The Learning Curve/The Learning Curve (Weird Science, 1996).iso/religion/apochrypha/4second_book_of_maccabees

Text File | 1995-01-17 | 105KB | 2,858 lines

   The Second Book of the Maccabees



   2Mac 1:1
   The brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem and in the land
   of Judea, wish unto the brethren, the Jews that are throughout
   Egypt health and peace:

   2Mac 1:2
   God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he
   made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;

   2Mac 1:3
   And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will,
   with a good courage and a willing mind;

   2Mac 1:4
   And open your hearts in his law and commandments, and send
   you peace,

   2Mac 1:5
   And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never
   forsake you in time of trouble.

   2Mac 1:6
   And now we be here praying for you.

   2Mac 1:7
   What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred threescore and
   ninth year, we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity of
   trouble that came upon us in those years, from the time that
   Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and kingdom,

   2Mac 1:8
   And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed
   unto the Lord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices and
   fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.

   2Mac 1:9
   And now see that ye keep the feast of tabernacles in the
   month Casleu.

   2Mac 1:10
   In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that
   were at Jerusalem and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent
   greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus' master,
   who was of the stock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews
   that were in Egypt:

   2Mac 1:11
   Insomuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank
   him highly, as having been in battle against a king.

   2Mac 1:12
   For he cast them out that fought within the holy city.

   2Mac 1:13
   For when the leader was come into Persia, and the army with
   him that seemed invincible, they were slain in the temple of
   Nanea by the deceit of Nanea's priests.

   2Mac 1:14
   For Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into the
   place, and his friends that were with him, to receive money in
   name of a dowry.

   2Mac 1:15
   Which when the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was
   entered with a small company into the compass of the temple,
   they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come in:

   2Mac 1:16
   And opening a privy door of the roof, they threw stones like
   thunderbolts, and struck down the captain, hewed them in pieces,
   smote off their heads and cast them to those that were without.

   2Mac 1:17
   Blessed be our God in all things, who hath delivered up the
   ungodly.

   2Mac 1:18
   Therefore whereas we are now purposed to keep the
   purification of the temple upon the five and twentieth day of
   the month Casleu, we thought it necessary to certify you
   thereof, that ye also might keep it, as the feast of the
   tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias
   offered sacrifice, after that he had builded the temple and the
   altar.

   2Mac 1:19
   For when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests that
   were then devout took the fire of the altar privily, and hid it
   in an hollow place of a pit without water, where they kept it
   sure, so that the place was unknown to all men.

   2Mac 1:20
   Now after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being
   sent from the king of Persia, did send of the posterity of those
   priests that had hid it to the fire: but when they told us they
   found no fire, but thick water;

   2Mac 1:21
   Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and
   when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the priests
   to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the
   water.

   2Mac 1:22
   When this was done, and the time came that the sun shone,
   which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great fire
   kindled, so that every man marvelled.

   2Mac 1:23
   And the priests made a prayer whilst the sacrifice was
   consuming, I say, both the priests, and all the rest, Jonathan
   beginning, and the rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did.

   2Mac 1:24
   And the prayer was after this manner; O Lord, Lord God,
   Creator of all things, who art fearful and strong, and
   righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King,

   2Mac 1:25
   The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty, and
   everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and
   didst choose the fathers, and sanctify them:

   2Mac 1:26
   Receive the sacrifice for thy whole people Israel, and
   preserve thine own portion, and sanctify it.

   2Mac 1:27
   Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver
   them that serve among the heathen, look upon them that are
   despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art
   our God.

   2Mac 1:28
   Punish them that oppress us, and with pride do us wrong.

   2Mac 1:29
   Plant thy people again in thy holy place, as Moses hath
   spoken.

   2Mac 1:30
   And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving.

   2Mac 1:31
   Now when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the
   water that was left to be poured on the great stones.

   2Mac 1:32
   When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was
   consumed by the light that shined from the altar.

   2Mac 1:33
   So when this matter was known, it was told the king of
   Persia, that in the place, where the priests that were led away
   had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had
   purified the sacrifices therewith.

   2Mac 1:34
   Then the king, inclosing the place, made it holy, after he
   had tried the matter.

   2Mac 1:35
   And the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those
   whom he would gratify.

   2Mac 1:36
   And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as
   to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi.

   2Mac 2:1
   It is also found in the records, that Jeremy the prophet
   commanded them that were carried away to take of the fire, as it
   hath been signified:

   2Mac 2:2
   And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged
   them not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they
   should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver
   and gold, with their ornaments.

   2Mac 2:3
   And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law
   should not depart from their hearts.

   2Mac 2:4
   It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet,
   being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go
   with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses
   climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.

   2Mac 2:5
   And when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave,
   wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of
   incense, and so stopped the door.

   2Mac 2:6
   And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but
   they could not find it.

   2Mac 2:7
   Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for
   that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather
   his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.

   2Mac 2:8
   Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of
   the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also, as it was shewed
   under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be
   honourably sanctified.

   2Mac 2:9
   It was also declared, that he being wise offered the
   sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.

   2Mac 2:10
   And as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down
   from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed Solomon
   also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt
   offerings.

   2Mac 2:11
   And Moses said, Because the sin offering was not to be eaten,
   it was consumed.

   2Mac 2:12
   So Solomon kept those eight days.

   2Mac 2:13
   The same things also were reported in the writings and
   commentaries of Neemias; and how he founding a library gathered
   together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David,
   and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.

   2Mac 2:14
   In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things
   that were lost by reason of the war we had, and they remain with
   us,

   2Mac 2:15
   Wherefore if ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them
   unto you.

   2Mac 2:16
   Whereas we then are about to celebrate the purification, we
   have written unto you, and ye shall do well, if ye keep the same
   days.

   2Mac 2:17
   We hope also, that the God, that delivered all his people,
   and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the
   priesthood, and the sanctuary,

   2Mac 2:18
   As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us,
   and gather us together out of every land under heaven into the
   holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and
   hath purified the place.

   2Mac 2:19
   Now as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the
   purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the
   altar,

   2Mac 2:20
   And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his
   son,

   2Mac 2:21
   And the manifest signs that came from heaven unto those that
   behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so
   that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and
   chased barbarous multitudes,

   2Mac 2:22
   And recovered again the temple renowned all the world over,
   and freed the city, and upheld the laws which were going down,
   the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour:

   2Mac 2:23
   All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in
   five books, we will assay to abridge in one volume.

   2Mac 2:24
   For considering the infinite number, and the difficulty which
   they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story,
   for the variety of the matter,

   2Mac 2:25
   We have been careful, that they that will read may have
   delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory
   might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might
   have profit.

   2Mac 2:26
   Therefore to us, that have taken upon us this painful labour
   of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and
   watching;

   2Mac 2:27
   Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and
   seeketh the benefit of others: yet for the pleasuring of many we
   will undertake gladly this great pains;

   2Mac 2:28
   Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular,
   and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgement.

   2Mac 2:29
   For as the master builder of a new house must care for the
   whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint
   it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I
   think it is with us.

   2Mac 2:30
   To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and
   to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of
   the story:

   2Mac 2:31
   But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is
   to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.

   2Mac 2:32
   Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to
   that which hath been said, that it is a foolish thing to make a
   long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.

   2Mac 3:1
   Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the
   laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the
   high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,

   2Mac 3:2
   It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the
   place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;

   2Mac 3:3
   Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all
   the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.

   2Mac 3:4
   But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor
   of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in
   the city.

   2Mac 3:5
   And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to
   Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of
   Celosyria and Phenice,

   2Mac 3:6
   And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of
   infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches,
   which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was
   innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the
   king's hand.

   2Mac 3:7
   Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of
   the money whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his
   treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the
   foresaid money.

   2Mac 3:8
   So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of
   visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to
   fulfil the king's purpose.

   2Mac 3:9
   And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously
   received of the high priest of the city, he told him what
   intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he
   came, and asked if these things were so indeed.

   2Mac 3:10
   Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid
   up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:

   2Mac 3:11
   And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man
   of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed:
   the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and
   two hundred of gold:

   2Mac 3:12
   And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should
   be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the
   place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple,
   honoured over all the world.

   2Mac 3:13
   But Heliodorus, because of the king's commandment given him,
   said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king's
   treasury.

   2Mac 3:14
   So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this
   matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole
   city.

   2Mac 3:15
   But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in
   their priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made
   a law concerning things given to he kept, that they should
   safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.

   2Mac 3:16
   Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would
   have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of
   his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.

   2Mac 3:17
   For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the
   body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what
   sorrow he had now in his heart.

   2Mac 3:18
   Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general
   supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.

   2Mac 3:19
   And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts,
   abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran,
   some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out
   of the windows.

   2Mac 3:20
   And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made
   supplication.

   2Mac 3:21
   Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of
   the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest
   being in such an agony.

   2Mac 3:22
   They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things
   committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed
   them.

   2Mac 3:23
   Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.

   2Mac 3:24
   Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the
   treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power,
   caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in
   with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and
   were sore afraid.

   2Mac 3:25
   For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider
   upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran
   fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it
   seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of
   gold.

   2Mac 3:26
   Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in
   strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood
   by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave
   him many sore stripes.

   2Mac 3:27
   And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was
   compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him
   took him up, and put him into a litter.

   2Mac 3:28
   Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all
   his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable
   to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they
   acknowledged the power of God.

   2Mac 3:29
   For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless
   without all hope of life.

   2Mac 3:30
   But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his
   own place: for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear
   and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with
   joy and gladness.

   2Mac 3:31
   Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed
   Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his
   life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.

   2Mac 3:32
   So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should
   misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by
   the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.

   2Mac 3:33
   Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same
   young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside
   Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks,
   insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:

   2Mac 3:34
   And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare
   unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken
   these words, they appeared no more.

   2Mac 3:35
   So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord,
   and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and
   saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.

   2Mac 3:36
   Then testified he to all men the works of the great God,
   which he had seen with his eyes.

   2Mac 3:37
   And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be
   sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,

   2Mac 3:38
   If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou
   shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for
   in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power of God.

   2Mac 3:39
   For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place,
   and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come
   to hurt it.

   2Mac 3:40
   And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the
   treasury, fell out on this sort.

   2Mac 4:1
   This Simon now, of whom we spake afore, having been a
   betrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as
   if he ha terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these
   evils.

   2Mac 4:2
   Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved
   well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so
   zealous of the laws.

   2Mac 4:3
   But when their hatred went so far, that by one of Simon's
   faction murders were committed,

   2Mac 4:4
   Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that
   Apollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did
   rage, and increase Simon's malice,

   2Mac 4:5
   He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen,
   but seeking the good of all, both publick and private:

   2Mac 4:6
   For he saw that it was impossible that the state should
   continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did
   look thereunto.

   2Mac 4:7
   But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called
   Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured
   underhand to be high priest,

   2Mac 4:8
   Promising unto the king by intercession three hundred and
   threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue eighty
   talents:

   2Mac 4:9
   Beside this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more,
   if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and
   for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen, and
   to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.

   2Mac 4:10
   Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his
   hand the rule he forthwith brought his own nation to Greekish
   fashion.

   2Mac 4:11
   And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the
   Jews by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went
   ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away; and putting
   down the governments which were according to the law, he brought
   up new customs against the law:

   2Mac 4:12
   For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower
   itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection,
   and made them wear a hat.

   2Mac 4:13
   Now such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of
   heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason,
   that ungodly wretch, and no high priest;

   2Mac 4:14
   That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the
   altar, but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices,
   hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place
   of exercise, after the game of Discus called them forth;

   2Mac 4:15
   Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the
   glory of the Grecians best of all.

   2Mac 4:16
   By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had
   them to be their enemies and avengers, whose custom they
   followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in
   all things.

   2Mac 4:17
   For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws
   of God: but the time following shall declare these things.

   2Mac 4:18
   Now when the game that was used every faith year was kept at
   Tyrus, the king being present,

   2Mac 4:19
   This ungracious Jason sent special messengers from Jerusalem,
   who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver
   to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof
   thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not
   convenient, but to be reserved for other charges.

   2Mac 4:20
   This money then, in regard of the sender, was appointed to
   Hercules' sacrifice; but because of the bearers thereof, it was
   employed to the making of gallies.

   2Mac 4:21
   Now when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt
   for the coronation of king Ptolemeus Philometor, Antiochus,
   understanding him not to be well affected to his affairs,
   provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppa, and
   from thence to Jerusalem:

   2Mac 4:22
   Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city,
   and was brought in with torch alight, and with great shoutings:
   and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.

   2Mac 4:23
   Three years afterward Jason sent Menelaus, the aforesaid
   Simon's brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him
   in mind of certain necessary matters.

   2Mac 4:24
   But he being brought to the presence of the king, when he had
   magnified him for the glorious appearance of his power, got the
   priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred
   talents of silver.

   2Mac 4:25
   So he came with the king's mandate, bringing nothing worthy
   the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and
   the rage of a savage beast.

   2Mac 4:26
   Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being
   undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of
   the Ammonites.

   2Mac 4:27
   So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the money that
   he had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it,
   albeit Sostratis the ruler of the castle required it:

   2Mac 4:28
   For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs.
   Wherefore they were both called before the king.

   2Mac 4:29
   Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the
   priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the
   Cyprians.

   2Mac 4:30
   While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos
   made insurrection, because they were given to the king's
   concubine, called Antiochus.

   2Mac 4:31
   Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving
   Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.

   2Mac 4:32
   Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time,
   stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave some
   of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus and the
   cities round about.

   2Mac 4:33
   Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and
   withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, that lieth by
   Antiochia.

   2Mac 4:34
   Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed, him to
   get Onias into his hands; who being persuaded thereunto, and
   coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right hand with oaths;
   and though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to
   come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without
   regard of justice.

   2Mac 4:35
   For the which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other
   nations, took great indignation, and were much grieved for the
   unjust murder of the man.

   2Mac 4:36
   And when the king was come again from the places about
   Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of the
   Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was
   slain without cause.

   2Mac 4:37
   Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity,
   and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that
   was dead.

   2Mac 4:38
   And being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away
   Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and leading him
   through the whole city unto that very place, where he had
   committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed
   murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had
   deserved.

   2Mac 4:39
   Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by
   Lysimachus with the consent of Menelaus, and the fruit thereof
   was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together
   against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried
   away.

   2Mac 4:40
   Whereupon the common people rising, and being filled with
   rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first
   to offer violence; one Auranus being the leader, a man far gone
   in years, and no less in folly.

   2Mac 4:41
   They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them
   caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that
   was next at hand, cast them all together upon Lysimachus, and
   those that set upon them.

   2Mac 4:42
   Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the
   ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but as for the
   churchrobber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.

   2Mac 4:43
   Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid
   against Menelaus.

   2Mac 4:44
   Now when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent
   from the senate pleaded the cause before him:

   2Mac 4:45
   But Menelaus, being now convicted, promised Ptolemee the son
   of Dorymenes to give him much money, if he would pacify the king
   toward him.

   2Mac 4:46
   Whereupon Ptolemee taking the king aside into a certain
   gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of
   another mind:

   2Mac 4:47
   Insomuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations,
   who notwithstanding was cause of all the mischief: and those
   poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the
   Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned
   to death.

   2Mac 4:48
   Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the
   people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust
   punishment.

   2Mac 4:49
   Wherefore even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that
   wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.

   2Mac 4:50
   And so through the covetousness of them that were of power
   Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and
   being a great traitor to the citizens.

   2Mac 5:1
   About the same time Antiochus prepared his second voyage into
   Egypt:

   2Mac 5:2
   And then it happened, that through all the city, for the
   space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen running in
   the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of
   soldiers,

   2Mac 5:3
   And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one
   against another, with shaking of shields, and multitude of
   pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and
   glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.

   2Mac 5:4
   Wherefore every man prayed that that apparition might turn to
   good.

   2Mac 5:5
   Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though
   Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men,
   and suddenly made an assault upon the city; and they that were
   upon the walls being put back, and the city at length taken,
   Menelaus fled into the castle:

   2Mac 5:6
   But Jason slew his own citizens without mercy, not
   considering that to get the day of them of his own nation would
   be a most unhappy day for him; but thinking they had been his
   enemies, and not his countrymen, whom he conquered.

   2Mac 5:7
   Howbeit for all this he obtained not the principality, but at
   the last received shame for the reward of his treason, and fled
   again into the country of the Ammonites.

   2Mac 5:8
   In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused
   before Aretas the king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to
   city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and
   being had in abomination as an open enemy of his country and
   countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt.

   2Mac 5:9
   Thus he that had driven many out of their country perished in
   a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking
   there to find succour by reason of his kindred:

   2Mac 5:10
   And he that had cast out many unburied had none to mourn for
   him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his
   fathers.

   2Mac 5:11
   Now when this that was done came to the king's car, he
   thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing out of Egypt
   in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,

   2Mac 5:12
   And commanded his men of war not to spare such as they met,
   and to slay such as went up upon the houses.

   2Mac 5:13
   Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men,
   women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.

   2Mac 5:14
   And there were destroyed within the space of three whole days
   fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the
   conflict; and no fewer sold than slain.

   2Mac 5:15
   Yet was he not content with this, but presumed to go into
   the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to
   the laws, and to his own country, being his guide:

   2Mac 5:16
   And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with
   profane hands pulling down the things that were dedicated by
   other kings to the augmentation and glory and honour of the
   place, he gave them away.

   2Mac 5:17
   And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not
   that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins of them that
   dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the place.

   2Mac 5:18
   For had they not been formerly wrapped in many sins, this
   man, as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and
   put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus
   the king sent to view the treasury.

   2Mac 5:19
   Nevertheless God did not choose the people for the place's
   sake, but the place far the people's sake.

   2Mac 5:20
   And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them
   of the adversity that happened to the nation, did afterward
   communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and as it was
   forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord
   being reconciled, it was set up with all glory.

   2Mac 5:21
   So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple a thousand
   and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste unto
   Antiochia, weening in his pride to make the land navigable, and
   the sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind.

   2Mac 5:22
   And he left governors to vex the nation: at Jerusalem,
   Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more
   barbarous than he that set him there;

   2Mac 5:23
   And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides, Menelaus, who worse
   than all the rest bare an heavy hand over the citizens, having a
   malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews.

   2Mac 5:24
   He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius with an
   army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all
   those that were in their best age, and to sell the women and the
   younger sort:

   2Mac 5:25
   Who coming to Jerusalem, and pretending peace, did forbear
   till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping
   holy day, he commanded his men to arm themselves.

   2Mac 5:26
   And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of
   the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons slew
   great multitudes.

   2Mac 5:27
   But Judas Maccabeus with nine others, or thereabout, withdrew
   himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after
   the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs
   continually, lest they should be partakers of the pollution.

   2Mac 6:1
   Not long after this the king sent an old man of Athens to
   compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and
   not to live after the laws of God:

   2Mac 6:2
   And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it
   the temple of Jupiter Olympius; and that in Garizim, of Jupiter
   the Defender of strangers, as they did desire that dwelt in the
   place.

   2Mac 6:3
   The coming in of this mischief was sore and grievous to the
   people:

   2Mac 6:4
   For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the
   Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women
   within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that brought
   in things that were not lawful.

   2Mac 6:5
   The altar also was filled with profane things, which the law
   forbiddeth.

   2Mac 6:6
   Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath days or
   ancient fasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.

   2Mac 6:7
   And in the day of the king's birth every month they were
   brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and when
   the fast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in
   procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.

   2Mac 6:8
   Moreover there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of
   the heathen, by the suggestion of Ptolemee, against the Jews,
   that they should observe the same fashions, and be partakers of
   their sacrifices:

   2Mac 6:9
   And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the
   Gentiles should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the
   present misery.

   2Mac 6:10
   For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their
   children; whom when they had openly led round about the city,
   the babes handing at their breasts, they cast them down headlong
   from the wall.

   2Mac 6:11
   And others, that had run together into caves near by, to keep
   the sabbath day secretly, being discovered by Philip, were all
   burnt together, because they made a conscience to help
   themselves for the honour of the most sacred day.

   2Mac 6:12
   Now I beseech those that read this book, that they be not
   discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those
   punishments not to be for destruction, but for a chastening of
   our nation.

   2Mac 6:13
   For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers
   are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.

   2Mac 6:14
   For not as with other nations, whom the Lord patiently
   forbeareth to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their
   sins, so dealeth he with us,

   2Mac 6:15
   Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he
   should take vengeance of us.

   2Mac 6:16
   And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and
   though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his
   people.

   2Mac 6:17
   But let this that we at spoken be for a warning unto us. And
   now will we come to the declaring of the matter in a few words.

   2Mac 6:18
   Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a
   well favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth,
   and to eat swine's flesh.

   2Mac 6:19
   But he, choosing rather to die gloriously, than to live
   stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his
   own accord to the torment,

   2Mac 6:20
   As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out
   against such things, as are not lawful for love of life to be
   tasted.

   2Mac 6:21
   But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the
   old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside,
   besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was
   lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh
   taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;

   2Mac 6:22
   That in so doing he might be delivered from death, and for
   the old friendship with them find favour.

   2Mac 6:23
   But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age,
   and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his
   gray head, whereon was come, and his most honest education from
   a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore
   he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send
   him to the grave.

   2Mac 6:24
   For it becometh not our age, said he, in any wise to
   dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar,
   being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange
   religion;

   2Mac 6:25
   And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a
   little time and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I
   get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.

   2Mac 6:26
   For though for the present time I should be delivered from
   the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the
   Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.

   2Mac 6:27
   Wherefore now, manfully changing this life, I will shew
   myself such an one as mine age requireth,

   2Mac 6:28
   And leave a notable example to such as be young to die
   willingly and courageously for the honourable and holy laws. And
   when he had said these words, immediately he went to the
   torment:

   2Mac 6:29
   They that led him changing the good will they bare him a
   little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches
   proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.

   2Mac 6:30
   But when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and
   said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy
   knowledge, that whereas I might have been delivered from death,
   I now endure sore pains in body by being beaten: but in soul am
   well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.

   2Mac 6:31
   And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a
   noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young
   men, but unto all his nation.

   2Mac 7:1
   It came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother
   were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste
   swine's flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.

   2Mac 7:2
   But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldest
   thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather than to
   transgress the laws of our fathers.

   2Mac 7:3
   Then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons
   to be made hot:

   2Mac 7:4
   Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the
   tongue of him that spake first, and to cut off the utmost parts
   of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.

   2Mac 7:5
   Now when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded
   him being yet alive to be brought to the fire, and to be fried
   in the pan: and as the vapour of the pan was for a good space
   dispersed, they exhorted one another with the mother to die
   manfully, saying thus,

   2Mac 7:6
   The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in
   us, as Moses in his song, which witnessed to their faces,
   declared, saying, And he shall be comforted in his servants.

   2Mac 7:7
   So when the first was dead after this number, they brought
   the second to make him a mocking stock: and when they had pulled
   off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt
   thou eat, before thou be punished throughout every member of thy
   body?

   2Mac 7:8
   But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore
   he also received the next torment in order, as the former did.

   2Mac 7:9
   And when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury
   takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world
   shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting
   life.

   2Mac 7:10
   After him was the third made a mocking stock: and when he was
   required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding
   forth his hands manfully.

   2Mac 7:11
   And said courageously, These I had from heaven; and for his
   laws I despise them; and from him I hope to receive them again.

   2Mac 7:12
   Insomuch that the king, and they that were with him,
   marvelled at the young man's courage, for that he nothing
   regarded the pains.

   2Mac 7:13
   Now when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled
   the fourth in like manner.

   2Mac 7:14
   So when he was ready to die he said thus, It is good, being
   put to death by men, to look for hope from God to be raised up
   again by him: as for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to
   life.

   2Mac 7:15
   Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him.

   2Mac 7:16
   Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over
   men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think
   not that our nation is forsaken of God;

   2Mac 7:17
   But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will
   torment thee and thy seed.

   2Mac 7:18
   After him also they brought the sixth, who being ready to die
   said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these things
   for ourselves, having sinned against our God: therefore
   marvellous things are done unto us.

   2Mac 7:19
   But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against
   God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.

   2Mac 7:20
   But the mother was marvellous above all, and worthy of
   honourable memory: for when she saw her seven sons slain within
   the space of one day, she bare it with a good courage, because
   of the hope that she had in the Lord.

   2Mac 7:21
   Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language,
   filled with courageous spirits; and stirring up her womanish
   thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,

   2Mac 7:22
   I cannot tell how ye came into my womb: for I neither gave
   you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the members of
   every one of you;

   2Mac 7:23
   But doubtless the Creator of the world, who formed the
   generation of man, and found out the beginning of all things,
   will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as ye
   now regard not your own selves for his laws' sake.

   2Mac 7:24
   Now Antiochus, thinking himself despised, and suspecting it
   to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive,
   did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with
   oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he
   would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would
   take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs.

   2Mac 7:25
   But when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the
   king called his mother, and exhorted her that she would counsel
   the young man to save his life.

   2Mac 7:26
   And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised
   him that she would counsel her son.

   2Mac 7:27
   But she bowing herself toward him, laughing the cruel tyrant
   to scorn, spake in her country language on this manner; O my
   son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine months in my womb,
   and gave thee such three years, and nourished thee, and brought
   thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.

   2Mac 7:28
   I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven and the earth,
   and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of
   things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.

   2Mac 7:29
   Fear not this tormentor, but, being worthy of thy brethren,
   take thy death that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy
   brethren.

   2Mac 7:30
   Whiles she was yet speaking these words, the young man said,
   Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment: but I
   will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our
   fathers by Moses.

   2Mac 7:31
   And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against
   the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God.

   2Mac 7:32
   For we suffer because of our sins.

   2Mac 7:33
   And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while
   for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again
   with his servants.

   2Mac 7:34
   But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not
   lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes,
   lifting up thy hand against the servants of God:

   2Mac 7:35
   For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God,
   who seeth all things.

   2Mac 7:36
   For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are
   dead under God's covenant of everlasting life: but thou, through
   the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy
   pride.

   2Mac 7:37
   But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws
   of our fathers, beseeching God that he would speedily be
   merciful unto our nation; and that thou by torments and plagues
   mayest confess, that he alone is God;

   2Mac 7:38
   And that in me and my brethren the wrath of the Almighty,
   which is justly brought upon our nation, may cease.

   2Mac 7:39
   Than the king' being in a rage, handed him worse than all the
   rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.

   2Mac 7:40
   So this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the
   Lord.

   2Mac 7:41
   Last of all after the sons the mother died.

   2Mac 7:42
   Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the
   idolatrous feasts, and the extreme tortures.

   2Mac 8:1
   Then Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with him, went
   privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together, and
   took unto them all such as continued in the Jews' religion, and
   assembled about six thousand men.

   2Mac 8:2
   And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon the
   people that was trodden down of all; and also pity the temple
   profaned of ungodly men;

   2Mac 8:3
   And that he would have compassion upon the city, sore
   defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground; and hear the
   blood that cried unto him,

   2Mac 8:4
   And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants, and
   the blasphemies committed against his name; and that he would
   shew his hatred against the wicked.

   2Mac 8:5
   Now when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be
   withstood by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned
   into mercy.

   2Mac 8:6
   Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt up towns and cities,
   and got into his hands the most commodious places, and overcame
   and put to flight no small number of his enemies.

   2Mac 8:7
   But specially took he advantage of the night for such privy
   attempts, insomuch that the fruit of his holiness was spread
   every where.

   2Mac 8:8
   So when Philip saw that this man increased by little and
   little, and that things prospered with him still more and more,
   he wrote unto Ptolemeus, the governor of Celosyria and Phenice,
   to yield more aid to the king's affairs.

   2Mac 8:9
   Then forthwith choosing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of
   his special friends, he sent him with no fewer than twenty
   thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole
   generation of the Jews; and with him he joined also Gorgias a
   captain, who in matters of war had great experience.

   2Mac 8:10
   So Nicanor undertook to make so much money of the captive
   Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand talents,
   which the king was to pay to the Romans.

   2Mac 8:11
   Wherefore immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea
   coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and promising
   that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent,
   not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon him from the
   Almighty God.

   2Mac 8:12
   Now when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor's coming, and
   he had imparted unto those that were with him that the army was
   at hand,

   2Mac 8:13
   They that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God,
   fled, and conveyed themselves away.

   2Mac 8:14
   Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the
   Lord to deliver them, sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met
   together:

   2Mac 8:15
   And if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he had
   made with their fathers, and for his holy and glorious name's
   sake, by which they were called.

   2Mac 8:16
   So Maccabeus called his men together unto the number of six
   thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of
   the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, who
   came wrongly against them; but to fight manfully,

   2Mac 8:17
   And to set before their eyes the injury that they had
   unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of the
   city, whereof they made a mockery, and also the taking away of
   the government of their forefathers:

   2Mac 8:18
   For they, said he, trust in their weapons and boldness; but
   our confidence is in the Almighty who at a beck can cast down
   both them that come against us, and also all the world.

   2Mac 8:19
   Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers
   had found, and how they were delivered, when under Sennacherib
   an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished.

   2Mac 8:20
   And he told them of the battle that they had in Babylon with
   the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the
   business, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the
   Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an
   hundred and twenty thousand because of the help that they had
   from heaven, and so received a great booty.

   2Mac 8:21
   Thus when he had made them bold with these words, and ready
   to die for the law and the country, he divided his army into
   four parts;

   2Mac 8:22
   And joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each
   band, to wit Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one
   fifteen hundred men.

   2Mac 8:23
   Also he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and when he
   had given them this watchword, The help of God; himself leading
   the first band,

   2Mac 8:24
   And by the help of the Almighty they slew above nine thousand
   of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of
   Nicanor's host, and so put all to flight;

   2Mac 8:25
   And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them
   far: but lacking time they returned:

   2Mac 8:26
   For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they
   would no longer pursue them.

   2Mac 8:27
   So when they had gathered their armour together, and spoiled
   their enemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath,
   yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had
   preserved them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy
   distilling upon them.

   2Mac 8:28
   And after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils
   to the maimed, and the widows, and orphans, the residue they
   divided among themselves and their servants.

   2Mac 8:29
   When this was done, and they had made a common supplication,
   they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his
   servants for ever.

   2Mac 8:30
   Moreover of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who
   fought against them, they slew above twenty thousand, and very
   easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves
   many spoils more, and made the maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and
   the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves.

   2Mac 8:31
   And when they had gathered their armour together, they laid
   them up all carefully in convenient places, and the remnant of
   the spoils they brought to Jerusalem.

   2Mac 8:32
   They slew also Philarches, that wicked person, who was with
   Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.

   2Mac 8:33
   Furthermore at such time as they kept the feast for the
   victory in their country they burnt Callisthenes, that had set
   fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house; and
   so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.

   2Mac 8:34
   As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had brought a
   thousand merchants to buy the Jews,

   2Mac 8:35
   He was through the help of the Lord brought down by them, of
   whom he made least account; and putting off his glorious
   apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive
   servant through the midland unto Antioch having very great
   dishonour, for that his host was destroyed.

   2Mac 8:36
   Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their
   tribute by means of captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, that the
   Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could not be
   hurt, because they followed the laws that he gave them.

   2Mac 9:1
   About that time came Antiochus with dishonour out of the
   country of Persia

   2Mac 9:2
   For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about
   to rob the temple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude
   running to defend themselves with their weapons put them to
   flight; and so it happened, that Antiochus being put to flight
   of the inhabitants returned with shame.

   2Mac 9:3
   Now when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him what had
   happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.

   2Mac 9:4
   Then swelling with anger. he thought to avenge upon the Jews
   the disgrace done unto him by those that made him flee.
   Therefore commanded he his chariotman to drive without ceasing,
   and to dispatch the journey, the judgment of GOd now following
   him. For he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come
   to Jerusalem and make it a common burying place of the Jew


   s.

   2Mac 9:5
   But the Lord Almighty, the God of Isreal, smote him with an
   incurable and invisible plague: or as soon as he had spoken
   these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came upon
   him, and sore torments of the inner parts;

   2Mac 9:6
   And that most justly: for he had tormented other men's bowels
   with many and strange torments.

   2Mac 9:7
   Howbeit he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still
   was filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage against
   the Jews, and commanding to haste the journey: but it came to
   pass that he fell down from his chariot, carried violently; so
   that having a sore fall, all the members of his body were much
   pained.

   2Mac 9:8
   And thus he that a little afore thought he might command the
   waves of the sea, (so proud was he beyond the condition of man)
   and weigh the high mountains in a balance, was now cast on the
   ground, and carried in an horselitter, shewing forth unto all
   the manifest power of God.

   2Mac 9:9
   So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man,
   and whiles he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell away, and
   the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army.

   2Mac 9:10
   And the man, that thought a little afore he could reach to
   the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry for his
   intolerable stink.

   2Mac 9:11
   Here therefore, being plagued, he began to leave off his
   great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself by the
   scourge of God, his pain increasing every moment.

   2Mac 9:12
   And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said
   these words, It is meet to be subject unto God, and that a man
   that is mortal should not proudly think of himself if he were
   God.

   2Mac 9:13
   This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more
   would have mercy upon him, saying thus,

   2Mac 9:14
   That the holy city (to the which he was going in haste to lay
   it even with the ground, and to make it a common buryingplace,)
   he would set at liberty:

   2Mac 9:15
   And as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy so
   much as to be buried, but to be cast out with their children to
   be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them all
   equals to the citizens of Athens:

   2Mac 9:16
   And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would
   garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with
   many more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges
   belonging to the sacrifices:

   2Mac 9:17
   Yea, and that also he would become a Jew himself, and go
   through all the world that was inhabited, and declare the power
   of God.

   2Mac 9:18
   But for all this his pains would not cease: for the just
   judgment of God was come upon him: therefore despairing of his
   health, he wrote unto the Jews the letter underwritten,
   containing the form of a supplication, after this manner:

   2Mac 9:19
   Antiochus, king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens
   wisheth much joy, health, and prosperity:

   2Mac 9:20
   If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be to
   your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my
   hope in heaven.

   2Mac 9:21
   As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly
   your honour and good will returning out of Persia, and being
   taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to care
   for the common safety of all:

   2Mac 9:22
   Not distrusting mine health, but having great hope to escape
   this sickness.

   2Mac 9:23
   But considering that even my father, at what time he led an
   army into the high countries. appointed a successor,

   2Mac 9:24
   To the end that, if any thing fell out contrary to
   expectation, or if any tidings were brought that were grievous,
   they of the land, knowing to whom the state was left, might not
   be troubled:

   2Mac 9:25
   Again, considering how that the princes that are borderers
   and neighbours unto my kingdom wait for opportunities, and
   expect what shall be the event. I have appointed my son
   Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended unto many
   of you, when I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have
   written as followeth:

   2Mac 9:26
   Therefore I pray and request you to remember the benefits
   that I have done unto you generally, and in special, and that
   every man will be still faithful to me and my son.

   2Mac 9:27
   For I am persuaded that he understanding my mind will
   favourably and graciously yield to your desires.

   2Mac 9:28
   Thus the murderer and blasphemer having suffered most
   grievously, as he entreated other men, so died he a miserable
   death in a strange country in the mountains.

   2Mac 9:29
   And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his
   body, who also fearing the son of Antiochus went into Egypt to
   Ptolemeus Philometor.

   2Mac 10:1
   Now Maccabeus and his company, the Lord guiding them,
   recovered the temple and the city:

   2Mac 10:2
   But the altars which the heathen had built in the open
   street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.

   2Mac 10:3
   And having cleansed the temple they made another altar, and
   striking stones they took fire out of them, and offered a
   sacrifice after two years, and set forth incense, and lights,
   and shewbread.

   2Mac 10:4
   When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the
   Lord that they might come no more into such troubles; but if
   they sinned any more against him, that he himself would chasten
   them with mercy, and that they might not be delivered unto the
   blasphemous and barbarous nations.

   2Mac 10:5
   Now upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple,
   on the very same day it was cleansed again, even the five and
   twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.

   2Mac 10:6
   And they kept the eight days with gladness, as in the feast
   of the tabernacles, remembering that not long afore they had
   held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the
   mountains and dens like beasts.

   2Mac 10:7
   Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms
   also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good success
   in cleansing his place.

   2Mac 10:8
   They ordained also by a common statute and decree, That every
   year those days should be kept of the whole nation of the Jews.

   2Mac 10:9
   And this was the end of Antiochus, called Epiphanes.

   2Mac 10:10
   Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was
   the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities of
   the wars.

   2Mac 10:11
   So when he was come to the crown, he set one Lysias over the
   affairs of his realm, and appointed him his chief governor of
   Celosyria and Phenice.

   2Mac 10:12
   For Ptolemeus, that was called Macron, choosing rather to do
   justice unto the Jews for the wrong that had been done unto
   them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.

   2Mac 10:13
   Whereupon being accused of the king's friends before Eupator,
   and called traitor at every word because he had left Cyprus,
   that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to
   Antiochus Epiphanes, and seeing that he was in no honourable
   place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself and died.

   2Mac 10:14
   But when Gorgias was governor of the holds, he hired
   soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews:

   2Mac 10:15
   And therewithall the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands
   the most commodious holds, kept the Jews occupied, and receiving
   those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about to
   nourish war.

   2Mac 10:16
   Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and
   besought God that he would be their helper; and so they ran with
   violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans,

   2Mac 10:17
   And assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept
   off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into
   their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.

   2Mac 10:18
   And because certain, who were no less than nine thousand,
   were fled together into two very strong castles, having all
   manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,

   2Mac 10:19
   Maccabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them
   that were with him, who were enough to besiege them, and
   departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.

   2Mac 10:20
   Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness,
   were persuaded for money through certain of those that were in
   the castle, and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some of
   them escape.

   2Mac 10:21
   But when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the
   governors of the people together, and accused those men, that
   they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies
   free to fight against them.

   2Mac 10:22
   So he slew those that were found traitors, and immediately
   took the two castles.

   2Mac 10:23
   And having good success with his weapons in all things he
   took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty
   thousand.

   2Mac 10:24
   Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had
   gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of
   Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of
   arms.

   2Mac 10:25
   But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned
   themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their
   heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,

   2Mac 10:26
   And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to
   be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an
   adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.

   2Mac 10:27
   So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on
   further from the city: and when they drew near to their enemies,
   they kept by themselves.

   2Mac 10:28
   Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the
   one part having together with their virtue their refuge also
   unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the
   other side making their rage leader of their battle

   2Mac 10:29
   But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the
   enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of
   gold, and two of them led the Jews,

   2Mac 10:30
   And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every
   side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings
   against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness,
   and full of trouble, they were killed.

   2Mac 10:31
   And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five
   hundred, and six hundred horsemen.

   2Mac 10:32
   As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold,
   called Gawra, where Chereas was governor.

   2Mac 10:33
   But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the
   fortress courageously four days.

   2Mac 10:34
   And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the
   place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.

   2Mac 10:35
   Nevertheless upon the fifth day early twenty young men of
   Maccabeus' company, inflamed with anger because of the
   blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage
   killed all that they met withal.

   2Mac 10:36
   Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied
   with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires
   burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates,
   and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,

   2Mac 10:37
   And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and
   Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.

   2Mac 10:38
   When this was done, they praised the Lord with psalms and
   thanksgiving, who had done so great things for Israel, and given
   them the victory.

   2Mac 11:1
   Not long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin,
   who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the
   things that were done.

   2Mac 11:2
   And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all
   the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the
   city an habitation of the Gentiles,

   2Mac 11:3
   And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of
   the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:

   2Mac 11:4
   Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with
   his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and
   his fourscore elephants.

   2Mac 11:5
   So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a
   strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and
   he laid sore siege unto it.

   2Mac 11:6
   Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged
   the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears
   besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver
   Israel.

   2Mac 11:7
   Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting
   the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him
   to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a
   willing mind.

   2Mac 11:8
   And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on
   horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.

   2Mac 11:9
   Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took
   heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight with men,
   but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.

   2Mac 11:10
   Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper
   from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them

   2Mac 11:11
   And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew
   eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put
   all the other to flight.

   2Mac 11:12
   Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias
   himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.

   2Mac 11:13
   Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself
   what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not
   be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto
   them,

   2Mac 11:14
   And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and
   promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a
   friend unto them.

   2Mac 11:15
   Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being
   careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto
   Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.

   2Mac 11:16
   For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to
   this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth
   greeting:

   2Mac 11:17
   John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the
   petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the
   contents thereof.

   2Mac 11:18
   Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the
   king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might
   be.

   2Mac 11:19
   And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state,
   hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.

   2Mac 11:20
   But of the particulars I have given order both to these and
   the other that came from me, to commune with you.

   2Mac 11:21
   Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the
   four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.

   2Mac 11:22
   Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus
   unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting:

   2Mac 11:23
   Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is,
   that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may
   attend upon his own affairs.

   2Mac 11:24
   We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our
   father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but
   had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause
   they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after
   their own laws.

   2Mac 11:25
   Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and
   we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may
   live according to the customs of their forefathers.

   2Mac 11:26
   Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant
   them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may
   be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own
   affairs.

   2Mac 11:27
   And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was
   after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the
   council, and the rest of the Jews:

   2Mac 11:28
   If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good
   health.

   2Mac 11:29
   Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return
   home, and to follow your own business:

   2Mac 11:30
   Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till
   the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.

   2Mac 11:31
   And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as
   before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested
   for things ignorantly done.

   2Mac 11:32
   I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.

   2Mac 11:33
   Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the
   fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

   2Mac 11:34
   The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these
   words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the
   Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.

   2Mac 11:35
   Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith
   we also are well pleased.

   2Mac 11:36
   But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the
   king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we
   may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to
   Antioch.

   2Mac 11:37
   Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your
   mind.

   2Mac 11:38
   Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the
   fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

   2Mac 12:1
   When these covenants were made, Lysias went unto the king,
   and the Jews were about their husbandry.

   2Mac 12:2
   But of the governours of several places, Timotheus, and
   Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon,
   and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer
   them to be quiet and live in peace.

   2Mac 12:3
   The men of Joppa also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed
   the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives and
   children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they
   had meant them no hurt.

   2Mac 12:4
   Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the
   city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting
   nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they
   drowned no less than two hundred of them.

   2Mac 12:5
   When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he
   commanded those that were with him to make them ready.

   2Mac 12:6
   And calling upon God the righteous Judge, he came against
   those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by night,
   and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.

   2Mac 12:7
   And when the town was shut up, he went backward, as if he
   would return to root out all them of the city of Joppa.

   2Mac 12:8
   But when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like
   manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,

   2Mac 12:9
   He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set fire on the
   haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at
   Jerusalem two hundred and forty furlongs off.

   2Mac 12:10
   Now when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their
   journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on
   foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.

   2Mac 12:11
   Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas' side by
   the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia,
   being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give
   him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.

   2Mac 12:12
   Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in
   many things, granted them peace: whereupon they shook hands, and
   so they departed to their tents.

   2Mac 12:13
   He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city,
   which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of
   divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.

   2Mac 12:14
   But they that were within it put such trust in the strength
   of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved
   themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and
   blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.

   2Mac 12:15
   Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord
   of the world, who without rams or engines of war did cast down
   Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the
   walls,

   2Mac 12:16
   And took the city by the will of God, and made unspeakable
   slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near
   adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with
   blood.

   2Mac 12:17
   Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty
   furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called
   Tubieni.

   2Mac 12:18
   But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for
   before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence,
   having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.

   2Mac 12:19
   Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus'
   captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in
   the fortress, above ten thousand men.

   2Mac 12:20
   And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set them over the
   bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred
   and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five
   hundred horsemen.

   2Mac 12:21
   Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas' coming, he sent
   the women and children and the other baggage unto a fortress
   called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to
   come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.

   2Mac 12:22
   But when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies,
   being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him
   who seeth all things, fled amain, one running into this way,
   another that way, so as that they were often hurt of their own
   men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.

   2Mac 12:23
   Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those
   wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.

   2Mac 12:24
   Moreover Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus
   and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft to let him go
   with his life, because he had many of the Jews' parents, and the
   brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to death, should
   not be regarded.

   2Mac 12:25
   So when he had assured them with many words that he would
   restore them without hurt, according to the agreement, they let
   him go for the saving of their brethren.

   2Mac 12:26
   Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of
   Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.

   2Mac 12:27
   And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas
   removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lysias
   abode, and a great multitude of divers nations, and the strong
   young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily: wherein
   also was great provision of engines and darts.

   2Mac 12:28
   But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God,
   who with his power breaketh the strength of his enemies, they
   won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that
   were within,

   2Mac 12:29
   From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six
   hundred furlongs from Jerusalem,

   2Mac 12:30
   But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the
   Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated them
   kindly in the time of their adversity;

   2Mac 12:31
   They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still
   unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks
   approaching.

   2Mac 12:32
   And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth
   against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,

   2Mac 12:33
   Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred
   horsemen.

   2Mac 12:34
   And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the
   Jews were slain.

   2Mac 12:35
   At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company, who was on
   horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking
   hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken
   that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him
   smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.

   2Mac 12:36
   Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and
   were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew
   himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.

   2Mac 12:37
   And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms
   with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias' men, he
   put them to flight.

   2Mac 12:38
   So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of
   Odollam, And when the seventh day came, they purified
   themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same
   place.

   2Mac 12:39
   And upon the day following, as the use had been, Judas and
   his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain,
   and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers' graves.

   2Mac 12:40
   Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found
   things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is
   forbidden the Jews by the law. Then every man saw that this was
   the cause wherefore they were slain.

   2Mac 12:41
   All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who
   had opened the things that were hid,

   2Mac 12:42
   Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin
   committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that
   noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin,
   forsomuch as they saw before their eyes the things that came to
   pass for the sins of those that were slain.

   2Mac 12:43
   And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to
   the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to
   Jerusalem to offer a sin offering, doing therein very well and
   honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection:

   2Mac 12:44
   For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have
   risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the
   dead.

   2Mac 12:45
   And also in that he perceived that there was great favour
   laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good
   thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that
   they might be delivered from sin.

   2Mac 13:1
   In the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that
   Antiochus Eupator was coming with a great power into Judea,

   2Mac 13:2
   And with him Lysias his protector, and ruler of his affairs,
   having either of them a Grecian power of footmen, an hundred and
   ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and
   elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with
   hooks.

   2Mac 13:3
   Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great
   dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of the
   country, but because he thought to have been made governor.

   2Mac 13:4
   But the King of kings moved Antiochus' mind against this
   wicked wretch, and Lysias informed the king that this man was
   the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring
   him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in
   that place.

   2Mac 13:5
   Now there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high,
   full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which on every side
   hanged down into the ashes.

   2Mac 13:6
   And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed
   any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto
   death.

   2Mac 13:7
   Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having
   so much as burial in the earth; and that most justly:

   2Mac 13:8
   For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about the altar,
   whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.

   2Mac 13:9
   Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far
   worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father's time.

   2Mac 13:10
   Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude
   to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other
   time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put
   from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:

   2Mac 13:11
   And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now
   been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the
   blasphemous nations.

   2Mac 13:12
   So when they had all done this together, and besought the
   merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the
   ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded
   they should be in a readiness.

   2Mac 13:13
   And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before
   the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go
   forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.

   2Mac 13:14
   So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and
   exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for
   the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the
   commonwealth, he camped by Modin:

   2Mac 13:15
   And having given the watchword to them that were about him,
   Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he
   went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp
   about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with
   all that were upon him.

   2Mac 13:16
   And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and
   departed with good success.

   2Mac 13:17
   This was done in the break of the day, because the protection
   of the Lord did help him.

   2Mac 13:18
   Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the
   Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,

   2Mac 13:19
   And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the
   Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his men:

   2Mac 13:20
   For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things
   as were necessary.

   2Mac 13:21
   But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews' host, disclosed the
   secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when
   they had gotten him, they put him in prison.

   2Mac 13:22
   The king treated with them in Bethsum the second time, gave
   his hand, took their's, departed, fought with Judas, was
   overcome;

   2Mac 13:23
   Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch,
   was desperately bent, confounded, intreated the Jews, submitted
   himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them,
   and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly
   with the place,

   2Mac 13:24
   And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor
   from Ptolemais unto the Gerrhenians;

   2Mac 13:25
   Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the
   covenants; for they stormed, because they would make their
   covenants void:

   2Mac 13:26
   Lysias went up to the judgment seat, said as much as could be
   in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well
   affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king's
   coming and departing.

   2Mac 14:1
   After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son
   of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a
   great power and navy,

   2Mac 14:2
   Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his
   protector.

   2Mac 14:3
   Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled
   himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the
   Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor
   have any more access to the holy altar,

   2Mac 14:4
   Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth
   year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also
   of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so
   that day he held his peace.

   2Mac 14:5
   Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish
   enterprize, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and
   asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he
   answered thereunto:

   2Mac 14:6
   Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is
   Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let
   the rest be in peace.

   2Mac 14:7
   Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean
   the high priesthood, am now come hither:

   2Mac 14:8
   First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things
   pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the
   good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small
   misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforersaid.

   2Mac 14:9
   Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be
   careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on
   every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest
   unto all.

   2Mac 14:10
   For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the
   state should be quiet.

   2Mac 14:11
   This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's
   friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense
   Demetrius.

   2Mac 14:12
   And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the
   elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him
   forth,

   2Mac 14:13
   Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were
   with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.

   2Mac 14:14
   Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came
   to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities ot the
   Jews to be their welfare.

   2Mac 14:15
   Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the
   heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads,
   and made supplication to him that had established his people for
   ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of
   his presence.

   2Mac 14:16
   So at the commandment of the captain they removed
   straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of
   Dessau.

   2Mac 14:17
   Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor,
   but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his
   enemies.

   2Mac 14:18
   Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that
   were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight
   for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.

   2Mac 14:19
   Wherefore he sent Posidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias,
   to make peace.

   2Mac 14:20
   So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the
   captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it
   appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the
   covenants,

   2Mac 14:21
   And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and
   when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,

   2Mac 14:22
   Ludas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some
   treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they
   made a peaceable conference.

   2Mac 14:23
   Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent
   away the people that came flocking unto him.

   2Mac 14:24
   And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for
   he love the man from his heart

   2Mac 14:25
   He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so
   he married, was quiet, and took part of this life.

   2Mac 14:26
   But Alcimus, perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and
   considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and
   told him that Nicanor was not well affected toward the state;
   for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be
   the king's successor.

   2Mac 14:27
   Then the king being in a rage, and provoked with the
   accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying
   that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding
   him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto
   Antioch.

   2Mac 14:28
   When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he was much confounded
   in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the
   articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.

   2Mac 14:29
   But because there was no dealing against the king, he watched
   his time to accomplish this thing by policy.

   2Mac 14:30
   Notwithstanding, when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be
   churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than
   he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of
   good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew
   himself from Nicanor.

   2Mac 14:31
   But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by
   Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple, and
   commanded the priests, that were offering their usual
   sacrifices, to deliver him the man.

   2Mac 14:32
   And when they sware that they could not tell where the man
   was whom he sought,

   2Mac 14:33
   He stretched out his right hand toward the temple, and made
   an oath in this manner: If ye will not deliver me Judas as a
   prisoner, I will lay this temple of God even with the ground,
   and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto
   Bacchus.

   2Mac 14:34
   After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up
   their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a
   defender of their nation, saying in this manner;

   2Mac 14:35
   Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast
   pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us:

   2Mac 14:36
   Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house
   ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every
   unrighteous mouth.

   2Mac 14:37
   Now was there accused unto Nicanor one Razis, one of the
   elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of
   very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of
   the Jews.

   2Mac 14:38
   For in the former times, when they mingled not themselves
   with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did
   boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the
   religion of the Jews.

   2Mac 14:39
   So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the
   Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him:

   2Mac 14:40
   For he thought by taking him to do the Jews much hurt.

   2Mac 14:41
   Now when the multitude would have taken the tower, and
   violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should
   be brought to burn it, he being ready to be taken on every side
   fell upon his sword;

   2Mac 14:42
   Choosing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands
   of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble
   birth:

   2Mac 14:43
   But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also
   rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast
   himself down manfully among the thickest of them.

   2Mac 14:44
   But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell
   down into the midst of the void place.

   2Mac 14:45
   Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being
   inflamed with anger, he rose up; and though his blood gushed out
   like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran
   through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,

   2Mac 14:46
   When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his
   bowels, and taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the
   throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore
   him those again, he thus died.

   2Mac 15:1
   But Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the
   strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set
   upon them on the sabbath day.

   2Mac 15:2
   Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him
   said, O destroy not so cruelly and barbarously, but give honour
   to that day, which he, that seeth all things, hath honoured with
   holiness above all other days.

   2Mac 15:3
   Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a
   Mighty one in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be
   kept.

   2Mac 15:4
   And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and
   mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:

   2Mac 15:5
   Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I
   command to take arms, and to do the king's business. Yet he
   obtained not to have his wicked will done.

   2Mac 15:6
   So Nicanor in exceeding pride and haughtiness determined to
   set up a publick monument of his victory over Judas and them
   that were with him.

   2Mac 15:7
   But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would
   help him:

   2Mac 15:8
   Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of
   the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in
   former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect
   the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the
   Almighty.

   2Mac 15:9
   And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and
   withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore,
   he made them more cheerful.

   2Mac 15:10
   And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their
   charge, shewing them therewithall the falsehood of the heathen,
   and the breach of oaths.

   2Mac 15:11
   Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of
   shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and
   beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if
   it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.

   2Mac 15:12
   And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high
   priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation,
   gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a
   child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for
   the whole body of the Jews.

   2Mac 15:13
   This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray
   hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and
   excellent majesty.

   2Mac 15:14
   Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren,
   who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit,
   Jeremias the prophet of God.

   2Mac 15:15
   Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas
   a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,

   2Mac 15:16
   Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou
   shalt wound the adversaries.

   2Mac 15:17
   Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were
   very good, and able to stir them up to valour, and to encourage
   the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp,
   but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the
   matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the
   temple were in danger.

   2Mac 15:18
   For the care that they took for their wives, and their
   children, their brethren, and folks, was in least account with
   them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy
   temple.

   2Mac 15:19
   Also they that were in the city took not the least care,
   being troubled for the conflict abroad.

   2Mac 15:20
   And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the
   enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array,
   and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in
   wings,

   2Mac 15:21
   Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers
   preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts,
   stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord
   that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms,
   but even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are
   worthy:

   2Mac 15:22
   Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord,
   thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of
   Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred
   fourscore and five thousand:

   2Mac 15:23
   Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel
   before us for a fear and dread unto them;

   2Mac 15:24
   And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with
   terror, that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he
   ended thus.

   2Mac 15:25
   Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with
   trumpets and songs.

   2Mac 15:26
   But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with
   invocation and prayer.

   2Mac 15:27
   So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God
   with their hearts, they slew no less than thirty
   and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they
   were greatly cheered.

   2Mac 15:28
   Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they
   knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.

   2Mac 15:29
   Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the
   Almighty in their own language.

   2Mac 15:30
   And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens
   both in body and mind, and who continued his love toward his
   countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head,
   and his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.

   2Mac 15:31
   So when he was there, and called them of his nation together,
   and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were
   of the tower,

   2Mac 15:32
   And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that
   blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against
   the holy temple of the Almighty.

   2Mac 15:33
   And when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor,
   he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls,
   and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.

   2Mac 15:34
   So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord,
   saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.

   2Mac 15:35
   He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and
   manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.

   2Mac 15:36
   And they ordained all with a common decree in no case to let
   that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirtieth
   day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called
   Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.

   2Mac 15:37
   Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the
   Hebrews had the city in their power. And here will I make an
   end.

   2Mac 15:38
   And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is
   that which I desired: but if slenderly and meanly, it is that
   which I could attain unto.

   2Mac 15:39
   For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone; and as
   wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste:
   even so speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that
   read the story. And here shall be an end.