Apocrypha. CHAP. IX. Apocrypha. Lydia, and of the goodliest countries, which shall keep their covenants without taking any they took of him, and gave to king Eumenes: thing therefor. 9 Moreover how the Grecians had deter- 27 In the same manner also, if war come mined to come and destroy them; first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans 10 And that they, having knowledge there- shall help them with all their heart, according of, sent against them a certain captain, and as the time shall be appointed them: fighting with them slew many of them, and 28 Neither shall victuals be given to them carried away captives their wives and their that take part against them, or weapons, or children, and spoiled them, and took possession money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the of their lands, and pulled down their strong Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, holds, and brought them to be their servants and that without deceit. unto this day: 11 It was told him beside, how they destroyed and brought under their dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time resisted them; 29 According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant with the people of the Jews. 30 Howbeit, if hereafter the one party or the other shall think meet to add or diminish any 12 But with their friends and such as relied thing, they may do it at their pleasures, and upon them they kept amity: and that they had whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be conquered kingdoms both far and nigh, inso- ratified. much as all that heard of their name were 31 And as touching the evils that Demetrius afraid of them: doeth to the Jews, we have written unto him, 13 Also that, whom they would help to a saying, Wherefore hast thou made thy yoke kingdom, those reign; and whom again they heavy upon our friends and confederates the would, they displace: finally, that they were Jews? greatly exalted: 32 If therefore they complain any more 14 Yet for all this none of them wore a against thee, we will do them justice, and fight crown, or was clothed in purple, to be magni- with thee by sea and by land. fied thereby : 15 Moreover how they had made for them. selves a senate-house, wherein three hundred CHAP. IX. Rhat Nicanor and his host were slain in URTHERMORE, when Demetrius heard and twenty men sat in council daily, consult-battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the ing alway for the people, to the end they might land of Judea the second time, and with them be well ordered: the chief strength of his host: 16 And that they committed their govern- 2 Who went forth by the way that leadeth ment to one man every year, who ruled over all to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Matheir country, and that all were obedient to that saloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had one, and that there was neither envy nor emu- won it, they slew much people. lation among them. 17 In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy with them, 18 And to entreat them that they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude. 19 They went therefore to Rome, which was a very great journey, and came into the senate, where they spake and said, 20 Judas Maccabeus with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends. 21 So that matter pleased the Romans well. 22 And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again on tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy. 3 Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year they encamped before Jerusalem: 4 From whence they removed and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen, and two thousand horsemen. 5 Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen men with him: 6 Who seeing the multitude of the other army to be so great, were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as there abode of them no more but eight hundred men. 7 When Judas therefore saw that his host slipped away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together. 8 Nevertheless, unto them that remained, he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them. 9 But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them for we are but 23 Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever: the sword also and enemy be far from few. them. 10 Then Judas said, God forbid that I should 24 If there come first any war upon the do this thing, and flee away from them; if our Romans or any of their confederates through-time be come, let us die manfully for our breout all their dominion, thren, and let us not stain our honour. 25 The people of the Jews shall help them, 11 With that the host of Bacchides removed as the time shall be appointed, with all their out of their tents, and stood over against them, heart: their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host, and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men. 26 Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they 12 As for Bacchides, he was in the right Apocrypha. I. MACCABEES. Apocrypha. wing so the host drew near on the two parts,| 37 After this came word to Jonathan and and sounded their trumpets. 13 They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night. 14 Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men, 15 Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus. Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan. 38 Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain: 39 Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and behold, there was much ado and great 16 But when they of the left wing saw that carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and they of the right wing were discomfited, they his friends and brethren, to meet them with followed upon Judas and those that were with drums, and instruments of music, and many him hard at the heels from behind: 17 Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts. 18 Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled. 19 Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin. 20 Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying, 21 How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel! 22 As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written for they were very many. 23 Now after the death of Judas, the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity. 24 In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted and went with them. 25 Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country. weapons. 40 Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils. 41 Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation. 42 So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan. 43 Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath-day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power. 44 Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to-day, as in time past: 45 For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside. 46 Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies. 26 And they made inquiry and search for 47 With that they joined battle, and JonaJudas' friends, and brought them unto Bac-than stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used chides, but he turned back from him. them despitefully. 27 So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them. 23 For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said unto Jonathan, 29 Since thy brother Judas died, we have no nan like him to go forth ainst our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us. 30 Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles. 31 Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas. 32 But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him. 33 Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Aspliar. 48 Then Jonathan and they that were with him leaped into Jordan, and swam over unto the farther bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them. 49 So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about a thousand men. 50 Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem, and repaired the strong cities in Judes; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates, and with bars. 51 And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel. 52 He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazara, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals. 53 Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept. 54 Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus command34 Which when Bacchides understood, heed that the wall of the inner court of the sanecame near to Jordan with all his host upon the tuary should be pulled down; he pulled down sabbath-day. also the works of the prophets. 35 Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much. 36 But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with it. 55 And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprises hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house. 56 So Alcimus died at that time with great torment. Аростурка. 57 Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus him, before he join with Alexander against us: was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years. 58 Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night. 59 So they went and consulted with him. 60 Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them. 61 Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them. 5 Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people. 6 Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him. 7 Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower: 8 Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host. 9 Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents. 10 This done, Jonathan settled himself in Je 62 Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Beth-rusalem, and began to build and repair the city. basi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong. 63 Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea. 64 Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season, and made engines of war. 65 But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth. 66 And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent. 67 And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war, 68 And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain. 69 Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, insomuch that he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country. 70 Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners. 11 And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion round about with square stones for fortification; and they did so. 12 Then the strangers, that were in the forStresses which Bacchides had built, fled away; 13 Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own country. 14 Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and the commandments remained still for it was their place of refuge. 15 Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured, : 16 He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will make him our friend and confederate. 17 Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to these words, saying, 18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting: 19 We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet to be our friend. 20 Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold :) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with 71 Which thing he accepted, and did ac-us. cording to his demands, and sware unto him 21 So in the seventh month of the hundred that he would never do him harm all the days and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernaof his life. 72 When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders. 73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel. ΓΝ CHAP. X. cles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour. 22 Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said, 23 What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself? 24 I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid. 25 He sent unto them therefore to this ef fect: King Demetrius unto the people of the IN the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, Jews sendeth greeting: went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had 26 Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, received him, by means whereof he reigned and continued in our friendship, not joining there. yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad. 2 Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight. 3 Moreover, Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words, so as he magnified him. 4 For, said he, Let us first make peace with 27 Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf, 28 And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards. 29 And now do I free you, and for your sake Apocrypha. 46 Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore. 47 But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate 30 And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part of the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day with him always. forth for evermore. 48 Then gathered king Alexander great 31 Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, forces, and camped over against Demetrius. with the borders thereof, both from tenths and 49 And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host fled: but Alexander fol tributes. 32 And as for the tower which is at Jerusa-lowed after him, and prevailed against them. lem, I yield up my authority over it, and give it 50 And he continued the battle very sore to the high priest, that he may set in it such until the sun went down: and that day was men as he shall choose to keep it. 33 Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews that were carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes even of their cattle. 34 Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the three days after the feast, shall be all days of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in my realm. 35 Also no man shall have authority to meddle with them, or to molest any of them in any matter. 36 I will further, that there be enrolled among the king's forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, as belongeth to all the king's forces. 37 And of them some shall be placed in the King's strong holds, of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are of trust and I will that their overseers and governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea. Demetrius slain. 51 Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt with a message to this effect: 52 Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country; 53 For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom: 54 Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me now thy daughter to wife and I will be thy son-in-law, and will give both thee and her gifts according to thy dignity. 55 Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and sattest in the throne of their kingdom. 56 And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire. 57 So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his 38 And concerning the three governments daughter Cleopatra, and they came unto Ptothat are added to Judea from the country of lemais in the hundred threescore and second Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that year: they may be reckoned to be under one, nor 58 Where king Alexander meeting him, gave bound to obey other authority than the high unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated priest's. her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory, as the manner of kings is. 39 As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expenses of the sanctuary. 40 Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of the king's accounts from the places appertaining. 41 And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the temple. 42 And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, even those things shall be released, because they appertain to the priests that minister. 43 And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be within the liberties thereof, being indebted unto the king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my realm. 44 For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary, expenses shall be given of the king's accounts. 45 Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, expenses shall be given out of the king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea. 59 Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should come and meet him. 60 Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and many presents, and found favour in their sight. 61 At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king would not hear them. 62 Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so. 63 Also he made him sit by himself, and said unto his princes, Go with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause. 64 Now when his accusers saw that he was honoured according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away. 65 So the king honoured him, and wrote hum among his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion. 66 Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness. 67 Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth year came Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers: 68 Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and returned into Antioch. 69 Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, who gather ed together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying, 70 Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached and why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the mountains? Apocrypha. 89 And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king's blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession. CHAP. XI. AND the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea-shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own. 2 Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alex71 Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine ander had commanded them so to do, because own strength, come down to us into the plain he was his father-in-law. field, and there let us try the matter together: for with me is the power of the cities. 7 Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to stand before our face; for thy fathers have been twice put to flight in their own land. 73 Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto. 74 So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men, he went out of Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him. 75 And he pitched his tents against Joppe: but they of Joppe shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there. 76 Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppe. 77 Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain, because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust. 78 Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies joined battle. 79 Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush. 80 And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning till evening. 81 But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them; and so the enemies' horses were tired. 82 Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen (for the horsemen were spent,) who were discomfited by him, and fled. 83 The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for safety. 84 But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burned with fire. 85 Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight thousand men. 86 And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great pomp. 87 After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having many spoils. 88 Now when king Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan yet more. 3 Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it. 4 And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad, and them that he had burnt in the battle: for they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass. 5 Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace. 6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppe, where they saluted one another, and lodged. 7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem. 8 King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea-coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander. 9 Whereupon he sent ambassadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father's kingdom: 10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me. 11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom. 12 Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known. 13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt." 14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him. 15 But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight. 16 So Alexander fled into Arabia, there to be defended; but king Ptolemee was exalted: 17 For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it unto Ptolemee. 18 King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another. 19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year. 20 At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea, to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it. 21 Then certain ungodly persons, who hated |