footmen and two thousand horsemen.
9:5 Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand
chosen men with him:
9:6 Who seeing the multitude of the other army to be so great were sore
afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as
there abode of them no more but eight hundred men.
9:7 When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the
battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much
distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.
9:8 Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go
up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with
them.
9:9 But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now
rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren,
and fight against them: for we are but few.
9:10 Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee
away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our
brethren, and let us not stain our honour.
9:11 With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and
stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops,
and their slingers and archers going before the host and they that
marched in the foreward were all mighty men.
9:12 As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near
on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.
9:13 They also of Judas’ side, even they sounded their trumpets also,
so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle
continued from morning till night.
9:14 Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his
army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,
9:15 Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount
Azotus.
9:16 But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing
were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him
hard at the heels from behind:
9:17 Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on
both parts.
9:18 Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.
9:19 Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him
in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.
9:20 Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation
for him, and mourned many days, saying,
9:21 How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!
9:22 As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the
noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for
they were very many.
9:23 Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their
heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as
wrought iniquity.
9:24 In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason
whereof the country revolted, and went with them.
9:25 Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the
country.
9:26 And they made enquiry and search for Judas’ friends, and brought
them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them
despitefully.
9:27 So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was
not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.
9:28 For this cause all Judas’ friends came together, and said unto
Jonathan,
9:29 Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth
against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that
are adversaries to us.
9:30 Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and
captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.
9:31 Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and
rose up instead of his brother Judas.
9:32 But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay
him.
9:33 Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him,
perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their
tents by the water of the pool Asphar.
9:34 Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all
his host upon the sabbath day.
9:35 Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people,
to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them
their carriage, which was much.
9:36 But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and
all that he had, and went their way with it.
9:37 After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the
children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride
from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the
great princes of Chanaan.
9:38 Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid
themselves under the covert of the mountain:
9:39 Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there
was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his
friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of
musick, and many weapons.
9:40 Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them
from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them
in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the
mountain, and they took all their spoils.
9:41 Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their
melody into lamentation.
9:42 So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they
turned again to the marsh of Jordan.
9:43 Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto
the banks of Jordan with a great power.
9:44 Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for
our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past:
9:45 For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water
of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood,
neither is there place for us to turn aside.
9:46 Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from
the hand of your enemies.
9:47 With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his
hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.
9:48 Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and
swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan
unto them.
9:49 So there were slain of Bacchides’ side that day about a thousand
men.
9:50 Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong
cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and
Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen
with high walls, with gates and with bars.
9:51 And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon
Israel.
9:52 He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower,
and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.
9:53 Besides, he took the chief men’s sons in the country for hostages,
and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.
9:54 Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month,
Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary
should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets
9:55 And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus
plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and
he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing,
nor give order concerning his house.
9:56 So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.
9:57 Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the
king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.
9:58 Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan
and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we
will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.
9:59 So they went and consulted with him.
9:60 Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters
privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and
those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel
was known unto them.
9:61 Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors
of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.
9:62 Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got
them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired
the decays thereof, and made it strong.
9:63 Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his
host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.
9:64 Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought
against it a long season and made engines of war.
9:65 But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth
himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth.
9:66 And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of
Phasiron in their tent.
9:67 And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces,
Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines
of war,
9:68 And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and
they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain.
9:69 Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him
counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and
purposed to return into his own country.
9:70 Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him,
to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the
prisoners.
9:71 Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and
sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days of his
life.
9:72 When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had
taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way
into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders.
9:73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas,
and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of
Israel.
10:1 In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus
surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had
received him, by means whereof he reigned there,
10:2 Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an
exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.
10:3 Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words,
so as he magnified him.
10:4 For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join with
Alexander against us:
10:5 Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him,
and against his brethren and his people.
10:6 Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to
provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also
that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him.
10:7 Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the
audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:
10:8 Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him
authority to gather together an host.
10:9 Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto
Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.
10:10 This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to
build and repair the city.
10:11 And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount
Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and they did so.
10:12 Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which Bacchides
had built, fled away;
10:13 Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own
country.
10:14 Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and
the commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge.
10:15 Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had
sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble
acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had
endured,
10:16 He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will
make him our friend and confederate.
10:17 Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to
these words, saying,
10:18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:
10:19 We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and
meet to be our friend.
10:20 Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of
thy nation, and to be called the king’s friend; (and therewithal he
sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take
our part, and keep friendship with us.
10:21 So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the
feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered
together forces, and provided much armour.
10:22 Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,
10:23 What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making
amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?
10:24 I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise
them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.
10:25 He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto
the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:
10:26 Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our
friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard
hereof, and are glad.
10:27 Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we
will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,
10:28 And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.
10:29 And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews,
from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes,
10:30 And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third
part or the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it
from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of
Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of
the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.
10:31 Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders thereof,
both from tenths and tributes.
10:32 And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority
over it, and give it to the high priest, that he may set in it such men
as he shall choose to keep it.
10:33 Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that were
carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of my kingdom,
and I will that all my officers remit the tributes even of their
cattle.
10:34 Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new
moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the
three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and freedom for all
the Jews in my realm.
10:35 Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest any
of them in any matter.
10:36 I will further, that there be enrolled among the king’s forces
about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, as
belongeth to all king’s forces.
10:37 And of them some shall be placed in the king’s strong holds, of
whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are
of trust: and I will that their overseers and governors be of
themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the king
hath commanded in the land of Judea.
10:38 And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea from
the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they may be
reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other authority than the
high priest’s.
10:39 As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a
free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expences of
the sanctuary.
10:40 Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out
of the king’s accounts from the places appertaining.
10:41 And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in
former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the
temple.
10:42 And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they
took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, even
those things shall be released, because they appertain to the priests
that minister.
10:43 And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or
be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king, or for
any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my
realm.
10:44 For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary
expences shall be given of the king’s accounts.
10:45 Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the
fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of the
king’s accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea.
10:46 Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no
credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great
evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore.
10:47 But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the
first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate
with him always.
10:48 Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over
against Demetrius.
10:49 And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius’ host fled:
but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them.
10:50 And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went down:
and that day was Demetrius slain.
10:51 Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt
with a message to this effect:
10:52 Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the
throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown
Demetrius, and recovered our country;
10:53 For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was
discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom:
10:54 Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me
now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law, and will give
both thee and her gifts according to thy dignity.
10:55 Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day
wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest in
the throne of their kingdom.
10:56 And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me
therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry
my daughter to thee according to thy desire.
10:57 So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and
they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year:
10:58 Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughter
Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory,
as the manner of kings is.
10:59 Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should come
and meet him.
10:60 Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two
kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and many
presents, and found favour in their sight.
10:61 At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked
life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king
would not hear them.
10:62 Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments,
and clothe him in purple: and they did so.
10:63 And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go
with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man
complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any
manner of cause.
10:64 Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to the
proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.
10:65 So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief friends,
and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.
10:66 Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness.
10:67 Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth year came
Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers:
10:68 Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and
returned into Antioch.
10:69 Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his
general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and
sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,
10:70 Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to
scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy power
against us in the mountains?
10:71 Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down
to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter together:
for with me is the power of the cities.
10:72 Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they
shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in their own
land.
10:73 Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and so
great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place
to flee unto.
10:74 So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in
his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of Jerusalem, where
Simon his brother met him for to help him.
10:75 And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut
him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there.
10:76 Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let
him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.
10:77 Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen,
with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed,
and therewithal drew him forth into the plain, because he had a great
number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust.
10:78 Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies
joined battle.
10:79 Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.
10:80 And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for
they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from
morning till evening.
10:81 But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and
so the enemies’ horses were tired.
10:82 Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the
footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and
fled.
10:83 The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus,
and went into Bethdagon, their idol’s temple, for safety.
10:84 But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it,
and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were
fled into it, he burned with fire.
10:85 Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight
thousand men.
10:86 And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against
Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great
pomp.
10:87 After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having
many spoils.
10:88 Now when king Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan
yet more.
10:89 And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such
as are of the king’s blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders
thereof in possession.
11:1 And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the
sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about
through deceit to get Alexander’s kingdom, and join it to his own.
11:2 Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner, so
as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander
had commanded them so to do, because he was his brother in law.
11:3 Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of
them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.
11:4 And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of
Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were
destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had
burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way where
he should pass.
11:5 Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the
intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.
11:6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they
saluted one another, and lodged.
11:7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river
called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.
11:8 King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities
by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels
against Alexander.
11:9 Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come,
let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom
Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father’s kingdom:
11:10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to
slay me.
11:11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.
11:12 Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to
Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly
known.
11:13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon
his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
11:14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those
that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.
11:15 But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him:
whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a
mighty power, and put him to flight.
11:16 So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king
Ptolemee was exalted:
11:17 For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it
unto Ptolemee.
11:18 King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were
in the strong holds were slain one of another.
11:19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and
seventh year.
11:20 At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in
Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines
of war against it.
11:21 Then certain ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went
unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,
11:22 Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he
came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay
siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great
haste.
11:23 Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege
it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests,
and put himself in peril;
11:24 And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents
besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in
his sight.
11:25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints
against him,
11:26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before,
and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,
11:27 And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours
that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.
11:28 Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free
from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of
Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.
11:29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all
these things after this manner:
11:30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of
the Jews, sendeth greeting:
11:31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our
cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.
11:32 King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:
11:33 We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are
our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will
toward us.
11:34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with
the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are
added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things
appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem,
instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly
aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.
11:35 And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and
customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes,
which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.
11:36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for
ever.
11:37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let
it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a
conspicuous place.
11:38 After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet
before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away
all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain bands of
strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen:
wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
11:39 Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander’s part
afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went
to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of
Alexander,
11:40 And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that
he might reign in his father’s stead: he told him therefore all that
Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and
there he remained a long season.
11:41 In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would
cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the
fortresses: for they fought against Israel.
11:42 So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this
for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation,
if opportunity serve.
11:43 Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me;
for all my forces are gone from me.
11:44 Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto
Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of
their coming.
11:45 Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together
into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty
thousand men, and would have slain the king.
11:46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept
the passages of the city, and began to fight.
11:47 Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all
at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew that day in
the city to the number of an hundred thousand.
11:48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and
delivered the king.
11:49 So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as
they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication
to the king, and cried, saying,
11:50 Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the
city.
11:51 With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the
Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all
that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great
spoils.
11:52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land
was quiet before him.
11:53 Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and
estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to
the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.
11:54 After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child
Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.
11:55 Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius
had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back
and fled.
11:56 Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.
11:57 At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I
confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the
four governments, and to be one of the king’s friends.
11:58 Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave
him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a
golden buckle.
11:59 His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The
ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.
11:60 Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond
the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for
to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him
honourably.
11:61 From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out;
wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with
fire, and spoiled them.
11:62 Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he
made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for
hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country
unto Damascus.
11:63 Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to
Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him
out of the country,
11:64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.
11:65 Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long
season, and shut it up:
11:66 But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them,
and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a
garrison in it.
11:67 As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of
Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain
of Nasor.
11:68 And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who,
having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves
over against him.
11:69 So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and
joined battle, all that were of Jonathan’s side fled;
11:70 Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the
son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.
11:71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and
prayed.
11:72 Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so
they ran away.
11:73 Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again
unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own
tents, and there they camped.
11:74 So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand
men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
12:1 Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men,
and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that
they had with them.
12:2 He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places,
for the same purpose.
12:3 So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said,
Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you,
to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and
league, as in former time.
12:4 Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every
place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.
12:5 And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the
Lacedemonians:
12:6 Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the
priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their
brethren send greeting:
12:7 There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest
from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our
brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
12:8 At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent
honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of
the league and friendship.
12:9 Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we
have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,
12:10 Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of
brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you
altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.
12:11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts,
and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we
offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think
upon our brethren:
12:12 And we are right glad of your honour.
12:13 As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every
side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought
against us.
12:14 Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of
our confederates and friends, in these wars:
12:15 For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are
delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.
12:16 For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and
Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the
amity that we had with them, and the former league.
12:17 We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to
deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.
12:18 Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
12:19 And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.
12:20 Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest,
greeting:
12:21 It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are
brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:
12:22 Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do
well to write unto us of your prosperity.
12:23 We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are
ours, and ours are yours. We do command therefore our ambassadors to
make report unto you on this wise.
12:24 Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius’ princes were come to fight
against him with a greater host than afore,
12:25 He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis:
for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
12:26 He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him
that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.
12:27 Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men
to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be
ready to fight: also he sent forth sentinels round about the host.
12:28 But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were
ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they
kindled fires in their camp.
12:29 Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning:
for they saw the lights burning.
12:30 Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they
were gone over the river Eleutherus.
12:31 Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called
Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.
12:32 And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through
all the country,
12:33 Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto
Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to
Joppa, and won it.
12:34 For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that
took Demetrius’ part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.
12:35 After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of
the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds
in Judea,
12:36 And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great
mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city,
that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.
12:37 Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as
part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and
they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.
12:38 Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates
and bars.
12:39 Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill
Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.
12:40 Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and
that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take
Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.
12:41 Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen
for the battle, and came to Bethsan.
12:42 Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he
durst not stretch his hand against him;
12:43 But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his
friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as
obedient unto him, as to himself.
12:44 Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people
to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?
12:45 Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait
on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee,
and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any
charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of
my coming.
12:46 So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his
host, who went into the land of Judea.
12:47 And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he
sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.
12:48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais
shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew
with the sword.
12:49 Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee,
and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company.
12:50 But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were
taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together,
prepared to fight.
12:51 They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were
ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.
12:52 Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and
there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they
were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.
12:53 Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy
them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now
therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from
among men.
13:1 Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great
host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,
13:2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went
up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,
13:3 And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great
things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the
laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have
seen.
13:4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and
I am left alone.
13:5 Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life
in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.
13:6 Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our
wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us
of very malice.
13:7 Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived.
13:8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our
leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.
13:9 Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that
will we do.
13:10 So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste
to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.
13:11 Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great
power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there
in it.
13:12 So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade
the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.
13:13 But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.
13:14 Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his
brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers
unto him, saying,
13:15 Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money
that he is owing unto the king’s treasure, concerning the business that
was committed unto him.
13:16 Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his
sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from
us, and we will let him go.
13:17 Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully
unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he
should procure to himself great hatred of the people:
13:18 Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the
children, therefore is Jonathan dead.
13:19 So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit
Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.
13:20 And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it,
going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his
host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went.
13:21 Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to
the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness,
and send them victuals.
13:22 Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night:
but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he
departed, and came into the country of Galaad.
13:23 And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried
there.
13:24 Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.
13:25 Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and
buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.
13:26 And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him
many days.
13:27 Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and
his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind
and before.
13:28 Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his
father, and his mother, and his four brethren.
13:29 And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set
great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a
perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be
seen of all that sail on the sea.
13:30 This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet
unto this day.
13:31 Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and
slew him.
13:32 And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia,
and brought a great calamity upon the land.
13:33 Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them
about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid
up victuals therein.
13:34 Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end
he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was
to spoil.
13:35 Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner:
13:36 King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings,
as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
13:37 The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we
have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea,
and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have
granted.
13:38 And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and
the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.
13:39 As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive
it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any
other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.
13:40 And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be
enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.
13:41 Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the
hundred and seventieth year.
13:42 Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and
contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and
leader of the Jews.
13:43 In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round
about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and
battered a certain tower, and took it.
13:44 And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon
there was a great uproar in the city:
13:45 Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and
climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a
loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.
13:46 And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but
according to thy mercy.
13:47 So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against
them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the
idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.
13:48 Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there
as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and
built therein a dwellingplace for himself.
13:49 They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that
they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor
sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a
great number of them perished through famine.
13:50 Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them:
which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence,
he cleansed the tower from pollutions:
13:51 And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second
month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and
branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols,
and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of
Israel.
13:52 He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with
gladness. Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made
stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.
13:53 And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made
him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.
14:1 Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius
gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him help to
fight against Tryphone.
14:2 But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that
Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his princes to
take him alive:
14:3 Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and
brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.
14:4 As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon;
for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his
authority and honour pleased them well.
14:5 And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took
Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,
14:6 And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,
14:7 And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the
dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he
took all uncleaness, neither was there any that resisted him.
14:8 Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her
increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.
14:9 The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good
things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.
14:10 He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner
of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of
the world.
14:11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:
14:12 For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was
none to fray them:
14:13 Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them:
yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.
14:14 Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were
brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law
and wicked person he took away.
14:15 He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the
temple.
14:16 Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that
Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
14:17 But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high
priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:
14:18 They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship
and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:
14:19 Which writings were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.
14:20 And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent;
The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high
priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the people of the
Jews, our brethren, send greeting:
14:21 The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us of
your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their coming,
14:22 And did register the things that they spake in the council of the
people in this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of
Jason, the Jews’ ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they
had with us.
14:23 And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to
put the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to the end the
people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial thereof: furthermore
we have written a copy thereof unto Simon the high priest.
14:24 After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of
gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.
14:25 Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall we
give to Simon and his sons?
14:26 For he and his brethren and the house of his father have
established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from them,
and confirmed their liberty.
14:27 So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon
pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The
eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore and twelfth
year, being the third year of Simon the high priest,
14:28 At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and people,
and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things
notified unto us.
14:29 Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country,
wherein for the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon the
son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, together with his
brethren, put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the enemies of
their nation did their nation great honour:
14:30 (For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation together,
and been their high priest, was added to his people,
14:31 Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they might
destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:
14:32 At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent
much of his own substance, and armed the valiant men of his nation and
gave them wages,
14:33 And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that
lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies had
been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there:
14:34 Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and
Gazera, that bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt before:
but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all things convenient
for the reparation thereof.)
14:35 The people therefore seeing the acts of Simon, and unto what
glory he thought to bring his nation, made him their governor and chief
priest, because he had done all these things, and for the justice and
faith which he kept to his nation, and for that he sought by all means
to exalt his people.
14:36 For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the
heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were in the
city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a tower, out of
which they issued, and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did much
hurt in the holy place:
14:37 But he placed Jews therein, and fortified it for the safety of
the country and the city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem.
14:38 King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood
according to those things,
14:39 And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great
honour.
14:40 For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews their
friends and confederates and brethren; and that they had entertained
the ambassadors of Simon honourably;
14:41 Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon
should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there should
arise a faithful prophet;
14:42 Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take charge
of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over the country,
and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that, I say, he should
take charge of the sanctuary;
14:43 Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that all
the writings in the country should be made in his name, and that he
should be clothed in purple, and wear gold:
14:44 Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or priests
to break any of these things, or to gainsay his words, or to gather an
assembly in the country without him, or to be clothed in purple, or
wear a buckle of gold;
14:45 And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these things,
he should be punished.
14:46 Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as
hath been said.
14:47 Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high
priest, and captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to defend
them all.
14:48 So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables of
brass, and that they should be set up within the compass of the
sanctuary in a conspicuous place;
14:49 Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the treasury,
to the end that Simon and his sons might have them.
15:1 Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the
isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to
all the people;
15:2 The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high
priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews,
greeting:
15:3 Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our
fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it
to the old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign
soldiers together, and prepared ships of war;
15:4 My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be
avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the
kingdom desolate:
15:5 Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the
kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they
granted.
15:6 I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with thine
own stamp.
15:7 And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free;
and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast
built, and keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee.
15:8 And if any thing be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be
forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.
15:9 Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour
thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour, so that your
honour shall be known throughout the world.
15:10 In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into
the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together
unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.
15:11 Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora,
which lieth by the sea side:
15:12 For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that his
forces had forsaken him.
15:13 Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred
and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen.
15:14 And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships
close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by
sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.
15:15 In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome,
having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these
things:
15:16 Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:
15:17 The Jews’ ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came unto us
to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high
priest, and from the people of the Jews:
15:18 And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.
15:19 We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and
countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against them,
their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies against them.
15:20 It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.
15:21 If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from
their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that
he may punish them according to their own law.
15:22 The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king, and
Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,
15:23 And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians,
and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and
Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Phaselis, and
Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and
Cyrene.
15:24 And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.
15:25 So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day,
assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he shut
up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.
15:26 At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him;
silver also, and gold, and much armour.
15:27 Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the
covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange unto
him.
15:28 Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends, to
commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with the tower
that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.
15:29 The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the
land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.
15:30 Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the
tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without the
borders of Judea:
15:31 Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for
the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five
hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight against you.
15:32 So Athenobius the king’s friend came to Jerusalem: and when he
saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and
his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king’s
message.
15:33 Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken
other men’s land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but the
inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in
possession a certain time.
15:34 Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our
fathers.
15:35 And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did
great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee an
hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word;
15:36 But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of
these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen:
whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.
15:37 In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.
15:38 Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave
him an host of footmen and horsemen,
15:39 And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he
commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war
against the people; but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon.
15:40 So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people and
to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them.
15:41 And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an
host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make outroads
upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.
16:1 Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what
Cendebeus had done.
16:2 Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John, and
said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have ever
from our youth unto this day fought against the enemies of Israel; and
things have prospered so well in our hands, that we have delivered
Israel oftentimes.
16:3 But now I am old, and ye, by God’s mercy, are of a sufficient age:
be ye instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for our nation,
and the help from heaven be with you.
16:4 So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war with
horsemen, who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that night at
Modin.
16:5 And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the plain,
behold, a mighty great host both of footmen and horsemen came against
them: howbeit there was a water brook betwixt them.
16:6 So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he saw
that the people were afraid to go over the water brook, he went first
over himself, and then the men seeing him passed through after him.
16:7 That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the midst
of the footmen: for the enemies’ horsemen were very many.
16:8 Then sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus and
his host were put to flight, so that many of them were slain, and the
remnant gat them to the strong hold.
16:9 At that time was Judas John’s brother wounded; but John still
followed after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus had
built.
16:10 So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus;
wherefore he burned it with fire: so that there were slain of them
about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land of Judea in
peace.
16:11 Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of Abubus
made captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:
16:12 For he was the high priest’s son in law.
16:13 Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the
country to himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against Simon
and his sons to destroy them.
16:14 Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and
taking care for the good ordering of them; at which time he came down
himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and Judas, in the hundred
threescore and seventeenth year, in the eleventh month, called Sabat:
16:15 Where the son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a little
hold, called Docus, which he had built, made them a great banquet:
howbeit he had hid men there.
16:16 So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and his
men rose up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon into the
banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and certain of his
servants.
16:17 In which doing he committed a great treachery, and recompensed
evil for good.
16:18 Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that he
should send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him the
country and cities.
16:19 He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the tribunes
he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give them silver, and
gold, and rewards.
16:20 And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the
temple.
16:21 Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father and
brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to slay thee
also.
16:22 Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid hands on
them that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for he knew that
they sought to make him away.
16:23 As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and
worthy deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which he made,
and his doings,
16:24 Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his priesthood,
from the time he was made high priest after his father.