The Miracle(s) of Chanuka

(44) So Moses declared to the Israelites the set times of the LORD. (1) The LORD spoke to Moses, saying: (2) Command the Israelite people to bring you clear oil of beaten olives for lighting, for kindling lamps regularly. (3) Aaron shall set them up in the Tent of Meeting outside the curtain of the Pact [to burn] from evening to morning before the LORD regularly; it is a law for all time throughout the ages. (4) He shall set up the lamps on the pure lampstand before the LORD [to burn] regularly.

(1) בהעלתך WHEN THOU LIGHTEST [THE LAMPS] — Why is the section treating of the candelabrum put in juxtaposition with the section dealing with the offerings of the princes? Because when Aaron saw the dedication offerings of the princes, he felt distressed because neither he nor his tribe was with them in the dedication, whereupon the Holy One, blessed be He, said to him, “By your life! Your part is of greater importance than theirs, for you will kindle and set in order the lamps”

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WHEN THOU LIGHTEST THE LAMPS. “Why does the section dealing with the candelabrum follow [the section which tells of] the dedication-offerings of the princes? The reason is that when Aaron saw the dedication-offerings of the princes, he became disheartened because neither he nor his tribe participated with them in the dedication; whereupon the Holy One, blessed be He, said to him: ‘By thy life! Thy contribution is [of] greater [significance] than theirs, for thou wilt kindle and trim the lamps every morning and evening.’” This is Rashi’s language, from a Midrash Agadah.
But it is not clear to me why G-d consoled Aaron [by reminding him of his function] in lighting the lamps, rather than consoling him with the burning of the incense every morning and evening, which is [the specific function of his] with which Scripture praised him, as it is said, they shall put incense before Thee. Or [G-d could have reminded him of] all the offerings [performed only by his descendants], and the meal-offerin... Moreover, what reason was there for Aaron’s uneasiness of mind [upon seeing the offerings of the princes]? Was not his [dedication-] offering greater than that of the [other] princes, for he offered up during those days — all the [seven] days of the initiation [of the priests] — many offerings?
But the intention of this homiletic text is to derive an allusion from this section [of the Torah] to the Chanukah (“Dedication”) of lights which occurred in the period of the Second Temple through Aaron and his sons, namely [Matithyahu] the Hasmonean, who was High Priest, and his sons. There is another Dedication in which there will be lighting of the lamps, when I will perform through your sons miracles and salvation for Israel, and a ...Now it is an obvious fact that when the Sanctuary is not in existence and the offerings are not brought because of its destruction, the lighting of the lamps [of the candelabrum in the Sanctuary] also ceases [so what does the Midrash mean in saying that G-d promised Aaron that the lighting of the lamps would never stop]! Therefore [we must say] that the Sages of the Midrash were alluding to the lights of the Dedication of the Hasmoneans, which applies [on the festival of Chanukah] even after the destruction of the Sanctuary, in our exile.

(1) on the twenty-first day of the seventh month, the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: (2) Speak to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, the governor of Judah,

(In charge of the return of Jews to Israel after the destruction of the first Temple. and charged with rebuilding second one)

and to the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak, and to the rest of the people: (3) Who is there left among you who saw this House in its former splendor? How does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing to you. (4) But be strong, O Zerubbabel—says the LORD—be strong, O high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak; be strong, all you people of the land—says the LORD—and act! For I am with you—says the LORD of Hosts. (5) So I promised you when you came out of Egypt, and My spirit is still in your midst. Fear not! (6) For thus said the LORD of Hosts:...(9) The glory of this latter House shall be greater than that of the former one, said the LORD of Hosts; and in this place I will grant prosperity—declares the LORD of Hosts. (10) On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth [month], in the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Haggai: ...(15) And now take thought, from this day backward: As long as no stone had been laid on another in the House of the LORD, . (18) Take note, from this day forward—from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, from the day when the foundation was laid for the LORD’s Temple—take note

(27) At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites, wherever they lived, were sought out and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate a joyful dedication with thanksgiving and with song, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

The Gemara asks: What is Hanukkah, and why are lights kindled on Hanukkah? The Gemara answers: The Sages taught in Megillat Ta’anit: On the twenty-fifth of Kislev, the days of Hanukkah are eight. One may not eulogize on them and one may not fast on them. What is the reason? When the Greeks entered the Sanctuary they defiled all the oils that were in the Sanctuary by touching them. And when the Hasmonean monarchy overcame them and emerged victorious over them, they searched and found only one cruse of oil that was placed with the seal of the High Priest, undisturbed by the Greeks. And there was sufficient oil there to light the candelabrum for only one day. A miracle occurred and they lit the candelabrum from it eight days. The next year the Sages instituted those days and made them holidays with recitation of hallel and special thanksgiving in prayer and blessings.

(7) On the twenty fifth of the month is Channuka, eight days on which one does not eulogize

(8) because when the Greeks entered the Temple they defiled all the oil there. When the hand of the Hasmoneans was made strong and they defeat the Greeks, they checked (in the Temple) and only found one jar of oil sealed with the mark of the High Priest which remained undefiled. Though there was only enough in it to light for one day, a miracle occurred through it and they lit the Temple lamps from it for eight days. The following year they decreed these to be eight days of celebration. And what justification did they see for making Channuka eight days? Wasn’t the dedication (channuka) which Moshe did in the wilderness only seven days? As it says “And you shall not leave the entrance of the Tent of Meeting for seven days…” (Vayikra 8:33) And it says “The one who brought his offering on the first day was…” (Bamidbar 7:12) and on the seventh day Ephraim made his offering. So too we find at the dedication which Shlomo made that it only lasted seven days, as it says “…for the inauguration of the altar they made seven days, and the feast seven days.” (Divre HaYamim II 7:9) So what reason did they see to make this dedication eight days? In the days of the kingdom of Greece the Hasmoneans entered the Temple, built the altar, plastered it with plaster and for eight days they were preparing the vessels for service. The re-dedication done by the Hasmoneans it to be marked for all generations. And why is it a practice for all generations? They fixed it when they came out from a narrow place into broad spaces, and they said praises and thanksgiving, lighting lamps in purity. Since the Greeks had gone into the Temple and defiled all the vessels, there was nothing with which to light. When the Hasmoneans were victorious, they brought seven skewers of iron, covered them with tin and began to light.

[We thank You] for the miracles, for the redemption, for the mighty deeds, for the deliverances and for the wars that You performed for our fathers in those days at this season.

(7) On Chanukah: In the days of Matisyahu, son of Yochanan the High Priest, the Hasmonean and his sons, when the evil Greek kingdom rose up against Your people Israel to make them forget Your Torah⁵²This refers to rationally conceived laws. S.R. Hirsch comments: The Greeks knew that the key to the Jewish religion is the Torah. If Torah were forgotten, the decline of ritual observance would be inevitable and rapid. Thus, they concentrated first on causing Torah to be forgotten, knowing that the deterioration of religious observance would swiftly follow. and to turn them away from the statutes of Your will— You, in Your abundant mercy, stood by them in their time of distress, You defended their cause, You judged their grievances, You avenged them. You delivered the mighty into the hands of the weak, many into the hands of the few, defiled people into the hands of the undefiled, the wicked into the hands of the righteous, and insolent [sinners] into the hands of diligent students of Your Torah. And You made Yourself a great and sanctified name in Your world. And for Your people, Israel, You performed a great deliverance and redemption unto this very day. Afterwards, Your sons entered the Holy of Holies of Your Abode, cleaned Your Temple, purified Your Sanctuary, and kindled lights in the Courtyards of Your Sanctuary, and designated these eight days of Chanukah to thank and praise Your great Name.

Originally in Hebrew, written in Israel (then lost and Greek translation found, this is translation of that into Hebrew) and written close to the events.

(1) And it came to pass, after the triumph of Alexandros the Makedonian, son

(2) of Philippos, who first reigned in Hellas, who came out of the land of Khettiim, had defeated Dareios king of the Persians and the Medes:

(3) And He fought a lot of battles, and took almost all the strong holds, and slew almost all the kings of the earth,

(4) And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of many nations,

(5) insomuch that the earth was quiet before him; whereupon he was exalted and his heart was lifted up.

(6) And he gathered a mighty strong host and ruled over countries, and nations, and kings, who became tributaries unto him.

(7) And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die.

(8) Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.

(9) So Alexander reigned twelve years, and then died.

(10) And his servants bare rule every one in his place. And after his death they all put crowns upon themselves;

(11) so did their sons after them many years: and evils were multiplied in the earth.

(12) And there came out of them a wicked root, Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been a hostage at Rome,

(13) and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks. (185ish bce)

(14) In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying,

(15) “Let us go and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them we have had much sorrow.” (Hellenists?)

(16) So this device pleased them well. Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them a license to do after the ordinances of the heathen,

(17) whereupon they built a place of exercise at Jerusalem according to the customs of the heathen and made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.

(18) Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt that he might have the dominion of two realms.

(19) Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy,

(20) and made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.

(21) Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt and he took the spoils thereof.

(22) And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he returned again in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude,

(23) And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof, And the table of the shewbread, and the pouring vessels, and the vials, and the censers of gold, and the veil, and the crown, and the golden ornaments that were before the temple, all which he pulled off.

(24) He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.

(25) And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land, having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.

(26) Therefore there was a great mourning in Israel, in every place where they were,

(27) so that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.

(28) Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the marriage chamber was in heaviness,

(29) and the land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.

(30) And after two years fully expired the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude,

(31) And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit:

(32) for when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.

(33) And when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.

(34) But the women and children took they captive, and possessed the cattle.

(35) Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall, and with mighty towers, and made it a strong hold for them.

(36) And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselves therein. They stored it also with armour and victuals, and when they had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there,

(37) and so they became a sore snare: For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel.

38) Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled it: Insomuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her; and her own children left her.

(39) Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach her honour into contempt.

(40) As had been her glory, so was her dishonour increased,

(41) and her excellency was turned into mourning.

(42) Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,

(43) And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed according to the commandment of the king.

(44) Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.

(45) For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem and the cities of Juda that they should follow the strange laws of the land,

(46) And forbid burnt offerings, and sacrifice, and drink offerings, in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths and festival days:

(47) And pollute the sanctuary and holy people: Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine’s flesh, and unclean beasts:

(48) That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation: To the end they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances.

(49) And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said, he should die.

(50) In the selfsame manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.

(51) Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit every one that forsook the law; and so they committed evils in the land;

(52) And drove the Israelites into secret places, even wheresoever they could flee for succour.

(53) Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year, they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol altars throughout the cities of Juda on every side;

(54) And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets. And when they had rent in pieces the books of the law which they found, they burnt them with fire.

(55) And whosoever was found with any the book of the testament, or if any committed to the law, the king’s commandment was, that they should put him to death.

(56) Thus did they by their authority unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the cities.

(57) Now the five and twentieth day of the month they did sacrifice upon the idol altar, which was upon the altar of God.

(58) At which time according to the commandment they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.

(59) And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.

(60) Howbeit many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat any unclean thing.

(61) Wherefore the rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died

(62) And there was very great wrath upon Israel.

(1) In those days arose Mattathias the son of John (Yochanan), the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Yehoyariv, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modiin.

(2) And he had five sons, Johannan, called Caddis:

(3) Simon; called Thassi: Judas, who was called Maccabeus:

(4) Eleazar, called Avaran: and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.

(5) And when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,

(6) He said, Woe is me! wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?

(7) Her temple is become as a man without glory.

(8) Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword of the enemy.

(9) What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom and gotten of her spoils?

(10) All her ornaments are taken away; of a free woman she is become a bondslave.

(11) And, behold, our sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.

(12) To what end therefore shall we live any longer?

(13) Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourned very sore.

(14) In the mean while the king’s officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modiןn, to make them sacrifice.

(15) And when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his sons came together.

(16) Then answered the king’s officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise,

(17) Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren: Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king’s commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem:

(18) so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king’s friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silver and gold, and many rewards.

(19) Then Mattathias answered and spake with a loud voice,

(20) Though all the nations that are under the king’s dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:

(21) Yet will I and my sons and my brethren walk in the covenant of our fathers.

(22) God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.

(23) We will not hearken to the king’s words, to go from our religion, either on the right hand, or the left.

(24) Now when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king’s commandment.

(25) Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment:

(26) wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar. Also the king’s commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.

(27) Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God like as Pinchas did unto Zimri the son of Salu.

(28) And Matityahu cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me. (not מי לה אלי)

(29) So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.

(30) Then many that sought after justice and judgment went down into the wilderness,

(31) to dwell there: Both they, and their children, and their wives; and their cattle; because afflictions increased sore upon them.

(32) Now when it was told the king’s servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king’s commandment,

(33) were gone down into the secret places in the wilderness, They pursued after them a great number,

(34) and having overtaken them, they camped against them, and made war against them on the sabbath day. And they said unto them,

(35) Let that which ye have done hitherto suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the king, and ye shall live.

(36) But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king’s commandment, to profane the sabbath day

(37) So then they gave them the battle with all speed.

(38) Howbeit they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;

(39) But said, Let us die all in our innocency: heaven and earth will testify for us, that ye put us to death wrongfully. (pacifism?)

(40) So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they slew them, with their wives and children and their cattle,

(41) to the number of a thousand people.

(42) Now when Mattathias and his friends understood hereof, they mourned for them right sore.

(43) And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.

(44) At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath day, we will fight against him; neither will we die all, as our brethren that were murdered in the secret places.

(47) Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled down the altars: And what children soever they found within the coast of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised valiantly.

(48) They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered in their hand.

(49) So they recovered the Torat Hashem out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of kings, neither suffered they the sinner to triumph.

(50) Now when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons,

(51) Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:

(52) Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law תורת אלקינו, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers ברית אלקינו.

(53) Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time; so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name

(54) Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?

(55) Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and was made lord of Egypt.

(56) Phinees our father in being zealous and fervent obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.

(57) Joshua for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.

(58) Caleb for bearing witness before the congregation received the heritage of the land.

(59) David for being merciful possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom

(60) אליהו for being zealous and fervent for the law was taken up into heaven.

(61) חנניה, Azarias, and Misael, by believing were saved out of the flame.

(62) Daniel for his innocency was delivered from the mouth of lions.

(63) And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.

(64) Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be dung and worms.

(65) To day he shall be lifted up and to morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.

(66) Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law; for by it shall ye obtain glory.

(67) And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.

(68) As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and fight the battle of the people.

(69) Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your people

(70) Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law.

(71) So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers

(72) And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year (months after it began), and his sons buried him in the graves of his fathers at Modin,

(73) and all Israel made great lamentation for him.

(1) Then his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.

(2) And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.

(3) So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breastplate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.

(4) In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion’s whelp roaring for his prey.

(5) For He pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up those that vexed his people.

(6) Wherefore the wicked shrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.

(7) He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.

(8) Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel:

(9) So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth, and he received unto him such as were ready to perish.

(10) Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.

(11) Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled.

(12) Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius’ sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.

(13) 13 Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the faithful to go out with him to war; He said,

(14) I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for I will go fight with Judas and them that are with him, who despise the king’s commandment.

(15) So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel. And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron,

(16) Judas went forth to meet him with a small company:

(17) Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to fight against so great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint with fasting all this day?

(18) Unto whom Judas answered, It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few;

(19) and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company:

(20) For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven. They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:

(21) But we fight for our lives and our laws.

(22) Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.

(23) Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them, and so Seron and his host was overthrown before him.

(24) And they pursued them from the going down of Bethhoron unto the plain, where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.

(25) Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round about them: Insomuch as his fame came unto the king, and all nations talked of the battles of Judas.

(26) Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of indignation: wherefore he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, even a very strong army.

(27) He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need them.

(28) Nevertheless, when he saw that the money of his treasures failed and that the tributes in the country were small, because of the dissension and plague, which he had brought upon the land in taking away the laws which had been of old time;

(29) He feared that he should not be able to bear the charges any longer, nor to have such gifts to give so liberally as he did before: for he had abounded above the kings that were before him.Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his mind,

(30) he determined to go into Persia, there to take the tributes of the countries, and to gather much money.

(31) So he left Lysias, a nobleman, and one of the blood royal, to oversee the affairs of the king from the river Euphrates unto the borders of Egypt:

(32) And to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came again.

(33) Moreover he delivered unto him the half of his forces, and the elephants, and gave him charge of all things that he would have done, as also concerning them that dwelt in Juda and Jerusalem:

(34) To wit, that he should send an army against them, to destroy and root out the strength of Israel, and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to take away their memorial from that place;

(35) And that he should place strangers in all their quarters, and divide their land by lot.

(36) So the king took the half of the forces that remained, and departed from Antioch, his royal city, the hundred forty and seventh year; and having passed the river Euphrates, he went through the high countries.

(37) Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king’s friends:

(38) And with them he sent forty thousand footmen, and seven thousand horsemen, to go into the land of Juda, and to destroy it, as the king commanded.

(39) So they went forth with all their power, and came and pitched by Emmaus in the plain country.

(40) And the merchants of the country, hearing the fame of them, took silver and gold very much, with servants, and came into the camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a power also of Syria and of the land of the Philistines joined themselves unto them.

(41) Now when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their borders: for they knew how the king had given commandment to destroy the people, and utterly abolish them;

(42) They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed fortune of our people, and let us fight for our people and the sanctuary.

(43) Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.

(44) Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden down,

(45) and aliens kept the strong hold; the heathen had their habitation in that place; and joy was taken from Jacob, and the pipe with the harp ceased.

(46) Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and came to Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel.

(47) Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,

(48) And laid open the book of the law, wherein the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their images.

(49) They brought also the priests’ garments, and the firstfruits, and the tithes: and the Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days.

(50) Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away?

(51) For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, and brought low.

(52) And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.

(53) How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O God, be our help?

(54) Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.

(55) And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens. But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he commanded that they should return, every man to his own house, according to the law.

(56) So the camp removed, and pitched upon the south side of Emmaus.

(57) And Judas said, arm yourselves, and be valiant men,

(58) and see that ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight with these nations, that are assembled together against us to destroy us and our sanctuary:

(59) For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the calamities of our people and our sanctuary. 6

(60) Nevertheless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.

(1) Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;

(2) To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.

(3) Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king’s army which was at Emmaus, While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.

(4) In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us

(5) But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.

(6) And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.

(7) Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.

(8) Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.

(9) Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:

(10) That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel.

(11) Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over against them. Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.

(12) So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain.

(13) Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.

(14) This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them, And said to the people,

(15) Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us,

(16) And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.

(17) As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:

(18) Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:

(19) When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight, They fled every one into the land of strangers.

(20) Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.

(21) After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.

(22) Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.

(23) Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what had happened:

(24) Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.

(25) The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together sixty thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.

(26) So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura,

(27) and Judas met them with ten thousand men.

(28) And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said,

(29) Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armour bearer;

(30) Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:

(31) Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:

(32) Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.

(33) So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.

(34) Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas’ soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.

(35) Then said Judas and his brethren,

(36) Behold, our enemies are defeated: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.

(37) Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Sion.

(38) And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests’ chambers pulled down;

(39) They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads,

(40) And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.

(41) Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.

(42) So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law: Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place.

(43) And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned;

(44) They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,

(45) And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.

(46) Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former;

(47) And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.

(48) They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.

(49) And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.

(50) Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make.

(51) Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning, And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.

(52) Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.

(53) Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.

(54) And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.

(55) They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.

(56) Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.

(57) Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.

(58) At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.

(59) And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.

(1) Now when the nations round about heard that the altar was built and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much.

(2) Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was among them, and thereupon they began to slay and destroy the people.

(3) Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at Arabattine, because they besieged Gael: and he gave them a great overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.

(4) Also he remembered the injury of the children of Bean, who had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they lay in wait for them in the ways.

(5) He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burned the towers of that place with fire, and all that were therein.

(6) Afterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.

(7) So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were discomfited before him; and he smote them. And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging thereto, he returned into Judea.

(8) Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema.

(9) And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren,

(10) The heathen that are round about us are assembled together against us to destroy us: 11 And they are preparing to come and take the fortress whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.

(11) Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many of us are slain:

(12) Yea, all our brethren that were in the places of Tobie are put to death: their wives and their children also they have carried away captives, and borne away their stuff; and they have destroyed there about a thousand men.

(13) While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who reported on this wise,

(14) And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to consume us.

(15) Now when Judas and the people heard these words, there assembled a great congregation together, to consult what they should do for their brethren, that were in trouble, and assaulted of them.

(16) Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Choose thee out men, and go and deliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.

(17) So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the people, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it.

(18) Unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of this people, and see that ye make not war against the heathen until the time that we come again.

(19) Now unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of Galaad.

(20) Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him. 22 And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais;

(21) and there were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he took.

(22) And those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives and their children, and all that they had, took he away with him, and brought them into Judea with great joy.

(23) Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan went over Jordan, and travelled three days’ journey in the wilderness,

(24) Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in a peaceable manner, and told them every thing that had happened to their brethren in the land of Galaad:

(25) And how that many of them were shut up in Bosora, and Bosor, and Alema, Casphor, Maked, and Carnaim; all these cities are strong and great: And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the country of Galaad,

(26) and that against to morrow they had appointed to bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and to destroy them all in one day.

(27) Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness unto Bosora; and when he had won the city,

(28) he slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their spoils, and burned the city with fire, From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the fortress.

(29) And betimes in the morning they looked up, and, behold, there was an innumerable people bearing ladders and other engines of war, to take the fortress: for they assaulted them.

(30) When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a great sound, 32 He said unto his host, Fight this day for your brethren.

(31) So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded their trumpets, and cried with prayer.

(32) Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus, fled from him: wherefore he smote them with a great slaughter; so that there were killed of them that day about eight thousand men.

(33) This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had assaulted it he took and slew all the males therein, and received the spoils thereof and burnt it with fire.

(34) From thence went he, and took Casphon, Maged, Bosor, and the other cities of the country of Galaad.

(35) After these things gathered Timotheus another host and encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.

(36) So Judas sent men to espy the host, who brought him word, saying,

(37) All the heathen that be round about us are assembled unto them, even a very great host.

(38) He hath also hired the Arabians to help them and they have pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight against thee. Upon this Judas went to meet them.

(39) Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas and his host come near the brook,

(40) if he pass over first unto us, we shall not be able to withstand him; for he will mightily prevail against us:

(41) But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go over unto him, and prevail against him.

(42) Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of the people to remain by the brook: unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but let all come to the battle.

(43) So he went first over unto them, and all the people after him: then all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at Carnaim.

(44) But they took the city, and burned the temple with all that were therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand any longer before Judas.

(45) Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in the country of Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even their wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great host, to the end they might come into the land of Judea.

(46) Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the way as they should go, very well fortified) they could not turn from it, either on the right hand or the left, but must needs pass through the midst of it.

(47) Then they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the gates with stones.

(48) Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying,

(49) Let us pass through your land to go into our own country, and none shall do you any hurt; we will only pass through on foot: howbeit they would not open unto him.

(50) Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made throughout the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the place where he was.

(51) So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day and all that night, till at the length the city was delivered into his hands:

(52) Who then slew all the males with the edge of the sword, and raised the city, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through the city over them that were slain.

(53) After this went they over Jordan into the great plain before Bethsan. And Judas gathered together those that came behind, and exhorted the people all the way through, till they came into the land of Judea.

(54) So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where they offered burnt offerings, because not one of them were slain until they had returned in peace.

(55) Now what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,

(56) Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which they had done. Wherefore they said,

(57) Let us also get us a name, and go fight against the heathen that are round about us.

(58) So when they had given charge unto the garrison that was with them, they went toward Jamnia.

(59) Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city to fight against them. And so it was, that Joseph and Azarias were put to flight, and pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there were slain that day of the people of Israel about two thousand men.

(60) Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of Israel, because they were not obedient unto Judas and his brethren, but thought to do some valiant act. Moreover these men came not of the seed of those, by whose hand deliverance was given unto Israel.

(61) Howbeit the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned in the sight of all Israel, and of all the heathen, wheresoever their name was heard of; Insomuch as the people assembled unto them with joyful acclamations.

(62) Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau in the land toward the south, where he smote Hebron, and the towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it, and burned the towers thereof round about.

(63) From thence he removed to go into the land of the Philistines, and passed through Samaria.

(64) At that time certain priests, desirous to shew their valour, were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly.

(65) So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines, and when he had pulled down their altars, and burned their carved images with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into the land of Judea.

(1) About that time king Antiochus travelling through the high countries heard say, that Elymais in the country of Persia was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver, and gold;

(2) And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were coverings of gold, and breastplates, and shields, which Alexander, son of Philip, the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there.

(3) Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof,

(4) Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.

(5) Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies, which went against the land of Judea, were put to flight:

(6) And that Lysias, who went forth first with a great power was driven away of the Jews; and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies, whom they had destroyed:

(7) Also that they had pulled down the abomination, which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and his city Bethsura.

(8) Now when the king heard these words, he was astonished and sore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for.

(9) And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die.

(10) Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.

(11) And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it, wherein now I am!

(12) for I was bountiful and beloved in my power.

(13) But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem,

(14) and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.

(15) I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and, behold, I perish through great grief in a strange land.

(16) Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, who he made ruler over all his realm,

(17) And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.

(18) So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year.

(19) Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son, whom he had brought up being young, to reign in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.

(20) About this time they that were in the tower shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt, and the strengthening of the heathen.

(21) Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people together to besiege them.

(22) So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.

(1) In the hundred and one and fiftieth year Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto a city of the sea coast, and reigned there.

(2) And as he entered into the palace of his ancestors, so it was, that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias, to bring them unto him.

(3) Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their faces. 4 So his host slew them. Now when Demetrius was set upon the throne of his kingdom,

(4) There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus, who was desirous to be high priest, for their captain:

(5) And they accused the people to the king, saying,

(6) Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of our own land.

(7) Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see what havock he hath made among us, and in the king’s land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.

(8) Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king,

(9) And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel.

(10) So they departed, and came with a great power into the land of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren with peaceable words deceitfully.

(11) But they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they were come with a great power.

(12) Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides a company of scribes, to require justice. Now the Assideans were the first among the children of Israel that sought peace of them:

(13) For said they, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this army, and he will do us no wrong.

(14) So he spake unto them, peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, we will procure the harm neither of you nor your friends.

(15) Whereupon they believed him: howbeit he took of them threescore men, and slew them in one day,

(16) according to the words which he wrote, The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, and there was none to bury them.

(17) Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor righteousness in them; for they have broken the covenant and oath that they made.

(18) After this, removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also, and when he had slain them, he cast them into the great pit.

(19) Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king.

(20) But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood. And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they had gotten the land of Juda into their power, did much hurt in Israel.

(21) Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,

(22) He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they durst no more go forth into the country.

(23) On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could.

(24) Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people.

(25) So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words, saying,

(26) Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see you in peace.

(27) He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence.

(28) Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.

(29) Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:

(30) Where there were slain of Nicanor’s side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David.

(31) After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.

(32) But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly,

(33) And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great rage.

(34) Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple, weeping, and saying,

(35) Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people:

(36) Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to continue any longer.

(37) So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.

(38) But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there he prayed, saying,

(39) O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred fourscore and five thousand of them.

(40) Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his wickedness.

(41) So the thirteenth day of the month Adar the hosts joined battle: but Nicanor’s host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in the battle.

(42) Now when Nicanor’s host saw that he was slain, they cast away their weapons, and fled.

(43) Then they pursued after them a day’s journey, from Adasa unto Gazera, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.

(44) Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round about, and closed them in; so that they, turning back upon them that pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not one of them was left.

(45) Afterwards they took the spoils, and the prey, and smote off Nicanor’s head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up toward Jerusalem.