Maccabees 2 11
1Not long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.
2And 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,
3And 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:
4Not 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.
5So 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 to it.
6Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears implored the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.
7Then 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.
8And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armor of gold.
9Then 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.
10Thus they marched forward in their armor, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful to them
11And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they killed eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the other to flight.
12Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped.
13Who, 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 to them,
14And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a friend to them.
15Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatever Maccabeus wrote to Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.
16For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias to this effect: Lysias to the people of the Jews sends greeting:
17John and Absalon, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.
18Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he has granted as much as might be.
19And if then you will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavor to be a means of your good.
20But of the particulars I have given order both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.
21Fare you well. The hundred and eight and forties year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius.
22Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus to his brother Lysias sends greeting:
23Since our father is translated to the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.
24We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought to 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.
25Therefore 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.
26You shall do well therefore to send to 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.
27And the letter of the king to the nation of the Jews was after this manner: King Antiochus sends greeting to the council, and the rest of the Jews:
28If you fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health.
29Menelaus declared to us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:
30Therefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till the thirties day of Xanthicus with security.
31And 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.
32I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.
33Fare you well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
34The Romans also sent to them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting to the people of the Jews.
35Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin has granted, therewith we also are well pleased.
36But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after you have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.
37Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.
38Farewell. This hundred and eight and forties year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
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