The First Book of the Maccabees

The First Book of the Maccabees is recognised as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Russian Orthodox Churches.

1

1 After Alexander the Macedonian, the son of Philip, who came out of the land of Chittim, and struck Darius king of the Persians and Medes, it came to pass, after he had struck him, that he reigned in his place, in former time, over+ 1:1 That is, the Greek Empire. Compare 1 Maccabees 1:10 and 1 Maccabees 6:2. Greece. 2 He fought many battles, won many strongholds, killed the kings of the earth, 3 went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of a multitude of nations. The earth was quiet before him. He was exalted. His heart was lifted up. 4 He gathered together an exceedingly strong army and ruled over countries, nations, and principalities, and they paid him tribute.

5 After these things he fell sick, and perceived that he was going to die. 6 He called his honourable servants, which had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided to them his kingdom while he was still alive. 7 Alexander reigned twelve years, then he died. 8 Then his servants ruled, each one in his place. 9 They all put crowns upon themselves after he was dead, and so did their sons after them many years; and they multiplied evils in the earth.

10 There came out of them a sinful root, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been a hostage at Rome, and he reigned in+ 1:10 circa B.C. 176. the one hundred and thirty seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.

11 In those days transgressors of the law came out of Israel and persuaded many, saying, let’s go make a covenant with the+ 1:11 Or, a nations: and so throughout this book. Gentiles around us; for since we were separated from them many evils have befallen us. 12 That proposal was good in their eyes. 13 Some of the people eagerly went to the king, and he authorised them to observe the ordinances of the+ 1:13 Or, a nations: and so throughout this book. Gentiles. 14 So+ 1:14 See 2 Maccabees 4:9, 12. they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the laws of the+ 1:14 Or, a nations: and so throughout this book. Gentiles. 15 They made themselves uncircumcised, forsook the holy covenant, joined themselves to the+ 1:15 Or, a nations: and so throughout this book Gentiles, and sold themselves to do evil.

16 The kingdom was established in the sight of Antiochus, and he planned to reign over Egypt, that he might reign over both kingdoms. 17 He entered into Egypt with a+ 1:17 Gr. a heavy. great multitude, with chariots, with elephants, with cavalry, and with a great+ 1:17 Or, a armament navy. 18 He made war against Ptolemy king of Egypt. Ptolemy was put to shame before him, and fled; and many fell wounded to death. 19 They took possession of the strong cities in the land of Egypt, and he took the spoils of Egypt.

20 Antiochus, after he had defeated Egypt, returned in+ 1:20 circa B.C. 170. See 2 Maccabees 5:11-16. the one hundred and forty third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a+ 1:20 Gr. a heavy. great multitude, 21 and entered presumptuously into the sanctuary, and took the golden altar, the lampstand for the light, and all its utensils. 22 He took the table of the show bread, the cups for the drink offerings, the bowls, the golden censers, the veil, the crowns, and the gold decoration on the front of the temple. He peeled it all off. 23 He took the silver, the gold, and the precious vessels. He took the hidden treasures which he found. 24 When he had taken all of these, he went away into his own land. He made a great slaughter, and spoke very arrogantly. 25 Great mourning came upon Israel, in every place where they were. 26 The rulers and elders groaned. The virgins and young men were made feeble. The beauty of the women was changed. 27 Every bridegroom took up lamentation. She who sat in the marriage chamber was mourning. 28 The land was moved for its inhabitants, and all the house of Jacob was clothed with shame.

29+ 1:29 See 2 Maccabees 5:24. After two full years, the king sent a chief collector of tribute to the cities of Judah, and he came to Jerusalem with a+ 1:29 Gr. a heavy. great multitude. 30 He spoke words of peace to them in subtlety, and they believed him. Then he fell upon the city suddenly, struck it very severely, and destroyed many people of Israel. 31 He took the spoils of the city, set it on fire, and pulled down its houses and its walls on every side. 32 They led captive the women and the children, and seized the livestock. 33 Then they fortified the city of David with a large, strong wall and with strong towers, and it became their citadel. 34 They put a sinful nation, transgressors of the law, there, and they strengthened themselves in it. 35 They stored up weapons and food, and gathering together the spoils of Jerusalem, they stored them there, and they became a great menace. 36 It became a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel continually. 37 They shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled the sanctuary. 38 The inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them. She became a habitation of foreigners. She became foreign to those who were born in her, and her children forsook her. 39 Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness,+ 1:39 See 2 Maccabees 6:6. her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, and her honour into contempt. 40 According to her glory, so was her dishonour multiplied, and her exaltation was turned into mourning.

41 King Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, 42 and that each should forsake his own laws. All the nations agreed according to the word of the king. 43 Many of Israel consented to his worship, sacrificed to the idols, and profaned the Sabbath. 44 The king sent letters by the hand of messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, that they should follow laws strange to the land, 45 and should forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offerings in the sanctuary; and should profane the Sabbaths and feasts, 46 and pollute the sanctuary and those who were holy; 47 that they should build altars, and temples, and shrines for idols, and should sacrifice swine’s flesh and unclean animals; 48 and that they should leave their sons uncircumcised, that they should make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation; 49 so that they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances. 50 Whoever doesn’t do according to the word of the king, he shall die. 51 According to all these words wrote he to his whole kingdom. He appointed overseers over all the people, and he commanded the cities of Judah to sacrifice, city by city. 52 From the people were gathered together to them many, everyone who had forsaken the law; and they did evil things in the land. 53 They made Israel to hide themselves in every place of refuge which they had.

54 On the fifteenth day of Chislev, in+ 1:54 circa B.C. 168. See 2 Maccabees 5:11. the one hundred and forty fifth year, they built an abomination of desolation upon the altar,+ 1:54 The two words rendered a altar are different in the Greek: and so in 1 Maccabees 1:59. and in the cities of Judah on every side they built idol altars.+ 1:54 The two words rendered a altar are different in the Greek: and so in 1 Maccabees 1:59. 55 At the doors of the houses and in the streets they burnt incense. 56 They tore the books of the law which they found in pieces and set them on fire. 57 Anyone who was found with any a book of the covenant, and if any consented to the law, the king’s sentence delivered him to death. 58 Thus did they in their might to Israel, to those who were found month by month in the cities. 59 On the twenty-fifth day of the month they sacrificed upon the idol altar that was on top of the altar of burnt offering. 60+ 1:60 See 2 Maccabees 6:10.They put to death women who had circumcised their children, according to the commandment. 61 They hung their babies around their necks, and their houses, and those who had circumcised them. 62 Many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat unclean things. 63+ 1:63 See 2 Maccabees 6:19 and 7:1, etc. They chose to die, that they might not be defiled with the food, and that they might not profane the holy covenant; and they died. 64 Exceedingly great wrath came upon Israel.

2

1 In those days Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem rose up; and he lived at Modin. 2 And he had five sons:+ 2:2 Gr. a Joannes. John, who was surnamed Gaddis; 3 Simon, who was called Thassi; 4 Judas, who was called Maccabaeus; 5 Eleazar, who was called Avaran; and Jonathan, who was called Apphus.

6 He saw the blasphemies that were committed in Judah and in Jerusalem, 7 and he said, “Woe is me! Why was I born to see the destruction of my people and the destruction of the holy city, and to dwell there when it was given into the hand of the enemy, the sanctuary into the hand of foreigners? 8 Her temple has become like a man who was glorious. 9 Her vessels of glory are carried away into captivity. Her infants are slain in her streets. Her young men are slain with the enemy’s sword. 10 What nation has not inherited her palaces and taken possession of her spoils? 11 Her adornment has all been taken away. Instead of a free woman, she has become a slave. 12 Behold, our holy things, our beauty, and our glory are laid waste. The Gentiles have profaned them. 13 Why should we live any longer?”

14 Mattathias and his sons tore their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned exceedingly.

15 And the king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came into the city Modin to sacrifice. 16 Many of Israel came to them, and Mattathias and his sons were gathered together. 17 The king’s officers answered and spoke to Mattathias, saying, “You are a ruler and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and kindred. 18 Now therefore come first and do the commandment of the king, as all the nations have done, including the men of Judah and those who remain in Jerusalem. You and your house will be numbered amongst the king’s+ 2:18 See 1 Maccabees 3:38; 10:10, etc.; Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65; 11:27; 2 Maccabees 8:9. friends, and you and your sons will be honoured with silver and gold and many gifts.”

19 And Mattathias answered and said with a loud voice, “If all the nations that are in the house of the king’s dominion listen to him, to fall away each one from the worship of his fathers, and have made choice to follow his commandments, 20 yet I and my sons and my kindred will walk in the covenant of our fathers. 21 Far be it from us that we should forsake the law and the ordinances. 22 We will not listen to the king’s words, to turn aside from our worship, to the right hand, or to the left.”

23 When he had finished speaking these words, a Jew came in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king’s commandment. 24 Mattathias saw it, so his zeal was kindled, and his guts trembled, and he vented his wrath according to judgement, and ran and killed him upon the altar. 25 He killed the king’s officer, who compelled men to sacrifice, at the same time, and pulled down the altar. 26 He was zealous for the law, even as Phinehas did to Zimri the son of Salu.

27 Mattathias cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying, “Whoever is zealous for the law and maintains the covenant, let him follow me!” 28 He and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that they had in the city.

29 Then many who sought justice and judgement went down into the wilderness to live there— 30 they, their children, their wives, and their livestock—because evils were multiplied upon them. 31 It was told the king’s officers and the forces that were in Jerusalem, the city of David, that certain men who had broken the king’s commandment had gone down into the secret places in the wilderness; 32 and many pursued after them, and having overtaken them, they encamped against them and set the battle in array against them on the Sabbath day. 33 They said to them, “Enough of this! Come out and do according to the word of the king, and you will all live!”

34 They said, “We won’t come out. We won’t do the word of the king, to profane the Sabbath day.”

35 Then the enemy hurried to attack them.

36 They didn’t answer them. They didn’t cast a stone at them, or block their secret places, 37 saying, “Let’s all die in our innocence. Heaven and earth testify for us, that you put us to death unjustly.”

38 So they attacked them on the Sabbath, and they died—they, their wives, their children, and their livestock—in number a thousand souls of men.

39 When Mattathias and his friends found out about it, and they mourned over them exceedingly. 40 One said to another, “If we all do as our kindred have done, and don’t fight against the Gentiles for our lives and our ordinances, they will quickly destroy us from off the earth.” 41 So they decided that day, saying, “Whoever comes against us to battle on the Sabbath day, let’s fight against him, and we will in no way all die, as our kindred died in the secret places.”

42 Then a company of the Hasidaeans,+ 2:42 That is, a Chasidim. mighty men of Israel, everyone who offered himself willingly for the law, were gathered together to them. 43 All those who fled from the evils were added to them, and supported them. 44 They mustered an army, and struck sinners in their anger, and lawless men in their wrath. The rest fled to the Gentiles for safety. 45 And Mattathias and his friends went around and pulled down the altars. 46 They forcibly circumcised the boys who were uncircumcised, as many as they found in the coasts of Israel. 47 They pursued the arrogant, and the work prospered in their hand. 48 They rescued the law out of the hand of the Gentiles and out of the hand of the kings. They never allowed the sinner to triumph.

49 The days of Mattathias drew near that he should die, and he said to his sons, “Now pride and scorn have gained strength. It is a season of overthrow and indignant wrath. 50 Now, my children, be zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers. 51 Call to remembrance the deeds of our fathers which they did in their generations; and receive great glory and an everlasting name. 52 Wasn’t Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was reckoned to him for righteousness? 53 Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment, and became lord of Egypt. 54 Phinehas our father, because he was exceedingly zealous, obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood. 55 Joshua became a judge in Israel for fulfilling the word. 56 Caleb obtained a heritage in the land for testifying in the congregation. 57 David inherited the throne of a kingdom forever and ever for being merciful. 58 Elijah was taken up into heaven because he was exceedingly zealous for the law. 59 Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael believed, and were saved out of the flame. 60 Daniel was delivered from the mouth of lions for his innocence.

61 “Thus consider from generation to generation that no one who put their trust in him will lack for strength. 62 Don’t be afraid of the words of a sinful man; for his glory will be dung and worms. 63 Today he will be lifted up, and tomorrow he will in no way be found, because he has returned to dust, and his thought has perished. 64 You, my children, be strong, and show yourselves men on behalf of the law; for in it you will obtain glory. 65 Behold, Simon your brother, whom I know to be a man of counsel. Always listen to him. He shall be a father to you. 66 Judas Maccabaeus has been strong and mighty from his youth. He shall be your captain and shall fight+ 2:66 Some ancient authorities read a you shall fight. the battle of the people. 67 Rally around all the doers of the law, and avenge the wrong done to your people. 68 Repay the Gentiles, and obey the commandments of the law.”

69 He blessed them, and was gathered to his ancestors. 70 He died in+ 2:70 circa B.C. 167. the one hundred and forty sixth year, and his sons buried him in the tombs of his ancestors at Modin. All Israel made great lamentation for him.

3

1 His son Judas, who was called Maccabaeus, rose up in his place. 2 All his kindred helped him, and so did all those who joined with his father, and they fought with gladness the battle of Israel. 3 He got his people great glory, and put on a breastplate like a giant, and bound his warlike harness around him, and set battles in array, protecting the army with his sword. 4 He was like a lion in his deeds, and like a lion’s cub roaring for prey. 5 He hunted and pursued the lawless, and he burnt up those who troubled his people. 6 The lawless shrunk back for fear of him, and all the workers of lawlessness were very troubled, and deliverance prospered in his hand. 7 He angered many kings and made Jacob glad with his acts. His memory is blessed forever. 8 He went through the cities of Judah, destroyed the ungodly+ 3:8 Gr. a out of it. out of the land, and turned away wrath from Israel. 9 He was renowned to the utmost part of the earth. He gathered together those who were ready to perish.

10 Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together with a great army from Samaria to fight against Israel. 11 Judas learnt of it, and he went out to meet him, struck him, and killed him. Many fell wounded to death, and the rest fled. 12 They took their spoils, and Judas took Apollonius’ sword, and he fought with it all his days.

13 Seron, the commander of the army of Syria, heard that Judas had gathered a large company, including a body of faithful men who stayed with him, went out to war. 14 He said, “I will make myself a name and get myself glory in the kingdom. I will fight against Judas and those who are with him, who despise the king’s command. 15 A mighty army of the ungodly went up with him to help him, to take vengeance on the children of Israel.

16 He came near to the ascent of Bethhoron, and Judas went out to meet him with a small company. 17 But when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said to Judas, “What? Shall we be able, being a small company, to fight against so great and strong a multitude? We for our part are faint, having tasted no food this day.”

18 Judas said, “It is an easy thing for many to be hemmed in by the hands of a few. With+ 3:18 Some ancient authorities read a the God of heaven. heaven it is all one, to save by many or by few; 19 for victory in battle stands not in the multitude of an army, but strength is from heaven. 20 They come to us in fullness of insolence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, and to plunder us, 21 but we fight for our lives and our laws. 22 He himself will crush them before our face; but as for you, don’t be afraid of them.

23 Now when he had finished speaking, he rushed suddenly against Seron and his army, and they were defeated before him. 24 They pursued them down the descent of Bethhoron to the plain, and about eight hundred men of them fell; but the rest fled into the land of the Philistines.

25 The fear of Judas and his kindred, and the dread of them, began to fall on the nations around them. 26 His fame reached the king, and every nation told of the battles of Judas.

27 But when King Antiochus heard these words, he was full of indignation; and he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, an exceedingly strong army. 28 He opened his treasury and gave his forces pay for a year, and commanded them to be ready for every need. 29 He saw that the money was gone from his treasures, and that the tributes of the country were small, because of the dissension and disaster which he had brought upon the land, to the end that he might take away the laws which had been from the first days. 30 He was afraid that he wouldn’t have enough as at other times for the charges and the gifts which he used to give with a liberal hand, more abundantly than the kings who were before him. 31 And he was exceedingly perplexed in his mind, and he determined to go into Persia, and to take the tributes of those countries, and to gather much money. 32 He left Lysias, an honourable man, and one of royal lineage, to be over the affairs of the king from the river Euphrates to the borders of Egypt, 33 and to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came again. 34 He delivered to Lysias half of his forces and the elephants, and gave him charge of all the things that he would have done, and concerning those who lived in Judea and in Jerusalem, 35 that he should send an army against them to root out and destroy the strength of Israel and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to take away their memory from the place, 36 and that he should make foreigners live in all their territory, and should divide their land to them by lot. 37 The king took the half that remained of the forces, and left Antioch, his royal city, in the one hundred and forty seventh year;+ 3:37 circa B.C. 166. and he passed over the river Euphrates, and went through the upper countries.

38 Lysias chose Ptolemy the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king’s friends;+ 3:38 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. 39 and with them, he sent forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry to go into the land of Judah and to destroy it, according to the word of the king. 40 They set out with all their army, and came and encamped near Emmaus in the plain country. 41 The merchants of the country heard of their fame, and took silver and gold in large quantities, and fetters,+ 3:41 Most of the authorities read a servants. and came into the camp to take the children of Israel for slaves. Forces of Syria and of the land of the Philistines+ 3:41 Gr. a foreigners. joined with them.

42 Judas and his kindred saw that evils were multiplied, and that the forces were encamping in their borders. They learnt about the king’s words which he had commanded, to destroy the people and make an end of them. 43 Then they each said to his neighbour, “Let’s repair the ruins of our people. Let’s fight for our people and the holy place.” 44 The congregation was gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray and ask for mercy and compassion. 45 Jerusalem was without inhabitant like a wilderness. There was none of her offspring who went in or went out. The sanctuary was trampled down. Children of foreigners were in the citadel. The Gentiles lived there. Joy was taken away from Jacob, and the pipe and the harp ceased. 46 They gathered themselves together, and came to Mizpeh, near Jerusalem; for in Mizpeh there used to be a place of prayer for Israel. 47 They fasted that day, put on sackcloth, put ashes on their heads, tore their clothes, 48 and opened the book of the law, to learn about the things for which the Gentiles consulted the images of their idols. 49 They brought the priests’ garments, the first fruits, and the tithes. They stirred up the Nazarites, who had accomplished their days. 50 They cried aloud towards heaven, saying, “What should we do with these men? Where should we carry them away? 51 Your holy place is trampled down and profaned. Your priests mourn in humiliation. 52 Behold, the Gentiles are assembled together against us to destroy us. You know what things they imagine against us. 53 How will we be able to stand against them, unless you help us?” 54 They sounded with the trumpets, and gave a loud shout.

55 And after this Judas appointed leaders of the people: captains of thousands, captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens. 56 He said to those who were building houses, were betrothing wives, were planting vineyards, and were fearful, that they should return, each man to his own house, according to the law. 57 The army marched out and encamped upon the south side of Emmaus. 58 Judas said, “Arm yourselves and be valiant men! Be ready in the morning to fight with these Gentiles who are assembled together against us to destroy us and our holy place. 59 For it is better for us to die in battle than to see the calamities of our nation and the holy place. 60 Nevertheless, as may be the will in heaven, so shall he do.

4

1 Gorgias took five thousand infantry, a thousand chosen cavalry, and the army moved out at night, 2 that it might fall upon the army of the Jews and strike them suddenly. The men of the citadel were his guides. 3 Judas heard of this, and he and the valiant men moved, that he might strike the king’s army which was at Emmaus 4 while the forces were still dispersed from the camp. 5 Gorgias came into the camp of Judas at night and found no man. He sought them in the mountains; for he said, “These men are running away from us.”

6 As soon as it was day, Judas appeared in the plain with three thousand men. However they didn’t have the armour and swords they desired. 7 They saw the camp of the Gentiles strong and fortified, with cavalry all around it; and these were expert in war. 8 Judas said to the men who were with him, “Don’t be afraid of their numbers, or when they charge. 9 Remember how our fathers were saved in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army. 10 Now let’s cry to heaven, if he will have us, and will remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this army before our face today. 11 Then all the Gentiles will know that there is one who redeems and saves Israel.

12 The foreigners lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming near them. 13 They went out of the camp to battle. Those who were with Judas sounded their trumpets 14 and joined battle. The Gentiles were defeated, and fled into the plain. 15 But all those in the rear fell by the sword. They pursued them to+ 4:15 Gr. a Gazera. Gazara, and to the plains of Idumaea, Azotus, and Jamnia. About three thousand of those men fell. 16 Then Judas and his army returned from pursuing them; 17 and he said to the people, “Don’t be greedy for the spoils, because there is a battle before us. 18 Gorgias and his army are near us on the mountain. But stand now against our enemies and fight against them, and afterwards take the spoils with boldness.” 19 While Judas was finishing this speech, a part of them appeared looking out from the mountain. 20 They saw that their army had been put to flight, and that the Jews were burning the camp; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done. 21 But when they perceived these things, they were very afraid. Perceiving also the army of Judas in the plain ready for battle, 22 they all fled into the land of the+ 4:22 Gr. a foreigners. Philistines. 23 Judas returned to plunder the camp, and they took much gold, silver, blue, sea purple, and great riches. 24 Then they returned home, and sang a song of thanksgiving, and gave praise to heaven, because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. 25 Israel had a great deliverance that day.

26 The foreigners who had escaped came and told Lysias all the things that had happened. 27 When he heard of it, he was confounded and discouraged, because the things he desired had not been done to Israel, nor had such things happened as the king commanded him.

28 In the next year, he gathered together sixty thousand chosen infantry and five thousand cavalry, that he might subdue them. 29 They came into Idumaea and encamped at Bethsura. Judas met them with ten thousand men. 30 He saw that the army was strong, and he prayed and said, “Blessed are you, O Saviour of Israel, who defeated the attack of the mighty warrior by the hand of your servant David, and delivered the army of the+ 4:30 Gr. a foreigners. Philistines into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and of his armour bearer. 31 Hem in this army in the hand of your people Israel, and let them be ashamed for their army and their cavalry. 32 Give them faintness of heart. Cause the boldness of their strength to melt away, and let them quake at their destruction. 33 Strike them down with the sword of those who love you, and let all who know your name praise you with thanksgiving.”

34 They joined in battle; and about five thousand men of Lysias’ army fell. They fell down near them. 35 But when Lysias saw that his troops were put to flight, and the boldness that had come upon those who were with Judas, and how they were ready either to live or to die nobly, he withdrew to Antioch, and gathered together hired soldiers, that he might come again into Judea with an even greater army.

36 But Judas and his kindred said, “Behold, our enemies are defeated. Let’s go up to cleanse the holy place and to rededicate it.” 37 All the army was gathered together, and they went up to mount Zion. 38 They saw the sanctuary laid desolate, the altar profaned, the gates burnt up, shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest or as on one of the mountains, and the priests’ chambers pulled down; 39 and they tore their clothes, made great lamentation, put ashes upon their heads, 40 fell on their faces to the ground, + 4:40 Compare Numbers 31:6. blew with the solemn trumpets,+ 4:40 Gr. a trumpets of signals. and cried towards heaven. 41 Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those who were in the citadel until he had cleansed the holy place.

42 He chose blameless priests who were devoted to the law; 43 and they cleansed the holy place and carried the defiled stones out to an unclean place. 44 They deliberated what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which had been profaned. 45 A good plan came into their mind, that they should pull it down, lest it would be a reproach to them, because the Gentiles had defiled it. So they pulled down the altar 46 and laid up the stones on the temple hill in a convenient place, until a prophet would come to give an answer concerning them. 47 They took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar like the former. 48 They built the holy place and the inner parts of the house; and they consecrated the courts. 49 They made new holy vessels, and they brought the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple. 50 They burnt incense on the altar, and they lit the lamps that were upon the lampstand, and they gave light in the temple. 51 They set loaves upon the table, hung up the curtains, and finished all the work which they had done.

52 They rose up early in the morning, on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month Chislev, in+ 4:52 circa B.C. 165. the one hundred and forty eighth year, 53 and offered sacrifice according to the law on the new altar of burnt offerings which they had made. 54 At the time and day the Gentiles had profaned it, even then it was dedicated with songs, harps, lutes, and with cymbals. 55 All the people fell on their faces, worshipped, and gave praise towards heaven, which had given them good success. 56 They celebrated the dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed a sacrifice of deliverance and praise. 57 They decorated the front of the temple with crowns of gold and small shields. They dedicated the gates and the priests’ chambers, and made doors for them. 58 There was exceedingly great gladness amongst the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away.

59 Judas and his kindred and the whole congregation of Israel ordained that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their seasons from year to year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev, with gladness and joy.

60 At that time, they fortified mount Zion with high walls and strong towers around it, lest perhaps the Gentiles might come and trample them down, as they had done before. 61 Judas stationed a garrison to guard it. They fortified Bethsura to keep it, that the people might have a stronghold near Idumaea.

5

1 It came to pass, when the Gentiles all around heard that the altar had been rebuilt and the sanctuary dedicated as before, they were exceedingly angry. 2 They took counsel to destroy the race of Jacob that was in the midst of them, and they began to kill and destroy amongst the people. 3 Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumaea at Akrabattine, because they besieged Israel. He struck them with a great slaughter, humbled them, and took their spoils. 4 He remembered the wickedness of the children of+ 5:4 Compare 2 Maccabees 10:18-23. Baean, who were a snare and a stumbling block to the people, lying in wait for them on the highways. 5 They were shut up by him in the towers. He encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burnt with fire the towers of the place with all who were in them. 6 He passed over to the children of Ammon, and found a mighty band and many people, with Timotheus for their leader. 7 He fought many battles with them, and they were defeated before his face. He struck them, 8 and took possession of Jazer and its villages,+ 5:8 Gr. a daughters. Compare Numbers 21:25. and returned again into Judea.

9 The Gentiles who were in Gilead gathered themselves together against the Israelites who were on their borders, to destroy them. They fled to the stronghold of Dathema, 10 and sent letters to Judas and his kindred, saying, “The Gentiles who are around us are gathered together against us to destroy us. 11 They are preparing to come and get possession of the stronghold where we fled for refuge, and Timotheus is the leader of their army. 12 Now therefore come and deliver us from their hand, for many of us have fallen. 13 All our kindred who were in the land of + 5:13 Compare 2 Maccabees 12:17. Tubias have been put to death. They have carried their wives, their children, and their stuff into captivity. They destroyed about a thousand men there.”

14 While the letters were still being read, behold, other messengers came from Galilee with their clothes torn, bringing a similar report, 15 saying, “People of Ptolemais, of Tyre, of Sidon, and all Galilee of the+ 5:15 Gr. a foreigners. Gentiles have gathered together to destroy us.”

16 Now when Judas and the people heard these words, a great congregation assembled together to determine what they should do for their kindred who were in distress and under attack. 17 Judas said to Simon his brother, “Choose men and go deliver your kindred who are in Galilee, but Jonathan my brother and I will go into the land of Gilead.” 18 He left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, as leaders of the people, with the remnant of the army, in Judea, to guard it. 19 He commanded them, saying, “Take charge of this people, and fight no battle with the Gentiles until we return.” 20 Then three thousand men were assigned to go into Galilee with Simon, but eight thousand men were assigned to Judas to go into the land of Gilead.

21 Simon went into Galilee and fought many battles with the Gentiles, and the Gentiles were defeated before him. 22 He pursued them to the gate of Ptolemais. About three thousand men of the Gentiles fell, and he took their spoils. 23 They took to them those who were in Galilee and in Arbatta, with their wives, their children, and all that they had, and brought them into Judea with great gladness. 24 Judas Maccabaeus and his brother Jonathan passed over the Jordan, and went three days’ journey in the wilderness. 25 They met with the Nabathaeans, and these met them in a peaceful manner and told them all things that had happened to their kindred in the land of Gilead, 26 and how many of them were shut up in Bosora, Bosor, Alema,+ 5:26 Compare 2 Maccabees 12:13. Casphor, Maked, and+ 5:26 compare 2 Maccabees 12:21. Carnaim—all these cities are strong and large— 27 and how they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the land of Gilead, and that tomorrow they planned to encamp against the strongholds, and to take them, and to destroy all these men in one day.

28 Judas and his army turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness to Bosora; and he took the city, and killed all the males with the edge of the sword, took all their spoils, and burnt the city with fire. 29 He left there at night, and went until he came to the stronghold. 30 When the morning came, they lifted up their eyes and saw many people who couldn’t be counted, bearing ladders and engines of war, to take the stronghold; and they were fighting against them. 31 Judas saw that the battle had begun, and that the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets and a great sound, 32 and he said to the men of his army, “Fight today for your kindred!” 33 Then he went out behind them in three companies. They sounded with their trumpets and cried out in prayer. 34 And the army of Timotheus perceived that it was Maccabaeus, and they fled from before him. He struck them with a great slaughter. About eight thousand men of them fell on that day.

35 He turned away to Mizpeh and fought against it, took it, killed all its males, took its spoils, and burnt it with fire. 36 From there he marched and took+ 5:36 See 1 Maccabees 5:26 Casphor, Maked, Bosor, and the other cities of the land of Gilead.

37 Now after these things, Timotheus gathered another army and encamped near Raphon beyond the brook. 38 Judas sent men to spy on the army; and they brought him word, saying, “All the Gentiles who are around us are gathered together to them, an exceedingly great army. 39 They have hired Arabians to help them, and are encamped beyond the brook, ready to come against you to battle.” So Judas went to meet them.

40 Timotheus said to the captains of his army when Judas and his army drew near to the brook of water, “If he crosses over to us first, we won’t be able to withstand him, for he will certainly defeat us; 41 but if he is afraid, and encamps beyond the river, we will cross over to him, and defeat him.” 42 Now when Judas came near to the water brook, he caused the scribes of the people to remain by the brook, and commanded them, saying, “Allow no man to encamp, but let all come to the battle.” 43 Then he crossed over the first against them, and all the people after him; and all the Gentiles were defeated before his face, and threw away their weapons, and fled to the temple at + 5:43 See 1 Maccabees 5:26. Carnaim. 44 They took the city and burnt the temple with fire, together with all who were in it. Carnaim was subdued. They couldn’t stand any longer before the face of Judas.

45 Judas gathered together all Israel, those who were in the land of Gilead, from the least to the greatest, with their wives, their children, and their stuff, an exceedingly great army, that they might come into the land of Judah. 46 They came as far as Ephron, and this same city was large and very strong. It was on the road where they were going. They couldn’t turn away from it on the right hand or on the left, but needed to pass through the middle of it. 47 The people of the city shut them out and blocked the gates with stones. 48 Judas sent to them with words of peace, saying, “We will pass through your land to go into our own land, and no one will harm you. We will only pass by on our feet.” But they wouldn’t open to him. 49 Then Judas commanded proclamation to be made in the army, that each man should encamp in the place where he was. 50 So the men of the army encamped, and fought against the city all that day and all that night, and the city was delivered into his hands. 51 He destroyed all the males with the edge of the sword, razed the city, took its plunder, and passed through the city over those who were slain. 52 They went over the Jordan into the great plain near Bethshan. 53 And Judas gathered together those who lagged behind and encouraged the people all the way through, until he came into the land of Judah. 54 They went up to mount Zion with gladness and joy, and offered whole burnt offerings, because not so much as one of them was slain until they returned in peace.

55 In the days when Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Gilead, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais, 56 Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, rulers of the army, heard of their exploits and of the war, and what things they had done. 57 They said, “Let’s also get us a name, and let’s go fight against the Gentiles who are around us.” 58 So they gave orders to the men of the army that was with them, and went towards Jamnia. 59 Gorgias and his men came out of the city to meet them in battle. 60 Joseph and Azarias were put to flight, and were pursued to the borders of Judea. About two thousand men of Israel fell on that day. 61 There was a great overthrow amongst the people, because they didn’t listen to Judas and his kindred, thinking to do some exploit. 62 But they were not of the family of those men by whose hand deliverance was given to Israel.

63 The man Judas and his kindred were glorified exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and of all the Gentiles, wherever their name was heard of. 64 Men gathered together to them, acclaiming them.

65 Judas and his kindred went out and fought against the children of Esau in the land towards the south. He struck Hebron and its villages,+ 5:65 Gr. a daughters. Compare Numbers 21:25. pulled down its strongholds, and burnt its towers all around. 66 He marched to go into the land of the+ 5:66 Gr. a foreigners. Philistines, and he went through+ 5:66 Or, a Marisa See Josephus, Antiquities 12:8. 6, and 2 Maccabees 12:35. Samaria. 67 In that day certain priests, desiring to do exploits there, were slain in battle, when they went out to battle unadvisedly. 68 But Judas turned towards Azotus, to the land of the+ 5:68 Gr. a foreigners. Philistines, pulled down their altars, burnt the carved images of their gods with fire, took the plunder of their cities, and returned into the land of Judah.

6

1 King Antiochus was travelling through the upper countries; and he heard that in Elymais in Persia there was a city renowned for riches, for silver and gold, 2 and that the temple which was in it was exceedingly rich, and that in it were golden shields, breastplates, and weapons which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first amongst the Greeks, left behind there. 3 So he came and tried to take the city and to pillage it; and he was not able, because his plan was known to them of the city, 4 and they rose up against him in battle. He fled and returned to Babylon with great disappointment.

5 Then someone came into Persia bringing him news that the armies which went against the land of Judah had been put to flight, 6 and that Lysias went first with a strong army and was put to shame before them, and that they had grown strong because of weapons, power, and a supply of plunder which they took from the armies that they had cut off, 7 and that they had pulled down the abomination which he had built upon the altar that was in Jerusalem, and that they had surrounded the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and also Bethsura, his city.

8 It came to pass, when the king heard these words, he was astonished and moved exceedingly. He laid himself down on his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not turned out for him as he had planned. 9 He was there many days, because great grief continually gripped him, and he realised that he would die. 10 He called for all his+ 6:10 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. friends, and said to them, “Sleep departs from my eyes, and my heart fails because of worry. 11 I said in my heart, ‘To what suffering I have come! How great a flood it is that I’m in, now! For I was gracious and loved in my power.’ 12 But now I remember the evils which I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of silver and gold that were in it, and sent out to destroy the inhabitants of Judah without a cause. 13 I perceive that it is because of this that these evils have come upon me. Behold, I am perishing through great grief in a strange land.”

14 Then he called for Philip, one of his+ 6:14 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. friends, and set him over all his kingdom. 15 He gave him his crown, his robe, and his signet ring, so that he could guide Antiochus his son, and nourish him up that he might be king. 16 Then King Antiochus died there in the one hundred and forty-ninth year.+ 6:16 Circa B.C. 164.17 When Lysias learnt that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son to reign, whom he had nourished up being young, and he called his name Eupator.

18 Those who were in the citadel kept hemming Israel in around the sanctuary, and always sought to harm them and to strengthen the Gentiles. 19 Judas planned to destroy them, and called all the people together to besiege them. 20 They were gathered together, and besieged them in+ 6:20 circa B.C. 163. the one hundred fiftieth year, and he made mounds to shoot from, and engines of war. 21 Some of those who were hemmed in came out, and some of the ungodly men of Israel were joined to them. 22 They went to the king, and said, “How long will you not execute judgement, and avenge our kindred? 23 We were willing to serve your father and to live by his words, and to follow his commandments. 24 Because of this, the children of our people besieged the citadel+ 6:24 Gr. a it. and were alienated from us; but as many of us as they could catch, they killed, and plundered our inheritances. 25 Not against us only did they stretch out their hand, but also against all their borders. 26 Behold, they are encamped this day against the citadel at Jerusalem to take it. They have fortified the sanctuary and Bethsura. 27 If you don’t quickly prevent them, they will do greater things than these, and you won’t be able to control them.

28 When the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all his+ 6:28 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. friends, the rulers of his army, and those who were over the cavalry. 29 Bands of hired soldiers came to him from other kingdoms and from islands of the sea. 30 The number of his forces was one hundred thousand infantry, and twenty thousand cavalry, and thirty-two elephants trained for war. 31 They went through Idumaea, and encamped against Bethsura, and fought against it many days, and made engines of war. The Jews came out and burnt them with fire, and fought valiantly.

32 Judas marched away from the citadel and encamped at Bethzacharias, near the king’s camp. 33 The king rose early in the morning, and marched his army+ 6:33 Or, a itself eager for the fight at full speed along the road to Bethzacharias. His forces made themselves ready to battle and sounded their trumpets. 34 They offered the elephants the juice of grapes and mulberries, that they might prepare them for the battle. 35 They distributed the animals amongst the phalanxes. They set by each elephant a thousand men armed with coats of mail and helmets of brass on their heads. Five hundred chosen cavalry were appointed for each elephant. 36 These were ready beforehand, wherever the elephant was. Wherever the elephant went, they went with it. They didn’t leave it. 37 Strong, covered wooden towers were upon them, one upon each elephant, fastened upon it with secure harnesses. Upon each were four valiant men who fought upon them, beside his Indian driver. 38 The rest of the cavalry he set on this side and that side on the two flanks of the army, striking terror into the enemy, and protected by the phalanxes. 39 Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold and brass, the mountains lit up, and blazed like flaming torches.

40 A part of the king’s army was spread upon the high hills and some on the low ground, and they went on firmly and in order. 41 All who heard the noise of their multitude, the marching of the multitude, and the rattling of the weapons trembled; for the army was exceedingly great and strong. 42 Judas and his army drew near for battle, and six hundred men of the king’s army fell. 43 Eleazar, who was called Avaran, saw one of the animals armed with royal breastplates, and it was taller than all the animals, and the king seemed to be on it. 44 He gave his life to deliver his people, and to get himself an everlasting name. 45 He ran upon him courageously into the midst of the phalanx, and killed on the right hand and on the left, and they parted away from him on this side and on that. 46 He crept under the elephant, and stabbed it from beneath, and killed it. The elephant fell to the earth upon him, and he died there. 47 They saw the strength of the kingdom and the fierce attack of the army, and turned away from them.

48 But the soldiers of the king’s army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the king encamped towards Judea and towards mount Zion. 49 He made peace with the people of Bethsura. He came out of the city because they had no food there to endure the siege, because it was a Sabbath to the land. 50 The king took Bethsura, and appointed a garrison there to keep it. 51 He encamped against the sanctuary many days; and set there mounds to shoot from, and engines of war, and machines for throwing fire and stones, and weapons to throw darts, and slings. 52 The Jews also made engines of war against their engines, and fought for many days. 53 But there was no food in the sanctuary, because it was the seventh year, and those who fled for safety into Judea from amongst the Gentiles had eaten up the rest of the stores. 54 There were only a few people left in the sanctuary, because the famine prevailed against them, and they were scattered, each man to his own place.

55 Lysias heard that Philip, whom Antiochus the king, while he was yet alive, appointed to raise his son Antiochus to be king, 56 had returned from Persia and Media, and with him the forces that went with the king, and that he was seeking to take control of the government. 57 He made haste, and gave orders to depart. He said to the king and the leaders of the army and to the men, “We get weaker daily, our food is scant, the place where we encamp is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us. 58 Now therefore let’s negotiate with these men, and make peace with them and with all their nation, 59 and covenant with them, that they may walk after their own laws, as before; for because of their laws which we abolished they were angered, and did all these things.”

60 The speech pleased the king and the princes, and he sent to them to make peace; and they accepted it. 61 The king and the princes swore to them. On these conditions, they came out from the stronghold. 62 Then the king entered into mount Zion. He saw the strength of the place, and broke the oath which he had sworn, and gave orders to pull down the wall all around. 63 Then he left in haste and returned to Antioch, and found Philip master of the city. He fought against him, and took the city by force.

7

1 In the one hundred and fifty first year,+ 7:1 circa B.C. 162. Demetrius the son of Seleucus came out of Rome, and went up with a few men to a city by the sea, and reigned there. 2 It came to pass, when he would go into the house of the kingdom of his fathers, that the army laid hands on Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them to him. 3 The thing became known to him, and he said, “Don’t show me their faces!” 4 So the army killed them. Then Demetrius sat upon the throne of his kingdom.

5 All the lawless and ungodly men of Israel came to him. Alcimus was their leader, desiring to be high priest. 6 They accused the people to the king, saying, “Judas and his kindred have destroyed all your friends, and have scattered us from our own land. 7 Now therefore send a man whom you trust, and let him go and see all the destruction which he has brought on us and the king’s country, and how he has punished them and all who helped them.” 8 So the king chose Bacchides, one of the king’s+ 7:8 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. friends, who was ruler in the country beyond the river, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king. 9 He sent him and that ungodly Alcimus, whom he made the high priest; and he commanded him to take vengeance upon the children of Israel.

10 They marched away and came with a great army into the land of Judah. He sent messengers to Judas and his kindred with words of peace deceitfully. 11 They paid no attention to their words; for they saw that they had come with a great army. 12 A group of scribes gathered together to Alcimus and Bacchides to seek just terms. 13 The+ 7:13 That is, Chasidim. Hasidaeans were the first amongst the children of Israel who sought peace from them, 14 for they said, “One who is a priest of the seed of Aaron has come with the army, and he will do us no wrong.” 15 He spoke with them words of peace, and swore to them, saying, “We won’t seek to harm you or your friends.” 16 They trusted him. Then he seized sixty men of them, and killed them in one day, according to the word which was written,

17+ 7:17 Psalm 79:2, 3. The flesh of your saints

and their blood was shed all around Jerusalem,

and there was no one to bury them.

18 The fear and the dread of them fell upon all the people, for they said, “There is neither truth nor justice in them; for they have broken the covenant and the oath which they swore.” 19 Bacchides withdrew from Jerusalem, and encamped in Bezeth. He sent and seized many of the deserters who were with him, and some of the people, and he killed them, throwing them into a large pit. 20 He placed Alcimus in charge of the country and left with him a force to aid him. Then Bacchides went away to the king.

21 Alcimus struggled to maintain his high priesthood. 22 All those who troubled their people joined him, and they took control of the land of Judah, and did great damage in Israel. 23 Judas saw all the wrongs that Alcimus and his company had done amongst the children of Israel, even more than the Gentiles. 24 He went out into all the borders of Judea and took vengeance on the men who had deserted from him, and they were restrained from going out into the country. 25 But when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had grown strong, and knew that he was not able to withstand them, he returned to the king, and brought evil accusations against them.

26+ 7:26 See 2 Maccabees 14:12. Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man who hated Israel and was their enemy, and commanded him to destroy the people. 27 Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great army. He sent to Judas and his kindred deceitfully with words of peace, saying, 28 “Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see your faces in peace.” 29 He came to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. The enemies were ready to seize Judas by violence. 30 This was known to Judas, that he came to him with deceit, and he was very afraid of him, and would see his face no more. 31 Nicanor found out that his plan was disclosed; and he went out to meet Judas in battle beside Capharsalama. 32 About five hundred men of Nicanor’s army fell, and the rest fled into the city of David.

33 After these things, Nicanor went up to mount Zion. Some of the priests came out of the sanctuary, with some of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to show him the whole burnt sacrifice that was being offered for the king. 34 He mocked them, laughed at them, derided them shamefully,+ 7:34 Gr. a polluted them. spoke arrogantly, 35 and swore in a rage, saying, “Unless Judas and his army are now delivered into my hands, it shall be that, if I return safely, I will burn up this house!” And he went out in a great rage. 36 The priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple; and they wept, and said, 37 “You chose this house to be called by your name, to be a house of prayer and supplication for your people. 38 Take vengeance on this man and his army, and let them fall by the sword. Remember their blasphemies, and don’t allow them to live any longer.”

39 Then Nicanor went out from Jerusalem and encamped in Bethhoron, and there the Syrian army met him. 40 Judas encamped in Adasa with three thousand men. Judas prayed and said, 41 “When those who came from the king blasphemed, your angel went out, and struck amongst them one hundred and eighty-five thousand. 42 Even so, crush this army before us today, and let all the rest know that he has spoken wickedly against your sanctuary. Judge him according to his wickedness.” 43 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar, the armies met in battle. Nicanor’s army was defeated, and he himself was the first to fall in the battle. 44 Now when his army saw that Nicanor had fallen, they threw away their weapons and fled. 45 They pursued them a day’s journey from Adasa until you come to+ 7:45 Gr. a Gazera. Gazara, and they sounded an alarm after them with the signal trumpets. 46 Men came out of all the surrounding villages of Judea, and outflanked them. These turned them back on those, and they all fell by the sword. There wasn’t one of them left. 47 The Jews took the spoils and the booty, and they cut off Nicanor’s head and his right hand, which he had stretched out so arrogantly, and brought them, and hung them up beside Jerusalem. 48 The people were exceedingly glad, and they kept that day as a day of great gladness. 49+ 7:49 See 2 Maccabees 15:36. They ordained to keep this day year by year on the thirteenth day of Adar. 50 So the land of Judah had rest a few days.

8

1 Judas heard of the fame of the Romans, that they are valiant men, and have pleasure in all who join themselves to them, and make friends with all who come to them, 2 and that they are valiant men. They told him of their wars and exploits which they do amongst the Gauls, and how they conquered them, and forced them to pay tribute; 3 and what things they did in the land of Spain, that they might take control of the silver and gold mines which were there; 4 and how by their policy and persistence they conquered all the place (and the place was exceedingly far from them), and the kings who came against them from the uttermost part of the earth, until they had defeated them, and struck them severely; and how the rest give them tribute year by year. 5 Philip, and Perseus, king of Chittim, and those who lifted up themselves against them, they defeated in battle, and conquered them. 6 Antiochus also, the great king of Asia, came against them to battle, having one hundred and twenty elephants, with cavalry, chariots, and an exceedingly great army, and he was defeated by them. 7 They took him alive, and decreed that both he and those who reigned after him should give them a great tribute, and should give hostages, and a parcel of land from the best of their provinces: 8 the countries of India, Media, and Lydia. They took them from him, and gave them to King Eumenes. 9 Judas heard how the Greeks planned to come and destroy them, 10 but this became known to them, and they sent against them a general who fought against them, and many of them fell down wounded to death, and they made captive their wives and their children, and plundered them, and conquered their land, and pulled down their strongholds, and plundered them, and brought them into bondage to this day. 11 The remaining kingdoms and islands, as many as rose up against them at any time, they destroyed and made them to be their servants; 12 but with their friends and those who relied on them they stayed friends. They conquered the kingdoms that were near and those that were far off, and all that heard of their fame were afraid of them. 13 Moreover, whoever they desired to help and to make kings, these they make kings; and whoever they desired, they depose. They are exalted exceedingly. 14 For all this, none of them ever put on a crown, neither did they clothe themselves with purple, as a display of grandeur. 15 Judas heard how they had made for themselves a senate house, and day by day, three hundred and twenty men sat in council, consulting always for the people, to the end they might be well governed, 16 and how they commit their government to one man year by year, that he should rule over them, and control all their country, and all are obedient to that one, and there is neither envy nor emulation amongst them.

17 So Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to establish friendship and alliance with them, 18 and that they should free the yoke from themselves; for they saw that the kingdom of the Greeks kept Israel in bondage. 19 Then they went to Rome, a very long journey, and they entered into the senate house, and said, 20 “Judas, who is also called Maccabaeus, and his kindred, and the people of the Jews, have sent us to you, to make an alliance and peace with you, and that we might be registered as your allies and friends.”

21 This thing was pleasing to them. 22 This is the copy of the writing which they wrote back again on tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that it might be with them there for a memorial of peace and alliance:

23 “Good success be to the Romans, and to the nation of the Jews, by sea and by land forever. May the sword and the enemy be far from them. 24 But if war arises for Rome first, or any of their allies in all their dominion, 25 the nation of the Jews shall help them as allies, as the occasion shall indicate to them, with all their heart. 26 To those who make war upon them, they shall not give supplies, food, weapons, money, or ships, as it has seemed good to Rome, and they shall keep their ordinances without taking anything in return. 27 In the same way, moreover, if war comes first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall willingly help them as allies, as the occasion shall indicate to them; 28 and to those who are fighting with them, there shall not be given food, weapons, money, or ships, as it has seemed good to Rome. They shall keep these ordinances, and that without deceit. 29 According to these terms, the Romans made a treaty with the Jewish people. 30 But if hereafter the one party and the other shall determine to add or diminish anything, they shall do it at their pleasure, and whatever they add or take away shall be ratified.

31 Concerning the evils which King Demetrius is doing to them, we have written to him, saying, ‘Why have you made your yoke heavy on our friends and allies the Jews? 32 If therefore they plead any more against you, we will do them justice, and fight with you on sea and on land.’”

9

1 Demetrius heard that Nicanor had fallen with his forces in battle, and he sent Bacchides and Alcimus again into the land of Judah a second time, and the right wing of his army with them. 2 They went by the way that leads to Gilgal, and encamped against Mesaloth, which is in Arbela, and took possession of it, and killed many people. 3 The first month of the one hundred and fifty-second year, + 9:3 circa B.C. 161. they encamped against Jerusalem. 4 Then they marched away and went to Berea with twenty thousand infantry and two thousand cavalry. 5 Judas was encamped at Elasa with three thousand chosen men. 6 They saw the multitude of the forces, that they were many, and they were terrified. Many slipped away out of the army. There were not left of them more than eight hundred men.

7 Judas saw that his army slipped away and that the battle pressed upon him, and he was very troubled in spirit, because he had no time to gather them together, and he became faint. 8 He said to those who were left, “Let’s arise and go up against our adversaries, if perhaps we may be able to fight with them.”

9 They tried to dissuade him, saying, “There is no way we are able; but let’s rather save our lives now. Let’s return again with our kindred, and fight against them; but we are too few.”

10 Judas said, “Let it not be so that I should do this thing, to flee from them. If our time has come, let’s die in a manly way for our kindred’s sake, and not leave a cause of reproach against our honour.”

11 The army marched out from the camp, and stood to encounter them. The cavalry was divided into two companies, and the slingers and the archers went before the army, and all the mighty men that fought in the front of the battle. 12 Bacchides was in the right wing. The phalanx advanced on the two parts, and they blew with their trumpets. 13 The men by Judas’ side sounded with their trumpets, and the earth shook with the shout of the armies, and the battle was joined, and continued from morning until evening.

14 Judas saw that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, and all that were brave in heart went with him, 15 and the right wing was defeated by them, and he pursued after them to the mount Azotus. 16 Those who were on the left wing saw that the right wing was defeated, and they turned and followed in the footsteps of Judas and of those who were with him. 17 The battle became desparate, and many on both sides fell wounded to death. 18 Judas fell, and the rest fled.

19 Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the tomb of his ancestors at Modin. 20 They wept for him. All Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, and said, 21 “How is the mighty fallen, the saviour of Israel!” 22 The rest of the acts of Judas, and his wars, and the valiant deeds which he did, and his greatness, are not written; for they were exceedingly many.

23 It came to pass after the death of Judas, that the lawless emerged within all the borders of Israel. All those who did iniquity rose up. 24 In those days there was an exceedingly great famine, and the country went over to their side. 25 Bacchides chose the ungodly men and made them rulers of the country. 26 They enquired and searched for the friends of Judas, and brought them to Bacchides, and he took vengeance on them and used them despitefully. 27 There was great suffering in Israel, such as was not since the time prophets stopped appearing to them.

28 All the friends of Judas were gathered together, and they said to Jonathan, 29 “Since your brother Judas has died, we have no man like him to go out against our enemies and Bacchides, and amongst those of our nation who hate us. 30 Now therefore we have chosen you this day to be our prince and leader in his place, that you may fight our battles.” 31 So Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up in the place of his brother Judas.

32 When Bacchides found out, he tried to kill him. 33 Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all who were with him, knew it; and they fled into the wilderness of Tekoah, and encamped by the water of the pool of Asphar. 34 Bacchides found this out on the Sabbath day, and came—he and all his army—over the Jordan.

35 Jonathan sent his brother, a leader of the multitude, and implored his friends the Nabathaeans, that they might store their baggage, which was much, with them. 36 The children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and seized John and all that he had, and went their way with it.

37 But after these things, they brought word to Jonathan and Simon his brother that the children of Jambri were celebrating a great wedding, and were bringing the bride, a daughter of one of the great nobles of Canaan, from Nadabath with a large escort. 38 They remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the cover of the mountain. 39 They lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a great procession with much baggage. The bridegroom came out with his friends and his kindred to meet them with timbrels, musicians, and many weapons. 40 They rose up against them from their ambush and killed them, and many fell wounded to death. The remnant fled into the mountain, and the Jews took all their spoils. 41 So the wedding was turned into mourning, and the voice of their musicians into lamentation. 42 They avenged fully the blood of their brother, and turned back to the marshes of the Jordan.

43 Bacchides heard it, and he came on the Sabbath day to the banks of Jordan with a great army. 44 Jonathan said to his company, “Let’s stand up now and fight for our lives, for things are different today than they were yesterday and the day before. 45 For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us. Moreover the water of the Jordan is on this side and on that side, and marsh and thicket. There is no place to escape. 46 Now therefore cry to heaven, that you may be delivered out of the hand of your enemies.” 47 So the battle was joined, and Jonathan stretched out his hand to strike Bacchides, and he turned away back from him. 48 Jonathan and those who were with him leapt into the Jordan, and swam over to the other side. The enemy didn’t pass over the Jordan against them. 49 About a thousand men of Bacchides’ company fell that day; 50 and he returned to Jerusalem. They built strong cities in Judea, the stronghold that was in Jericho, and Emmaus, Bethhoron, Bethel, Timnath, Pharathon, and Tephon, with high walls and gates and bars. 51 He set garrisons in them to harass Israel. 52 He fortified the city Bethsura, Gazara, and the citadel, and put troops and stores of food in them. 53 He took the sons of the chief men of the country for hostages, and put them under guard in the citadel at Jerusalem.

54 And in the one hundred and fifty-third year,+ 9:54 circa B.C. 160. in the second month, Alcimus gave orders to pull down the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary. He also pulled down the works of the prophets. 55 He began to pull down. At that time was Alcimus stricken, and his works were hindered; and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, and he could no more speak anything and give orders concerning his house. 56 Alcimus died at that time with great torment. 57 Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, and he returned to the king. Then the land of Judah had rest for two years.

58 Then all the lawless men took counsel, saying, “Behold, Jonathan and his men are dwelling at ease and in security. Now therefore we will bring Bacchides, and he will capture them all in one night. 59 They went and consulted with him. 60 He marched out and came with a great army, and sent letters secretly to all his allies who were in Judea, that they should seize Jonathan and those who were with him; but they couldn’t, because their plan was known to them. 61 Jonathan’s men seized about fifty of the men of the country who were authors of the wickedness, and he killed them. 62 Jonathan, Simon, and those who were with him, went away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and he built up that which had been pulled down, and they made it strong. 63 Bacchides found out about it, and he gathered together all his multitude, and sent orders to those who were of Judea. 64 He went and encamped against Bethbasi and fought against it many days, and made engines of war.

65 Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went out into the country, and he went with a few men. 66 He struck Odomera and his kindred, and the children of Phasiron in their tents. 67 They began to strike them, and to go up with their forces. Then Simon and those who were with him went out of the city, and set the engines of war on fire, 68 and fought against Bacchides, and he was defeated by them. They afflicted him severely; for his counsel and expedition was in vain. 69 They were very angry with the lawless men who gave him counsel to come into the country, and they killed many of them. Then he decided to depart into his own land.

70 Jonathan learnt of this and sent ambassadors to him, to the end that they should make peace with him, and that he should restore to them the captives. 71 He accepted the thing, and did according to his words, and swore to him that he would not seek his harm all the days of his life. 72 He restored to him the captives which he had taken before out of the land of Judah, and he returned and departed into his own land, and didn’t come any more into their borders. 73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel. Jonathan lived at Michmash. Jonathan began to judge the people; and he destroyed the ungodly out of Israel.

10

1 In the one hundred sixtieth year,+ 10:1 circa B.C. 153. Alexander Epiphanes, the son of Antiochus, went up and took possession of Ptolemais. They received him, and he reigned there. 2 King Demetrius heard about this, and he gathered together exceedingly great forces, and went out to meet him in battle.

3 Demetrius sent a letter to Jonathan with words of peace, so as to honour him. 4 For he said, “Let’s go beforehand to make peace with them, before he makes peace with Alexander against us; 5 for he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and to his kindred and to his nation.” 6 So he gave him authority to gather together forces, and to provide weapons, and that he should be his ally. He also commanded that they should release the hostages that were in the citadel to him.

7 Jonathan came to Jerusalem, and read the letter in the hearing of all the people, and of those who were in the citadel. 8 They were very afraid when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an army. 9 Those in the citadel released the hostages to Jonathan, and he restored them to their parents.

10 Jonathan lived in Jerusalem and began to build and renew the city. 11 He commanded those who did the work to build the walls and encircle Mount Zion with+ 10:11 So the versions and Josephus. Gr. a four-foot stones. square stones for defence; and they did so. 12 The foreigners who were in the strongholds which Bacchides had built fled away. 13 Each man left his place and departed into his own land. 14 Only at Bethsura, there were left some of those who had forsaken the law and the commandments, for it was a place of refuge to them.

15 King Alexander heard all the promises which Demetrius had sent to Jonathan. They told him of the battles and the valiant deeds which he and his kindred had done, and of the troubles which they had endured. 16 So he said, “Could we find another man like him? Now we will make him our+ 10:16 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. friend and ally.” 17 He wrote a letter and sent it to him, in these words, saying, 18 “King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greetings. 19 We have heard of you, that you are a mighty man of valour, and worthy to be our+ 10:19 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. friend. 20 Now we have appointed you this day to be high priest of your nation, and to be called the king’s+ 10:20 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. friend, and to take our side, and to keep friendship with us.” He also sent to him a purple robe and a golden crown.

21 And Jonathan put on the holy garments in the seventh month of the one hundred sixtieth year,+ 10:21 circa B.C. 153. at the feast of tabernacles; and he gathered together forces and provided weapons in abundance.

22 When Demetrius heard these things, he was grieved and said, 23 “What is this that we have done, that Alexander has gotten ahead of us in establishing friendship with the Jews to strengthen himself? 24 I also will write to them words of encouragement and of honour and of gifts, that they may be with me to aid me.” 25 So he sent to them this message:

“King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews, greetings. 26 Since as you have kept your covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, and have not joined yourselves to our enemies, we have heard of this, and are glad. 27 Now continue still to keep faith with us, and we will repay you with good in return for your dealings with us. 28 We will grant you many immunities and give you gifts.

29 “Now I free you and release all the Jews from the tributes, from the salt tax, and from the crown levies. 30 Instead of the third part of the seed, and instead of half of the fruit of the trees, which falls to me to receive, I release it from this day and henceforth, so that I will not take it from the land of Judah, and from the three districts which are added to it from the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth and for all time. 31 Let Jerusalem be holy and free, with her borders, tithes, and taxes. 32 I yield up also my authority over the citadel which is at Jerusalem, and give it to the high priest, that he may appoint in it men whom he chooses to keep it. 33 Every soul of the Jews who has been carried captive from the land of Judah into any part of my kingdom, I set at liberty without payment. Let all officials also cancel the taxes on their livestock.

34 “All the feasts, the Sabbaths, new moons, appointed days, three days before a feast, and three days after a feast, let them all be days of immunity and release for all the Jews who are in my kingdom. 35 No man shall have authority to exact anything from any of them, or to trouble them concerning any matter.

36 “Let there be enrolled amongst the king’s forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, and pay shall be given to them, as is due to all the king’s forces. 37 Of them, some shall be placed in the king’s great strongholds, and some of them shall be placed over the affairs of the kingdom, which are positions of trust. Let those who are over them and their rulers be of themselves, and let them walk after their own laws, even as the king has commanded in the land of Judah.

38 “The three districts that have been added to Judea from the country of Samaria, let them be annexed to Judea, that they may be reckoned to be under one ruler, that they may not obey any other authority than the high priest’s. 39 As for Ptolemais and its land, I have given it as a gift to the sanctuary that is at Jerusalem, for the expenses of the sanctuary. 40 I also give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver from the king’s revenues from the places that are appropriate. 41 And all the additional funds which those who manage the king’s affairs didn’t pay as in the first years, they shall give from now on towards the works of the temple. 42 Besides this, the five thousand shekels of silver which they received from the uses of the sanctuary from the revenue year by year is also released, because it belongs to the priests who minister there. 43 Whoever flees to the temple that is at Jerusalem, and within all of its borders, whether one owe money to the king, or any other matter, let them go free, along with all that they have in my kingdom. 44 For the building and renewing of the structures of the sanctuary, the expense shall also be given out of the king’s revenue. 45 For the building of the walls of Jerusalem and fortifying it all around, the expense shall also be given out of the king’s revenue, also for the building of the walls in Judea.”

46 Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credence to them, and didn’t accept them, because they remembered the great evil which he had done in Israel, and that he had afflicted them very severely. 47 They were well pleased with Alexander, because he was the first who spoke words of peace to them, and they were allies with him always.

48 King Alexander gathered together great forces and encamped near Demetrius. 49 The two kings joined battle, and the army of Alexander fled; and Demetrius followed after him, and prevailed against them. 50 He strengthened the battle exceedingly until the sun went down; and Demetrius fell that day.

51 Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemy king of Egypt with this message: 52 “Since I have returned to my kingdom, and am seated on the throne of my fathers, and have established my dominion, and have overthrown Demetrius, and have taken possession of our country— 53 yes, I joined the battle with him, and he and his army were defeated by us, and we sat on the throne of his kingdom— 54 now also let’s make friends with one another. Give me now your daughter as my wife. I will be joined with you, and will give both you and her gifts worthy of you.”

55 Ptolemy the king answered, saying, “Happy is the day you returned to the land of your ancestors and sat on the throne of their kingdom. 56 Now I will do to you as you have written, but meet me at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; and I will join with you, even as you have said.” 57 So Ptolemy went out of Egypt, himself and Cleopatra his daughter, and came to Ptolemais in the one hundred and sixty-second year.+ 10:57 circa B.C. 151. 58 King Alexander met him, and he gave him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her wedding at Ptolemais with great pomp, as kings do.

59 King Alexander wrote to Jonathan, that he should come to meet him. 60 He went with pomp to Ptolemais, and met the two kings. He gave them and their friends+ 10:60 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. Compare 1 Maccabees 10:65. silver and gold, and many gifts, and found favour in their sight. 61 Some malcontents out of Israel, men who were transgressors of the law, gathered together against him to complain against him; but the king paid no attention to them. 62 The king commanded that they take off Jonathan’s garments and clothe him in purple, and they did so. 63 The king made him sit with him, and said to his princes, “Go out with him into the midst of the city, and proclaim that no man may complain against him of any matter, and let no man trouble him for any reason.” 64 It came to pass, when those who complained against him saw his honour according to the proclamation, and saw him clothed in purple, they all fled away. 65 The king gave him honour, and enrolled him amongst his chief friends,+ 10:65 See 1 Maccabees 11:27; 2 Maccabees 8:9. Compare 1 Maccabees 2:18; 10:16, etc. and made him a captain and governor of a province. 66 Then Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness.

67 In the one hundred and sixty-fifth year,+ 10:67 circa B.C. 148. Demetrius, son of Demetrius, came out of Crete into the land of his ancestors. 68 When King Alexander heard of it, he grieved exceedingly and returned to Antioch. 69 Demetrius appointed Apollonius, who was over Coelesyria, and he gathered together a great army, and encamped against Jamnia, and sent to Jonathan the high priest, saying,

70 “You alone lift up yourself against us, but I am ridiculed and in reproach because of you. Why do you assume authority against us in the mountains? 71 Now therefore, if you trust in your forces, come down to us into the plain, and let’s match strength with each other there; for the power of the cities is with me. 72 Ask and learn who I am, and the rest who help us. They say, ‘Your foot can’t stand before our face; for your ancestors have been put to flight twice in their own land.’ 73 Now you won’t be able to withstand the cavalry and such an army as this in the plain, where is there is no stone or pebble, or place to flee.”

74 Now when Jonathan heard the words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and he chose ten thousand men, and went out from Jerusalem; and Simon his brother met him to help him. 75 Then he encamped against Joppa. The people of the city shut him out, because Apollonius had a garrison in Joppa. 76 So they fought against it. The people of the city were afraid, and opened to him; and Jonathan became master of Joppa.

77 Apollonius heard about that, and he gathered an army of three thousand cavalry, and a great army, and went to Azotus as though he were on a journey, and at the same time advanced onward into the plain, because he had a multitude of cavalry which he trusted. 78 He pursued him to Azotus, and the armies joined battle.+ 10:78 Most of the authorities here repeat a after him.79 Apollonius had secretly left a thousand cavalry behind them. 80 Jonathan learnt that there was an ambush behind him. They surrounded his army, and shot their arrows at the people, from morning until evening; 81 but the people stood fast, as Jonathan commanded them; and the enemy’s horses grew tired.

82 Then Simon brought forward his army and joined battle with the phalanx (for the cavalry were exhausted), and they were defeated by him and fled. 83 The cavalry were scattered in the plain. They fled to Azotus and entered into Beth-dagon, their idol’s temple, to save themselves. 84 Jonathan burnt Azotus and the cities around it and took their spoils. He burnt the temple of Dagon and those who fled into it with fire. 85 Those who had fallen by the sword plus those who were burnt were about eight thousand men.

86 From there, Jonathan left and encamped against Ascalon. The people of the city came out to meet him with great pomp. 87 Jonathan, with those who were on his side, returned to Jerusalem, having many spoils. 88 It came to pass, when King Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan even more. 89 He sent him a gold buckle, as the custom is to give to the king’s kindred. He gave him Ekron and all its land for a possession.

11

1 Then the king of Egypt gathered together great forces, as the sand which is by the sea shore, and many ships, and sought to make himself master of Alexander’s kingdom by deceit, and to add it to his own kingdom. 2 He went out into Syria with words of peace, and the people of the cities opened their gates to him and met him; for King Alexander’s command was that they should meet him, because he was his father-in-law. 3 Now as he entered into the cities of Ptolemais, he set his forces for a garrison in each city.

4 But when he came near to Azotus, they showed him the temple of Dagon burnt with fire, and Azotus and its pasture lands destroyed, and the bodies cast out, and those who had been burnt, whom he burnt in the war, for they had made heaps of them in his way. 5 They told the king what Jonathan had done, that they might cast blame on him; but the king kept silent. 6 Jonathan met the king with pomp at Joppa, and they greeted one another, and they slept there. 7 Jonathan went with the king as far as the river that is called Eleutherus, then returned to Jerusalem.

8 But King Ptolemy took control of the cities along the sea coast, to Selucia which is by the sea, and he devised evil plans concerning Alexander. 9 He sent ambassadors to King Demetrius, saying, “Come! Let’s make a covenant with one another, and I will give you my daughter whom Alexander has, and you shall reign over your father’s kingdom; 10 for I regret that I gave my daughter to him, for he tried to kill me. 11 He accused him, because he coveted his kingdom. 12 Taking his daughter from him, he gave her to Demetrius, and was estranged from Alexander, and their enmity was openly seen.

13 Ptolemy entered into Antioch, and put on himself the crown of Asia. He put two crowns upon his head, the crown of Egypt and that of Asia. 14 But King Alexander was in Cilicia at that time, because the people of that region were in revolt. 15 When Alexander heard of it, he came against him in war. Ptolemy marched out and met him with a strong force, and put him to flight. 16 Alexander fled into Arabia, that he might be sheltered there; but King Ptolemy was triumphant. 17 Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy. 18 King Ptolemy died the third day after, and those who were in his strongholds were slain by the inhabitants of the strongholds. 19 Demetrius became king in the one hundred and sixty-seventh year.+ 11:19 circa B.C. 146.

20 In those days Jonathan gathered together the Judeans to take the citadel that was at Jerusalem. He made many engines of war to use against it. 21 Some lawless men who hated their own nation went to the king and reported to him that Jonathan was besieging the citadel. 22 He heard, and was angry, but when he heard it, he set out immediately, and came to Ptolemais, and wrote to Jonathan, that he should not besiege it, and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.

23 But when Jonathan heard this, he gave orders to continue the siege. He chose some of the elders of Israel and of the priests, and put himself in peril 24 by taking silver, gold, clothing, and various other presents, and went to Ptolemais to the king. Then he found favour in his sight. 25 Some lawless men of those who were of the nation made complaints against him, 26 and the king did to him even as his predecessors had done to him, and exalted him in the sight of all his+ 11:26 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. friends, 27 and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and all the other honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence amongst his+ 11:27 See 1 Maccabees 10:65. chief friends. 28 And Jonathan requested of the king that he would make Judea free from tribute, along with the three+ 11:28 Gr. a toparchies provinces and the country of Samaria, and promised him three hundred talents. 29 The king consented, and wrote letters to Jonathan concerning all these things as follows:

30 “King Demetrius to his brother Jonathan, and to the nation of the Jews, greetings. 31 The copy of the letter which we wrote to Lasthenes our kinsman concerning you, we have written also to you, that you may see it. 32 ‘King Demetrius to Lasthenes his father, greetings. 33 We have determined to do good to the nation of the Jews, who are our friends, and observe what is just towards us, because of their good will towards us. 34 We have confirmed therefore to them the borders of Judea, and also the three governments of Aphaerema, Lydda, and Ramathaim (these were added to Judea from the country of Samaria), and all their territory to them, for all who do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the king’s dues which the king received of them yearly before from the produce of the earth and the fruits of trees. 35 As for the other payments to us from henceforth, of the tithes and the taxes that pertain to us, and the salt pits, and the crown taxes due to us, all these we will give back to them. 36 Not one of these grants shall be annulled from this time forth and forever. 37 Now therefore be careful to make a copy of these things, and let it be given to Jonathan, and let it be set up on the holy mountain in a suitable and conspicuous place.’”

38 When King Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made to him, he sent away all his troops, each man to his own place, except the foreign troops, which he had raised from the islands of the Gentiles. So all the troops of his fathers hated him. 39 Now Tryphon was one of those who previously had been on Alexander’s side, and he saw that all the forces murmured against Demetrius. So he went to Imalcue the Arabian, who was raising up Antiochus the young child of Alexander, 40 and urgently insisted to him that he should deliver him to him, that he might reign in his father’s place. He told him all that Demetrius had done, and the hatred with which his forces hated him; and he stayed there many days.

41 Now Jonathan sent to King Demetrius, that he should remove the troops of the citadel from Jerusalem, and the troops who were in the strongholds; for they fought against Israel continually. 42 Demetrius sent to Jonathan, saying, “I will not only do this for you and your nation, but I will greatly honour you and your nation, if I find an opportunity. 43 Now therefore you shall do well if you send me men who will fight for me; for all my forces have revolted.” 44 So Jonathan sent him three thousand valiant men to Antioch. They came to the king, and the king was glad at their coming.

45 The people of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of one hundred and twenty thousand men, and they wanted to kill the king. 46 The king fled into the court of the palace, and the people of the city seized the main streets of the city and began to fight. 47 The king called the Jews to help him, and they were gathered together to him all at once, and they dispersed themselves in the city, and killed that day about one hundred thousand. 48 They set the city on fire, and seized many spoils that day, and saved the king. 49 The people of the city saw that the Jews had taken control of the city as they pleased, and they became faint in their hearts, and they cried out to the king with supplication, saying, 50 “Give us your right hand, and let the Jews cease from fighting against us and the city.” 51 They threw away their weapons and made peace. The Jews were glorified in the sight of the king, and before all who were in his kingdom. Then they returned to Jerusalem, having much plunder. 52 So King Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him. 53 He lied in all that he spoke, and estranged himself from Jonathan, and didn’t repay him according to the benefits with which he had repaid him, and treated him very harshly.

54 Now after this, Tryphon returned, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned and put on a crown. 55 All the forces which Demetrius had sent away with disgrace were gathered to him, and they fought against him, and he fled and was routed. 56 Tryphon took the elephants, and took control of Antioch. 57 The young Antiochus wrote to Jonathan, saying, “I confirm to you the high priesthood, and appoint you over the four districts, and to be one of the king’s+ 11:57 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. friends.” 58 He sent to him golden vessels and furniture for the table, and gave him permission to drink in golden vessels, and to be clothed in purple, and to have a golden buckle. 59 He made his brother Simon governor from the Ladder of Tyre to the borders of Egypt.

60 Jonathan went out and took his journey beyond the river and through the cities. All the forces of Syria gathered themselves to him to be his allies. He came to Ascalon, and the people of the city met him honourably. 61 He departed from there to Gaza, and the people of Gaza shut him out. So he besieged it and burnt its pasture lands with fire, and plundered them. 62 The people of Gaza pleaded with Jonathan, and he gave them his right hand, and took the sons of their princes for hostages, and sent them away to Jerusalem. Then he passed through the country as far as Damascus.

63 Then Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes had come to Kedesh, which is in Galilee, with a great army, intending to remove him from his office. 64 He went to meet them, but he left Simon his brother in the country. 65 Simon encamped against Bethsura, and fought against it many days, and hemmed it in. 66 They asked him to give them his right hand, and he gave it to them. He removed them from there, took possession of the city, and set a garrison over it.

67 Jonathan and his army encamped at the water of Gennesareth, and early in the morning they marched to the plain of Hazor. 68 Behold, an army of foreigners met him in the plain. They laid an ambush for him in the mountains, but they themselves met him face to face. 69 But those who lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle. All those who were on Jonathan’s side fled. 70 Not one of them was left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Chalphi, captains of the forces. 71 Jonathan tore his clothes, put dirt on his head, and prayed. 72 He turned again to them in battle, and routed them, and they fled. 73 When the men on his side who had fled saw this, they returned to him and pursued with him to Kedesh to their camp, and they encamped there. 74 About three thousand men of the foreigners fell on that day. Then Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

12

1 Jonathan saw that the time was favourable for him, so he chose men and sent them to Rome to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them. 2 He also sent similar letters to the Spartans, and to other places. 3 They went to Rome, entered into the senate house, and said, “Jonathan the high priest and the nation of the Jews have sent us to renew for them the friendship and the alliance, as in former time.” 4 They gave them letters to the men in every place, that they should provide safe conduct for them on their way to the land of Judah. 5 This is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:

6 “Jonathan the high priest, and the senate of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to their kindred the Spartans, greetings. 7 Even before this time letters were sent to Onias the high priest from Arius,+ 12:7 So the old Latin versions and Josephus: compare also ver. 20. All the other authorities read a Darius in this place. who was reigning amongst you, to signify that you are our kindred, as the copy written below shows. 8 Onias welcomed honourably the man who was sent and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of alliance and friendship. 9 Therefore we also, even though we need none of these things, having for our encouragement the holy books which are in our hands, 10 have undertaken to send that we might renew our brotherhood and friendship with you, to the end that we should not become estranged from you altogether; for a long time has passed since you sent your letter to us. 11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and on the other convenient days, remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as it is right and proper to be mindful of kindred. 12 Moreover, we are glad for your glory. 13 But as for ourselves, many afflictions and many wars have encompassed us, and the kings who are around us have fought against us. 14 We were unwilling to be troublesome to you, and to the rest of our allies and friends, in these wars; 15 for we have the help which is from heaven to help us, and we have been delivered from our enemies, and our enemies have been humbled. 16 We chose therefore Numenius the son of Antiochus and Antipater the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans, to renew the friendship that we had with them, and the former alliance. 17 We commanded them therefore to go also to you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of friendship and our brotherhood. 18 And now you will do well if you give us a reply.”

19 And this is the copy of the letters which they sent to Onias:

20 “Arius king of the Spartans to Onias the chief priest, greetings. 21 It has been found in writing, concerning the Spartans and the Jews, that they are kindred, and that they are of the descendants of Abraham. 22 Now, since this has come to our knowledge, you will do well to write to us of your+ 12:22 Gr. a peace prosperity. 23 We moreover write on our part to you, that your livestock and goods are ours, and ours are yours. We do command therefore that they make report to you accordingly.”

24 Now Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes had returned to fight against him with a greater army than before, 25 so he marched away from Jerusalem, and met them in the country of Hamath; for he gave them no opportunity to set foot in his country. 26 He sent spies into his camp, and they came again, and reported to him that they were preparing to attack them at night. 27 But as soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be armed, that all the night long they might be ready for battle. He stationed sentinels around the camp. 28 The adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, and they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp then withdrew. 29 But Jonathan and his men didn’t know it until the morning; for they saw the fires burning. 30 Jonathan pursued after them, but didn’t overtake them; for they had gone over the river Eleutherus. 31 Then Jonathan turned towards the Arabians, who are called Zabadaeans, and struck them, and took their spoils. 32 He came out from there, and came to Damascus, and took his journey through all the country.

33 Simon went out, and took his journey as far as Ascalon, and the strongholds that were near it. Then he turned towards Joppa and took possession of it; 34 for he had heard that they were planning to hand over the stronghold to Demetrius’ men. He set a garrison there to guard it.

35 Then Jonathan returned and called the elders of the people together. He planned with them to build strongholds in Judea, 36 and to make the walls of Jerusalem higher, and to raise a great mound between the citadel and the city, to separate it from the city, that so it might be isolated, that its garrison might neither buy nor sell. 37 They were gathered together to build the city. Part of the wall of the brook that is on the east side fell down, and he repaired the section called Chaphenatha. 38 Simon also built Adida in the+ 12:38 Gr. a Sephela. plain country, made it strong, and set up gates and bars.

39 And Tryphon sought to reign over Asia and to crown himself, and to stretch out his hand against Antiochus the king. 40 He was afraid that Jonathan wouldn’t allow him, and that he would fight against him; and he sought a way to seize him, that he might destroy him. So he marched out and came to Bethshan. 41 Jonathan came out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for battle, and came to Bethshan. 42 Tryphon saw that he came with a great army, and he was afraid to stretch out his hand against him. 43 He received him honourably, and commended him to all his+ 12:43 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his forces to be obedient to him, as to himself. 44 He said to Jonathan, “Why have you put all this people to so much trouble, seeing there is no war between us? 45 Now send them away to their homes, but choose for yourself a few men who shall be with you, and come with me to Ptolemais, and I will give it to you, and the rest of the strongholds and the rest of the forces, and all the king’s officers. Then I will turn around and depart; for this is why I came.”

46 He put his trust in him, and did even as he said, and sent away his forces, and they departed into the land of Judah. 47 But he reserved to himself three thousand men, of whom he left two thousand in Galilee, but one thousand went with him. 48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, the people of Ptolemais shut the gates and seized him. They killed all those who came in with him with the sword.

49 Tryphon sent troops and cavalry into Galilee, and into the Great Plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s men. 50 They perceived that he had been seized and had perished, along with those who were with him. They encouraged one another and went on their way close together, prepared to fight. 51 Those who followed them saw that they were ready to fight for their lives, and turned back again. 52 They all came in peace into the land of Judah, and they mourned for Jonathan and those who were with him, and they were very afraid. All Israel mourned with a great mourning. 53 And all the Gentiles who were around them sought to destroy them utterly; for they said, “They have no ruler nor anyone to help them. Now therefore let’s fight against them, and take away their memory from amongst men.”

13

1 Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a mighty army to come into the land of Judah and destroy it utterly. 2 He saw that the people were trembling in great fear. So he went up to Jerusalem and gathered the people together. 3 He encouraged them, and said to them, “You yourselves know all the things that I, my kindred, and my father’s house have done for the laws and the sanctuary, and the battles and the distresses which we have seen. 4 Because of this, all my brothers have perished for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone. 5 Now be it far from me, that I should spare my own life in any time of affliction, for I am not better than my kindred. 6 However, I will take vengeance for my nation, for the sanctuary, and for our wives and children, because all the Gentiles have gathered out of hatred to destroy us.”

7 The spirit of the people revived as soon as they heard these words. 8 They answered with a loud voice, saying, “You are our leader in the place of Judas and Jonathan your brothers. 9 Fight our battles, and we will do all that you tell us to do.”

10 He gathered together all the men of war, and hurried to finish the walls of Jerusalem. He fortified it all around. 11 He sent Jonathan the son of Absalom, and with him a great army, to Joppa. He threw out those who were in it, and lived there.

12 Tryphon left Ptolemais with a mighty army to enter into the land of Judah, and Jonathan was with him under guard. 13 But Simon encamped at Adida, near the plain. 14 Tryphon knew that Simon had risen up in the place of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, so he sent ambassadors to him, saying, 15 “It is for money which Jonathan your brother owed to the king’s treasury, by reason of the offices which he had, that we are detaining him. 16 Now send one hundred talents of silver and two of his sons for hostages, so that when he is released he may not revolt against us, and we will release him.”

17 Simon knew that they spoke to him deceitfully, but he sent to get the money and the children, lest perhaps he would arouse great hostility amongst the people, 18 who might say, “Because I didn’t send him the money and the children, he perished.” 19 So he sent the children and the hundred talents, but Tryphon lied, and didn’t release Jonathan.

20 After this, Tryphon came to invade the land and destroy it, and he went around by the way that leads to Adora. Simon and his army marched near him to every place, wherever he went. 21 Now the people of the citadel sent to Tryphon ambassadors, urging him to come to them through the wilderness, and to send them food. 22 So Tryphon prepared all his cavalry to come, but on that night a very heavy snow fell, and he didn’t come because of the snow. He marched off and went into the land of Gilead. 23 When he came near to Bascama, he killed Jonathan, and he was buried there. 24 Then Tryphon turned back, and went away into his own land.

25 Simon sent, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried him at Modin, the city of his fathers. 26 All Israel made great lamentation over him, and mourned for him many days. 27 Simon built a monument on the tomb of his father and his kindred, and raised it high so that it could be seen, with polished stone on the front and back. 28 He also set up seven pyramids, one near another, for his father, his mother, and his four brothers. 29 For these, he made an elaborate setting, erecting great pillars around them, and upon the pillars he made suits of armour for a perpetual memorial, and beside the suits of armour, he carved ships, so that they could be seen by all who sail on the sea. 30 This is the tomb which he made at Modin. It remains to this day.

31 Now Tryphon deceived the young King Antiochus and killed him, 32 and reigned in his place. He put on himself the crown of Asia and brought a great calamity upon the land. 33 Simon built up the strongholds of Judea, and walled them all around with high towers, great walls, gates, and bars; and he stored food in the strongholds. 34 Simon chose men, and sent to King Demetrius with a request that he grant the country an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to plunder. 35 King Demetrius sent to him according to these words, and answered him, and wrote a letter to him, as follows:

36 “King Demetrius to Simon the high priest and friend+ 13:36 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. of kings, and to the elders and nation of the Jews, greetings. 37 The golden crown and the palm branch, which you sent, we have received. We are ready to make a steadfast peace with you, yes, and to write to our officers to release you from tribute. 38 Whatever things we confirmed to you, they are confirmed. The strongholds, which you have built, let them be your own. 39 As for any oversights and faults committed to this day, we forgive them, and the crown tax which you owed us. If there were any other tax collected in Jerusalem, let it be collected no longer. 40 If any amongst you are qualified to be enrolled in our court, let them be enrolled, and let there be peace between us.”

41 In the one hundred seventieth year,+ 13:41 circa B.C. 143. the yoke of the Gentiles was taken away from Israel. 42 The people began to write in their instruments and contracts, “In the first year of Simon, the great high priest and captain and leader of the Jews.”

43 In those days Simon encamped against+ 13:43 See 1 Maccabees 13:53 (compare 1 Maccabees 13:48); 1 Maccabees 14:7, 34; 15:28; 16:1: also Josephus. All the authorities read a Gaza in this verse. Gazara, and surrounded it with troops. He made a seige engine, and brought it up to the city, and struck a tower, and captured it. 44 Those who were in the engine leapt out into the city; and there was a great uproar in the city. 45 The people of the city tore their clothes, and went up on the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, asking Simon to give them+ 13:45 Gr. a right hands. his right hand. 46 They said, “Don’t deal with us according to our wickednesses, but according to your mercy.” 47 So Simon was reconciled to them, and didn’t fight against them; but he expelled them from the city and cleansed the houses where the idols were, and then entered into it with singing and giving praise. 48 He removed all uncleanness out of it, and placed in it men who would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built a dwelling place for himself in it.

49 But the people of the citadel in Jerusalem were hindered from going out and from going into the country, and from buying and selling. So they were very hungry, and a great number of them perished from famine. 50 Then they cried out to Simon, that he should give them his right hand; and he gave it to them; but he expelled them from there, and he cleansed the citadel from its pollutions. 51 He entered into it on the twenty-third day of the second month, in the one hundred and seventy-first year,+ 13:51 circa B.C. 142. with praise and palm branches, with harps, with cymbals, and with stringed instruments, with hymns, and with songs, because a great enemy had been destroyed out of Israel. 52 Simon ordained that they should keep that day every year with gladness. He made the hill of the temple that was by the citadel stronger than before, and he lived there with his men. 53 Simon saw that his son John was a man, so he made him leader of all his forces; and he lived in Gazara.

14

1 In the one hundred and seventy-second year,+ 14:1 circa B.C. 141. King Demetrius gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get help, that he might fight against Tryphon. 2 When Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius had come into his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive. 3 He went and struck the army of Demetrius, and seized him and brought him to Arsaces, who put him under guard.

4 The land had rest all the days of Simon. He sought the good of his nation. His authority and his honour was pleasing to them all his days. 5 Amid all his honours, he took Joppa for a harbour, and made it an entrance for the islands of the sea. 6 He enlarged the borders of his nation and took possession of the country. 7 He gathered together a great number of captives, and took control of Gazara, Bethsura, and the citadel, and he removed its uncleannesses from it. There was no one who resisted him. 8 They tilled their land in peace, and the land gave her increase, and the trees of the plains gave their fruit. 9 The old men sat in the streets; they all conversed together about good things. The young men put on glorious and warlike apparel. 10 He provided food for the cities and furnished them with means of defence, until the glory of his name was known to the end of the earth. 11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy. 12 Each man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was no one to make them afraid. 13 No one was left in the land who fought against them. The kings were defeated in those days. 14 He strengthened all those of his people who were humble. He searched out the law, and every lawless and wicked person he took away. 15 He glorified the sanctuary, and added to the vessels of the temple.

16 It was heard at Rome that Jonathan was dead, and even in Sparta, and they were exceedingly grieved. 17 But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his place, and ruled the country and the cities in it, 18 they wrote to him on brass tablets to renew with him the friendship and the alliance which they had confirmed with his brothers Judas and Jonathan. 19 These were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.

20 This is the copy of the letters which the Spartans sent:

“The rulers and the city of the Spartans, to Simon the high priest, to the elders, the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, our kindred, greetings. 21 The ambassadors who were sent to our people reported to us about your glory and honour. We were glad for their coming, 22 and we registered the things that were spoken by them in the public records+ 14:22 Gr. a counsels of the people. as follows: ‘Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews’ ambassadors, came to us to renew the friendship they had with us. 23 It pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put the copy of their words in the public records,+ 14:23 Gr. a books that are appointed for the people. to the end that the people of the Spartans might have a record of them. Moreover they wrote a copy of these things to Simon the high priest.’”

24 After this, Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of weighing one thousand minas,+ 14:24 1,000 minas is about 499 kg or 1,098 pounds. in order to confirm the alliance with them.

25 But when the people heard these things, they said, “What thanks shall we give to Simon and his sons? 26 For he and his brothers and the house of his father have made themselves strong, and have fought and chased away Israel’s enemies, and confirmed liberty to Israel.+ 14:26 Gr. a him. ” 27 So they wrote on tablets of brass, and set them on pillars on mount Zion. This is the copy of the writing:

“On the eighteenth day of Elul, in the one hundred and seventy-second year,+ 14:27 circa B.C. 141. which is the third year of Simon the high priest, 28 in Asaramel, in a great congregation of priests and people and princes of the nation, and of the elders of the country, it was proclaimed to us:+ 14:28 Gr. a he made known. 29 ‘Since wars often occurred in the country, Simon the son of Mattathias, the son of the sons of Joarib, and his brothers, put themselves in jeopardy and withstood the enemies of their nation, that their sanctuary and the law might be established, and glorified their nation with great glory. 30 Jonathan rallied the nation, became their high priest, and was gathered to his people. 31 Their enemies planned to invade their country, that they might destroy their country utterly, and stretch out their hands against their sanctuary. 32 Then Simon rose up and fought for his nation. He spent much of his own money to arm the valiant men of his nation and give them wages. 33 He fortified the cities of Judea and Bethsura that lies on the borders of Judea, where the weapons of the enemies were had been stored, and there he placed a garrison of Jews. 34 He fortified Joppa which is upon the sea, and Gazara which is upon the borders of Azotus, where the enemies used to live, and placed Jews there, and set in there all things necessary for their restoration. 35 The people saw Simon’s faith,+ 14:35 Some authorities read a acts. and the glory which he resolved to bring to his nation, and they made him their leader and high priest, because he had done all these things, and for the justice and the faith which he kept to his nation, and because he sought by all means to exalt his people. 36 In his days, things prospered in his hands, so that the Gentiles were taken away out of their country, and they also who were in the city of David, those who were in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a citadel, out of which they used to go, and polluted everything around the sanctuary, and did great damage to its purity. 37 He placed Jews in it and fortified it for the safety of the country and the city, and made high the walls of Jerusalem. 38 King Demetrius confirmed to him the high priesthood according to these things, 39 and made him one of his friends,+ 14:39 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. and honoured him with great honour; 40 for he had heard that the Jews had been called by the Romans friends, allies, and kindred, and that they had met the ambassadors of Simon honourably; 41 and that the Jews and the priests were well pleased that Simon should be their leader and high priest forever, until there should arise a faithful prophet; 42 and that he should be governor over them, and should take charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over the country, and over the weapons, and over the strongholds; and that he should take charge of the sanctuary, 43 and that he should be obeyed by all, and that all contracts in the country should be written in his name, and that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold; 44 and that it should not be lawful for any of the people or of the priests to nullify any of these things, or to oppose the words that he should speak, or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold; 45 but whoever should do otherwise, or nullify any of these things, he will be liable to punishment.’” 46 All the people consented to ordain for Simon that he should do according to these words. 47 So Simon accepted this, and consented to be high priest, and to be captain and governor+ 14:47 Gr. a ethnarch. of the Jews and of the priests, and to be protector of all.

48 They commanded to put this writing on tablets of brass, and to set them up within the precinct of the sanctuary in a conspicuous place, 49 and moreover to put copies of them in the treasury, so that Simon and his sons might have them.

15

1 Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent a letter from the islands of the sea to Simon the priest and+ 15:1 Gr. a ethnarch. governor of the Jews, and to all the nation. 2 Its contents follow:

“King Antiochus to Simon the chief priest and+ 15:2 Gr. a ethnarch. governor, and to the nation of the Jews, greetings. 3 Whereas certain troublemakers have made themselves masters of the kingdom of our fathers, but my purpose is to claim the kingdom, that I may restore it as it was before; and moreover I have raised a multitude of foreign soldiers, and have prepared warships; 4 moreover I plan to land in the country, that I may punish those who have destroyed our country, and those who have made many cities in the kingdom desolate; 5 now therefore I confirm to you all the tax remissions which the kings who were before me remitted to you, and whatever gifts besides they remitted to you, 6 and I permit you to coin money for your country with your own stamp, 7 but that Jerusalem and the sanctuary should be free. All the weapons that you have prepared, and the strongholds that you have built, which you have in your possession, let them remain yours. 8 Every debt owed to the king, and the things that will be owed to the king from henceforth and for evermore, let them be remitted to you. 9 Moreover, when we have established our kingdom, we will glorify you and your nation and the temple with great glory, so that your glory will be made manifest in all the earth.

10 In the one hundred and seventy-fourth year,+ 15:10 circa B.C. 139 Antiochus went into the land of his fathers; and all the forces came together to him, so that there were few men with Tryphon. 11 King Antiochus pursued him, and he came, as he fled, to Dor, which is by the sea; 12 for he knew that troubles had come upon him all at once, and that his forces had deserted him. 13 Antiochus encamped against Dor, and with him one hundred and twenty thousand men of war and eight thousand cavalry. 14 He surrounded the city, and the ships joined in the attack from the sea. He harassed the city by land and sea, and permitted no one to go out or in.

15 Numenius and his company came from Rome, having letters to the kings and to the countries, in which were written these things:

16 “Lucius, consul of the Romans, to King Ptolemy, greetings. 17 The Jews’ ambassadors came to us as our friends and allies, to renew the old friendship and alliance, being sent from Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews. 18 Moreover they brought a shield of gold weighing one thousand minas.+ 15:18 1,000 minas is about 499 kg. or about 1,098 pounds.19 It pleased us therefore to write to the kings and to the countries, that they should not seek their harm or fight against them, their cities, and their country, or be allies with those who fight against them. 20 Moreover, it seemed good to us to receive the shield from them. 21 If therefore any troublemakers have fled from their country to you, deliver them to Simon the high priest, that he may take vengeance on them according to their law.”

22 He wrote the same things to King Demetrius, to Attalus, to Arathes, to Arsaces, 23 to all the countries, to+ 15:23 Some authorities read a Sampsaces: the Latin versions have a Lampsacus. Sampsames, to the Spartans, to Delos, to Myndos, to Sicyon, to Caria, to Samos, to Pamphylia, to Lycia, to Halicarnassus, to Rhodes, to Phaselis, to Cos, to Side, to Aradus, Gortyna, Cnidus, Cyprus, and Cyrene. 24 They also wrote this copy to Simon the high priest.

25 But King Antiochus encamped against Dor the second day, bringing his forces up to it continually, and making engines of war; and he shut up Tryphon from going in or out. 26 Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to fight on his side, with silver, gold, and instruments of war in abundance. 27 He would not receive them, but nullified all the covenants which he had made with him before, and was estranged from him. 28 He sent to him Athenobius, one of his friends,+ 15:28 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. to confer with him, saying, “You hold possession of Joppa, Gazara, and the citadel that is in Jerusalem, cities of my kingdom. 29 You have devastated their territory, and done great harm in the land, and control of many places in my kingdom. 30 Now therefore hand over the cities which you have taken, and the tributes of the places which you have taken control of outside of the borders of Judea; 31 or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm that you have done, and the tributes of the cities, another five hundred talents. Otherwise we will come and subdue you.”

32 Athenobius, the king’s friend,+ 15:32 See 1 Maccabees 2:18. came to Jerusalem. When he saw the glory of Simon, the cupboard of gold and silver vessels, and his great attendance, he was amazed. He reported to him the king’s words. 33 Simon answered, and said to him, “We have not taken other men’s land nor do we have possession of that which belongs to others, but of the inheritance of our fathers. However, it had been in possession of our enemies wrongfully for a while. 34 But we, having opportunity, firmly hold the inheritance of our fathers. 35 As for Joppa and Gazara, which you demand, they did great harm amongst the people throughout our country. We will give one hundred talents for them.”

Athenobius didn’t answer even one word, 36 but returned in a rage to the king, and reported to him these words, and the glory of Simon, and all that he had seen; and the king was exceedingly angry. 37 Meanwhile, Tryphon embarked on board a ship, and fled to Orthosia.

38 The king appointed Cendebaeus chief captain of the sea coast, and gave him troops of infantry and cavalry. 39 He commanded him to encamp against Judea, and he commanded him to build up Kidron, and to fortify the gates, and that he should fight against the people; but the king pursued Tryphon. 40 So Cendebaeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people, and to invade Judea, and to take the people captive and kill them. 41 He built Kidron and stationed cavalry and infantry there, to the end that going out they might make raids on the highways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.

16

1 John went up from Gazara and told Simon his father what Cendebaeus was doing. 2 Simon called his two oldest sons, Judas and John, and said to them, “I and my brothers and my father’s house have fought the battles of Israel from our youth, even to this day; and things have prospered in our hands, that we have often delivered Israel. 3 But now I am old, and you moreover, by his mercy, are of a sufficient age. Take the place of me and my brother, and go out and fight for our nation; and let the help which is from heaven be with you.

4 He chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war and cavalry, and they went against Cendebaeus, and slept at Modin. 5 Rising up in the morning, they went into the plain, and, behold, a great army of infantry and cavalry came to meet them. There was a brook between them. 6 He encamped near them, he and his people. He saw that the people were afraid to pass over the brook, and he passed over first. When the men saw him, they passed over after him. 7 He divided the people, and placed the calvary in the midst of the infantry; but the enemies’ cavalry were exceedingly many. 8 They sounded the trumpets; and Cendebaeus and his army were put to flight, and many of them fell wounded to death, but those who were left fled to the stronghold. 9 At that time Judas, John’s brother, was wounded; but John pursued after them until he came to Kidron, which Cendebaeus had built. 10 They fled to the towers that are in the fields of Azotus; and he burnt it with fire. About two thousand men men of them fell. Then he returned into Judea in peace.

11 Ptolemy the son of Abubus had been appointed governor over the plain of Jericho, and he had much silver and gold; 12 for he was the high priest’s son-in-law. 13 His heart was lifted up, and he planned to make himself master of the country, and he made deceitful plans against Simon and his sons, to do away with them. 14 Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and attending to their needs. He went down to Jericho—himself with Mattathias and Judas his sons—in the one hundred and seventy-seventh year,+ 16:14 circa B.C. 136. in the eleventh month, which is the month Sebat. 15 The son of Abubus received them deceitfully into the little stronghold that is called Dok, which he had built, and made them a great banquet, and hid men there. 16 When Simon and his sons had drunk freely, Ptolemy and his men rose up, took their weapons, rushed in against Simon in the banqueting place, and killed him, his two sons, and some of his servants. 17 He committed a great iniquity, and repaid evil for good.

18 Ptolemy wrote these things and sent to the king, that he should send him forces to aid him, and should deliver him their country and the cities. 19 He sent others to Gazara to do away with John. To the captains of thousands, he sent letters to come to him, that he might give them silver, gold, and gifts. 20 He sent others to take possession of Jerusalem and the temple hill. 21 One ran before to Gazara, and told John that his father and kindred had perished, and he has sent to kill you also. 22 When he heard, he was greatly shocked. He seized the men who came to destroy him and killed them; for he perceived that they were seeking to destroy him.

23 And the rest of the acts of John and of his wars and of his valiant deeds which he did, and of the building of the walls which he built, and of his achievements, 24 behold, they are written in the chronicles+ 16:24 Gr. a book of days. of his high priesthood, from the time that he was made high priest after his father.