2 Maccabees 15

1But Nicanor, having learned that those with Judas were in the regions of Samaria, resolved to attack them on the day of rest with complete security.

2But when the Jews who were being compelled to accompany him said, “Do not destroy them in so savage and barbarous a way; rather, assign honor to the day that has been specially honored in holiness by the One who watches over all,”

3But that thrice-accursed man asked whether there is in heaven a sovereign who commanded the keeping of the sabbath day.

4But they declared, “The Lord lives; he himself is the ruler in heaven, the one who commanded the observance of the seventh day.”

5But the other said, “I also am a ruler upon the earth, the one who commands men to take up arms and to carry out the king’s business.” Yet he did not prevail to accomplish his savage purpose.

6And Nicanor, in complete confidence and with arrogant pride, had decided to make a public example of those with Judas.

7But Maccabeus was continually confident, with every hope, that he would obtain help from the Lord.

8And he urged those with him not to fear the attack of the nations, but to keep in mind the help that had previously come to them from heaven, and now to expect the victory that would come to them from the Almighty.

9And by encouraging them from the Law and the Prophets, and also by reminding them of the struggles they had already completed, he made them more eager.

10And after stirring up their spirits, he urged them on, at the same time pointing out the godlessness of the nations and the violation of oaths.

11And after arming each of them, not with the security of shields and spears so much as with encouragement from noble words, and after relating to them a trustworthy dream, he made them all rejoice.

12His vision was like this: Onias, who had become high priest, a noble and good man, modest in bearing, gentle in manner, and one who spoke fittingly, and who from childhood had cultivated all the proper qualities of virtue—this man was stretching out his hands and praying for the whole body of the Jews.

13Then in this way there appeared a man distinguished by his gray hair and glory, and the majesty surrounding him was in some way marvelous and most splendid.

14Then Onias answered and said, “This is Jeremiah, the prophet of God, who loves his brothers and prays much for the people and the holy city.”

15Then Jeremiah stretched out his right hand and handed Judas a golden sword, and as he gave it he addressed him with these words:

16Take the holy sword, a gift from God, by which you will shatter the adversaries.

17And having been encouraged by the very noble words of Judas, which were able to stir them on to virtue and to make the souls of young men manly, they resolved not merely to make a campaign, but to press on bravely and, engaging with all courage, settle the matter, because the city and the holy things and the temple were also in danger.

18For the concern about wives and children, and further about brothers and relatives, weighed less with them, but the greatest and first fear was for the consecrated temple.

19And for those shut up in the city, the anxiety also was no small matter, as they were troubled about the attack in the open country.

20And when all were already expecting the coming judgment, and the enemies had already joined battle, and the army had been drawn up, and the beasts had been suitably stationed in one part, and the cavalry posted on the flanks,

21When Maccabeus saw the presence of the crowds, the varied array of weapons, and the savagery of the beasts positioned advantageously, he stretched out his hands to heaven and called on the wonder-working Lord, knowing that victory is not secured by weapons, but that, whenever it is judged right by him, he grants it to those who are worthy.

22And he spoke, calling upon him in this way: “You, Master, sent your angel in the time of Hezekiah king of Judea, and he struck down a hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of Sennacherib.”

23And now, O Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel before us for fear and trembling.

24Let those who come against your holy people with blasphemy be struck with terror by the greatness of your arm. And thus he ended in these words.

25But those around Nikanor advanced with trumpets and battle songs.

26But those around Judas joined battle with the enemies with invocation and prayers.

27And while fighting with their hands, they were praying in their hearts to God, and they struck down no fewer than thirty-five thousand and four hundred, having been greatly gladdened by the care of God.

28But once they were relieved of the pressure, and as they withdrew with joy, they recognized Nikanor fallen forward with his armor.

29And when a cry and turmoil arose, they blessed the Sovereign in their ancestral language.

30And he ordered that the head of Nikanor, and the hand with the shoulder, be cut off and carried to Jerusalem—he who with his whole body and soul had fought in the forefront for the citizens, and who had preserved from youth his goodwill toward his fellow countrymen.

31And when he arrived there, he called together his fellow countrymen and the priests, stood them before the altar, and sent for those from the citadel.

32And after displaying the head of the accursed Nikanor and the hand of that blasphemer, which he had stretched out against the holy house of the Almighty and boasted greatly,

33And after cutting out the tongue of the ungodly Nikanor, he said he would throw it piece by piece to the birds, and hang up the wages of his folly opposite the temple.

34And they all blessed the manifest Lord toward heaven, saying, “Blessed is the one who has kept his own place undefiled.”

35And he hung Nikanor’s severed head from the citadel, visible to all and a clear sign of the Lord’s help.

36And they all decreed by common vote that this day should by no means be left unmarked,

37and to keep the thirteenth day of the twelfth month—called Adar in the Syrian language—as a notable day, one day before Mordecai's day.

38So, since the events concerning Nicanor had turned out in this way, and from those times the city had remained in the possession of the Hebrews, I too will bring my account to a close here.

39And if it is well written and suitably arranged, that is what I myself wanted; but if it is poorly and moderately done, this was what I could achieve.

40For just as drinking wine by itself, and then again water, is unpleasant, but wine mixed with water becomes pleasing and produces delight, so also the style of the composition delights the ears of those who read the work. Here, then, will be the end.