Lysias is overthrown by Judas. He sues for peace.
11:1. A short time after this Lysias, the king's lieutenant, and
cousin, and who had chief charge over all the affairs, being greatly
displeased with what had happened,
11:2. Gathered together fourscore thousand men, and all the horsemen,
and came against the Jews, thinking to take the city, and make it a
habitation of the Gentiles:
11:3. And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other temples of the
Gentiles and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:
11:4. Never considering the power of God, but puffed up in mind, and
trusting in the multitude of his foot soldiers, and the thousands of
his horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.
11:5. So he came into Judea, and approaching to Bethsura, which was in
a narrow place, the space of five furlongs from Jerusalem, he laid
siege to that fortress.
11:6. But when Machabeus, and they that were with him, understood that
the strong holds were besieged, they and all the people besought the
Lord with lamentations and tears, that he would send a good angel to
save Israel.
11:7. Then Machabeus himself first taking his arms, exhorted the rest
to expose themselves together with him, to the danger, and to succour
their brethren.
11:8. And when they were going forth together with a willing mind,
there appeared at Jerusalem a horseman going before them in white
clothing, with golden armour, shaking a spear.
11:9. Then they all together blessed the merciful Lord, and took great
courage: being ready to break through not only men, but also the
fiercest beasts, and walls of iron.
11:10. So they went on courageously, having a helper from heaven, and
the Lord, who shewed mercy to them.
11:11. And rushing violently upon the enemy, like lions, they slew of
them eleven thousand footmen, and one thousand six hundred horsemen:
11:12. And put all the rest to flight; and many of them being wounded,
escaped naked: Yea, and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and
escaped.
11:13. And as he was a man of understanding, considering with himself
the loss he had suffered, and perceiving that the Hebrews could not be
overcome, because they relied upon the help of the Almighty God, he
sent to them:
11:14. And promised that he would agree to all things that are just,
and that he would persuade the king to be their friend.
11:15. Then Machabeus consented to the request of Lysias, providing for
the common good in all things; and whatsoever Machabeus wrote to
Lysias, concerning the Jews, the king allowed of.
11:16. For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, to this
effect: Lysias, to the people of the Jews, greeting.
11:17. John, and Abesalom, who were sent from you, delivering your
writings, requested that I would accomplish those things which were
signified by them.
11:18. Therefore whatsoever things could be reported to the king,
I have represented to him: and he hath granted as much as the matter
permitted.
11:19. If, therefore, you will keep yourselves loyal in affairs,
hereafter also I will endeavour to be a means of your good.
11:20. But as concerning other particulars, I have given orders by word
both to these, and to them that are sent by me, to commune with you.
11:21. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the four
and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorus.
In the year 148. . .Viz., according to the computation followed by the
Greeks; which was different from that of the Hebrews, followed by the
writer of the first book of Machabees. However, by this date, as well
as by other circumstances, it appears that the expedition of Lysias,
mentioned in this chapter, is different from that which is recorded,
1 Mac. 6.
11:22. But the king's letter contained these words King Antiochus to
Lysias, his brother, greeting.
11:23. Our father being translated amongst the gods we are desirous
that they that are in our realm should live quietly, and apply
themselves diligently to their own concerns.
11:24. And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father
to turn to the rites of the Greeks but that they would keep to their
own manner of living and therefore that they request us to allow them
to live after their own laws.
11:25. Wherefore being desirous that this nation also should be at
rest, we have ordained and decreed, that the temple should be restored
to them, and that they may live according to the custom of their
ancestors.
11:26. Thou shalt do well, therefore, to send to them, and grant them
peace, that our pleasure being known, they may be of good comfort, and
look to their own affairs.
11:27. But the king's letter to the Jews was in this manner: King
Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews,
greeting.
11:28. If you are well, you are as we desire: we ourselves also are
well.
11:29. Menelaus came to us, saying that you desired to come down to
your countrymen, that are with us.
11:30. We grant, therefore, a safe conduct to all that come and go,
until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,
11:31. That the Jews may use their own kind of meats, and their own
laws, as before: and that none of them any manner of ways be molested
for things which have been done by ignorance.
11:32. And we have sent also Menelaus to speak to you.
11:33. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the
fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
11:34. The Romans also sent them a letter, to this effect: Quintus
Memmius, and Titus Manilius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people
of the Jews, greeting.
11:35. Whatsoever Lysias, the king's cousin, hath granted to you, we
also have granted.
11:36. But touching such things as he thought should be referred to the
king, after you have diligently conferred among yourselves, send some
one forthwith, that we may decree as it is convenient for you: for we
are going to Antioch.
11:37. And therefore make haste to write back, that we may know of what
mind you are.
11:38. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the
fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.