2 Maccabees 11

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

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

3and to make the sanctuary taxable in silver, like the other temples 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 and the thousands of horsemen and the eighty elephants.

5But after entering Judea and approaching Beth-zur, a fortified place about five schoeni from Jerusalem, he was besieging it.

6But when those around Maccabeus learned that he was besieging the strongholds, they, together with the crowds, pleaded with the Lord with lamentations and tears to send a good angel for the salvation of Israel.

7But Maccabeus himself, taking up arms first, urged the others, risking danger along with him, to come to the aid of their brothers; and together they also rushed out eagerly.

8And there, when they were 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 spirit, being ready to wound not only men but even the fiercest wild beasts and iron walls.

10They advanced in battle formation, having the ally from heaven before them, because the Lord had shown them mercy.

11But springing at the enemies like lions, they struck down eleven thousand of them, and sixteen 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 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.

15And Maccabeus agreed to everything that Lysias urged, being concerned for what was advantageous; for whatever Maccabeus set before Lysias in writing concerning the Jews, the king granted.

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 by you, delivered the written memorandum and made request concerning the matters indicated in it.

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

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

20But concerning these matters in detail, I have given orders that both these men and those from me should speak with you.

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

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 want those in the kingdom, being free from disturbance, to turn to the care of the Jews,

24Having heard that the Jews did not approve of my father's change to Greek ways, but were choosing their own way of life and asking that their lawful customs be permitted to them,

25Therefore, since we also choose that this nation should be free from disturbance, we decide that the temple 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 gladly attend to the securing of their own affairs.

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 desire; and we ourselves also are in good health.

29Menelaus informed us that you wish, after coming down, to attend to your own affairs.

30Therefore, for those who come down until the thirtieth of Xanthicus, there will be a right hand of assurance together with permission,

31that the Jews may make use of their own provisions and laws, just as before; and none of them shall in any way be harassed concerning the things done in ignorance.

32And I have also sent Menelaus to encourage 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 things that Lysias, the king’s kinsman, granted to you, we also approve.

36But whatever he has decided should be presented to the king, send someone at once to examine these matters, so that we may settle them 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.