Heliodorus immediately set out for Jerusalem, without acquainting any
one of his purpose. When he arrived there, he told Onias of the King’s
orders, and demanded that he quietly surrender the treasure. The High
Priest replied that there was quite a large treasure in the Temple, but
that it was by no means as large as had been reported; that the greater
part of it consisted of holy gifts consecrated to God; that a
considerable amount was deposited by Hyrcanus, a man high in favor of
the King; and that the remainder was deposited by widows and orphans for
safekeeping. He added that he could not consent to deprive the rightful
owners of their property, and thus profane his high office, which was
holy and revered by all.
The commands of the King were strict and Heliodorus remained firm in his
purpose. Attended by a large number of armed men, he marched to the
Temple; and when the priests tried to oppose his progress, he ordered
that the outer gates be destroyed. A great mourning arose in the whole
city, and from all sides were heard the cries of the people. But as soon
as Heliodorus attempted to enter the Temple, a wonderful thing happened.
Legend has it that a horse, mounted by a terrible rider, rushed toward
him, and struck him with its fore-foot. Two beautiful youths, who
attended the warrior, then beat Heliodorus with rods until he fainted.
When Heliodorus was carried out of the Temple by the priests, the spark
of life scarcely burned within him. When Onias, the High Priest, saw
this, fearing lest the wrath of the King should be incurred, offered
sacrifices and prayers to God, and thus restored Heliodorus to life. The
treasurer returned to Antioch empty-handed, and told the King of his
failure.