THE FIRST BOOK OF.  

M A C C A B E E S   

      Chapter 1              TO INDEX

     From Alexander to Antiochus Epifanes.

1. It happened after Alexander son of Philip the Macedonian, the first monarch in Greece, came out of the land of Chettim having made many wars and taken strongholds, he smote Darius king of the Persians and Medes and reigned in his stead.

2. Afterwards he slew yet other kings in other lands going through the earth taking spoils of many nations with no-one able to withstand him, for he had an overwhelming army.

3. But having taken the nations, he became proud, and fell into sickness, and knowing he was to die he summoned all his servants that had grown up with him from his youth, and made them princes while he was yet alive.

4. So Alexander reigned twelve years and died, and his servants ruled in his place, they put crowns on themselves and so did their sons after them for many years, and evil multiplied in the earth.

5. Out of these then came a wicked root, namely; Antiochus surnamed Epifanes, a son of Antiochus the king, who had been held hostage at Rome.  He then reigned in the 137th year of the kingdom of the Greeks.

      Israel falls to idolatry.

6. In these days there were wicked men in Israel who persuaded many saying; Let us make a covenant with the nations round about and accept their worship, for ever since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.

7. This device then pleased them, and certain of the people went to the king who sanctioned them to do after the ordinance of the heathen, then they built of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen.

8. And they no longer kept the circumcision, and forsook the holy covenant joining themselves to the heathens, selling themselves to perform mischief. 

     Antiochus takes Egypt.

9. When therefore the kingdom was established to Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt, so that he might have dominion over the two realms.

10.  Wherefore he entered Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, elephants, horsemen, and a great navy to make war against Ptolemy king of Egypt.

11.  But Ptolemy was afraid of him and fled, but many were wounded to death, and thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt, taking also the spoils thereof.

Persecution

12.  Then after he had smitten Egypt he returned in the 143rd year going up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude and proudly entered the sanctuary.

13.  From where he took the golden altar, the candlestick and all the vessels, the table of show-bread, the libation vessels, the vials, censers of gold, the veil, the crowns, and the golden ornaments that were before the temple.

14.  He took also the hidden treasures that he found, and having taken all he could he went to his own land having made a great massacre and spoken proudly.

15.  Therefore there was great mourning every-where in Israel; the whole land was in sorrow because of the rage that had occurred, the whole house of Jacob being in confusion.

16.  Then after two years the king sent his chief collector to Judah who arrived with a great multitude before Jerusalem, and he spoke peaceably to not harm them if they let him in.

17.  But it was deceit, for they believing him letting him enter, he fell on them deceitfully killing many Israelites, and he plundered the city, and burned their houses.

18.  And taking the women and children and cattle captive, he established the city of David making it a stronghold for himself.

19.  And they put a sinful people therein who committed all sorts of wickedness, and stored it with armor and victuals gathering all the spoils of Jerusalem.

20.  Moreover they guarded the sanctuary preventing those who wished to come from worshipping there, and so they shed much innocent blood at the sanctuary and defiled it.

21.  The people of Jerusalem then fled from them leaving only strangers, thus her own children that were born in her had to leave her.

22.  The sanctuary thus became a wilderness, her feast were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, and her honor into contempt, for just as her glory had been so now there was dishonor, her excellence turned into grief.

       Jewish services terminated.

23.  Then Antiochus commanded in all his kingdom that all should be one people, that everyone should leave his laws to instead have only one worship.

24.  The heathen then agreed to this and also many of the Israelites, and they sacrificed to idols and profaned the Sabbath.

25.  For the king had sent letters by messengers to Jerusalem and the other cities of Judah that they should follow this strange law of the land, and forbid burnt offerings and sacrifices, and drink offerings in the temple.

26.  And that they should profane the Sabbath and days of festivals, and pollute the sanctuary, and set-up altars and groves of idols, and to sacrifice the flesh of swine and other unclean beasts.

27.  And they were to leave their children uncircumcised, and defile their souls with all sorts of uncleanliness and profanity to the intend that they should forget the law and ordinances.

28.  And whosoever would not do accordingly was by the king's command to be put to death, and overseers were appointed commanding the people of Judah to sacrifice city by city.

29.  And many of the people were gathered to them, namely; everyone that forsook the law, by which they drove the true Israelites into secret places fleeing for safety.

30.  On the 15th day of Kislev then in the 145th year, they setup this abomination of desolation on the altar building idols throughout the cities of Judah, and burning incense at the doors of their houses and in the streets.

31.  And whatever books they were able to find they burned, and anyone found with a book was by the king's command to be put to death.

32.  On the 25th of that month then there were sacrificing on an idol altar putting some women, who had caused their children to be circumcised, to death.

33.  They hung their infants by the necks, and robbed their houses, and killed those that had circumcised them.

34.  But there were still many in Israel that were fully resolved and determined not to eat anything unclean, choosing rather to die than to be defiled with meats, not wishing to profane the holy covenant.  And thus they died.

       Chapter 2

      Mattathias stands firm

1. In those days there was a priest named Mattathias, son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarid from Jerusalem, and he lived in Modin.

2. And he had five sons; Jannas, called; Caddis, Simon, called; Thassi, Judas who was called Maccabees, Eleazar, called; Aravan, and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.

3. And seeing the blasphemies that were committed in Judah and Jerusalem he said; ""woe is me, why was I born to see this misery of my people and the holy city.

4. That I have to sit here while the enemy commits its atrocities, with strangers having the sanctuary, and the temple having become without honor, her glory is carried away, her infants slain, and her young pierced with enemy swords.

5. The kingdom has become a spoil for all the heathens, her ornaments are taken away, from being a queen she has become a servant, our beauty, and our glory is now profaned, why then shall I live any longer?"

6. Mattathias then and his sons mourned very greatly tearing their clothes and putting on sackcloth.

       Mattathias refuses to honor the idols

7. When therefore the enforcers of the king came to Modin to force the people, and many people consented, but Mattathias and his sons did not.

8. The officers of the king then said to Mattathias; "You are a ruler and a great and honorable man in this city having many sons and friends, you should therefore come forth first to fulfill the command of the king as they did in every other place.

9. In that way you and your sons will find the king to be merciful, and you will receive gold and silver, and other rewards."

10.  But Mattathias answered him with a firm voice; "Even if all nations that are under the king's domain obeyed him, falling away from the law of their fathers, yet I and my sons will not depart.

11.  God forbid that we should forsake His law, wherefore we will not listen to the kings command to depart from our law, not to the left nor to the right."

12.  And having said these words, one of the Jews came in the sight of all and sacrificed on the idols altar, and Mattathias seeing this was hurt and inflamed with zeal, his reins trembling.

13.  Nor was he able to hide his anger, but he came and killed the man on the altar, and also the king's commissioner who compelled them to sacrifice he killed, and overthrew the altar.

14.  This Mattathias was zealous for the law like Phinees did to Zambri the son of Salom, and Mattathias cried throughout the city saying; Whosoever is zealous for the law to maintain the covenant, let him follow me.

15.  He and his sons then fled into the mountains leaving all that they ever had in the city, and many that were just came down to live with them in the wilderness, they with their wives their children and their cattle, for the oppression had become great.

16.  But when this was reported to the king's servants and to them that were at Jerusalem, that certain men had broken the king's command and gone to secret places in the wilderness, they pursued them with a great number.

17.  And having overtaken them they camped against them making war on them on the day of the Sabbath, and they spoke to them saying; Let that which you have done to date be sufficient, come now however and do according to the king's command, and you shall live.

18.  But they said; "We will not come forth, nor perform the king's command to profane the Sabbath".

19.  Then they attacked them while the children of Israel would not defend themselves but said; "We will die in our innocence, heaven and earth shall testify for us that you have put us to death wrongfully".

20.  Mattathias and his friends however on hearing of this they mourned greatly, and said to one an-other; "Shall we do like our brothers, not defending ourselves against the heathens?  If indeed we do they shall quickly root us out of the earth."

21.  Therefore they decreed: When they come against us on a Sabbath we will defend ourselves that we do not all perish like our brothers that were murdered in their hiding places.

22.  A great company now had come to them of the Assideans, mighty men of Israel who remained firm in the law, and everyone that fled from persecution joined themselves to them, thus their strength increased.

23.  And they armed themselves, and killed many deserters and wicked men in their zeal and wrath, while those who escaped fled to the heathens.

24.  After this, Mattathias and his friends went round about the land pulling down the altars, and with force circumcised all the children they found which were not circumcised.

25.  So they pursued after the wicked and prospered keeping the law against the might of the heathens, not suffering the sinners to triumph.

        Mattathias admonition and death

26.  Then Mattathias, having become very old, spoke to his sons; "There is great pride and oppression come against us, be therefore zealous for the law my sons, and give your lives for the covenant of our fathers.

27.  Remember what acts our fathers did in their time, that you also may receive great honor and an everlasting name, was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and was it not counted to him for righteousness?

28.  And Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandments and was made lord of Egypt and Phinees our father being zealous and fervent obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.

29.  And Joshua (Jesus) for fulfilling the word was made Highest ruler in Israel.  And Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received the inheritance of the land.  And David for being merciful possessed the throne for an everlasting kingdom.

30.  And Elijah labored for the law and was taken up into heaven, and Annanias, Azarias, and Michael by believing were saved out of the flame, and Daniel for his innocence was delivered from the mouth of the lion.

31.  And so consider through the ages that no-one that put their trust in God shall be overcome, do not therefore fear the words of sinful men, for their glory shall be dung and worms.

32.  Today he is lifted up, but tomorrow he will not be found, and being returned into his dust - his thoughts have come to nothing, be valiant therefore my sons and show yourselves men on behalf of the law, for by it you shall obtain glory.

33.  Your brother Simon is wise, give ear to him as a father, and Judas is strong, a brave man from his youth already, let him be your captain and fight the battle of the people.

34.  Accept all that observe the law, and avenge the wrong done to our people, and reward the heathen according to their deeds, and take heed to the commandments of the law."

35.  Thus speaking he blessed them, and he was gathered to his fathers, he died in the 146th year, and his sons buried him in the sepulcher of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made great lamentation for him.

        Chapter 3

      Judas defeats Apollonias.

1. Then his son Judas, called Maccabees, rose up in his stead, and all his brothers, and all that had held with his father committed themselves with him, and with cheerfulness they fought the battle of Israel.

2. Thus Judas obtained great honor for his people, for he put on his armor as a giant and protected his people with the sword.

3. In his acts he was like a lion and like a young lion roaring for his prey he pursued the wicked seeking them out and burning those that vexed his people.

4. The wicked therefore feared for him, and the workers of iniquity were troubled since salvation prospered in his hand, he grieved many kings, but many of Jacob were glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed forever.

5. He went through the cities of Judah destroying the ungodly, turning the wrath away from Israel so that he became renowned to the ends of the earth, and he received all the oppressed to himself.

6. Then Apollonias brought a great army of heathens against him from Samaria, and Judas perceiving this, went forth to meet him and battled with him, killing both him and many with him while the rest fled.

7.  And having taken the spoils he took the sword of Apollonias and kept it all the days of his life. 

      Judas defeats Seron.

8. Now when Serena, a prince of the army of Syria, heard that Judas had gathered a multitude of the faithful to himself he said.  "I will go to get me a name and honor in the whole kingdom, in fighting Judas and those that are with him that despise the king's command."

9. He thus readied himself to go up, and with him was a mighty host of the ungodly to help him to be avenged on the children of Israel.

10.  And as they came near to Beth-horon Judas went forth to meet him with a small company, and seeing the great host they said to Judas.  "How shall we be able to fight against such a great multitude with the small company that we are, for in addition we are also worn out from fasting all this day?"

11.  And Judas answered.  "It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few, for to God in heaven it is all the same to deliver with a great multitude or to deliver with a small company, for the victory is not in the multitude of men - but in the strength from above, from heaven.

12.  They boast against us in great pride to murder our wives and our children and to spoil us, but we fight for our lives and for our laws, therefore the Lord will overthrow them before us, be therefore not afraid of them."

13.  And no sooner had he left off speaking or he ran forth upon them and drove Seron and his host to flee, and he pursued them from Beth-horon to the plain, and slew about 800 of them while the rest fled to the land of the Philistines.

14.  And so the fear of Judas became exceedingly great on the nations round about, and his fame was reported to the king, for all nations talked of the battles of Judas. 

       Antiochus to battle with Israel.

15.  And King Antiochus hearing these things was full of indignation wherefore he sent to gather all his forces from throughout his reign, a very great army.

16.  And he opened his treasure giving his soldiers wages for a year commanding them to be ready whenever he should need them.

17.  But seeing that his treasure began failing - for the tributes in the countries were small because of the dissension and plagues which he had brought on the land in taking away the laws which had been of old.

18.  So he feared that he would 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 been more liberal than all kings before him.

19.  Thus being greatly perplexed he determined to go into Syria to there take the tributes of the countries, to gather much money.  And he left Lysias, a nobleman one of royal blood, to oversee the king's affair from the Euphrates to the borders of Egypt, and to raise his son Antiochus until he should return.

20.  And with this Lysias he left half his forces and the elephants, and charged him concerning them that dwelt in Judah and Jerusalem that he should sent an army against them to destroy and root out the strength of Israel.

21.  And that he should take away the remnant of Jerusalem to remove their memorial from that place, and to place strangers in their stead, dividing also their land by lot.

22.  So the king took half the forces and departed from Antioch his royal city in the 147th year, and passing the river Euphrates he went through the high country.

23.  Lysias then chose Ptolemy the son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends, and with them sent 40.000 footmen and 7000 horsemen to go into the land of Judah to destroy it as the king had commanded.

24.  And they going forth with all their power came to pitch by Emmaus in the plain country.  And the merchants of the country hearing the fame of them came to meet them with much silver and gold to buy the children of Israel from them as slaves, and besides that more men of war came to them from Syria.

       Judas readies for battle.

25.  When therefore Judas and his brothers saw that the oppression had multiplied, and that the forces were encamped at their border, and had heard how the king had commanded to destroy all Judah, they said to one another.  "Let us destroy the decayed state of our people fighting for them and for the sanctuary."

26.  So they gathered everyone together that they might be ready for battle and that they might pray to ask for mercy and compassion of the Lord.

27.  Jerusalem now at that time was void like a wilderness, none of her children went in or out of her, and the sanctuary was trodden down heathen aliens keeping the strongholds, thus the glory of Jacob had ceased and no harp nor flute was heard in it.

28.  The Israelites therefore assembled themselves at Maspha, which is over against Jerusalem, for it was in Maspha where in that time they prayed in Israel, there they fasted and put on sackcloth and cast ashes on their heads and rent their clothes.

29.  And they opened the books of the law which the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their images therein, and they brought the garments of the priests, and also the first-fruits and tithes there.

30.  And they stirred up the Zazarites to keep their appointed times, and cried with a loud voice to heaven saying; What shall we do with these, and where shall we carry them?  For Thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and Thy priests are in heaviness and brought low.

31.   And Lo, the heathen are assembled against us to destroy us, and Thou does know what they have in mind against us, how O Lord shall we be able to stand against them lest Thou be our help?

32.  Then Judas called the people together with the trumpets and ordained captains over the people.  And for such as were building houses or had just been married or that were planting vineyards, or them that were fearful, these he commanded to return every man to his house according to the law.

33.  After this they pulled up and encamped on the south side of Emmaus, and Judas said; "Arm yourself and be valiant and be ready for the morning that you may fight with these nations that are assembled together to destroy us and our sanctuary.

34.  For it is better for us to die in battle than to behold the calamities of our people and our sanctuary, and as the will of God in heaven is - so let Him do."

     Chapter 4 

      Judas defeats Gorgias.

1. Gorgias then by night took 5000 footmen and 1000 of the best horsemen and left the camp to rush in on the camp of the Jews to smite them by surprise using as guides some of those which were on the fortresses.

2. But Judas had left earlier with his valiant men that he might smite the king's army while they were yet dispersed from the camp, so it happen that when Gorgias arrived at the camp of the Jews they found no-one there.

3. And he went to seek them in the mountains presuming that they were fleeing from him, but as soon as it was daylight Judas showed himself in the plain with three thousand men who were without armor excepting their clothes and swords.

4. And seeing how the army was well equipped, and with a strong cavalry, and that they were men of war, Judas spoke to them saying.  Fear not their multitude nor be afraid of their might, but remember how our fathers were delivered at the Red Sea when Pharaoh pursued them with his army.

5. But let us call to heaven that the Lord may be gracious to us, and remember the covenant with our father, and destroy this host which is before us this day that all the heathens may know that it is the Lord who delivers and saves Israel.

6. The heathens then when they saw Judas and his men coming - went up to battle, but as Judas let the trumpets be sounded and attacked them - they fled out into the plain.

7. The hind-end however was killed with the sword for they pursued them to Dazera and to the plains of Idumean and Azotus and Jamnia so that 3000 of them were slain.

8. And Judas returning from the pursued said to the people; "Do not spoil them for there is yet a battle before us, namely; Gorgias and his host which are here in the mountains, remain therefore in your order and having overcome them you may boldly take the spoils."

9. Judas then having thus spoken - there appeared part of these men on the mountain.  And Gorgias seeing that the Jews had put his men to flight and the smoke that went up that his camp was burning, and seeing Judas in the plain ready to fight he became sorely afraid and fled into the land of the heathens.

10.  Then Judas proceeded to take the spoils, which came to much gold, silver, blue silk, and purple of the sea, and after this they went home singing songs of thanksgiving, praising the Lord in heaven for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.

       Lysias defeated.

11.  Israel thus had a great deliverance that day, and those of the heathen that had escaped came to Lysias telling him what had happened, and Lysias was quite confounded that the thing, which the king had commanded him, had not come to pass.

12.  Wherefore in the next year Lysias gathered 60.000 footmen and 5000 horsemen that he might subdue the Jews and they came to Idumean and pitched their tents at Bethsura.

13.  And Judas met them with 10.000 men, and seeing the mighty army he prayed saying "Blessed art Thou O Savior of Israel who quelled the violence of the mighty men by the hand of Thy servant David.

14.  And who gave a whole army of heathens into the hand of Jonathan, son of Saul, and his armor bearer, I pray Thee shut up this army in the hand of Thy people Israel that with all their might and cavalry they may be put to shame.

15.  Give them a fearful and fainting heart, destroy them O Lord by the sword of those that love Thee that all who know Thee may praise Thee with thanksgiving."

16.  After this they joined battle and Lysias lost about 5000 men, and seeing that his men were fleeing and that the Jews were unafraid, that they were ready to either live with honor or die valiantly, he then abated.

17.  And he went back to Antioch and gathered a company of heathens greater than before to again come up against Judea.

       The cleansing of the temple.

18.  But Judas told his brothers; "Behold, our enemies are defeated, let us therefore go and cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary."

19.  And all the men came together and went up to Mount Zion and seeing how the sanctuary was desolated and the altar profaned, the gates burned, and weeds growing tall in the courts and the houses of the priests were torn down.

20.  They rent their clothes and made great lamentation and cast ashes on their heads, and they bowed on their faces and blew an alarm with the trumpets crying to heaven.

21.  And Judas appointed certain men to secure those that were in the fortresses while he cleansed the sanctuary, and he choose priests of blameless conduct, which had pleasure in the law, to cleanse the sanctuary, and to bring the defilement out of it to an unclean place.

22.  And since the altar of burnt offerings was profaned they consulted what to do with it and thought it best to pull it down lest it should be a reproach to them, for the heathen had defiled it.

23.  Accordingly they pulled it down and laid its stones on a mount by the house keeping them until a prophet should come to show what to do with them.

24.  And he took uncut stones according to the law and built a new altar like the former, and rebuilt the sanctuary and the interior of the house, and hallowed the courts.

25.  They also made new holy vessels, candlestick, the altar of incense, and the table, and brought them again within the temple and lighted the lamps so they might have light in the temple.

26.  And they placed bread on the table and hung the veils finishing all the work of the temple completely.

       The temple dedicated.

27.  On the 25th of Kislev then in the 148th year they rose early and offered sacrifice on the new altar according to the law, this was the first offering after the heathen had profaned the former, and this was done with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals.

28.  Then all the people bowed on their faces worshipping and praising the God of heaven who had given them such good success, and they kept the dedication eight days offering burnt offering with gladness and sacrificing the sacrifice of deliverance with praise.

29.  And he decorated the front of the temple with crowns and shields of gold, and renewed the gates and living chambers, thus there was very great gladness among the people, the reproach of the heathens having been put away.

30.  And Judas with his brothers with the whole congregation of Israel ordained that the days of dedication of the altar should be kept in its season from year to year for eight days from the 25th of Kislev with joy and gladness.

31.  And they also built-up the walls and strong towers round about on mount Zion lest the Gentiles should come to tread it down as they had done previously.

32.  And they set a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it that the people might have a defense against Idumean.

     Chapter 5 

      Judas defeats Edom and Ammon.

1. But when the nations round about heard that the altar was built again and the sanctuary renewed, it displeased them very much and sought to destroy the generation of Jacob, and starting at the borders they began to kill them.

2. Then Judas fought against the children of Esau of Idumean at Arabattine where they had besieged Israel, and he killed many of them and spoiled them.

3. Moreover He remembered the injury of the children of Bean who had been a snare and an offense to the people laying in wait for them on the roads, and he encamped against them and burned their towers with them in it.

4. Afterwards he passed over to the children of Ammon where there were many warriors with a captain named Timotheus, there he fought many battles till he gained victory, and he took Jazar with the towns belonging to it, and returned again to Judea.

      The Jews in Galilee ask for help.

5. Then the heathen that were at Gilead assembled themselves against the Israelites that were in their quarters to destroy them, but they fled to the fortress of Dathema and sent letters to Judas and his brothers saying;

6. "The heathen that are round about us are assembled against us to destroy us, and they are preparing to come and take the fortress to which we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.

7. Come therefore and deliver us from their hands for we are few and the enemies have killed many, in Tobie they put app. 1000 to death, and they have carried their wives and children away as captives and also taken their belongings."

8. When these letters then were being read - other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent reported saying "Those of Ptolemais, of Tyrus, of Sidon, and of all Galilee of the Gentiles are assembled against us to destroy us."

9.  Judas then and the people hearing these words took counsel how they might help their brothers in this need.  And Judas said to Simon his brother to choose men and to go to deliver his brothers that were in Galilee, while Jonathan and I will go into the country of Galead.

10.  He then left Joseph and Azarias as captains of the people, of the remnant of the host of Judea to keep it, saying to them, "Take charge of this people and see to it that you do not war against the heathen until we return".

11.  To Simon then were given 3000 men, and Judas had 8000 men for the country of Galead.

      Simon and Judas free their brothers.

12.  Simon then fought many battles with the heathen in Galilee, and defeated them pursuing them to the gates of Ptolemais slaying about 3000 men whose spoils he also took.

13.  And he went to his brothers that were in Galilee and in Arbattia and took them with their wives and children bringing them to Judea with great joy.

14.  And Judas with his brother Jonathan crossed the Jordan and traveling three days into the wilderness they were met by the Nabathites who received them peacefully.

15.  And they told them what had happened to their brothers in the land of Galead, how many were imprisoned in Bosora, Bosor, Alema, Cashpor, Maked, and Carnaim, and that all these cities were strong and great, and that still others were imprisoned in other cities in Galead.

16.  They therefore concluded that on the morning they would go forth against these strong cities to take and destroy them.  And Judas turned back one-day's march and assaulted the city of Bosor before they suspected it, and he slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and taking their spoils he burned the city.

17.  From there he went by night till he came to the fortress where his brothers were held-up, and arriving in the morning he beheld a great multitude bearing ladders and other equipment of assault preparing to take the fortress.

18.  Judas therefore seeing that the battle had begun, and the cry of the city went up to heaven, he with a great sound of the trumpets said to his host.  Fight this day for your brothers, and he went forth behind them in three companies who sounded their trumpets, and the people prayed to God.

19.  Then the host of Timotheus seeing it was Maccabees behind them - they fled, yet about 8000 of them were slain that day.

20.  After this Judas went to Maspha, and assaulting it he took it and slew all the males therein, and taking the spoils thereof he burned it with fire.  From there he went and took Casphor, Maked, Bosora, and the other cities of the country of Galead.

21.  But Timotheus brought again a great army together and encamped against Raphon beyond the brook, and Judas sent men to spy them out who brought him word saying;

22.  All the heathens round about are assembled to them, a very great host, and he has also hired Arabians to help them, and they are pitched beyond the brook ready to fight you.  Then Judas went up to meet them.

23.  And Timotheus said to his host.  "When Judas and his host come near the brook - if he passes over before we do - we shall not be able to withstand him, but if he shall be afraid and camp beyond the river - we shall go over to him and prevail against him."

24.  Judas then coming to the brook commanded the officials to drive everyone over the brook and let no one remain in the camp to stay behind.

25.  And so when Judas came first over the water, the enemies cast away their weapons and fled to a temple at Carnaim, but Judas took the city and burned the temple with all that were in it.  Thus Carnaim was subdued, and they were no longer able to stand before Judas.

26.  After this Judas gathered all the Israelites that were in the country of Galead from the least to the greatest, and their wives, their children, and their belongings, to bring them to the land of Judea.

27.  But on the way - having come to Ephron - they had to pass through it since there was no way on either side to pass by, but the men of the city refused to allow them through, and they fortified their gates with stones.

28.  Judas however sent peaceful words to them saying, "Let us pass through your land to go into our own country and none of you shall be hurt, we will only pass through on foot".

29.  They however would not open to him where-fore Judas commanded to proclaim throughout the camp to assemble for battle, and all that day and that night they assaulted the city and it was delivered in their hands.

30.  He then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and taking the spoils he destroyed the city passing through over the dead bodies of them that were slain.

31.   After this they went over the Jordan into the great plain before Bethsan, and Judas drove those that came behind comforting them all the way till they came to the land of Judea.

32.  There they went up to mount Zion with joy and gladness and offered burnt offerings for the Lord had given them victory and had returned them to their homes in peace.

       The defeat of Joseph and Azarias.

33.  While now Judas and Jonathan were in Gilead and Simon in Galilee before Ptolemies, Joseph and Azarias heard of the valiant acts that they had done, and they said; Let us also obtain a name and fight the heathen that are around us. 

34.  Thus they gave charge to the garrison that was with them and went towards Jamnia from where Gorgias and his men came out of the city to fight them, and Joseph and Azarias were put to flight and pursued to the borders of Judea.

35.  On that day there were slain of the men of Israel about 2000, this was a great defeat among the children of Israel, and it happened because they were not obedient to Judas and his brothers and had done this out of their own pride to gain honor.

36.  Moreover, they were not the chosen by God to give deliverance to Israel, but Judas and his brothers were greatly renowned in the sight of all Israel and by all the heathen, and wheresoever their names were mentioned they were praised.  

       Judas defeats the Edomites and Philistines.

37.  And Judas went with his brothers up against the children of Esau in the south where he smote Hebron and the towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress thereof and burned the towers.

38.  From there he went into the land of the Philistines passing through Samaria where certain priests - desiring to show their valor - were slain in battle, for they went to fight without counsel or command.

39.  After this Judas went to Ashdoth in the land of the Philistines and having pulled their altars down, and burned their carved images, and spoiling their cities, he returned to the land of Judea.

       Chapter 6 

      Antiochus Epifanes dies.

1.  About that time king Antiochus traveling through the high country heard that Elymain in the country of Persia was a city renowned for riches in silver and gold.

2.  And that in it was a very rich temple with coverings of gold, with breastplates and shield which Alexander, son of Philip the Macedonian king who reigned first among the Greeks, had left there.

3.  So he came there and sought to take the city to spoil it, but those in the city had been warned and stood up against him in battle, and defeated he departed from there with great heaviness of heart returning to Babylon.

4.  And having come there he heard that the armies, which had gone against the land of Judea, were put to flight, that Lysias - who had gone forth with great power - was driven from the Jews.

5.  And that the Jews had become strong with the store of spoils and the armor which they had obtained of the armies in their victory of them, and that they had removed the abominations from Jerusalem and rededicated the temple and the altar, and built the walls as before.

6.  Antiochus then on hearing this was sore troubled, and he laid himself on his bed and became sick from grief, because it had not gone for him as he had looked for.

7.  And there he continued many days, his grief become more and more which weakened him so much that he saw that he would die, for which reason then he called his friends and said;

8.  Sleep has gone from my eyes and my heart fails because of care, for O how did I come into such tribulations, how great a flood of miseries this is wherein I am now.

9.  For I was bountiful and beloved in my power, but now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were there, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Jerusalem without cause.

10.  I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come on me, and behold; I perish from great grief in a strange land.

11.  He then called Philip, one of his friends, making him ruler over all his realm giving him the crown the robe and his signet to the end that he would bring up his son Antiochus to nourish him for the kingdom.

12.  So king Antiochus died there in the 149th year, and Lysias hearing that the king was dead, he set-up Antiochus, the son of Antiochus whom he had raised, to reign in his father's stead, and called him Eupator.

       Antiochus Eupator misled against the Jews.

13.  Meanwhile at mount Zion the heathens that were in the towers round about were continually seeking to hurt Israel wherefore Judas purposed to destroy them, and he called the people together to besiege them.

14.  And they came before them in the 150th year bringing all sorts of armor  and engines of war, but certain men from the besieged city, and also some of Israel went to the king and said,

15. "How long will you excuse justice and not avenge our brothers, we have been willing to serve your father and obeyed his commands, for which reason those of our nation of which we are alienated now besiege the towers.

16.  And they have taken as many of us as they could and spoiled our inheritance, and not only against us have they put out their hands, but also against all your borders.

17. And this day they are attacking the tower at Jerusalem to take it, and they have fortified the sanctuary and Bethsura, if therefore you do not prevent them quickly they will do yet greater things, nor shall you be able to rule them." 

       The battle between Judas and Antiochus

18.  The king then hearing these things was very angry, and he gathered all his friends and captains of his army with the cavalry and still other warriors that came to him from the isles of the sea, so that the number of his army was 100.000 footmen and 20.000 horsemen and 32 elephants trained in battle.

19.  These went through Idumean and pitched against Bethsura which they assaulted many days, and they made engines of war, but the men of Bethsura came out and burned them with fire fighting valiantly.

20.  Then Judas went from the tower and pitched at Bathzacharias over against the king's camp.  And the king rising early in the morning marched fiercely with his host towards Bathzacharias, and he arranged them for battle and sounded the trumpets.

21.  The elephants then were provoked with wine and juice of mulberries to excite them, and they were so arranged that with each elephant were 1000 footmen armed with harness and helmets, and also 500 horsemen.

22.  Wheresoever then the elephant went all them that were with it went, and every elephant wore a wooden tower in which were warriors besides the Indian who guided the beast, the rest of the horsemen were set on both sides of the flank to keep the men on foot together.

23. And when the sun rose it shone on the gold and metal shields so that the mountain looked as though it was on fire.  Part of the king's army then went down in the plain safely and in good order.

24.  And everyone who heard the noise of this multitude, and who beheld them with the rattling of the harnesses - were impressed, for the army was great and mighty.

25.  Then Judas and his host drew near entering the battle, and he slew 600 of the king's men, and one named Eleazar surnamed Savaran, desiring to obtain a perpetual name seeing one of the elephants higher than the rest - he supposed that the king was on it.

26. And he went courageously slaying those that were on the right and left, and he went under the elephant and trusts him from under, and the elephant fell on him crushing him under it.

       The men of Israel retreat.

27. The rest of the Jews however, seeing that the king's army was strong, they turned from them, after which the king's army went up towards Jerusalem and there pitched his tents in Judea against mount Zion.

28.  But those of Bethsura had come out since they had no victuals to endure the siege, for also it was the year of the rest of the land, and the king made peace with them, and set a garrison in it to keep it.

29.  He then besieged the sanctuary many days, setting artillery to throw fire and stones, and instruments to cast darts and slings.

30.  But those in the sanctuary also made engines against their engines holding the battle many days.  Yet at last their stores of food became depleted for it was the seventh year in Judea.  And many that had been delivered from the heathen having come had thus consumed the residue of the stores.

31. And so there were but few left in the sanctuary the famine prevailing against them, and they had to disperse to their towns.

       Peace between Israel and Antiochus.

32.  At the same time Lysias had heard that Philip whom Antiochus while he was yet alive had appointed to bring up his son that he might be king, had returned from Persia with the king's host, and that he sought to take to himself the ruling of the affairs,

33.  He then went in haste to the king and the captains saying; "We suffer want and our victuals are depleted and are losing much people, while the place we have under siege is very strong.

34.  And since we have more urgent business at home to keep peace in the kingdom, let us make peace with this people and suffer it that they keep their law as they have, for it is for that reason in that we are trying to abolish their laws that they are angry and fight so courageously."

35.  The king then and the princes consented, and the sent to make peace, and they accepted the peace, and the king and the princes made an oath wherefore they came out of their strongholds.

36.  And the king entered into mount Zion, but seeing how strong the place was - he broke his oath and commanded the walls to be pulled down round about.

37.  Then he departed in all haste returning to Antioch where he found Phillip to be master of the city, and he fought against him taking the city by force.

       Chapter 7 

      Demetrius led to go up against Judas.

1.  In the 151st year then Demetrius, son of Seleucus, departed from Rome and came with few men to the city by the sea coast and reigned there.

2.  And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors it came to pass that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias and were bringing them to him.

3.  But he said; "Let me not see their faces".  Demetrius thus killed them and having seated himself on the throne of his kingdom, there came to him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel one of which was named Alcimus who desired to be high priest.

4.  And they accused the people of Israel before the king saying; "Judas and his brothers have killed all your friends and driven us out of our land.

5.  Sent therefore someone whom you trust and let him see how they have wrought havoc among us and in the king's land, and let him punish them inclusive all that give them aid."

6.  Then the king choose Bacchides, a friend in whom he trusted, who was captain of the territory on this side of the Euphrates, this one he sent with that wicked Alcimus whom he had made high priest and commanded him to punish the people of Israel.

7.  So they departed and came with a great army into the land of Judea where they sent messengers to Judas and his brothers to talk of peace.  But it was deceit, nor did Judas believe them since they had come with a great army.

8.  But many of the scribes went to Alcimus and Bacchides, and also many others of the people of Israel who sought peace and expected only goodness from Alcimus.

9.  For they said, "Alcimus a priest of the seed of Aaron will do us no harm."  And Alcimus spoke to them of peace and made an oath saying "We shall not harm you and your friends."  And they believed him.

10. He however took 60 of them and slew them in one day like as it is written.  "The flesh of Thy holy ones they have cast out, and their blood they have shed around Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them."

11. And because of this a great fear came on all the people who said; there is neither truth nor righteousness in Alcimus for he broke the covenant and the oath which he made.

12. After this, Bacchides went from Jerusalem and pitched his tents at Bezetrh where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, and he slew them and cast them in a great pit.  He then committed the country and the men of war to Alcimus while he himself went to the king.

13.  And Alcimus contending for the high priesthood took all the deserters and traitors in Israel to himself and took the land with force, doing much hurt to the people and troubling them.

14.  Judas then seeing how Alcimus with the deserters of his people were doing more harm than the heathens had done, he went round about the land of Judea to punish them that had revolted from him, preventing them with fear that they no longer dared to go back and forth in the country.

15. And Alcimus seeing that Judas had again become mighty and gotten the upper hand, and that he was unable to withstand him, he went to the king and spoke the worst that he could of them.

        Nicanor defeated and slain by Judas.

16. Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honorable princes, one who bore deadly hate towards Israel, with the command to destroy the people.

17. So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force and deceitfully sent to Judas and his brothers friendly words saying.  "Let there be no battle between you and me, I will come with a few men to see you in peace."

18.  So he came to Judas and they saluted one another peacefully, Nicanor however was preparing to take Judas with force, but this became known to Judas so that he did not go again to see him.

19. Nicanor then seeing that his plan was discovered went out to fight Judas as Capharsalama, there however he lost about 5000 men with the rest fleeing to the fortress of David.

20. After this Nicanor went up to mount Zion, and certain of the priest and elders came out of the sanctuary to salute him peacefully and to show that they offered sacrifices for the king.

21. But he mocked them laughing at them and abusing them shamefully, and speaking proudly he swore in wrath saying; "Unless you deliver Judas and his host into my hands I will burn this house if and when I return safely."  And with that he went out in great rage.

22. The priest then entered the sanctuary and stood before the altar-weeping saying.  "Thou O Lord chose this house to be called by Thy name, to be a house of prayer and petition for Thy people, be Thou 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."

23. Nicanor now pitched his tents at Beth-horon where a host of Syrians met him, but Judas pitched at Adasa with 3000 men, and there he prayed saying;

24. "O Lord when they that were sent from Sanherib blasphemed, Thy angel went out and smote 185.000 of them, even so destroy now this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he has spoken blasphemously against Thy sanctuary, and judge him according to his wickedness."

25. And on the 13th day of the month Adar the host joined battle, and the host of Nicanor was defeated and himself was the first to be killed in the battle, his men then seeing their leader was slain - they cast away their weapons and fled.

26. The men of Judas however pursued them a day's journey, from Adasa to Gazera with Judas sounding an alarm after them with trumpets so that all the people from all around came and closed in the enemy to slay them all, and none were left.

27. Afterwards they took the spoils and cut off Nicanor's head and his right hand, which he had stretched out so proudly, and they brought them hanging them up towards Jerusalem.

28. The people then rejoiced greatly, and kept that day as a day of great gladness ordaining it to keep it yearly, it being the 13th of Adar, and so the land of Judah was in a little rest.

      Chapter 8 

      The Romans.

1. Judas now had heard of the fame of the Romans that they were mighty and valiant men, and that they gladly accepted strangers to them protecting them, and that they kept their trust.

2. And it was also told to him of their wars and the noble acts they had done among the Galatians, how they conquered them and brought them under tribute, and of what they had done in Spain taking the mines where silver and gold was mined.

3. And that with counsel and endurance they had conquered many places, and had defeated many kings who had come from far places and forced them to pay tribute every year.

4. And they had defeated Philip in battle and Persues king of the Citims, and still others that had lifted themselves against them, and how Antiochus had come against them in battle with 120 elephants and cavalry and chariots, a very great army, and were defeated by them.

5. And they had forced Antiochus to pray for peace and levied a great tribute on him and his descendants to grant each year to the Romans, and on top of that he had to award him with hostages.

6. And they took from him India, Media, and Lydia, the goodliest countries, and gave them to king Eumenes, and also how the Greeks had determined to come up against them, but they having knowledge thereof sent a certain captain who slew many of them.

7.  And they took possession of their land pulling down their cities and walls, and spoiling them they took their wives and children captive making them servants to this day.

8.  It was also told to Judas how they destroyed and dominated all other kingdoms that resisted them, but with their friends and such others who relied on them - they kept trust.

9.  So it was said that they were mighty and feared in all countries, and whosoever they helped - were protected, but whosoever they wished to punish they would unsettle of land and people.

10. They thus were very strong, and this virtue they had, that no one was king among them, nor did they have a king, but a counsel in which there were 320 men who ruled well.  And that they committed their government by choosing one man each year to rule over all their dominion, and they were all obedient to that one, nor was there envy nor emulation among them.

       Treaty between Judas and the Romans.

11. In consideration of these things then Judas chose Eupolemus, the son of John, son of Accos, and Jason, son of Eleazar, and sent these to Rome to make a treaty of peace with them.

12. And to ask them for help, for they saw that the kingdom of the Greeks wished to oppress Israel with servitude, and thus they went to Rome, which was a very great journey.

13. And coming to the senate they said; "Judas Maccabees with his brothers and the people of the Jews have sent us to you to make a treaty of peace with you, and that you might protect us and be bond-members and friends with us.

14. This pleased the Romans well, and they wrote the treaty on tables of brass that they might be as a memorial of peace, and so sent them back to Jerusalem.

15. The copy then reads as follows; Good success be to the Romans and to the people of the Jews by sea and by land forever, let the sword and the enemy be far from them.

16.  If however war comes upon Rome or any of their friends throughout their dominion the people of the Jews shall help them as the need may be, nor shall they aid any enemy of the Romans with any weapons, food, moneys, or ships.

17.  This the Romans demand of the Jews, and they shall be faithful to this without deceit, and in the same manner if war comes on the nation of the Jews the Romans shall help them as the need may be, nor shall any food, weapons, moneys or ships be given to their enemies.

18.  According to these articles then the Romans made a covenant with the people of the Jews, if however one or the other party shall wish to add or diminish anything, they may do so at their pleasure, and whatsoever it be - it shall be ratified.

19.  And concerning the evils that Demetrius does to the Jews, we have written to him saying; why have you make your yoke heavy on our friends and bonds-men the Jews?  If therefore they complain once more against you we will do them justice fighting with you by sea and by land. 

      Chapter 9 

      The defeat and death of Judas.

1. Meanwhile   when Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea a second time with the best of his army.

2. And they went forth by the way that leads to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth which is in Arbela, and taking it they slew much people.

3. After this in the 152 year in the first month, they came to Jerusalem, and from there went to serea with 20.000 footmen and 200 men of cavalry.

4. Judas then had pitched his tents at Elesa with 3000 chosen men, but they seeing the multitude of the enemy - they became afraid and fled so that no more than 800 men remained with Judas.

5. Judas then seeing how his host had slipped away while the battle pressed on him, he was fearful in his mind and very much distressed for he had no time to gather them together.

6. He then said to those who remained.  "Let us arise and try us against the enemy if perhaps we may battle with them".  But they said; "We cannot, we are not able, but let us rather save our lives and return later after having gathered our brothers, for we are but few."

7. Then Judas said, "God forbid that I should do this thing - to flee from them, if our time is come then let us die manfully for our brothers and not stain our honor".

8. And with that the host of Bacchides came out of their tents and stood over against them their cavalry divided in two troops with the archers and slingers ahead, and they which marched at the front were all mighty men.

9. Bacchides himself then was on the right wing, and so they drew near sounding the trumpets and those of Judas also sounded the trumpets so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies.

10. And the battle continued from morning till night, and Judas perceiving that Bacchides and the strength of his army was on the right side, he took with him the hardy men and defeated the right wing and pursued them to mount Azotus.

11. But when the men on the left wing saw that those of the right were defeated, they followed Judas and those with him on their very heels, and there arose a battle in which many were slain on both sides, and Judas also was killed, and the rest fled.

12. Simon and Jonathan then took their brother Judas and buried him in the sepulcher of his fathers in Modin, and all Israel bewailed him making great lamentation mourning many days saying; How is the valiant man fallen that delivered Israel!

13. And as for the other things concerning Judas, his wars and noble acts which he did, and his greatness, these are because of their multitude not written.

       Jonathan succeeds Judas.

14. After the death of Judas then the wicked became strong in all the land of Israel, and in these days a great famine arose for which reason the people gave themselves over to Bacchides.

15. And Bacchides chose wicked men making them lords of the country, and they searched for all the friends of Judas to bring them before Bacchides who took vengeance on them using them despitefully.

16. Thus there was a great affliction in Israel the likes of which had not been since there was a prophet among them, and for this cause Judas friends came together and said to Jonathan'

17. Since your brother Judas died we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies and against Bacchides who persecutes us, we choose you therefore this day as our prince and captain in his stead that you may fight our battles.  Jonathan then took the governance on himself.

18. But Bacchides getting knowledge thereof sought to slay him, and Jonathan with Simon his brother and all that were with them - perceiving this, they fled into the wilderness of Thecoa pitching their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.

19. And Bacchides getting wind of this, came near to the Jordan with his entire host, meanwhile Jonathan had sent his brother John to ask of his friends the Nabathites if he might store his supplies with them.

20. But the children of Jamri came out of Medaba and took John and all that he had, and went their way.

21. Afterwards word came to Jonathan and Simon that the children of Jamri were making a great marriage and bringing a bride from Nadabatha with much people, she being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.

22.  They then remembered their brother John, thinking they had killed him, and they hid themselves under the cover of the mountain and beheld the children of Jamri as the bride came forth.

23.  And this came with many friends, with drums, with flutes, and with many weapons, then Jonathan and they that were with him fell on them from their place of ambush and made a slaughter of them killing many while the remnant fled into the mountains, but they took their spoils.

24.  So the marriage turned into mourning and the sound of their melody into lamentation, in this way they avenged the murder of their brother, and turning again they went to the Jordan.

25.  Bacchides then hearing thereof came out on the Sabbath on the banks of the Jordan with great power, and Jonathan said to his company; "Rise and let us fight for our lives, for we cannot now lay still as before.

26. For the enemy is near and we must defend ourselves, nor can we escape since we have enemies in front and behind us, and also the river is on one side and swamps and mountains on the other side, you therefore must call to heaven that you may be delivered of your enemies."

27. And with that they joined battle, and Jonathan reached forth to slay Bacchides, but he turned back from him, then Jonathan and his friends went into the water of Jordan swimming to the other side.

28. But those of Bacchides were not so brave to cross the Jordan, and so there were slain of the men of Bacchides that day about 1000 men.

       Bacchides reinforces the cities.

29. Then Bacchides, returning to Jerusalem, repaired the strong cities in Judea namely the forts in Jericho, Emmnas, Bethhoron, Bethel, Thamnatha, Phatathoni, and Taphon, these he strengthened with high walls and gates with bars.

30. And he put garrisons in them so they might work malice on Israel, and he also fortified the cities of Bethsura and Gazara, and the fortress at Jerusalem placing forces and stores of food therein.

31. Aside of that he took the children of the chief men of the country as hostages placing them to be kept in the towers of Jerusalem.

32. In the 153rd year then in the second month, Alcimus commanded the walls of the inner court, which the holy prophets had caused to be built, to be pulled down.  But having begun this work God punished him with Palsy so that he could not speak any longer to give orders, and the work was hindered.

33. And so he died in great torments, and Bacchides, seeing that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king, and the land of Judea had rest for two years.

34. But the ungodly in the land held counsel saying; Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease dwelling without care, let us therefore bring back Bacchides to take them all in one night.

35. So they went and told him their counsel, and Bacchides rose up and came with a great host, and he secretly sent letters to his adherents in Judea that they should take Jonathan and them that were with him.

36. But Jonathan was told of it for which reason it failed, and he captured 50 of these authors of mischief and slew them.

37. Then Jonathan and Simon and their company went into the wilderness to a place called Bethbasi - which they rebuilt making it strong.

38. And Bacchides getting knowledge of it gathered his host together with them of Judea and laid siege against Bethbasi for some time making engines for war.

39.  Jonathan then left the city to his brother Simon and went forth and smote Odonarkes and his brothers the children of Pharison in their tents.  And while doing so more came to him so that he became still stronger.

40.  Meanwhile Simon and his company came out also and burned the engines of war, and fought with Bacchides who was defeated before them.

41.  Then Bacchides was very displeased that his plan had failed, and he was angry with the Jews who had counseled him to come to Judea, and he slew many of them and prepared himself to return to his country.

42.  Jonathan then coming to know this, sent ambassadors to him to bid peace with him, and to return the prisoners, which Bacchides accepted doing as Jonathan had bid him, and he swore to him that he would never again do harm to him all the days of his life.

43.  He therefore restored the prisoners and returned to his own land, nor did he come anymore into the land of Judea, so the sword ceased from Israel, and Jonathan dwelt at Machmas and governed the people, and destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel. 

     Chapter 10 

     Demetrius seeks friendship with Jonathan.

1. In the 160th year then, Alexander son of Antiochus surnamed Epifanes, went and took Ptolemais and ruled there.

2. Then king Demetrius hearing this gathered an exceedingly great host and went forth to drive him out of there, and he wrote to Jonathan promising peace to him.

3. For he thought; it is better that I first make peace with him to bring him to my side before he might join Alexander, for perhaps he might recall all the evils that I did to him and his people.

4. It was therefore that Demetrius wrote to Jonathan giving him authority to gather men of war, and to make weapons so he might aid him in battle, and he commanded the hostages that were in the tower to be released.

5. Jonathan then went to Jerusalem and read these letters in the hearing of all the people and of them that were in the tower.  And they hearing that the king had given him authority to gather men for war and make weapons, they feared greatly and released the hostages, which Jonathan returned to their families.

6. Jonathan then settled in Jerusalem and began to repair the city, he caused the walls to be raised and built mount Zion with square stones, and thus Jerusalem was being rebuilt.

7. This caused the heathen that were in the fortresses that Bacchides had built, to flee away into their own country, except at Bethsura where all the deserters went to as a place of refuge. 

       Alexander attempts to gain Jonathan’s favor.

8. King Alexander now hearing what promises were sent to Jonathan by Demetrius, and concerning the valiant acts which were done by Jonathan and his brothers, he said; Where shall we find another such man?  Let us therefore write to him to be our friend and comrade.

9. So he sent saying; "King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greetings, we have heard that you are a man of great power, and we wish to be your friend, we therefore ordain you this day to high priest of your people and to be called the king's friend.

10. And with this we sent to you a purple robe and a golden crown, be therefore faithful to us and be our friend."

11. In the seventh month therefore of the 160th year, at the feast of tabernacles Jonathan put on the robe and gathered forces and made much armor.

       Demetrius offers still more.

12. Demetrius however was grieved on hearing that Alexander had turned the Jews away from him thereby strengthening himself, and he decided to speak friendly to them offering goods and honor to gain their support for him.

13. He thus wrote, King Demetrius to the people of the Jews, greetings.  We rejoice that you have kept the covenant with us and continued in our friendship not joining with our enemies.

14. We therefore in our continuing friendship wish to reward you for the things which you do on our behalf granting you immunity and rewards.

15. I therefore for your sakes release all the Jews from tributes and from the customs of salt and from taxes, and from that which attains unto the third part of the seed, and half of the fruit of the trees.

16.  From this day I release you that they may not be taken out of the land of Judea, nor of the three territories which are added thereto from the country of Samaria and Galilee.

17.  And let Jerusalem be holy and free from all burdens, tributes, and tenths, and I yield up my authority over the tower at Jerusalem which shall be given to the high priest to set men in it as he chooses.

18. And all prisoners in my territory shall be set at liberty, and my officers will remit them the tributes of their cattle.

19. Also there will be freedom in my entire kingdom for their Sabbath's, their new moons, and other solemn days.  And no man shall have authority to meddle with them, nor to molest them in any matter.

20. Let then 30.000 men be chosen in Judea to be enrolled in the king's army to be placed in the king's strong cities for which they will be paid.  And some will be given to be high counselors to the king, and all the Jews shall have their own officers so they may keep their laws.

21. And the three territories added to Judea, from the country of Samaria shall not be subordinate to anyone but to the high priest to reckon him the authority.

22. And as for Ptolemais and the land pertaining to it, I grant it as gift for the sanctuary at Jerusalem for its expenses, and I grant each year 15.000 shekels of silver of the king's account from the most convenient places.

23. And all that my officers formerly owed for the temple shall from now on be given together with the 5000 shekels of silver which my officers withheld from the income of the temple shall be given to the priests yearly.

24. And this liberty shall also be to the temple, that anyone who deserves to be punished in all of my kingdom, and that flees to the temple or what pertains thereto, shall be safe there with life and goods.

25. And for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and for the fortifications, the expenses thereof shall be given of the king's account.

       Jonathan keeps himself to Alexander.

26.  Jonathan however and his people when they heard these words did not trust them, for they recalled how unfaithful he was and the evils he had done in Israel.  And they decided to help Alexander who previously had sought friendship and peace with them, and these they gave their help all their days.

27.  When Alexander and Demetrius then gathered against each other the kings joining battle, the army of Demetrius fled, but Alexander pursued them and prevailed against them, the battle lasted from morning to sunset, and Demetrius was slain in that day.

28.  Then Alexander sent messengers to Ptolemy king of Egypt saying; "Since I have again come into my realm and am seated on the throne having overthrown Demetrius recovering our country, I desire to make peace with you.

29.  I entreat you therefore that you will give your daughter to be my wife, and I will be your son in law, and grant to you and her gifts worthy of your dignity."

30.  Ptolemy then wished him happiness that he had again come into his country and he promised to do as he had requested, and bid him to come to Ptolemais to behold each other and to consummate the marriage.

31.  In the 162nd year therefore Ptolemy went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra and came to Ptolemais where Alexander met them giving his daughter into marriage with great royal proceedings.

32.  King Alexander then had also invited Jonathan, and he went to Ptolemais with great glory to meet the two kings, and he gave them and their friend's costly gifts of gold and silver, and found favor in their sight.

33.  At that time certain debased men of Israel went and accused Jonathan before the king, but he would not hear of it, but instead commanded that Jonathan's garment be changed to put on him a purple robe, and he be led through the city making proclamation that no man make any complaint against him of any matter.

34.  His accusers then seeing the king honored him so highly, counting him among his highest friends, making him ride with him in royal proceedings, they fled.  Afterwards Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness.

       Jonathan resists Demetrius the 2nd.

35.  In the 165th year Demetrius, son of Demetrius, came out of Crete to the land of his fathers, and Alexander in fear returned to Antioch.

36. Demetrius then obtained Appolonius governor of Celesyria, as his general who gathered a great host and camped in Jamnia, and he sent to Jonathan the high priest saying;

37. "No-one resists us except you, and for your sake I am reproached, you may vaunt yourself in the mountains, but if you have any trust in your power come then into the plain and let us try each other.

38.  For with me is the power of the cities, and if you care to ask how strong we are, I and those with me, they will tell you that you will not be able to stand up to them before whom your fathers have twice been put to flight in your land.

39.  Much less therefore will you be able to stand in the open plain against our might on foot and horseback where there are no mountains and rocks to flee to."

40.  Jonathan then at hearing this was angry and he gathered 10.000 men and went out of Jerusalem and Simon his brother met him, and they pitched their tents before Joppe.

41. But the men of Joppe did not let them in, for there was a garrison of Appolonius there, then Jonathan assaulted the city, and the men for fear of him opened to him, and thus he took Joppe.

        Jonathan defeats Appolonius.

42.  Appolonius then on hearing this took a cavalry of 3000 men with a great host on foot and acted as though he wished to go to Ashdoth to so draw Jonathan in the open plain, for he had a great cavalry in which he trusted.

43. And Jonathan followed after him to Ashdoth where the armies joined battle, Appolonius however had placed 1000 horsemen in ambush.

44. And Jonathan discovering that an ambush was placed behind him, and that they had surrounded him, he held still with his people, and they cast darts at them from morning till evening till the horses tired.

45. Then Simon put forth his host, and the enemy being wearied, were spread out, and fled to Ashdoth where they went into the temple of dagon for safety.

46.  But Jonathan set fire to Ashdoth and the cities round about it, and took their spoils, and he burned the temple with all that had fled in it, and the number of the slain and burned were about 8.000.

47.  From there Jonathan went to Askalon where the men of the city came out meeting him with great pomp, afterwards he returned to Jerusalem with much spoils.

48.  Alexander then hearing of this honored Jonathan yet more, and sent him a golden girdle which only such receive as are of the blood of kings, and he gave him Ekron with what pertained to it.

      Chapter 11

      Ptolemy's deceit against Alexander.

1. The king of Egypt now gathered a host like the sand of the seashore and many ships, and he went through the kingdom of Alexander to join it to his own.

2. He therefore went with deceit to Syria as if he came as a friend, and they opened the cities to him since Alexander had commanded them so, he being his father in law.

3. But in every city in which he came he left a garrison.  And coming to Ashdoth they showed him the burned temple of dagon and the burned city, and all that Jonathan had done together with the dead bodies which they had cast on a heaps for him on the wayside.

4. They also told him whatsoever Jonathan had done in order to assert the king's disapproval against him, but the king held his peace.

5. And Jonathan met the king at Joppe where they lodged that night, and Jonathan accompanied the king to the river Eleutherus, after which he returned to Jerusalem.

6. King Ptolemy therefore having obtained the cities by the sea up to Selucia thought to drive out Alexander, and he sent ambassadors to Demetrius the 2nd saying.  "Come let us make a league and I will give you my daughter whom Alexander has, and you shall reign in your father's kingdom, for now it grieves me that I gave my daughter to him, for he sought to slay me."

7. Thus did he slander Alexander because he wanted his kingdom, and he took his daughter from him and gave her to Demetrius, so he forsook Alexander, and their hatred was openly known.

8. And Ptolemy having come in Antioch, he set both crowns on his head, the crown of Asia and of Egypt.

9. Ring Alexander meanwhile was in Cilicia, for those that lived there had revolted against him, and on hearing these events Alexander brought his host up in war against Ptolemy.

10.  But Ptolemy met him with a mighty power, and Alexander fled to Arabia for safety, but Ptolemy was exalted, for Zabdiel the Arabian, cut off the head of Alexander and sent it to Ptolemy.

11. And three days afterwards King Ptolemy also died, and the men in the garrison in the cities were slain by the people thereof, and so Demetrius reigned in the 167th year. 

       Jonathan consoles himself with Demetrius.

12. In these days Jonathan gathered them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem, and he made engines of war against it.

13. Then certain ungodly persons who hated their own people went to the king telling him that Jonathan besieged the tower.

14.  And the king being angry went to Ptolemais and wrote Jonathan not to lay siege to the tower, and to come to him in haste for he had matters to discuss with him.

15. Jonathan however on hearing this did not abandon the siege but chose certain elders and priests to go with him, and he went taking a chance against his life.

16. And he took with him costly things of silver and gold and raiment's and other various presents, and went to Ptolemais to the king where he found favor in his sight.

17. And though certain ungodly men of the people made complaints against him, the king nonetheless held him in honor as he had been before and honored him before all his friends and confirmed him in his high priesthood and all the honors he had till then.

18. And Jonathan desired of the king that he would free Judea and the three territories from tribute, and promised him 300 talents of gold, and the king consented and put it in writing saying;

19. "King Demetrius to his brother Jonathan and to the nation of the Jews, greetings, we are sending you a copy of the letter which we wrote to our cousin Lasthenes concerning you that you might see it.

20. King Demetrius to his cousin Lasthenes, greetings, we are determined to do good to the people of the Jews who are our friends, and to keep covenant with them because of their good will towards us.

21. We have ratified that all of Judea with the three territories Apherema, Lydda, and Ramathem, and all things pertaining thereto shall be owned to all of them that sacrifice at Jerusalem.

22.  We also forfeit all of the payments and tributes which before time the king received of them, and we discharge them of all of the fruit of the trees, the tithes, customs, salt, crown taxes, and all other.

23.  And this freedom shall be to them for all time, see therefore that you give this copy to Jonathan that he may set it on the holy mountain in a public place."

       Jonathan helps Demetrius against his enemies.

24.  King Demetrius then seeing that his kingdom was quiet, that no resistance was made against him, he let his men of war go to their homes each to their own city, except the strangers which he had gathered from the various isles.  And for this reason the people of the inland areas became angry with him.

25.  There was then a man named Tryphon who had been a friend of Alexander, and he perceiving that they harbored hatred against Demetrius he went to Simalcus the Arabian who had brought up the son of Alexander.

26.  And he reasoned with him to grant him the young Antiochus so that he might place him in his father's stead, and he told him what all Demetrius had done and why the people hated him, and so he remained with him for some time.

27. Jonathan meanwhile requested from King Demetrius that he would command those who were holding the tower at Jerusalem to forfeit it, for they were causing harm to Israel.

28.  Demetrius then sent to Jonathan saying.  "Not only will I do this for you and your people, but I will greatly honor you and your people as soon as I am able, but at the moment I am in great need.  You do well therefore if you sent me men to help me, for all my men have left me and are against me."

29.  Then Jonathan sent him 3000 strong men that came to the king at Antioch, and the king was very glad in seeing them.

30.  The men in the city however gathered themselves together to a number of 120.000 men, and they would have slain the king, but he fled into his court.

31.  Then the people took to the streets planning to assault the court.  The King then called for the Jews to help him, and they coming all at once, dispersing themselves in the streets throughout the city, in that day slew 100.000 of these men, and set fire to the city and took the spoils, thus they delivered the king.

32. The remainder of the people then seeing that the Jews had gained their hand on the city, their courage was abated and they called on the king for peace so that the Jews would not kill all of them and lay their city to ruins.

33. And so peace was made, and the men of Israel withheld their swords, and they were highly honored by the king and by all that were in his realm, and they returned to Jerusalem with great spoils.

34.  Demetrius then being safely on his throne again, and the land having rest, he did not keep his word to Jonathan in none of what he had promised him, but turned away from Him, being very ungrateful acting deceitfully against him.

       Jonathan supports Antiochus.

35.  Not long thereafter Tryphon came with the young Antiochus, and this Antiochus was crowned king, and to him gathered all the men of war whom Demetrius had sent away.

36. And they fought against Demetrius who fled before them, and so Tryphon took the elephants and Antioch.

37.  During that time the young Antioch wrote to Jonathan saying; "I confirm you in your high priesthood, and appoint you ruler over the four governments as one of the king's friends".

38. And he sent him golden vessels from which to drink, and clothing of purple to wear, and a golden girdle with which to gird himself, and his brother Simon he made captain of the land from Tyrus to the borders of Egypt.

39.  Jonathan then passing over the Euphrates coming to the cities beyond there gathered to him all the forces of Syria to help him.

40. And coming to Askalon they of the city came out to meet him with honor, from there he went to Gaza, but they shut him out wherefore he laid siege to the city and burned the suburbs thereof and spoiling them.

41.  Then the men of Gaza sued for peace, and Jonathan made peace with them, but he took the children of their chief men as hostages sending them to Jerusalem, then he passed on through the country to Damascus.

42. When Jonathan then heard that the princes of Demetrius were come to Cades in Galilee with a great power intending to hinder him, he went out to meet them leaving his brother Simon in charge in the land.

43. Simon then encamped against Bethsura and besieged it a long while, and they not daring to attack him asked for peace, which then he granted, and he let them go freely, but he took the city and placed a garrison in it.

44.  As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar from where in the morning they went to the plain of Nasor.

45.  The heathen then came up against them in the open field, and many were in ambush in the mountains, when Jonathan then attacked those in the field the rest that were in ambush also came to join battle.

46.  Then the men of Jonathan fled, so many in fact that only the captains were left namely; Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi.

47.   Then Jonathan rent his clothes and threw dirt on his head, and he prayed and turned attacking his enemies driving them to flee before him.

48.  And his men who had fled, when they saw this they turned again to him to help Jonathan, and they pursued them to Cades to their own tents, and there Jonathan also camped.

49.  So there were slain of the heathens in that day about 3000 men, and Jonathan returned again to Jerusalem.

       Chapter 12

      Jonathan renews the covenant with Rome.

1. Now when Jonathan saw that time was at his hand to serve him, he chose certain men sending them to Rome to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.

2. And also to the Lacedemonians and to other places he sent letters for the same purpose, and the men that were sent to Rome having come before the senate said;

3. Jonathan the high priest and the people of the Jews sent us to you to renew the friendship which we had with you, and the Romans gave them letters giving them a peaceful journey home again.

4. And this is the copy of the letter which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians; "Jonathan the high priest and the elders of the nation, the priests and the other people of the Jews to the Lacedemonians our brothers, greetings.

5. In times passed letters were sent to the high priest Onias from Darius who then reigned among you that you were our brothers, and Onias accepted the ambassador with honor, and accepted the declaration of friendship in the nature of the letters.

6. And though we have no need of the help of others at this time, for we have the holy scriptures, the word of God for our comfort, we nevertheless are sending to you for a renewal of our friendship lest we should become strangers, for it has been a long time since you sent to us.

7. We at all times both in our feasts and offerings remember you in the sacrifices and in the prayers, which we offer as it becomes brothers to remember one another.

8. And your honor and prosperity is gladness to us, we however have had much trouble and war with the kings on all sides, but we do not wish to trouble you nor our other friends in these wars.

9. For we have had help from heaven in these wars, the Lord our God delivering us from our enemies, and our enemies were brought under foot.

10. And while we choose Numenius the son of Antioch, and Antipater the son of Jason sending them to the Romans to renew the amity that we had with them, we commanded them also to go to you and to salute you and to deliver to you our letters concerning the renewal of our friendship.  We therefore request an answer.

11. And this is the copy of the letter which Onarius sent; Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greetings.

12. It is found in the writings that the Lacedemonians and the Jews are brothers, both being of the stock of Abraham, and since this is come to our knowledge, we entreat you to write to us regarding your prosperity.

13. And if it pleases you, our cattle and our goods shall be as were it yours, and your goods as were they ours, this we commanded our ambassadors to tell you.

        Jonathan and Simon pass through the country.

14.  After this Jonathan heard that the princes of Demetrius had again come with a greater might to come up against him, and he went from Jerusalem and them in the land of Amathis, for he did not wish to wait till they had gone as far as to enter his country.

15.  And having sent spies to their camp they reported that they were ready to attack them during the night, Jonathan therefore commanded his men to be at watch and at arms at all times that whole night ready to fight, and placed guards all around the camp.

16.  His adversaries then when they took notice that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, fear took hold of them and they broke up and departed leaving fires in the camp to hide their departure.

17.  For this reason Jonathan did not know they had departed until the morning, seeing the fires burning, he then pursued after them but did not overtake them for they had gone over the river Eleutherus.

18. Then Jonathan turned to the Arabians, the Zabadeans, and smote them and took their spoils, and from there went to Damascus passing through all the countryside.

19. Simon however went to Askalon and to the strongholds there about, and turned aside to Joppe, for he had obtained knowledge that they were ready to give themselves to the princes of Demetrius, thus he forename that and placed a garrison in it.

20. Afterwards Jonathan went home again and held counsel with the elders to build strongholds in Judea, and to make the walls of Jerusalem higher, and to raise a great wall between the tower and the city to separate it.

21. This was so that it might be independent and those of the tower could not fall on the city nor even sell or buy in it.

22. The people then came together and built, while the wall on the other side of the brook in the east was not renewed, thus they repaired that which was called Casphenatha, and Simon set up Adida in Sehela making it strong with gates and bars.

       Jonathan taken prisoner.

23. Tryphon now went about-to obtain the kingdom of Asia and to kill Antiochus to set the crown on his own head, he however was afraid of Jonathan that he would not allow it, wherefore he sought to take Jonathan to kill him.

24. So he came to Bethsan, and Jonathan went out to meet him with 40.000 men ready for battle, but Tryphon seeing how Jonathan came with a great force was afraid to take him on openly.

25. And instead he received him with honors and gifts, and commanded his men to be obedient to him as to himself, and to Jonathan he said; "Why do you trouble these people seeing there is no war between us?

26. Send them therefore home again and choose only a few men to wait on you, and come with me to Ptolemais which I will give to you and also the rest of the strongholds and also the forces, that you have charge of them, for as for me I will depart and return since this was my reason for coming."

27.  Jonathan then believing him did as he bade him sending his host away to the land of Judea retaining only 3000 men with himself of whom he sent 2000 into Galilee and 1000 with himself.

28. But as soon as Jonathan entered Ptolemais they shut the gate and took him prisoner while they killed the men that were with him.

29. Tryphon then sent a host of footmen and cavalry to Galilee to destroy the rest of his men in the plain, but they becoming aware of the fact that Jonathan had been taken, and his men slain, they encouraged one another and boldly came up against the enemy.

30. Then the men of Tryphon seeing Jonathan's men were ready to fight for their lives - they turned back, and the men of Judea came safely home, and there they bewailed Jonathan and them that had been with him with great lamentation in all of Israel.

31.  Then all the heathen that were round about sought to destroy them, for they said; They have no captain, nor any help to them, let us therefore make war on them and take away their memorial among men.

       Chapter 13 

      Simon takes leadership.

1. But Simon hearing that Tryphon had gathered a great host to invade Judea to destroy it, and beholding the people in fear and trembling, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathering the people he exhorted them saying;

2. "You know what great things I and my brothers and my father have done for the law and the sanctuary, and you have seen the need in which all of Israel has been for which reason, for the sake of Israel, my brothers have died, and I alone am left.

3. It be far from me however that I should spare myself in any time of trouble, for I am no better than my brothers.  But I will rather avenge my nation and the sanctuary, and our wives and children, for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us out of malice.

4. The people then hearing these words revived in their spirit and said; "You shall be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan your brothers, fight our battles, and whatsoever you command - we shall do".

5. He then gathered all the men of war, and hasted to finish the walls of Jerusalem fortifying it round about, and he sent Jonathan son of Absolon, with a great power to Joppe who threw out the enemies there.

      Simon attempts to rescue Jonathan.

6. Tryphon then removed himself from Ptolemais width a great army to invade the land of Judea, and took Jonathan as prisoner with him, but Simon went up and pitched his tents at Adida over against the plain.

7. And Tryphon discovering that Simon had risen up in the place of Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers saying.  "It is for the sum of money owing to the king's treasure that we hold Jonathan your brother, sent therefore 100 talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, so that when he is again at liberty that he will not revolt against us, and we will let him go."

8. Simon however realizing they spoke deceitfully, did nonetheless sent them the money and the children for sake of the people that would come to have hate him, saying It is because he did not sent the money and the children that now Jonathan is dead.

9. He therefore sent the children and the silver, but Tryphon did not keep his word, Jonathan thus did not go free.

       Jonathan's death and burial.

10. Instead he went forth invading the land going alongside the countryside on a way that leads to Adora, but Simon and his men marched with him all along the way, and wherever he attempted to invade - he resisted them.

11. And those that were in the tower sent to Tryphon that he should come up to them through the wilderness before Simon could get knowledge- of it, and they would sent them victuals.

12. Tryphon therefore made his cavalry ready to come to them, but that night a very heavy snow fell for which reason they were unable to come, so he departed and came in the country of Galead.

13. And having come near Bascama, he slew Jonathan, and was buried there.  Then Tryphon returned and went to his own land.

14. Simon then took up the bones of his brother and buried him on Modin in the city of his fathers, and all Israel made great lamentation for him bewailing him many days.

15. Simon also built a monument on the sepulcher of his father and brothers raising it high with cut stones, and set-up seven pyramids, one next to the other for his father, mother, and his four brothers.

16. And he caused great pillars to be set around it on which he hung their harnesses for an perpetual memorial, and above the harnesses he had ships carved which were visible from the sea, and this sepulcher at Modin stands there yet to this day.

       Simon binds with Demetrius.

17. Tryphon then dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him, and reigned in his stead crowning himself king of Asia, and troubled Israel sorely.

18. But Simon rebuilt the strongholds in Judea fencing them with high towers and great walls, with gates and bars, and laid up victuals.

19. And he sent to king Demetrius to give immunity to the land, for Tryphon did nothing but rob and spoil the land, Demetrius then answered in this manner saying;

20. "King Demetrius to Simon the high priest and friend of kings, and to the elders of the nation of the Jews, greetings.

21. We have received the golden crown and the scarlet robe, which you sent to us, and we are ready to have steadfast peace with you, and to write to our officers the immunity, which we have granted.

22. And whatever covenant we have made with you will stand, and the strongholds, which you have built, shall be your own.  And we forgive you for any fault committed to us, and if any other tribute is paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid, and whosoever are fit to serve in our guard, let them be enrolled, so let there be peace between us."

23. Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the year 170.  And the people began to write in their records, "In the first year of Simon, the high priest, governor and leader of the Jews". 

24. Simon then camped against Gaza closing it round about, and making engines of war he battered a certain tower and took it, and the men of that tower leaped into the city.

25. Then the people of the city lost heart to such extend that they rent their clothing and went on the walls with their wives and children praying Simon to spare their lives saying;

26. Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to your mercy."  And Simon having compassion towards them fought no more there, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses in which they had set-up idols.

27. And he put the uncleanliness out of the city, and placed men in it that would keep the law, and made it stronger than before, and built a house in it for himself.

28. And those who were in the tower at Jerusalem were besieged so they could neither buy nor sell, and came into great distress for want of food, and a great number died for famine.

29. And they cried to Simon asking for peace, giving themselves over, which thing he granted them, and putting them out, he cleansed the tower from pollution.

30. He entered it the 23rd day of the 2nd month on the 171st year with thanksgiving and palm branches, harps, cymbals, violins, and with hymns and song, for a great enemy was destroyed from out of Israel.

31. He also ordained that it should be kept every year with gladness, and he built the hill by the temple that was under the tower making it stronger than it had been, and there he dwelt with his company.

32. And Simon seeing that his son John was a valiant man, he made him captain of the host, and he lived at Gazara.

       Chapter 14

       Peace in Judea.

1. In the 172nd year Demetrius gathered his forces and went to Media to obtain help for war against Tryphon, but Arcases, king of Persia and Media, hearing that Demetrius had entered his borders, he sent his princes to take him alive.

2. And they smote the men of Demetrius, and took him and brought him to Arcases where they put him under guard.

3. And the land of Judea had rest enjoying peace all the days that Simon lived, for he ruled the land well doing much good, so that they gladly had him for a leader.

4. Aside of other honorable deeds, he took the city of Joppe and the entrance of the sea, and he enlarged the bounds of his nation and delivered many that were oppressed or taken prisoner.

5. Gaza was under his dominion, and Bethsura, and the tower out of which he took all the unclean, nor was there any that resisted him.

6. Thus they tilled their land in peace, and the earth gave her increase and the trees of the field her fruit, the old men sat in the streets talking with each other of the good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.

7. He provided food for the cities, and all manner of munitions so that his name was renowned to the ends of the world, he made peace in the land of Israel and rejoiced with great joy, for every man sat under his vine and fig tree.

8. For they had nothing to fear, since no man stood up against them, the kings being overthrown in those days.

9. And he strengthened those of his people who were brought low, and searched out the law, and every contender of the law and wicked person he took away, he beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied the vessels of the temple.

10. At Rome then, when they had heard that Jonathan was dead, they were grieved.  But hearing that Simon his brother was made high priest and ruled in his stead - they wrote to him in tablets of brass to renew the friendship and bond which they had made with Judas and Jonathan.

11.  And this writing was read before the congregation at Jerusalem, and also the Lacedemonians wrote to Simon, and this is the copy thereof. 

       Letter of the Lacedemonians.

12.  The counsel and people of Lacedeminia to Simon the high priest, and to the elders and the priest and people of the Jews our brothers, greetings.

13. Your ambassadors have come to us and told us that you have brought your enemies down with great honor, and now enjoy peace, which is of great joy to us.

14. We have also caused to be recorded in our public counsel what your ambassadors desired, which came to renew the friendship between us and the Jews.

15. And we concurred that these ambassadors be received with honor, and that their speech be recorded in our public record for a perpetual memorial.  (End letter).

16. Afterwards, Simon again send Numenius to Rome to bring a golden shield that weighed a thousand pounds to confirm the renewal.

17. The people then said; "What thanks shall we give Simon and his sons, for he and his brothers of the house of his father have established Israel, and chased the enemies confirming their liberty."

18. So they wrote in tables of brass to be set on pillars in mount Zion, and this is the copy of the writing;

       Letter of Rome.

19. The 18th day of the month Ellul, in the 172nd year, the third year of Simon at Saremel, in the great congregation of the elders, the priests, and the people of the whole land of Judea, the following things were notified to us, to wit;

20. Often times there have been wars in the country to keep the law and the sanctuary, for which Simon and his brothers, the sons of Mattathias, put themselves in jeopardy resisting the enemy, and honoring their nation.

21. For Jonathan again brought the people together accepting the head, and becoming high priest, but being gathered to his people, the enemies came again attempting to destroy the land, and to profane the sanctuary.

22. But Simon rose up and fought for his nation, he armed the valiant men and paid them wages, and fortified the cities of Judea together with Bethsura that lies at the borders of Judea, where before there had been the arm of the enemy, but he placed a garrison of Jews there.

23. He also fortified Joppe which lies near the sea, and Cazara that borders to Azotus where before the enemy had dwelled, and there also he placed Jews furnishing them with all things needed for the repairs thereof.

24.  The people therefore seeing the acts of Simon, and into what glory he had brought his nation, and for the justice and faith, which he kept, made him governor and chief priest.

25. The heathen were taken out of the land, and out of Jerusalem, for all things prospered in his hand, and king Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood, and made him one of his friends honoring him with great honor.

26. For he had heard that the Romans had called the Jews their friends, and honored their ambassadors, and that also the Jews were well pleased that Simon should be their governor and high priest forever until there should rise a faithful Prophet.

27. Which would be their Captain taking charge of the sanctuary, and set them over their work and all things, and that every man would obey him, and that all writing should be made in His name.

28. That He should be clothed in purple, and wear gold, and that it should be unlawful for any person or priest to break any of these things, or to gainsay His word.  Or, to gather an assembly, or be clothed in purple or wear a golden girdle without Him, and that whosoever would do otherwise be punished.

29. The people therefore were happy to have Simon, and to do as he said, and Simon accepted the same, and was well pleased to be high priest, to defend them all.  (End letter).

30. So they commanded that this writing be placed in brass, and be set by the sanctuary in a public place, and copies be laid up in the treasury to the end that Simon and his sons might have them. 

        Chapter 15

       Letter of Antiochus of Syria.

1. And king Antiochus, son of Demetrius also sent letters from the isles of the sea to Simon the high priest, the copy of which is

2. King Antiochus to Simon the high priest and prince of his nation, and to all the people of the Jews, greetings.

3. Since certain rioters have taken the kingdom of my fathers, it is my purpose to challenge them, to restore the kingdom to its former state, and to that end I have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers and prepared ships of war.

4. So that I may be avenged on them that destroy the land and desolate the cities, I therefore confirm the oblations, which were, granted you by the kings before me, and also whatsoever other gifts they granted you.

5. I give you leave to coin your own money for your country with your own stamp, and Jerusalem and the sanctuary shall be free, and the armor which you have made, and let the fortresses remain yours

6. And if anything is owing to the king, let it be forgiven you from henceforth, and when we have obtained our kingdom we will honor you and your nation and your temple, with great honor, so that your honor shall be known throughout the world.

7. End letter.

8. In the 174th year then Antiochus came into the land of his fathers, and the majority of the men of war of Tryphon came over to Antiochus so that very few were left to Tryphon.  And he fled to Dora by the seaside, for he realized that this was the end for him, since his forces forsook him.

9. Antiochus however pursued him and camped over against Dora with a might of 120.000 men on foot, and a cavalry of 8000 men enclosing the city both by land and sea so that none could go in or out.

10. About the same time Numenius and his company came from Rome with letters  to the kings and countries in which the following was written; 

11. Lucias, consul of the Romans to King Ptolemy, greetings.  The ambassadors of our friends the Jews being sent to us by Simon the high priest and the people of the Jews, came to us to renew the friendship and league, and they brought a shield of gold that weighed a thousand pounds.

12. We therefore though it good to write to the kings and countries that they should do them no harm, for we have accepted the gold shield from them.

13. If therefore there is any traitors that have fled from their country to you, deliver them to Simon the high priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.

14. The same things were also written to Demetrius, Attalus, Ariarathus, and Arsatus, and to all the countries.

       Antiochus breaks with Simon.

15. Antiochus thus as he had camped against Dora making engines of war assaulting it continually by which means Tryphon was shut in, Simon at that time sent him 2000 men to aid him, and also silver, gold, and much armor.

16. Antiochus would not receive them, breaking the covenant which he had made earlier, and he sent one of his friends, Athenobius, to say;

17. "You have taken Joppe and Cazara and the tower that is at Jerusalem which are cities of my realm, and you have desolated the country there, taking what belongs to me.

18. Deliver therefore again these cities to me together with the tributes thereof, or else give me 500 talents of silver for these cities, and for the tributes another 500 talents of silver, and if not we will come in battle against you.

19.  When therefore Athenobius came to Jerusalem and saw the glory of Simon, and the glory of silver and gold, and his great attendance, he was astonished, but told him the king's message.

20. Then Simon answered; "The land which we have taken is our inheritance of our fathers which for a time was wrongfully in the hands of enemies, we therefore brought again to ourselves what was ours, taking nothing from anyone.

21. And concerning Joppe and Gazara, they did us great harm, nevertheless we will give you a hundred talents for them."

22. Athenobius however did not give him an answer, but in rage returned to the king, and told him Simon's reply, and also of all his glory, for which the king became very angry.

23. Tryphon meanwhile escaped by sea to Orthosias, then the king made Condebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him a host of footmen and cavalry ordering him to go up against Judea, and to built-up Cedren for war against the people, he himself however pursued Tryphon.

24. Condebeus then having come to Jamnia provoked the people, invading Judea, killing many and taking prisoners, and when he had fortified Cedron he put cavalry in it, and a garrison on foot, so they might attack the borders and roads leading to Judea, as the king had commanded.

       Chapter 16

       Simon's sons defeat the king's captain.

1. Then John the son of Simon, went up from Gazara and told his father what Condebeus had done, and Simon said to his eldest sons Judas and John

2. "I and my brothers and my fathers house have from our youth fought against the enemies of Israel, and things have prospered in our hands so that Israel was often times delivered.

3. But now I am old, while you by the grace of God are of the right age, stand therefore in the place of me and my brothers, and fight for our nation, and let God be with you."

4. He then chose 20.000 men of war of the nation with cavalry also, and he went out against Condebeus resting that night at Modin.

5. And rising early, they went into the plain, a mighty host of men on foot and cavalry, there then was a brook of water between them, and John pitched over by the water against them.

6. But when he saw that the people were afraid to cross the water, he went himself first, and the men beholding him, they followed.

7. He then divided his men, cavalry with the footmen, but the cavalry of the enemy was very great.  When however they sounded the trumpets, Condebeus and his men became afraid and fled, so that many were slain, and the rest went to the stronghold.

8. Judas, the brother of John, at that time was wounded, but John followed after them until he came to Cedron, was Condebeus had fortified, and they having also fled into the towers and into the fields of Azotus, which John burned with fire so that about 2000 men were slain.  After this he returned to the land of Judea.

     Simon deceitfully murdered.

9. In the land of Jericho now there was a captain named Prolemuus, a man of Abulus, who was very rich, and the high priest Simon had given him a daughter in marriage.

10. This man lifted himself up attempting to become lord in the country, and he sought to slay Simon and his sons with deceit.

11. When Simon then was traveling through the country with his two sons Mattathias and Judas, to care for the good order thereof, he came to Jericho in the year 177, in the 11th month called Shebath, wherein the sons of Adubus received him at the stronghold.

12. And he arranged a banquet, but it was deceit, for he had hid men of war there.  So when Simon and his sons were at ease, and had drunk much, Prolemuus men rose up with their weapons and came to Simon at the banquet place, and slew him and his two sons, and certain of his servants.

13. This abominable treachery did this Ptolemais in Israel rewarding evil for good, and he wrote to the king that he should sent a host to aid him, for which he would deliver him the cities and the country.

      John follows in his father's stead.

14. He also sent to Gazara to kill John, and letters to the tribunes that they should come to him, and he would pay them silver and gold and other rewards.

15. And still others he sent to Jerusalem to take it and the temple, but a messenger got to Gazara before them which told John that his father and brothers were slain, and that he intends to kill you also.

16. John then on hearing this was very grieved, and he took them that had come to slay him, and slew them.

17. And the rest of the acts of John and his wars and worthy deeds which he did, they are written in another book in the chronicles of his priesthood from the time onwards that he was made high priest after his father.

End.

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