CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY GIFT FROM
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 III
B.C.187
Heliodorus’ attempt to plunder the temple of Jerusalem.
Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias a the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness; it came to pass, that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best presents b; insomuch that Seleucus’c king of Asia, of his own revenues, bare all the (B.C.186) costs belonging to the services of the sacrifices. But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, (B.C.176) who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest about evil doings’d in the city. And when he could not overcome Onias, he went to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of Coelosyria and Phoenicia; and told him, that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches was innumerable; and that these did not belong to the account of the sacrifices, but
that it was possible that all of them might fall into the king’s power. Now when Apollonius came to the king and had shewed him of the money where of he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer e and sent him f with a commandment to bring away the foresaid money. So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey, under a colour of visiting the cities of Coelosyria and Phoenicia, but indeed to fulfil the king’s purpose. And when he came to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received by the high priest of the city; he told him what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so indeed. Then the high priest told him, that there was money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children: and some also belonging to Hircanus, grandson of Tobias g, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold and that it was altogether impossible that wrong should be done unto them, which had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world. But Heliodorus, because of the king’s commandment given him,
spoke. That in any wise, this must be brought into the king’s treasury. So, at the day which he appointed, he entered in to order the overseeing of this matter: where fore there was no small agony throughout the whole city. But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests’ vestments, called unto heaven upon him who made a law concerning things given to be kept, to preserve these sums safely for such as had committed them to be kept. Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance, and the changing of his colour, declared the inward agony of his mind. For the man was compassed round with a fear, and bodily stupor, by which it was manifest to them which looked upon him, what sorrow he had in his heart. Others ran flocking out of their houses to a general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt. And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, collected in great numbers in the streets; and the virgins who were kept in, ran some to the gates, and some upon the walls, and others looked out of the windows. And all, stretching forth their hands toward heaven, made supplication. Then it was pitiful to see the promiscuous falling of the multitude, and the fearful expectation of the high priest in great agony. They then called upon the Al Mighty Lord, to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those who had committed them. But Heliodorus was executing that which was decreed. Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits h, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition; so that all who presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid : for there appeared unto them a horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering; and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet and it seemed that he who sat upon the horse had complete armour of gold. Moreover, two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and splendid in apparel; who stood by him on either side, and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes. And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground and was compassed with great dark but they which were with him took him up and put him into a litter. Thus, him who lately came with a great train, and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they recognised the power of God. He then, by the hand of God, was cast down, and lay speechless without any hope of life. But they praised the Lord who had miraculously honoured his own place: and the temple, which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness. Then straightway certain of Heliodorus’ friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the Highest, to grant him his life, who lay utterly at the last gasp. So, the high priest, suspecting
lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man. Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men, in the same clothing, appeared and stood beside Heliodorus; saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life: and seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they disappeared. So, Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him who had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king. Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes. And when the king asked Heliodorus who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said ; If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt, there is an especial power of God. He himself who dwelleth in heaven, hath his eye on that place, and defended it; and he beateth and destroy them which come to hurt it. And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.
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