of strangers.
> 
> 23
> Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much
> gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and
> great riches.
> 
> 24
> After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving,
> and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his
> mercy endureth forever.
> 
> 25
> Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.
> 
> 26
> Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias
> what had happened:
> 
> 27
> Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged,
> because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel,
> nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.
> 
> 28
> The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together
> threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand
> horsemen, that he might subdue them.
> 
> 29
> So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at
> Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.
> 
> 30
> And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed
> art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of
> the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the
> host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul,
> and his armourbearer;
> 
> 31
> Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let
> them be confounded in their power and horsemen:
> 
> 32
> Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of
> their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their
> destruction:
> 
> 33
> Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let
> all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.
> 
> 34
> So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of
> Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they
> slain.
> 
> 35
> Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness
> of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or
> die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a
> company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it
> was, he purposed to come again into Judea.
> 
> 36
> Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are
> discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.
> 
> 37
> Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and
> went up into mount Sion.
> 
> 38
> And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar
> profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the
> courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the
> priests' chambers pulled down;
> 
> 39
> They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast
> ashes upon their heads,
> 
> 40
> And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew
> an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.
> 
> 41
> Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that
> were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.
> 
> 42
> So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had
> pleasure in the law:
> 
> 43
> Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones
> into an unclean place.
> 
> 44
> And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt
> offerings, which was profaned;
> 
> 45
> They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a
> reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore
> they pulled it down,
> 
> 46
> And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a
> convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what
> should be done with them.
> 
> 47
> Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a
> new altar according to the former;
> 
> 48
> And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within
> the temple, and hallowed the courts.
> 
> 49
> They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they
> brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and
> of incense, and the table.
> 
> 50
> And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that
> were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give
> light in the temple.
> 
> 51
> Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread
> out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun
> to make.
> 
> 52
> Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which
> is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth
> year, they rose up betimes in the morning,
> 
> 53
> And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar
> of burnt offerings, which they had made.
> 
> 54
> Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it,
> even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and
> harps, and cymbals.
> 
> 55
> Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and
> praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.
> 
> 56
> And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and
> offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the
> sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
> 
> 57
> They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of
> gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they
> renewed, and hanged doors upon them.
> 
> 58
> Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that
> the reproach of the heathen was put away.
> 
> 59
> Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation
> of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar
> should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of
> eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu,
> with mirth and gladness.
> 
> 60
> At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high
> walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should
> come and tread it down as they had done before.
> 
> 61
> And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified
> Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence
> against Idumea.
> 
> 1Mac 5
> Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was
> built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them
> very much.
> 
> 2
> Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob
> that was among them, and thereupon they began to slay and
> destroy the people.
> 
> 3
> Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at
> Arabattine, because they besieged Gael: and he gave them a great
> overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.
> 
> 4
> Also he remembered the injury of the children of Bean, who
> had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they
> lay in wait for them in the ways.
> 
> 5
> He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against
> them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that
> place with fire, and all that were therein.
> 
> 6
> Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he
> found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their
> captain.
> 
> 7
> So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were
> discomfited before him; and he smote them.
> 
> 8
> And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging
> thereto, he returned into Judea.
> 
> 9
> Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves
> together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to
> destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.
> 
> 10
> And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren, The heathen
> that are round about us are assembled together against us to
> destroy us:
> 
> 11
> And they are preparing to come and take the fortress
> whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.
> 
> 12
> Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many
> of us are slain:
> 
> 13
> Yea, all our brethren that were in the places of Tobie are
> put to death: their wives and their children also they have
> carried away captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have
> destroyed there about a thousand men.
> 
> 14
> While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came
> other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who
> reported on this wise,
> 
> 15
> And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all
> Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to
> consume us.
> 
> 16
> Now when Judas and the people heard these words, there
> assembled a great congregation together, to consult what they
> should do for their brethren, that were in trouble, and
> assaulted of them.
> 
> 17
> Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Choose thee out men,
> and go and deliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and
> Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.
> 
> 18
> So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains
> of the people, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it.
> 
> 19
> Unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of
> this people, and see that ye make not war against the heathen
> until the time that we come again.
> 
> 20
> Now unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into
> Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of
> Galaad.
> 
> 21
> Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles
> with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.
> 
> 22
> And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais; and there
> were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils
> he took.
> 
> 23
> And those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their
> wives and their children, and all that they had, took he away
> with him, and brought them into Judea with great joy.
> 
> 24
> Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over
> Jordan, and travelled three days' journey in the wilderness,
> 
> 25
> Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in a
> peaceable manner, and told them every thing that had happened to
> their brethren in the land of Galaad:
> 
> 26
> And how that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor,
> and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all these cities are
> strong and great:
> 
> 27
> And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the
> country of Galaad, and that against to morrow they had appointed
> to bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and to
> destroy them all in one day.
> 
> 28
> Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the
> wilderness unto Bosora; and when he had won the city, he slew
> all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their
> spoils, and burned the city with fire,
> 
> 29
> From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the
> fortress.
> 
> 30
> And betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, there
> was an innumerable people bearing ladders and other engines of
> war, to take the fortress: for they assaulted them.
> 
> 31
> When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that
> the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a
> great sound,
> 
> 32
> He said unto his host, Fight this day for your brethren.
> 
> 33
> So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded
> their trumpets, and cried with prayer.
> 
> 34
> Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus,
> fled from him: wherefore he smote them with a great slaughter;
> so that there were killed of them that day about eight thousand
> men.
> 
> 35
> This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had
> assaulted it he took and slew all the males therein, and
> received the spoils thereof and and burnt it with fire.
> 
> 36
> From thence went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the
> other cities of the country of Galaad.
> 
> 37
> After these things gathered Timotheus another host and
> encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.
> 
> 38
> So Judas sent men to espy the host, who brought him word,
> saying, All the heathen that be round about us are assembled
> unto them, even a very great host.
> 
> 39
> He hath also hired the Arabians to help them and they have
> pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight
> against thee. Upon this Judas went to meet them.
> 
> 40
> Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas
> and his host come near the brook, if he pass over first unto us,
> we shall not be able to withstand him; for he will mightily
> prevail against us:
> 
> 41
> But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go
> over unto him, and prevail against him.
> 
> 42
> Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of
> the people to remain by the brook: unto whom he gave
> commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but
> let all come to the battle.
> 
> 43
> So he went first over unto them, and all the people after
> him: then all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast
> away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at
> Carnaim.
> 
> 44
> But they took the city, and burned the temple with all that
> were therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand
> any longer before Judas.
> 
> 45
> Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in
> the country of Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even
> their wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great
> host, to the end they might come into the land of Judea.
> 
> 46
> Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the
> way as they should go, very well fortified) they could not turn
> from it, either on the right hand or the left, but must needs
> pass through the midst of it.
> 
> 47
> Then they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the gates
> with stones.
> 
> 48
> Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying,
> Let us pass through your land to go into our own country, and
> none shall do you any hurt; we will only pass through on foot:
> howbeit they would not open unto him.
> 
> 49
> Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made
> throughout the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the
> place where he was.
> 
> 50
> So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day
> and all that night, till at the length the city was delivered
> into his hands:
> 
> 51
> Who then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and
> rased the city, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through
> the city over them that were slain.
> 
> 52
> After this went they over Jordan into the great plain before
> Bethsan.
> 
> 53
> And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and
> exhorted the people all the way through, till they came into the
> land of Judea.
> 
> 54
> So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where
> they offered burnt offerings, because not one of them were slain
> until they had returned in peace.
> 
> 55
> Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of
> Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,
> 
> 56
> Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the
> garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which
> they had done.
> 
> 57
> Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight
> against the heathen that are round about us.
> 
> 58
> So when they had given charge unto the garrison that was with
> them, they went toward Jamnia.
> 
> 59
> Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city to fight
> against them.
> 
> 60
> And so it was, that Joseph and Azaras were put to flight, and
> pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there were slain that day
> of the people of Israel about two thousand men.
> 
> 61
> Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of
> Israel, because they were not obedient unto Judas and his
> brethren, but thought to do some valiant act.
> 
> 62
> Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose
> hand deliverance was given unto Israel.
> 
> 63
> Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned
> in the sight of all Israel, and of all the heathen, wheresoever
> their name was heard of;
> 
> 64
> Insomuch as the the people assembled unto them with joyful
> acclamations.
> 
> 65
> Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought
> against the children of Esau in the land toward the south, where
> he smote Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the
> fortress of it, and burned the towers thereof round about.
> 
> 66
> From thence he removed to go into the land of the
> Philistines, and passed through Samaria.
> 
> 67
> At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour,
> were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight
> unadvisedly.
> 
> 68
> So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and
> when he had pulled down their altars, and burned their carved
> images with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into the
> land of Judea.
> 
> 1Mac 6
> About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high
> countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a
> city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold;
> 
> 2
> And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were
> coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which
> Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first
> among the Grecians, had left there.
> 
> 3
> Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil
> it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had
> warning thereof,
> 
> 4
> Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed
> thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.
> 
> 5
> Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia,
> that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put
> to flight:
> 
> 6
> And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was
> driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the
> armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of
> the armies, whom they had destroyed:
> 
> 7
> Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had
> set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed
> about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city
> Bethsura.
> 
> 8
> Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and
> sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell
> sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked
> for.
> 
> 9
> And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more
> and more, and he made account that he should die.
> 
> 10
> Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them,
> The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very
> care.
> 
> 11
> And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come,
> and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am! for I
> was bountiful and beloved in my power.
> 
> 12
> But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and
> that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were
> therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a
> cause.
> 
> 13
> I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are
> come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a
> strange land.
> 
> 14
> Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made
> ruler over all his realm,
> 
> 15
> And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the
> end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for
> the kingdom.
> 
> 16
> So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth
> year.
> 
> 17
> Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up
> Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being young, to reign
> in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.
> 
> 18
> About this time they that were in the tower shut up the
> Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their
> hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen.
> 
> 19
> Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the
> people together to besiege them.
> 
> 20
> So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and
> fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and
> other engines.
> 
> 21
> Howbeit certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto
> whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves:
> 
> 22
> And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be
> ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?
> 
> 23
> We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he
> would have us, and to obey his commandments;
> 
> 24
> For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are
> alienated from us: moreover as many of us as they could light on
> they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.
> 
> 25
> Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only,
> but also against their borders.
> 
> 26
> And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at
> Jerusalem, to take it: the sanctuary also and Bethsura have they
> fortified.
> 
> 27
> Wherefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do
> the greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to
> rule them.
> 
> 28
> Now when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered
> together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and
> those that had charge of the horse.
> 
> 29
> There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles
> of the sea, bands of hired soldiers.
> 
> 30
> So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand
> footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty
> elephants exercised in battle.
> 
> 31
> These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura,
> which they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they
> of Bethsura came out, and burned them with fire, and fought
> valiantly.
> 
> 32
> Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in
> Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp.
> 
> 33
> Then the king rising very early marched fiercely with his
> host toward Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to
> battle, and sounded the trumpets.
> 
> 34
> And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight,
> they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.
> 
> 35
> Moreover they divided the beasts among the armies, and for
> every elephant they appointed a thousand men, armed with coats
> of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and beside
> this, for every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the
> best.
> 
> 36
> These were ready at every occasion: wheresoever the beast
> was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither
> departed they from him.
> 
> 37
> And upon the beasts were there strong towers of wood, which
> covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with
> devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong
> men, that fought upon them, beside the Indian that ruled him.
> 
> 38
> As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this
> side and that side at the two parts of the host giving them
> signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.
> 
> 39
> Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass,
> the mountains glistered therewith, and shined like lamps of
> fire.
> 
> 40
> So part of the king's army being spread upon the high
> mountains, and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely
> and in order.
> 
> 41
> Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and
> the marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness,
> were moved: for the army was very great and mighty.
> 
> 42
> Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle,
> and there were slain of the king's army six hundred men.
> 
> 43
> Eleazar also, surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the
> beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest,
> and supposing that the king was upon him,
> 
> 44
> Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his
> people, and get him a perpetual name:
> 
> 45
> Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of
> the battle, slaying on the right hand and on the left, so that
> they were divided from him on both sides.
> 
> 46
> Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him
> under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him,
> and there he died.
> 
> 47
> Howbeit the rest of the Jews seeing the strength of the king,
> and the violence of his forces, turned away from them.
> 
> 48
> Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and
> the king pitched his tents against Judea, and against mount
> Sion.
> 
> 49
> But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: for they
> came out of the city, because they had no victuals there to
> endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.
> 
> 50
> So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep
> it.
> 
> 51
> As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: and set there
> artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones,
> and pieces to cast darts and slings.
> 
> 52
> Whereupon they also made engines against their engines, and
> held them battle a long season.
> 
> 53
> Yet at the last, their vessels being without victuals, (for
> that it was the seventh year, and they in Judea that were
> delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the
> store;)
> 
> 54
> There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because the
> famine did so prevail against them, that they were fain to
> disperse themselves, every man to his own place.
> 
> 55
> At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip, whom Antiochus
> the king, whiles he lived, had appointed to bring up his son
> Antiochus, that he might be king,
> 
> 56
> Was returned out of Persia and Media, and the king's host
> also that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the
> ruling of the affairs.
> 
> 57
> Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king and the
> captains of the host and the company, We decay daily, and our
> victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is
> strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us:
> 
> 58
> Now therefore let us be friends with these men, and make
> peace with them, and with all their nation;
> 
> 59
> And covenant with them, that they shall live after their
> laws, as they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and
> have done all these things, because we abolished their laws.
> 
> 60
> So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent
> unto them to make peace; and they accepted thereof.
> 
> 61
> Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them:
> whereupon they went out of the strong hold.
> 
> 62
> Then the king entered into mount Sion; but when he saw the
> strength of the place, he broke his oath that he had made, and
> gave commandment to pull down the wall round about.
> 
> 63
> Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto
> Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the city: so he
> fought against him, and took the city by force.
> 
> 1Mac 7
> In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of
> Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a
> city of the sea coast, and reigned there.
> 
> 2
> And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it
> was, that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring
> them unto him.
> 
> 3
> Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their
> faces.
> 
> 4
> So his host slew them. Now when Demetrius was set upon the
> throne of his kingdom,
> 
> 5
> There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel,
> having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their
> captain:
> 
> 6
> And they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and
> his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of
> our own land.
> 
> 7
> Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him
> go and see what havock he hath made among us, and in the king's
> land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.
> 
> 8
> Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who
> ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and
> faithful to the king,
> 
> 9
> And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high
> priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the
> children of Israel.
> 
> 10
> So they departed, and came with a great power into the land
> of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren
> with peaceable words deceitfully.
> 
> 11
> But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they
> were come with a great power.
> 
> 12
> Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company
> of scribes, to require justice.
> 
> 13
> Now the Assideans were the first among the children of Israel
> that sought peace of them:
> 
> 14
> For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is
> come with this army, and he will do us no wrong.
> 
> 15
> So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them,
> saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your
> friends.
> 
> 16
> Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them
> threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to the words
> which he wrote,
> 
> 17
> The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood
> have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury
> them.
> 
> 18
> Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the
> people, who said, There is neither truth nor righteousness in
> them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that they made.
> 
> 19
> After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his
> tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had
> forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and when he had
> slain them, he cast them into the great pit.
> 
> 20
> Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a
> power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king.
> 
> 21
> But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood.
> 
> 22
> And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who,
> after they had gotten the land of Juda into their power, did
> much hurt in Israel.
> 
> 23
> Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his
> company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,
> 
> 24
> He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and
> took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they
> durst no more go forth into the country.
> 
> 25
> On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his
> company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able
> to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all
> the worst of them that he could.
> 
> 26
> Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a
> man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to
> destroy the people.
> 
> 27
> So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent
> unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words,
> saying,
> 
> 28
> Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a
> few men, that I may see you in peace.
> 
> 29
> He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another
> peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas
> by violence.
> 
> 30
> Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came
> unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see
> his face no more.
> 
> 31
> Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered,
> went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:
> 
> 32
> Where there were slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand
> men, and the rest fled into the city of David.
> 
> 33
> After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out
> of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the
> elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him
> the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.
> 
> 34
> But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them
> shamefully, and spake proudly,
> 
> 35
> And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be
> now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I
> will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great
> rage.
> 
> 36
> Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and
> the temple, weeping, and saying,
> 
> 37
> Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy
> name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people:
> 
> 38
> Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the
> sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to
> continue any longer.
> 
> 39
> So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in
> Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.
> 
> 40
> But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there
> he prayed, saying,
> 
> 41
> O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the
> Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred
> fourscore and five thousand of them.
> 
> 42
> Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the
> rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy
> sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his wickedness.
> 
> 43
> So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the hosts joined
> battle: but Nicanor's host was discomfited, and he himself was
> first slain in the battle.
> 
> 44
> Now when Nicanor's host saw that he was slain, they cast away
> their weapons, and fled.
> 
> 45
> Then they pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa unto
> Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.
> 
> 46
> Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round
> about, and closed them in; so that they, turning back upon them
> that pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not one of
> them was left.
> 
> 47
> Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off
> Nicanors head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so
> proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up toward
> Jerusalem.
> 
> 48
> For this cause the people rejoiced greatly, and they kept
> that day a day of great gladness.
> 
> 49
> Moreover they ordained to keep yearly this day, being the
> thirteenth of Adar.
> 
> 50
> Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.
> 
> 1Mac 8
> Now Judas had heard of the the Romans, that they were mighty
> and valiant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that
> joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all
> that came unto them;
> 
> 2
> And that they were men of great valour. It was told him also
> of their wars and noble acts which they had done among the
> Galatians, and how they had conquered them, and brought them
> under tribute;
> 
> 3
> And what they had done in the country of Spain, for the
> winning of the mines of the silver and gold which is there;
> 
> 4
> And that by their policy and patience they had conquered all
> the place, though it were very far from them; and the kings also
> that came against them from the uttermost part of the earth,
> till they had discomfited them, and given them a great
> overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year:
> 
> 5
> Beside this, how they had discomfited in battle Philip, and
> Perseus, king of the Citims, with others that lifted up
> themselves against them, and had overcome them:
> 
> 6
> How also Antiochus the great king of Asia, that came against
> them in battle, having an hundred and twenty elephants, with
> horsemen, and chariots, and a very great army, was discomfited
> by them;
> 
> 7
> And how they took him alive, and covenanted that he and such
> as reigned after him should pay a great tribute, and give
> hostages, and that which was agreed upon,
> 
> 8
> And the country of India, and Media and Lydia and of the
> goodliest countries, which they took of him, and gave to king
> Eumenes:
> 
> 9
> Moreover how the Grecians had determined to come and destroy
> them;
> 
> 10
> And that they, having knowledge thereof sent against them a
> certain captain, and fighting with them slew many of them, and
> carried away captives their wives and their children, and
> spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled
> down their strong holds, and brought them to be their servants
> unto this day:
> 
> 11
> It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under
> their dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time
> resisted them;
> 
> 12
> But with their friends and such as relied upon them they kept
> amity: and that they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh,
> insomuch as all that heard of their name were afraid of them:
> 
> 13
> Also that, whom they would help to a kingdom, those reign;
> and whom again they would, they displace: finally, that they
> were greatly exalted:
> 
> 14
> Yet for all this none of them wore a crown or was clothed in
> purple, to be magnified thereby:
> 
> 15
> Moreover how they had made for themselves a senate house,
> wherein three hundred and twenty men sat in council daily,
> consulting alway for the people, to the end they might be well
> ordered:
> 
> 16
> And that they committed their government to one man every
> year, who ruled over all their country, and that all were
> obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor
> emmulation among them.
> 
> 17
> In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the
> son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and
> sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy
> with them,
> 
> 18
> And to intreat them that they would take the yoke from them;
> for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel
> with servitude.
> 
> 19
> They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey,
> and came into the senate, where they spake and said.
> 
> 20
> Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the
> Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a confederacy and peace
> with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and
> friends.
> 
> 21
> So that matter pleased the Romans well.
> 
> 22
> And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote
> back again in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there
> they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy:
> 
> 23
> Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews,
> by sea and by land for ever: the sword also and enemy be far
> from them,
> 
> 24
> If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their
> confederates throughout all their dominion,
> 
> 25
> The people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall be
> appointed, with all their heart:
> 
> 26
> Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war
> upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships,
> as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep
> their covenants without taking any thing therefore.
> 
> 27
> In the same manner also, if war come first upon the nation of
> the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all their heart,
> according as the time shall be appointed them:
> 
> 28
> Neither shall victuals be given to them that take part
> against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed
> good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, and
> that without deceit.
> 
> 29
> According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant
> with the people of the Jews.
> 
> 30
> Howbeit if hereafter the one party or the other shall think
> to meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do it at their
> pleasures, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be
> ratified.
> 
> 31
> And as touching the evils that Demetrius doeth to the Jews,
> we have written unto him, saying, Wherefore thou made thy yoke
> heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?
> 
> 32
> If therefore they complain any more against thee, we will do
> them justice, and fight with thee by sea and by land.
> 
> 1Mac 9
> Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host
> were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the
> land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength
> of his host:
> 
> 2
> Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and
> pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and
> after they had won it, they slew much people.
> 
> 3
> Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year
> they encamped before Jerusalem:
> 
> 4
> From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty
> thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.
> 
> 5
> Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand
> chosen men with him:
> 
> 6
> Who seeing the multitude of the other army to he so great
> were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the
> host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men.
> 
> 7
> When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that
> the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and
> much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them
> together.
> 
> 8
> Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise
> and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to
> fight with them.
> 
> 9
> But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us
> now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our
> brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.
> 
> 10
> Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and
> flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully
> for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.
> 
> 11
> With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents,
> and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into
> two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host
> and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.
> 
> 12
> As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew
> near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.
> 
> 13
> They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets
> also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and
> the battle continued from morning till night.
> 
> 14
> Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of
> his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy
> men,
> 
> 15
> Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the
> mount Azotus.
> 
> 16
> But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right
> wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that
> were with him hard at the heels from behind:
> 
> 17
> Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were
> slain on both parts.
> 
> 18
> Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.
> 
> 19
> THen Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried
> him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.
> 
> 20
> Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great
> lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,
> 
> 21
> How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!
> 
> 22
> As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and
> the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not
> written: for they were very many.
> 
> 23
> Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth
> their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all
> such as wrought iniquity.
> 
> 24
> In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason
> whereof the country revolted, and went with them.
> 
> 25
> Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of
> the country.
> 
> 26
> And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and
> brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and
> used them despitefully.
> 
> 27
> So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof
> was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.
> 
> 28
> For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said
> unto Jonathan,
> 
> 29
> Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go
> forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of
> our nation that are adversaries to us.
> 
> 30
> Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince
> and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.
> 
> 31
> Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time,
> and rose up instead of his brother Judas.
> 
> 32
> But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to
> slay him
> 
> 33
> Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with
> him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and
> pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.
> 
> 34
> Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with
> all his host upon the sabbath day.
> 
> 35
> Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the
> people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might
> leave with them their carriage, which was much.
> 
> 36
> But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John,
> and all that he had, and went their way with it.
> 
> 37
> After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that
> the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing
> the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the
> daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.
> 
> 38
> Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up,
> and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:
> 
> 39
> Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold,
> there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came
> forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums,
> and instruments of musick, and many weapons.
> 
> 40
> Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against
> them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a
> slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the
> remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.
> 
> 41
> Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of
> their melody into lamentation.
> 
> 42
> So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother,
> they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.
> 
> 43
> Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day
> unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.
> 
> 44
> Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight
> for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time
> past:
> 
> 45
> For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the
> water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise
> and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.
> 
> 46
> Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered
> from the hand of your enemies.
> 
> 47
> With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth
> his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.
> 
> 48
> Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan,
> and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not
> over Jordan unto them.
> 
> 49
> So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about a
> thousand men.
> 
> 50
> Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the
> strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and
> Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon,
> these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with
> bars.
> 
> 51
> And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice
> upon Israel.
> 
> 52
> He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the
> tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.
> 
> 53
> Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for
> hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.
> 
> 54
> Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second
> month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the
> sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works
> of the prophets
> 
> 55
> And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus
> plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was
> stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more
> speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.
> 
> 56
> So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.
> 
> 57
> Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to
> the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.
> 
> 58
> Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold,
> Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care:
> now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take
> them all in one night.
> 
> 59
> So they went and consulted with him.
> 
> 60
> Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters
> privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take
> Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not,
> because their counsel was known unto them.
> 
> 61
> Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were
> authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.
> 
> 62
> Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him,
> got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they
> repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.
> 
> 63
> Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his
> host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.
> 
> 64
> Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought
> against it a long season and made engines of war.
> 
> 65
> But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went
> forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went
> he forth.
> 
> 66
> And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of
> Phasiron in their tent.
> 
> 67
> And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces,
> Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the
> engines of war,
> 
> 68
> And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them,
> and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in
> vain.
> 
> 69
> Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him
> counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of
> them, and purposed to return into his own country.
> 
> 70
> Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto
> him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them
> the prisoners.
> 
> 71
> Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands,
> and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days
> of his life.
> 
> 72
> When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he
> had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and
> went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into
> their borders.
> 
> 73
> Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at
> Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the
> ungodly men out of Israel.
> 
> 1Mac 10
> In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of
> Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for
> the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,
> 
> 2
> Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together
> an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.
> 
> 3
> Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving
> words, so as he magnified him.
> 
> 4
> For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join
> with Alexander against us:
> 
> 5
> Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against
> him, and against his brethren and his people.
> 
> 6
> Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host,
> and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he
> commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should
> be delivered him.
> 
> 7
> Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the
> audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:
> 
> 8
> Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given
> him authority to gather together an host.
> 
> 9
> Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto
> Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.
> 
> 10
> This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began
> to build and repair the city.
> 
> 11
> And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount
> Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and they
> did so.
> 
> 12
> Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which
> Bacchides had built, fled away;
> 
> 13
> Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own
> country.
> 
> 14
> Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law
> and the commandments remained still: for it was their place of
> refuge.
> 
> 15
> Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had
> sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and
> noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains
> that they had endured,
> 
> 16
> He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we
> will make him our friend and confederate.
> 
> 17
> Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according
> to these words, saying,
> 
> 18
> King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:
> 
> 19
> We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power,
> and meet to be our friend.
> 
> 20
> Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest
> of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend; (and
> therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and
> require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us.
> 
> 21
> So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at
> the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and
> gathered together forces, and provided much armour.
> 
> 22
> Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,
> 
> 23
> What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making
> amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?
> 
> 24
> I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and
> promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.
> 
> 25
> He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius
> unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:
> 
> 26
> Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our
> friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have
> heard hereof, and are glad.
> 
> 27
> Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and
> we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,
> 
> 28
> And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.
> 
> 29
> And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the
> Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from
> crown taxes,
> 
> 30
> And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the
> third part or the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees,
> I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be
> taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which
> are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee,
> from this day forth for evermore.
> 
> 31
> Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders
> thereof, both from tenths and tributes.
> 
> 32
> And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up
> authority over it, and give the high priest, that he may set in
> it such men as he shall choose to keep it.
> 
> 33
> Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that
> were carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of
> my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes
> even of their cattle.
> 
> 34
> Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new
> moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and
> the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and
> freedom for all the Jews in my realm.
> 
> 35
> Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest
> any of them in any matter.
> 
> 36
> I will further, that there be enrolled among the king's
> forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay
> shall be given, as belongeth to all king's forces.
> 
> 37
> And of them some shall be placed in the king's strong holds,
> of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom,
> which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and
> governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own
> laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea.
> 
> 38
> And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea
> from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that
> they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other
> authority than the high priest's.
> 
> 39
> As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it
> as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary
> expences of the sanctuary.
> 
> 40
> Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver
> out of the king's accounts from the places appertaining.
> 
> 41
> And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in
> former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of
> the temple.
> 
> 42
> And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which
> they took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year
> by year, even those things shall be released, because they
> appertain to the priests that minister.
> 
> 43
> And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem,
> or be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king,
> or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that
> they have in my realm.
> 
> 44
> For the building also and repairing of the works of the
> sanctuary expences shall be given of the king's accounts.
> 
> 45
> Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the
> fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of
> the king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in
> Judea.
> 
> 46
> Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave
> no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered
> the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted
> them very sore.
> 
> 47
> But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the
> first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were
> confederate with him always.
> 
> 48
> Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over
> against Demetrius.
> 
> 49
> And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host
> fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against
> them.
> 
> 50
> And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went
> down: and that day was Demetrius slain.
> 
> 51
> Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of
> Egypt with a message to this effect:
> 
> 52
> Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the
> throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and
> overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country;
> 
> 53
> For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host
> was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his
> kingdom:
> 
> 54
> Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and
> give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law,
> and will give both thee and her as according to thy dignity.
> 
> 55
> Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day
> wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and
> satest in the throne of their kingdom.
> 
> 56
> And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me
> therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will
> marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.
> 
> 57
> So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra,
> and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and
> second year:
> 
> 58
> Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his
> daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais
> with great glory, as the manner of kings is.
> 
> 59
> Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should
> come and meet him.
> 
> 60
> Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the
> two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and
> many presents, and found favour in their sight.
> 
> 61
> At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a
> wicked life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him:
> but the king would not hear them.
> 
> 62
> Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his
> garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.
> 
> 63
> And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go
> with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that
> no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man
> trouble him for any manner of cause.
> 
> 64
> Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to
> the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.
> 
> 65
> So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief
> friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.
> 
> 66
> Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and
> gladness.
> 
> 67
> Furthermore in the; hundred threescore and fifth year came
> Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his
> fathers:
> 
> 68
> Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry,
> and returned into Antioch.
> 
> 69
> Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his
> general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in
> Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,
> 
> 70
> Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to
> scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy
> power against us in the mountains?
> 
> 71
> Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come
> down to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter
> together: for with me is the power of the cities.
> 
> 72
> Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and
> they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in
> their own land.
> 
> 73
> Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen
> and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor
> flint, nor place to flee unto.
> 
> 74
> So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was
> moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of
> Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.
> 
> 75
> And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa
> shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison
> there.
> 
> 76
> Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city
> let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.
> 
> 77
> Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand
> horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as
> one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the
> plain. because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put
> his trust.
> 
> 78
> Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies
> joined battle.
> 
> 79
> Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.
> 
> 80
> And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him;
> for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the
> people, from morning till evening.
> 
> 81
> But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them:
> and so the enemies' horses were tired.
> 
> 82
> Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the
> footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by
> him, and fled.
> 
> 83
> The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to
> Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for
> safety.
> 
> 84
> But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about
> it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them
> that were fled into it, he burned with fire.
> 
> 85
> Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh
> eight thousand men.
> 
> 86
> And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against
> Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with
> great pomp.
> 
> 87
> After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem,
> having any spoils.
> 
> 88
> Now when king ALexander heard these things, he honoured
> Jonathan yet more.
> 
> 89
> And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to
> such as are of the king's blood: he gave him also Accaron with
> the borders thereof in possession.
> 
> 1Mac 11
> And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like
> the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went
> about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to
> his own.
> 
> 2
> Whereupon he took his journey into Spain in peaceable manner,
> so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king
> Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his
> brother in law.
> 
> 3
> Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one
> of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.
> 
> 4
> And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple
> of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that
> were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them
> that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them
> by the way where he should pass.
> 
> 5
> Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the
> intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.
> 
> 6
> Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where
> they saluted one another, and lodged.
> 
> 7
> Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the
> river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.
> 
> 8
> King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the
> cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined
> wicked counsels against Alexander.
> 
> 9
> Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying,
> Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my
> daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy
> father's kingdom:
> 
> 10
> For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought
> to slay me.
> 
> 11
> Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his
> kingdom.
> 
> 12
> Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to
> Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was
> openly known.
> 
> 13
> Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns
> upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
> 
> 14
> In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because
> those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.
> 
> 15
> But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him:
> whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with
> a mighty power, and put him to flight.
> 
> 16
> So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king
> Ptolemee was exalted:
> 
> 17
> For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent
> it unto Ptolemee.
> 
> 18
> King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that
> were in the strong holds were slain one of another.
> 
> 19
> By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and
> seventh year.
> 
> 20
> At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in
> Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many
> engines of war against it.
> 
> 21
> Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went
> unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,
> 
> 22
> Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately
> removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he
> should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him
> at Ptolemais in great haste.
> 
> 23
> Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to
> besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel
> and the priests, and put himself in peril;
> 
> 24
> And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents
> besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found
> favour in his sight.
> 
> 25
> And though certain ungodly men of the people had made
> complaints against him,
> 
> 26
> Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done
> before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,
> 
> 27
> And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the
> honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his
> chief friends.
> 
> 28
> Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free
> from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of
> Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.
> 
> 29
> So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all
> these things after this manner:
> 
> 30
> King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation
> of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
> 
> 31
> We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto
> our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.
> 
> 32
> King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:
> 
> 33
> We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who
> are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their
> good will toward us.
> 
> 34
> Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea,
> with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem,
> that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all
> things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in
> Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of
> them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of
> trees.
> 
> 35
> And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes
> and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the
> crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them
> all for their relief.
> 
> 36
> And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for
> ever.
> 
> 37
> Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and
> let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount
> in a conspicuous place.
> 
> 38
> After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet
> before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent
> away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain
> bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the
> heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
> 
> 39
> Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's
> part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against
> Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up
> Antiochus the young son of Alexander,
> 
> 40
> And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus,
> that he might reign in his father's stead: he told him therefore
> all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at
> enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.
> 
> 41
> In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he
> would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also
> in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.
> 
> 42
> So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do
> this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and
> thy nation, if opportunity serve.
> 
> 43
> Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help
> me; for all my forces are gone from me.
> 
> 44
> Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto
> Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad
> of their coming.
> 
> 45
> Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves
> together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred
> and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.
> 
> 46
> Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city
> kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.
> 
> 47
> Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him
> all at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew
> that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.
> 
> 48
> Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day,
> and delivered the king.
> 
> 49
> So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city
> as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made
> supplication to the king, and cried, saying,
> 
> 50
> Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and
> the city.
> 
> 51
> With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and
> the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the
> sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to
> Jerusalem, having great spoils.
> 
> 52
> So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the
> land was quiet before him.
> 
> 53
> Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and
> estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him
> according to the benefits which he had received of him, but
> troubled him very sore.
> 
> 54
> After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child
> Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.
> 
> 55
> Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom
> Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who
> turned his back and fled.
> 
> 56
> Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.
> 
> 57
> At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I
> confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over
> the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.
> 
> 58
> Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and
> gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple,
> and to wear a golden buckle.
> 
> 59
> His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called
> The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.
> 
> 60
> Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities
> beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered
> themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to
> Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.
> 
> 61
> From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out;
> wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof
> with fire, and spoiled them.
> 
> 62
> Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan,
> he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men
> for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the
> country unto Damascus.
> 
> 63
> Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to
> Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to
> remove him out of the country,
> 
> 64
> He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the
> country.
> 
> 65
> Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a
> long season, and shut it up:
> 
> 66
> But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted
> them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and
> set a garrison in it.
> 
> 67
> As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of
> Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to
> the plain of Nasor.
> 
> 68
> And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain,
> who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came
> themselves over against him.
> 
> 69
> So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and
> joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;
> 
> 70
> Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias
> the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of
> the host.
> 
> 71
> Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head,
> and prayed.
> 
> 72
> Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight,
> and so they ran away.
> 
> 73
> Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned
> again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto
> their own tents, and there they camped.
> 
> 74
> So there were slain of the heathen that day about three
> thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
> 
> 1Mac 12
> Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain
> men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the
> friendship that they had with them.
> 
> 2
> He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other
> places, for the same purpose.
> 
> 3
> So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and
> said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent
> us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye
> had with them, and league, as in former time.
> 
> 4
> Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of
> every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea
> peaceably.
> 
> 5
> And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to
> the Lacedemonians:
> 
> 6
> Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and
> the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians
> their brethren send greeting:
> 
> 7
> There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high
> priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that
> ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
> 
> 8
> At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent
> honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was
> made of the league and friendship.
> 
> 9
> Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that
> we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,
> 
> 10
> Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing
> of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers
> unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye
> sent unto us.
> 
> 11
> We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our
> feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the
> sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and
> as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:
> 
> 12
> And we are right glad of your honour.
> 
> 13
> As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on
> every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have
> fought against us.
> 
> 14
> Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others
> of our confederates and friends, in these wars:
> 
> 15
> For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are
> delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under
> foot.
> 
> 16
> For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and
> Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to
> renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.
> 
> 17
> We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to
> deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our
> brotherhood.
> 
> 18
> Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
> 
> 19
> And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.
> 
> 20
> Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest,
> greeting:
> 
> 21
> It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are
> brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:
> 
> 22
> Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall
> do well to write unto us of your prosperity.
> 
> 23
> We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are
> our's, and our's are your's We do command therefore our
> ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.
> 
> 24
> Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to
> fight against him with a greater host than afore,
> 
> 25
> He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of
> Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
> 
> 26
> He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told
> him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night
> season.
> 
> 27
> Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his
> men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they
> might be ready to fight: also he sent forth centinels round
> about the host.
> 
> 28
> But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were
> ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and
> they kindled fires in their camp.
> 
> 29
> Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the
> morning: for they saw the lights burning.
> 
> 30
> Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for
> they were gone over the river Eleutherus.
> 
> 31
> Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called
> Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.
> 
> 32
> And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed
> through all the country,
> 
> 33
> Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto
> Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned
> aside to Joppa, and won it.
> 
> 34
> For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them
> that took Demetrius' part; wherefore he set a garrison there to
> keep it.
> 
> 35
> After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders
> of the people together, he consulted with them about building
> strong holds in Judea,
> 
> 36
> And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great
> mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from
> the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell
> nor buy in it.
> 
> 37
> Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch
> as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen
> down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.
> 
> 38
> Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with
> gates and bars.
> 
> 39
> Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to
> kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his
> own head.
> 
> 40
> Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and
> that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how
> to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and
> came to Bethsan.
> 
> 41
> Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men
> chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.
> 
> 42
> Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he
> durst not stretch his hand against him;
> 
> 43
> But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his
> friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be
> as obedient unto him, as to himself.
> 
> 44
> Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this
> people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?
> 
> 45
> Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to
> wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will
> give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and
> all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart:
> for this is the cause of my coming.
> 
> 46
> So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away
> his host, who went into the land of Judea.
> 
> 47
> And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom
> he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with
> him.
> 
> 48
> Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of
> Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came
> with him they slew with the sword.
> 
> 49
> Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into
> Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's
> company.
> 
> 50
> But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him
> were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went
> close together, prepared to fight.
> 
> 51
> They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they
> were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.
> 
> 52
> Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and
> there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and
> they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great
> lamentation.
> 
> 53
> Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to
> destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to
> help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take
> away their memorial from among men.
> 
> 1Mac 13
> Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a
> great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,
> 
> 2
> And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he
> went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,
> 
> 3
> And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what
> great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have
> done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and
> troubles which we have seen.
> 
> 4
> By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's
> sake, and I am left alone.
> 
> 5
> Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own
> life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my
> brethren.
> 
> 6
> Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our
> wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to
> destroy us of very malice.
> 
> 7
> Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit
> revived.
> 
> 8
> And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be
> our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.
> 
> 9
> Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us,
> that will we do.
> 
> 10
> So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made
> haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it
> round about.
> 
> 11
> Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a
> great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein
> remained there in it.
> 
> 12
> So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to
> invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.
> 
> 13
> But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.
> 
> 14
> Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his
> brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent
> messengers unto him, saying,
> 
> 15
> Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money
> that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the
> business that was committed unto him.
> 
> 16
> Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of
> his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not
> revolt from us, and we will let him go.
> 
> 17
> Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake
> deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children,
> lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of
> the people:
> 
> 18
> Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the
> children, therefore is Jonathan dead.
> 
> 19
> So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit
> Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.
> 
> 20
> And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy
> it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but
> Simon and his host marched against him in every place,
> wheresoever he went.
> 
> 21
> Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon,
> to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the
> wilderness, and send them victuals.
> 
> 22
> Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that
> night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he
> came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.
> 
> 23
> And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was
> buried there.
> 
> 24
> Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.
> 
> 25
> Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother,
> and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.
> 
> 26
> And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed
> him many days.
> 
> 27
> Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father
> and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn
> stone behind and before.
> 
> 28
> Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for
> his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.
> 
> 29
> And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set
> great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for
> a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they
> might be seen of all that sail on the sea.
> 
> 30
> This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth
> yet unto this day.
> 
> 31
> Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus,
> and slew him.
> 
> 32
> And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of
> Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.
> 
> 33
> Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced
> them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and
> bars, and laid up victuals therein.
> 
> 34
> Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the
> end he should give the land an immunity, because all that
> Tryphon did was to spoil.
> 
> 35
> Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this
> manner:
> 
> 36
> King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of
> kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth
> greeting:
> 
> 37
> The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto
> us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace
> with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the
> immunities which we have granted.
> 
> 38
> And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand;
> and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.
> 
> 39
> As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we
> forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if
> there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more
> be paid.
> 
> 40
> And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then
> be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.
> 
> 41
> Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in
> the hundred and seventieth year.
> 
> 42
> Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments
> and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the
> governor and leader of the Jews.
> 
> 43
> In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round
> about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city,
> and battered a certain tower, and took it.
> 
> 44
> And they that were in the engine leaped into the city;
> whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:
> 
> 45
> Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and
> climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried
> with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.
> 
> 46
> And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness,
> but according to thy mercy.
> 
> 47
> So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against
> them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses
> wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and
> thanksgiving.
> 
> 48
> Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men
> there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was
> before, and built therein a dwellingplace for himself.
> 
> 49
> They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that
> they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy,
> nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of
> victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.
> 
> 50
> Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with
> them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out
> from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:
> 
> 51
> And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second
> month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving,
> and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and
> with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a
> great enemy out of Israel.
> 
> 52
> He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with
> gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower
> he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with
> his company.
> 
> 53
> And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he
> made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.
> 
> 1Mac 14
> Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius
> gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him
> help to fight against Tryphone.
> 
> 2
> But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that
> Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his
> princes to take him alive:
> 
> 3
> Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and
> brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.
> 
> 4
> As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of
> Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as
> that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.
> 
> 5
> And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he
> took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of
> the sea,
> 
> 6
> And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the
> country,
> 
> 7
> And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the
> dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the
> which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that
> resisted him.
> 
> 8
> Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave
> her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.
> 
> 9
> The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of
> good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike
> apparel.
> 
> 10
> He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all
> manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned
> unto the end of the world.
> 
> 11
> He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great
> joy:
> 
> 12
> For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there
> was none to fray them:
> 
> 13
> Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them:
> yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.
> 
> 14
> Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were
> brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the
> law and wicked person he took away.
> 
> 15
> He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the
> temple.
> 
> 16
> Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that
> Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
> 
> 17
> But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made
> high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities
> therein:
> 
> 18
> They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the
> friendship and league which they had made with Judas and
> Jonathan his brethren:
> 
> 19
> Which writings were read before the congregation at
> Jerusalem.
> 
> 20
> And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians
> sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon
> the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the
> people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:
> 
> 21
> The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us
> of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their
> coming,
> 
> 22
> And did register the things that they spake in the council of
> the people in this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus, and
> Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to
> renew the friendship they had with us.
> 
> 23
> And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably,
> and to put the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to
> the end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial
> thereof: furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon
> the high priest.
> 
> 24
> After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of
> gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.
> 
> 25
> Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall
> we give to Simon and his sons?
> 
> 26
> For he and his brethren and the house of his father have
> established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from
> them, and confirmed their liberty.
> 
> 27
> So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon
> pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The
> eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore and
> twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high priest,
> 
> 28
> At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and
> people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country,
> were these things notified unto us.
> 
> 29
> Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country,
> wherein for the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law,
> Simon the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, together
> with his brethren, put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the
> enemies of their nation did their nation great honour:
> 
> 30
> (For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation
> together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,
> 
> 31
> Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they
> might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:
> 
> 32
> At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and
> spent much of his own substance, and armed the valiant men of
> his nation and gave them wages,
> 
> 33
> And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura,
> that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the
> enemies had been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there:
> 
> 34
> Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and
> Gazera, that bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt
> before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all
> things convenient for the reparation thereof.)
> 
> 35
> The people therefore sang the acts of Simon, and unto what
> glory he thought to bring his nation, made him their governor
> and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for
> the justice and faith which he kept to his nation, and for that
> he sought by all means to exalt his people.
> 
> 36
> For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the
> heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were
> in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a
> tower, out of which they issued, and polluted all about the
> sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:
> 
> 37
> But he placed Jews therein. and fortified it for the safety
> of the country and the city, and raised up the walls of
> Jerusalem.
> 
> 38
> King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood
> according to those things,
> 
> 39
> And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great
> honour.
> 
> 40
> For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews
> their friends and confederates and brethren; and that they had
> entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably;
> 
> 41
> Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon
> should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there
> should arise a faithful prophet;
> 
> 42
> Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take
> charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over
> the country, and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that,
> I say, he should take charge of the sanctuary;
> 
> 43
> Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that
> all the writings in the country should be made in his name, and
> that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold:
> 
> 44
> Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or
> priests to break any of these things, or to gainsay his words,
> or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be
> clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;
> 
> 45
> And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these
> things, he should be punished.
> 
> 46
> Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as
> hath been said.
> 
> 47
> Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high
> priest, and captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to
> defend them all.
> 
> 48
> So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables
> of brass, and that they should be set up within the compass of
> the sanctuary in a conspicuous place;
> 
> 49
> Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the
> treasury, to the end that Simon and his sons might have them.
> 
> 1Mac 15
> Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters
> from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of
> the Jews, and to all the people;
> 
> 2
> The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the
> high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the
> Jews, greeting:
> 
> 3
> Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom
> of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I
> may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered
> a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of
> war;
> 
> 4
> My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may
> be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities
> in the kingdom desolate:
> 
> 5
> Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the
> kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they
> granted.
> 
> 6
> I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with
> thine own stamp.
> 
> 7
> And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be
> free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses
> that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them
> remain unto thee.
> 
> 8
> And if anything be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be
> forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.
> 
> 9
> Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will
> honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour,
> so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.
> 
> 10
> In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus
> into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came
> together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.
> 
> 11
> Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora,
> which lieth by the sea side:
> 
> 12
> For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that
> his forces had forsaken him.
> 
> 13
> Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an
> hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand
> horsemen.
> 
> 14
> And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined
> ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by
> land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.
> 
> 15
> In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome,
> having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written
> these things:
> 
> 16
> Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:
> 
> 17
> The Jews' ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came
> unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from
> Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews:
> 
> 18
> And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.
> 
> 19
> We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and
> countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against
> them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies
> against them.
> 
> 20
> It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.
> 
> 21
> If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled
> from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high
> priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.
> 
> 22
> The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king,
> and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,
> 
> 23
> And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the
> Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria,
> and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and
> Rhodus, and Aradus, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna,
> and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.
> 
> 24
> And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.
> 
> 25
> So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day,
> assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he
> shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.
> 
> 26
> At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid
> him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.
> 
> 27
> Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the
> covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange
> unto him.
> 
> 28
> Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends,
> to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with
> the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.
> 
> 29
> The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in
> the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.
> 
> 30
> Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the
> tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without
> the borders of Judea:
> 
> 31
> Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and
> for the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities,
> other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight
> against you
> 
> 32
> So Athenobius the king's friend came to Jerusalem: and when
> he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver
> plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him
> the king's message.
> 
> 33
> Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken
> other men's land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others,
> but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had
> wrongfully in possession a certain time.
> 
> 34
> Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our
> fathers.
> 
> 35
> And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did
> great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee
> an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him
> not a word;
> 
> 36
> But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him
> of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he
> had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.
> 
> 37
> In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.
> 
> 38
> Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and
> gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,
> 
> 39
> And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he
> commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and
> to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he
> pursued Tryphon.
> 
> 40
> So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people
> and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay
> them.
> 
> 41
> And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and
> an host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make
> outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.
> 
> 1Mac 16
> Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what
> Cendebeus had done.
> 
> 2
> Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John,
> and said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my father's house,
> have ever from my youth unto this day fought against the enemies
> of Israel; and things have prospered so well in our hands, that
> we have delivered Israel oftentimes.
> 
> 3
> But now I am old, and ye, by God's mercy, are of a sufficient
> age: be ye instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for
> our nation, and the help from heaven be with you.
> 
> 4
> So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war
> with horsemen, who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that
> night at Modin.
> 
> 5
> And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the
> plain, behold, a mighty great host both of footmen and horsemen
> came against them: howbeit there was a water brook betwixt them.
> 
> 6
> So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he
> saw that the people were afraid to go over the water brook, he
> went first over himself, and then the men seeing him passed
> through after him.
> 
> 7
> That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the
> midst of the footmen: for the enemies' horsemen were very many.
> 
> 8
> Then sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus
> and his host were put to flight, so that many of them were
> slain, and the remnant gat them to the strong hold.
> 
> 9
> At that time was Judas John's brother wounded; but John still
> followed after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus
> had built.
> 
> 10
> So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus;
> wherefore he burned it with fire: so that there were slain of
> them about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land
> of Judea in peace.
> 
> 11
> Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of
> Abubus made captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:
> 
> 12
> For he was the high priest's son in law.
> 
> 13
> Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the
> country to himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against
> Simon and his sons to destroy them.
> 
> 14
> Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country,
> and taking care for the good ordering of them; at which time he
> came down himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and
> Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the
> eleventh month, called Sabat:
> 
> 15
> Where the son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a
> little hold, called Docus, which he had built, made them a great
> banquet: howbeit he had hid men there.
> 
> 16
> So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and
> his men rose up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon
> into the banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and
> certain of his servants.
> 
> 17
> In which doing he committed a great treachery, and
> recompensed evil for good.
> 
> 18
> Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that
> he should send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him
> the country and cities.
> 
> 19
> He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the
> tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give
> them silver, and gold, and rewards.
> 
> 20
> And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the
> temple.
> 
> 21
> Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father
> and brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to
> slay thee also.
> 
> 22
> Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid
> hands on them that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for
> he knew that they sought to make him away.
> 
> 23
> As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and
> worthy deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which
> he made, and his doings,
> 
> 24
> Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his
> priesthood, from the time he was made high priest after his
> father.
>
> — *Maccabees 1*