CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT FROM CHAPTER NINE OF THE THIRD BOOK OF MACCABAEES
Alfred C. Barnes
The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text.
http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924029308503
THE
THIRD BOOK
OF MACCABEES:
CONTAINING
THE OCCURRENCES OF ABOUT FIFTEEN YEARS, NAMELY, FROM THE ACCESSION OF ANTIOCHUS EPIPHANES TO THE DEATH OF NICANOE.
At the beginning are inserted two letters written at a later period; and likewise, the history of Heliodorus’ attempt to plunder the Temple.
CHAPTER XI
B.C.164
The acts of Lysias. Letters of Antiochus and of the Romans
Not long after this, Lysias the king’s a protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things which were done. And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand men, with all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the city an habitation for the Gentiles; and to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set the high-priesthood to sale every year: not at all considering the power of God, but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants. So, he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs; and he laid sore siege unto it. Now when Maccabeus and his company heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears besought the Lord, that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel. Then Maccabaeus himself first took up weapons, exhorting the others that they would jeopardy themselves together with him to help their brethren: so, they went forth together with a willing mind. And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared going before them on horseback, one in white clothing, shaking a panoply of gold. Then they praised the merciful God, all together, and took heart; insomuch that they were ready, not only to fight with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron. Thus, they marched forward in their array, having a helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them. And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew eleven-thousand-foot men, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the others to flight. The greater part of them
also being wounded escaped naked b; and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped. Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss he had had; and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them; he sent unto them, and persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a friend unto them. Then Maccabaeus consented to all which Lysias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabaeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it. For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to this effect: ” Lysias unto the people of the Jews, send greeting: John and Absalom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made the request for the performance of the contents there of. Therefore, what things soever were met to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be. If then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good. But of the particulars I have given order, both to these, and the others who came from me to commune with you. Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius c.”
Now the king’s letters contained these words ” King Antiochus unto his brother Lysias, send greeting: Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they which are in our realm live quietly, that everyone may attend upon his own affairs. We understand also that the Jews did not agree to our father’s bringing them to the Grecian customs but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they require that their own laws may be allowed to them. Desiring therefore that this nation also shall be in rest, we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers. Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them and grant them peace d; that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.” And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: ” King Antiochus send greeting unto the council, and the of the Jews: If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good health. Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business:”
“wherefore they which will depart shall have safe conduct, with security, till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus. And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats, and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done. I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you. Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and in the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus. e“
The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: “Quintus Memmius, and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews: Whatsoever Lysias the king’s cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased. But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch. Therefore, send some with speed, that we may know what your mind is. Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus f.”
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