Chapter 80

10:84. But Jonathan set fire to Azotus, and the cities that were round about it, and took the spoils of them and the temple of Dagon: and all them that were fled into it, he burnt with fire.

10:85. So they that were slain by the sword, with them that were burnt, were almost eight thousand men.

10:86. And Jonathan, removed his army from thence and camped against Ascalon: and they went out of the city to meet him with great honour.

10:87. And Jonathan returned into Jerusalem with his people, having many spoils.

10:88. And it came to pass, when Alexander, the king heard these words, that he honoured Jonathan yet more.

10:89. And he sent him a buckle of gold, as the custom is, to be given to such as are of the royal blood. And he gave him Accaron, and all the borders thereof, in possession.

1 Machabees Chapter 11

Ptolemee invades the kingdom of Alexander: the latter is slain: and the former dies soon after. Demetrius honours Jonathan, and is rescued by the Jews from his own subjects in Antioch. Antiochus the younger favours Jonathan. His exploits in divers places.

11:1. And the king of Egypt gathered together an army, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships: and he sought to get the kingdom of Alexander by deceit, and join it to his own kingdom.

11:2. And he went out into Syria with peaceable words and they opened to him the cities, and met him: for king Alexander had ordered them to go forth to meet him, because he was his father in law.

11:3. Now when Ptolemee entered into the cities, he put garrisons of soldiers in every city.

11:4. And when he came near to Azotns, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt with fire, and Azotus, and the suburbs thereof, that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad, and the graves of them that were slain in the battle, which they had made near the way.

11:5. And they told the king that Jonathan had done these things, to make him odious: but the king held his peace.

11:6. And Jonathan came to meet the king at Joppe with glory, and they saluted one another, and they lodged there.

11:7. And Jonathan went with the king as far as the river, called Eleutherus: and he returned into Jerusalem.

11:8. And king Ptolemee got the dominion of the cities by the sea side, even to Seleucia, and he devised evil designs against Alexander.

11:9. And he sent ambassadors to Demetrius, saying: Come, let us make a league between us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in the kingdom of thy father.

11:10. For I repent that I have given him my daughter: for he hath sought to kill me.

11:11. And he slandered him, because he coveted his kingdom,

11:12. And he took away his daughter, and gave her to Demetrius, and alienated himself from Alexander, and his enmities were made manifest.

11:13. And Ptolemee entered into Antioch, and set two crowns upon his head, that of Egypt, and that of Asia.

11:14. Now king Alexander was in Cilicia at that time: because they that were in those places had rebelled.

11:15. And when Alexander heard of it, he came to give him battle: and king Ptolemee brought forth his army, and met him with a strong power, and put him to flight.

11:16. And Alexander fled into Arabia, there to be protected: and king Ptolemee was exalted.

11:17. And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it to Ptolemee.

11:18. And king Ptolemee died the third day after: and they that were in the strong holds were destroyed by them that were within the camp.

11:19. And Demetrius reigned in the hundred and sixty-seventh year.

11:20. In those days Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea, to take the castle that was in Jerusalem: and they made many engines of war against it.

11:21. Then some wicked men that hated their own nation, went away to king Demetrius, and told him that Jonathan was besieging the castle.

11:22. And when he heard it, he was angry: and forthwith he came to Ptolemais, and wrote to Jonathan that he should not besiege the castle, but should come to him in haste, and speak to him.

11:23. But when Jonathan heard this, he bade them besiege it still: and he chose some of the ancients of Israel, and of the priests, and put himself in danger

11:24. And he took gold, and silver, and raiment, and many other presents, and went to the king to Ptolemais and he found favour in his sight.

11:25. And certain wicked men of his nation made complaints against him.

11:26. And the king treated him as his predecessors had done before: and he exalted him in the sight of all his friends.

11:27. And he confirmed him in the high priesthood and all the honours he had before, and he made him the chief of his friends.

11:28. And Jonathan requested of the king that he would make Judea free from tribute, and the three governments, and Samaria, and the confines thereof: and he promised him three hundred talents.

11:29. And the king consented: and he wrote letters to Jonathan of all these things, to this effect.

11:30. King Demetrius to his brother, Jonathan, and to the nation of the Jews, greeting.

11:31. We send you here a copy of the letter which we have written to Lasthenes, our parent, concerning you, that you might know it.

11:32. King Demetrius to Lasthenes, his parent, greetings.

11:33. We have determined to do good to the nation of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep the things that are just with us, for their good will which they bear towards us.

11:34. We have ratified, therefore, unto them all the borders of Judea, and the three cities, Apherema, Lydda, and Ramatha, which are added to Judea, out of Samaria, and all their confines, to be set apart to all them that sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them every year, and for the fruits of the land, and of the trees.

Apherema. . .is found only in the Greek version.

11:35. And as for other things that belonged to us of the tithes, and of the tributes, from this time we discharge them of them: the saltpans also, and the crowns that were presented to us.

11:36. We give all to them, and nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth and for ever.

11:37. Now, therefore, see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be given to Jonathan, and set upon the holy mountain, in a conspicuous place.

11:38. And king Demetrius, seeing that the land was quiet before him, and nothing resisted him, sent away all his forces, every man to his own place, except the foreign army, which he had drawn together from the islands of the nations: so all the troops of his fathers hated him.

11:39. Now there was one Tryphon who had been of Alexander's party before: who seeing that all the army murmured against Demetrius, went to Emalchuel, the Arabian, who brought up Antiochus, the son of Alexander:

11:40. And he pressed him much to deliver him to him, that he might be king in his father's place: and he told him all that Demetrius had done, and how his soldiers hated him. And he remained there many days.

11:41. And Jonathan sent to king Demetrius, desiring that he would cast out them that were in the castle in Jerusalem, and those that were in the strong holds: because they fought against Israel.

11:42. And Demetrius sent to Jonathan, saying: I will not only do this for thee, and for thy people, but I will greatly honour thee, and thy nation, when opportunity shall serve.

11:43. Now, therefore, thou shalt do well if thou send me men to help me: for all my army is gone from me.

11:44. And Jonathan sent him three thousand valiant men to Antioch: and they came to the king, and the king was very glad of their coming.

11:45. And they that were of the city assembled themselves together, to the number of a hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have killed the king.

11:46. And the king fled into the palace: and they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.

11:47. And the king called the Jews to his assistance: and they came to him all at once, and they all dispersed themselves through the city.

11:48. And they slew in that day a hundred thousand men, and they set fire to the city, and got many spoils that day, and delivered the king.

11:49. And they that were of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would: and they were discouraged in their mind, and cried to the king, making supplication, and saying

1:50. Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us, and the city.

11:51. And they threw down their arms, and made peace, and the Jews were glorified in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm, and were renowned throughout the kingdom, and returned to Jerusalem with many spoils.

11:52. So king Demetrius sat in the throne of his kingdom: and the land was quiet before him.

11:53. And he falsified all whatsoever he had said, and alienated himself from Jonathan, and did not reward him according to the benefits he had received from him, but gave him great trouble.

11:54. And after this Tryphon returned, and with him Antiochus, the young boy, who was made king, and put on the diadem.

11:55. And there assembled unto him all the hands which Demetrius had sent away, and they fought against Demetrius who turned his back and fled.

11:56. And Tryphon took the elephants, and made himself master of Antioch.

11:57. And young Antiochus wrote to Jonathan, saying: I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and I appoint thee ruler over the four cities, and to be one of the king's friends.

11:58. And he sent him vessels of gold for his service, and he gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle:

11:59. And he made his brother, Simon, governor, from the borders of Tyre even to the confines of Egypt.

11:60. Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the river, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves to him to help him, and he came to Ascalon, and they met him honourably out of the city.

11:61. And he went from thence to Gaza: and they that were in Gaza shut him out: and he besieged it, and burnt all the suburbs round about, and took the spoils.

11:62. And the men of Gaza made supplication to Jonathan, and he gave them the right hand: and he took their sons for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem: and he went through the country, as far as Damascus.

11:63. And Jonathan heard that the generals of Demetrius were come treacherously to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great army, purposing to remove him from the affairs of the kingdom.

11:64. And he went against them: but left his brother, Simon, in the country.

11:65. And Simon encamped against Bethsura, and assaulted it many days, and shut them up.

11:66. And they desired him to make peace, and he granted it them: and he cast them out from thence, and took the city, and placed a garrison in it.

11:67. And Jonathan and his army encamped by the water of Genesar, and before it was light they were ready in the plain of Asor.

11:68. And behold the army of the strangers met him in the plain, and they laid an ambush for him in the mountains: but he went out against them.

11:69. And they that lay in ambush rose out of their places, and joined battle.

11:70. And all that were on Jonathan's side fled, and none was left of them, but Mathathias, the son of Absalom, and Judas, the son of Calphi, chief captain of the army.

11:71. And Jonathan rent his garments, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.

11:72. And Jonathan turned again to them to battle, and he put them to flight, and they fought.

11:73. And they of his part that fled saw this, and they turned again to him, and they all with him pursued the enemies, even to Cades, to their own camp, and they came even thither.

11:74. And there fell of the aliens in that day three thousand men: and Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

1 Machabees Chapter 12

Jonathan renews his league with the Romans and Lacedemonians. The forces of Demetrius flee away from him. He is deceived and made prisoner by Tryphon.

12:1. And Jonathan saw that the time served him, and he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, to confirm and to renew the amity with them:

12:2. And he sent letters to the Spartans, and to other places, according to the same form.

12:3. And they went to Rome, and entered into the senate house, and said: Jonathan, the high priest, and the nation of the Jews, have sent us to renew the amity, and alliance, as it was before.

12:4. And they gave them letters to their governors in every place, to conduct them into the land of Juda with peace.

12:5. And this is a copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:

12:6. Jonathan, the high priest, and the ancients of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to the Spartans, their brethren, greeting.

12:7. There were letters sent long ago to Onias the high priest, from Arius, who reigned then among you to signify that you are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.

12:8. And Onias received the ambassador with honour and received the letters, wherein there was mention made of the alliance, and amity.

12:9. We, though we needed none of these things having for our comfort the holy books that are in our hands,

12:10. Chose rather to send to you to renew the brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become stranger to you altogether: for there is a long time passed since you sent to us.

12:11. We, therefore, at all times without ceasing, both in our festivals, and other days wherein it is convenient, remember you in the sacrifices that we offer, and in our observances, as it is meet and becoming to remember brethren.

12:12. And we rejoice at your glory.

12:13. But we have had many troubles and wars on every side; and the kings that are round about us have fought against us.

12:14. But we would not be troublesome to you, nor to the rest of our allies and friends, in these wars.

12:15. For we have had help from heaven, and we have been delivered, and our enemies are humbled.

12:16. We have chosen, therefore, Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater, the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans, to renew with them the former amity and alliance.

12:17. And we have commanded them to go also to you, and salute you, and to deliver you our letters, concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.

12:18. And now you shall do well to give us an answer hereto.

12:19. And this is the copy of the letter which he had sent to Onias:

12:20. Arius, king of the Spartans, to Onias, the high priest, greeting.

12:21. It is found in writing concerning the Spartans, and the Jews, that they are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham.

12:22. And now since this is come to our knowledge, you do well to write to us of your prosperity.

12:23. And we also have written back to you, That our cattle, and our possessions, are yours: and yours, ours. We, therefore, have commanded that these things should be told you.

12:24. Now Jonathan heard that the generals of Demetrius were come again with a greater army than before to fight against him.

12:25. So he went out from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amath: for he gave them no time to enter into his country.

12:26. And he sent spies into their camp, and they came back, and brought him word that they designed to come upon them in the night.

12:27. And when the sun was set, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms all night long ready to fight, and he set sentinels round about the camp.

12:28. And the enemies heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle: and they were struck with fear and dread in their heart: and they kindled fires in their camp.

12:29. But Jonathan, and they that were with him, knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.

12:30. And Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they had passed the river Eleutherus.

12:31. And Jonathan turned upon the Arabians, that are called Zabadeans: and he defeated them, and took the spoils of them.

12:32. And he went forward, and came to Damascus, and passed through all that country.

12:33. Simon also went forth, and came as far as Ascalon, and the neighbouring fortresses, and he turned aside to Joppe, and took possession of it,

12:34. (For he heard that they designed to deliver the hold to them that took part with Demetrius) and he put a garrison there to keep it.

12:35. And Jonathan came back, and called together the ancients of the people; and he took a resolution with them to build fortresses in Judea,

12:36. And to build up walls in Jerusalem, and raise a mount between the castle and the city, to separate it from the city, that so it might have no communication, and that they might neither buy nor sell.

12:37. And they came together to build up the city: for the wall that was upon the brook, towards the east, was broken down, and he repaired that which is called Caphetetha:

12:38. And Simon built Adiada in Sephela, and fortified it, and set up gates and bars.

12:39. Now when Tryphon had conceived a design to make himself king of Asia and to take the crown, and to stretch out his hand against king Antiochus:

12:40. Fearing lest Jonathan would not suffer him, but would fight against him: he sought to seize upon him, and to kill him. So he rose up and came to Bethsan.

12:41. And Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for battle, and came to Bethsan.

12:42. Now when Tryphon saw that Jonathan came with a great army, he durst not stretch forth his hand against him.

12:43. But received him with honour, and commended him to all his friends, and gave him presents: and he commanded his troops to obey him, as himself.

12:44. And he said to Jonathan: Why hast thou troubled all the people, whereas we have no war?

12:45. Now, therefore, send them back to their own houses: and choose thee a few men that may be with thee, and come with me to Ptolemais, and I will deliver it to thee, and the rest of the strong holds, and the army, and all that have any charge, and I will return and go away: for this is the cause of my coming.

12:46. And Jonathan believed him, and did as he said: and sent away his army, and they departed into the land of Juda:

12:47. But he kept with him three thousand men: of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.

12:48. Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates of the city, and took him: and all them that came in with him they slew with the sword.

12:49. Then Tryphon sent an army and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company.

12:50. But they, when they understood that Jonathan, and all that were with him, were taken and slain, encouraged one another, and went out ready for battle.

12:51. Then they that had come after them, seeing that they stood for their lives, returned back.

12:52. Whereupon they all came peaceably into the land of Juda and they bewailed Jonathan, and them that had been with him, exceedingly: and Israel mourned with great lamentation.

12:53. Then all the heathens that were round about them, sought to destroy them. For they said:

12:54. They have no prince, nor any to help them: now therefore, let us make war upon them, and take away the memory of them from amongst men.

1 Machabees Chapter 13

Simon is made captain general in the room of his brother. Jonathan is slain by Tryphon. Simon is favoured by Demetrius: he taketh Gaza, and the castle of Jerusalem.

13:1. Now Simon heard that Tryphon was gathering together a very great army to invade the land of Juda, and to destroy it.

13:2. And seeing that the people was in dread and in fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and assembled the people,

13:3. And exhorted them, saying: You know what great battles I and my brethren, and the house of my father, have fought for the laws, and the sanctuary, and the distresses that we have seen:

13:4. By reason whereof all my brethren have lost their lives for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.

13:5. And now far be it from me to spare my life in any time of trouble: for I am not better than my brethren.

13:6. I will avenge then my nation and the sanctuary, and our children, and wives: for all the heathens are gathered together to destroy us out of mere malice.

13:7. And the spirit of the people was enkindled as soon as they heard these words:

13:8. And they answered with a loud voice, saying: Thou art our leader in the place of Judas, and Jonathan, thy brother:

13:9. Fight thou our battles, and we will do whatsoever thou shalt say to us.

13:10. So gathering together all the men of war, he made haste to finish all the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.

13:11. And he sent Jonathan, the son of Absalom, and with him a new army, into Joppe, and he cast out them that were in it, and himself remained there.

13:12. And Tryphon removed from Ptolemais with a great army, to invade the land of Juda, and Jonathan was with him in custody.

13:13. But Simon pitched in Addus, over against the plain.

13:14. And when Tryphon understood that Simon was risen up in the place of his brother, Jonathan, and that he meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers to him,

13:15. Saying: We have detained thy brother, Jonathan, for the money that he owed in the king's account, by reason of the affairs which he had the management of.

13:16. But now send a hundred talents of silver, and his two sons for hostages, that when he is set at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will release him.

13:17. Now Simon knew that he spoke deceitfully to him; nevertheless, he ordered the money and the children to be sent, lest he should bring upon himself a great hatred of the people of Israel, who might have said:

13:18. Because he sent not the money and the children therefore is he lost.

13:19. So he sent the children and the hundred talents and he lied, and did not let Jonathan go.

13:20. And after this, Tryphon entered within the country, to destroy it: and they went about by the way that leadeth to Ador: and Simon and his army marched to every place whithersoever they went.

Simon and his army marched to every place whithersoever they went. . .That is, whithersoever Tryphon and his horsemen went in order to oppose them.

13:21. And they that were in the castle, sent messengers to Tryphon, that he should make haste to come through the desert, and send them victuals.

13:22. And Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night; but there fell a very great snow, and he came not into the country of Galaad.

13:23. And when he approached to Bascama, he slew Jonathan and his sons there.

13:24. And Tryphon returned, and went into his own country.

13:25. And Simon sent, and took the bones of Jonathan, his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.

13:26. And all Israel bewailed him with great lamentation: and they mourned for him many days.

13:27. And Simon built over the sepulchre of his father and of his brethren, a building lofty to the sight, of polished stone, behind and before:

13:28. And he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren:

13:29. And round about these he set great pillars; and upon the pillars, arms, for a perpetual memory; and by the arms, ships carved, which might be seen by all that sailed on the sea.

13:30. This is the sepulchre that he made in Modin, even unto this day.

13:31. But Tryphon, when he was upon a journey with the young king, Antiochus, treacherously slew him.

13:32. And he reigned in his place, and put on the crown of Asia: and brought great evils upon the land.