2 Maccabees 10

1But after a very short time, Lysias, the king’s guardian and kinsman and the one over affairs, taking the events very hard,

2After gathering about eighty thousand men and all the cavalry, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the city a dwelling place for Greeks,

3and to make the sanctuary taxable, like the other shrines of the nations, and to make the high priesthood sold each year;

4not at all taking into account the might of God, but puffed up by the tens of thousands of foot soldiers, the thousands of horsemen, and the eighty elephants.

5But when he entered Judea and came near Bethsura, a fortified place about five schoeni from Jerusalem, he was pressing it hard.

6But when those around Makkabaios, while besieging it, gained possession of the strongholds, with lamentations and tears they, together with the crowds, pleaded with the Lord to send a good angel for the salvation of Israel.

7But Maccabeus himself was the first to take up arms, and he urged the others, by risking danger together with him, to come to the aid of their brothers; and together they also charged out eagerly.

8And while they were there near Jerusalem, a horseman appeared, going before them, clothed in white and brandishing golden armor.

9And all together they blessed the merciful God and were strengthened in their souls, being ready to wound not only men but even the fiercest wild beasts and iron walls.

10As before, being in battle array and having the ally from heaven, because the Lord had shown them mercy.

11But springing at the enemies like lions, they laid low eleven thousand of them, and one thousand six hundred cavalry; and they forced them all to flee.

12But most of them escaped wounded and naked; and Lysias himself also escaped by fleeing shamefully.

13But since he was not foolish, but was considering within himself the defeat that had happened to him, and had realized that the Hebrews were unconquerable because the mighty God was fighting alongside them, he sent ahead

14He persuaded him to come to terms on all the just demands, and that he would also persuade the king, compelling him to become their friend.

15But Maccabeus agreed to everything that Lysias urged, being concerned for the common good; for whatever Maccabeus submitted in writing to Lysias concerning the Jews, the secretary approved.

16For letters had been written to the Jews from Lysias, containing this form: “Lysias to the multitude of the Jews, greetings.”

17John and Absalom, who were sent from you, after delivering the written document, asked about the matters indicated by it.

18So then, I have made clear whatever had to be presented to the king, and he granted what was possible.

19If, then, you maintain your goodwill toward these matters, I will also try from now on to be the cause of good things.

20But concerning these matters in detail, I have instructed both these men and those from me to speak with you.

21Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the twenty-fourth day of Dioscorinthius.

22And the king’s letter contained this: “King Antiochus to his brother Lysias, greetings.”

23since our father has departed to the gods, and since we desire that those in the kingdom, being free from disturbance, should give attention to the affairs of the Jews,

24having heard that the Jews did not approve of their father's change to Greek ways, but were choosing their own way of life and requesting that their own laws be permitted to them,

25Therefore, since we choose that this nation also should be free from disturbance, we judge that the sanctuary should be restored to them, and that they should live according to the customs of their ancestors.

26Therefore you will do well to send to them and give them pledges of good faith, so that, knowing our intention, they may be encouraged and may live gladly with support for their own interests.

27And to the nation the king’s letter was as follows: “King Antiochus to the council of elders of the Jews and to the other Jews, greetings.”

28Farewell. May it be as we would wish; and we ourselves are also well.

29Menelaus informed us, wanting you, after coming down, to be restored to your own people.

30Therefore, for those going down until the thirtieth of Xanthicus, there will be a right hand given with safe-conduct,

31that the Jews should make use of their own resources and laws as before, and that none of them should in any way be harassed concerning the things done in ignorance.

32And I have sent Menelaus also to urge you.

33Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of Xanthicus.

34The Romans also sent them a letter, worded as follows: “Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, elders of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greetings.”

35Concerning the matters that Lysias, the king’s kinsman, has granted to you, we also approve.

36But if there are matters that should be brought before the king, send someone at once to look into these things, so that we may act as is fitting for us; for we are going on to Antioch.

37Therefore hurry, and send some men, so that we too may learn what your intention is.

38Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of Xanthicus.