2 Macc 11

1 Not long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs,took sore displeasure for the things that were done. 2 And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all the horsemen, he came againstthe Jews, thinking to make the city an habitation of the Gentiles, 3 And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set thehigh priesthood to sale every year: 4 Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen,and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants. 5 So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a strong town, but distant fromJerusalem about five furlongs, and he laid sore siege to it. 6 Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds, they and allthe people with lamentation and tears implored the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel. 7 Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting the other that they wouldjeopard themselves together with him to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a willingmind. 8 And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing,shaking his armor of gold. 9 Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took heart, insomuch that they wereready not only to fight with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron. 10 Thus they marched forward in their armor, having an helper from heaven: for the Lordwas merciful to them 11 And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they killed eleven thousand footmen,and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the other to flight. 12 Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully,and so escaped. 13 Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss he had had, andconsidering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent to them, 14 And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he wouldpersuade the king that he must needs be a friend to them. 15 Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of the common good;and whatever Maccabeus wrote to Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it. 16 For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias to thepeople of the Jews sends greeting: 17 John and Absalon, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and maderequest for the performance of the contents thereof. 18 Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them,and he has granted as much as might be. 19 And if then you⌃ will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavorto be a means of your good. 20 But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came fromme, to commune with you. 21 Fare you⌃ well. The hundred and eight and forties year, the four and twentieth day ofthe month Dioscorinthius. 22 Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus to his brother Lysias sendsgreeting: 23 Since our father is translated to the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realmlive quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs. 24 We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought tothe custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they requireof us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws. 25 Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restorethem their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers. 26 You shall do well therefore to send to them, and grant them peace, that when they arecertified of our mind, they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs. 27 And the letter of the king to the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochussends greeting to the council, and the rest of the Jews: 28 If you⌃ fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health. 29 Menelaus declared to us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your ownbusiness: 30 Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirties day of Xanthicuswith security. 31 And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as before; and none of themany manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done. 32 I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you. 33 Fare you⌃ well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the monthXanthicus. 34 The Romans also sent to them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and TitusManlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting to the people of the Jews. 35 Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin has granted, therewith we also are well pleased. 36 But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after you⌃ have advisedthereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going toAntioch. 37 Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind. 38 Farewell. This hundred and eight and forties year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.