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