The Koine Bible

But after a little while, Lysias, the king’s overseer and kinsman, and the one over the affairs, taking it very heavily because of the things that had happened,

and having gathered about eighty thousand and all the cavalry, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the city a dwelling-place for Greeks

and to make the sanctuary a source of revenue, like the shrines of the other nations, and to make the high priesthood saleable year by year

in no way considering the power of God, but made arrogant by the myriads of foot soldiers and by the thousands of horsemen and by the eighty elephants

And having entered into Judea and drawn near to Bethsura, which was indeed a fortified place and about five stadia distant from Jerusalem, this he pressed hard.

But when those around Maccabeus learned that the strongholds were besieging him, with lamentations and tears they were imploring the Lord, together with the crowds, to send a good angel for the salvation of Israel

But Maccabeus himself, first taking up the weapons, urged the others, together with him risking danger, to go to the aid of their brothers, and at the same time they also rushed out eagerly

And there, near Jerusalem, while they were there, there appeared one riding ahead of them on a white horse, shaking a golden panoply.

And all together they blessed the merciful God and were strengthened in their souls, being ready not only to wound men but also the most savage beasts and iron walls.

They were advancing in equipment, having as ally from heaven the Lord who had had mercy on them

And having sprung in like lions against the enemies, they laid low of them a thousand, in addition to ten thousands, and horsemen six hundred in addition to a thousand; and they forced them all to flee.

But the greater part of them escaped wounded and naked, and Lysias himself also, fleeing disgracefully, escaped.

Now not being senseless, and considering within himself the event that had happened concerning him, the defeat, and perceiving that the Hebrews are unconquerable when God is helping them,

and having sent additionally, he persuaded them to be grieved over all the righteous things, and because he would also persuade the king to become friendly to them by forcing it to happen

And Maccabaeus gave assent to all that Lysias was urging, thinking of what was expedient, for whatever Maccabaeus had submitted to Lysias in writing concerning the Jews, the king granted.

For the letters written to the Jews were from Lysias, containing this manner: Lysias to the multitude of the Jews, greetings.

John and Absalom, having been sent by you, on giving the written message below, were asking about the things indicated through it

So much, therefore, as needed also to be reported to the king I have explained; but what was possible he granted.

If therefore you preserve the goodwill toward the affairs, then also in the future I will try to become a cause of good.

And concerning these things and the matters in detail I have given orders to these men and also to those sent by me to speak with you.

Farewell. In the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the twenty-fourth of Dios, of the Corinthians.

And the king’s letter contained thus: King Antiochus to his brother Lysias, greetings.

when our father had departed to the gods, wishing those who were from the kingdom to become undisturbed toward the care of their own affairs

having heard that the Jews were not agreeing with the change of their father to the Greek customs, but choosing their own way of life, and requesting that the lawful things be granted to them

Therefore, choosing also this nation to be free from disturbance, we judge that both the sanctuary be restored to them and that they live according to the customs of their ancestors

You will therefore do well to send to them and give pledges, so that, knowing our purpose, they may both be of good courage and live gladly in the safeguarding of their own affairs.

And 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.

If you are well, it would be as we also wish, and we ourselves are in good health.

Menelaus informed us that you wished, after coming down, to be alongside your own people.

Therefore for those going down as far as the thirtieth of Xanthicus, there shall be a right-hand side with the permission

that the Jews may make use of their own expenditures and laws, as also formerly, and none of them shall be molested in any way concerning the things that have been ignored

And I have also sent Menelaus to encourage you

Farewell, in the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth of Xanthicus.

And the Romans also sent to them a letter, having thus: Quintus Memmius, Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greetings.

concerning which Lysias, the king’s relative, has granted to you, and we also agree

But what he decided should be reported to the king, send someone at once after examining about these things, so that we may present them as befits you; for we are going toward Antioch.

Therefore make haste and send some, so that we also may know of what mind you are.

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