1 After Alexandros (Alexander) the person from Makedonia, the son of Filippos (Philip), who came out of the land of Kitim, and struck Dareyavesh (Darius) king of the Persians and Madim (Medes), it happened, after he’d struck him, that he reigned in his place, in former time, over[fn] Yavan (Greece). 2 He fought many battles, won many fortresses, killed the kings of the earth, 3 went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of a multitude of nations. The earth was quiet before him. He was exalted. His heart was lifted up. 4 He gathered together an extremely strong army and ruled over countries, nations, and principalities, and they paid him tribute.

5 After these things he fell sick, and perceived that he was going to die. 6 He called his honourable servants, which had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided to them his kingdom while he was still alive. 7 Alexandros reigned twelve years, then he died. 8 Then his servants ruled, each one in his place. 9 They all put crowns on themselves after he was dead, and so did their sons after them many years; and they multiplied evils in the earth.

10 There came out of them a sinful root, Antiokos (Antiochus) Epifanes (Epiphanes), son of Antiokos the king, who’d been a hostage at Romai (Rome), and he reigned in[fn] the one hundred and thirty seventh year of the kingdom of the Hellains (Greeks).

11 In those days transgressors of the law came out of Yisrael (Israel) and persuaded many, saying, “Let’s go make a covenant with the[fn] Gentiles around us; for since we were separated from them many evils have befallen us.” 12 That proposal was good in their eyes. 13 Some of the people eagerly went to the king, and he authorised them to observe the ordinances of the[fn] Gentiles. 14 So[fn] they built a gymnasium in Yerushalem (Jerusalem) according to the laws of the[fn] Gentiles. 15 They made themselves uncircumcised, forsook the holy covenant, joined themselves to the[fn] Gentiles, and sold themselves to do evil.

16 The kingdom was established in the sight of Antiokos, and he planned to reign over Mitsrayim (Egypt), that he might reign over both kingdoms. 17 He entered into Mitsrayim with a[fn] great multitude, with chariots, with elephants, with cavalry, and with a great[fn] navy. 18 He made war against Ptolemaios (Ptolemy) king of Mitsrayim. Ptolemaios was put to shame before him, and fled; and many fell wounded to death. 19 They took possession of the strong cities in the land of Mitsrayim, and he took the spoils of Mitsrayim.

20 Antiokos, after he’d defeated Mitsrayim, returned in[fn] the one hundred and forty third year, and went up against Yisrael (Israel) and Yerushalem with a[fn] great multitude, 21 and entered presumptuously into the sanctuary, and took the golden altar, the lampstand for the light, and all its utensils. 22 He took the table of the show bread, the cups for the drink offerings, the bowls, the golden censers, the veil, the crowns, and the gold decoration on the front of the temple. He peeled it all off. 23 He took the silver, the gold, and the precious vessels. He took the hidden treasures which he found. 24 When he’d taken all of these, he went away into his own land. He made a great slaughter, and spoke very arrogantly. 25 Great mourning came on Yisrael, in every place where they were. 26 The rulers and elders groaned. The virgins and young men were made feeble. The beauty of the women was changed. 27 Every bridegroom took up lamentation. She who sat in the marriage chamber was mourning. 28 The land was moved for its inhabitants, and all the house of Ya’akov (Jacob) was clothed with shame.

29 After[fn] two full years, the king sent a chief collector of tribute to the cities of Yehudah (Judah), and he came to Yerushalem (Jerusalem) with a[fn] great multitude. 30 He spoke words of peace to them in subtlety, and they believed him. Then he fell onto the city suddenly, struck it very severely, and destroyed many people of Yisrael. 31 He took the spoils of the city, set it on fire, and pulled down its houses and its walls on every side. 32 They led captive the women and the children, and seized the livestock. 33 Then they fortified the city of David with a large, strong wall and with strong towers, and it became their citadel. 34 They put a sinful nation, transgressors of the law, there, and they strengthened themselves in it. 35 They stored up weapons and food, and gathering together the spoils of Yerushalem, they stored them there, and they became a great menace. 36 It became a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Yisrael continually. 37 They shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled the sanctuary. 38 The inhabitants of Yerushalem fled because of them. She became a habitation of foreigners. She became foreign to those who were born in her, and her children forsook her. 39 Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness,[fn] her feasts were turned into mourning, her Sabbaths into reproach, and her honour into contempt. 40 According to her glory, so was her dishonour multiplied, and her exaltation was turned into mourning.

41 King Antiokos (Antiochus) wrote to his whole kingdom that all should be one people, 42 and that each should forsake his own laws. All the nations agreed according to the king’s word. 43 Many of Yisrael consented to his worship, sacrificed to the idols, and profaned the Sabbath. 44 The king sent letters by the hand of messengers to Yerushalem and the cities of Yehudah, that they should follow laws strange to the land, 45 and should forbid whole burnt offerings and sacrifice and drink offerings in the sanctuary; and should profane the Sabbaths and feasts, 46 and pollute the sanctuary and those who were holy; 47 that they should build altars, and temples, and shrines for idols, and should sacrifice swine’s flesh and unclean animals; 48 and that they should leave their sons uncircumcised, that they should make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness and profanation; 49 so that they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances. 50 Anyone who doesn’t do according to the king’s word, he’ll die. 51 According to all these words wrote he to his whole kingdom. He appointed overseers over all the people, and he commanded the cities of Yehudah to sacrifice, city by city. 52 From the people were gathered together to them many, everyone who’d forsaken the law; and they did evil things in the land. 53 They made Yisrael (Israel) to hide themselves in every place of refuge which they had.

54 On the fifteenth day of Kislev, in[fn] the one hundred and forty fifth year, they built an abomination of desolation on the altar,[fn] and in the cities of Yehudah (Judah) on every side they built idol altars.[fn] 55 At the doors of the houses and in the streets they burnt incense. 56 They tore the books of the law which they found in pieces and set them on fire. 57 Anyone who was found with any a book of the covenant, and if any consented to the law, the king’s sentence delivered him to death. 58 Thus did they in their might to Yisrael, to those who were found month by month in the cities. 59 On the twenty-fifth day of the month they sacrificed on the idol altar that was on top of the altar of burnt offering. 60 They[fn] put to death women who’d circumcised their children, according to the commandment. 61 They hung their babies around their necks, and their houses, and those who’d circumcised them. 62 Many in Yisrael were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves not to eat unclean things. 63 They[fn] chose to die, that they might not be defiled with the food, and that they might not profane the holy covenant; and they died. 64 Very great anger came on Yisrael.

2 In those days Matityah (Mattathias) the son of Yohan (John), the son of Shim’on (Simeon), a priest of the sons of Yoyariv, from Yerushalem (Jerusalem) rose up; and he lived at Modi’in. 2 And he had five sons:[fn] Yohan, who was surnamed Gadi; 3 Shim’on, who was called Thasi; 4 Yehudah, who was called Makabi (Maccabaeus); 5 Eleazar, who was called Avaran; and Yonatan (Jonathan), who was called Apfus.

6 He saw the blasphemies that were committed in Yehudah (Judah) and in Yerushalem, 7 and he said, “Woe is me! Why was I born to see the destruction of my people and the destruction of the holy city, and to live there when it was given into the hand of the enemy, the sanctuary into the hand of foreigners? 8 Her temple has become like a man who was glorious. 9 Her vessels of glory are carried away into captivity. Her infants are slain in her streets. Her young men are slain with the enemy’s sword. 10 What nation hasn’t inherited her palaces and taken possession of her spoils? 11 Her adornment has all been taken away. Instead of a free woman, she’s become a slave. 12 Listen, our holy things, our beauty, and our glory are laid waste. The Gentiles have profaned them. 13 Why should we live any longer?”

14 Matityah (Mattathias) and his sons tore their clothes, put on sackcloth, and mourned greatly.

15 And the king’s officers who were enforcing the apostasy came into the city Modi’in to sacrifice. 16 Many of Yisrael (Israel) came to them, and Matityah and his sons were gathered together. 17 The king’s officers answered and spoke to Matityah, saying, “You’re a ruler and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and kindred. 18 Now therefore come first and do the king’s commandment, as all the nations have done, including the men of Yehudah (Judah) and those who remain in Yerushalem (Jerusalem). You and your house will be numbered among the king’s[fn] friends, and you and your sons will be honoured with silver and gold and many gifts.”

19 And Matityah replied with a loud voice, “If all the nations that are in the house of the king’s dominion listen to him, to fall away each one from the worship of his fathers, and have made choice to follow his commandments, 20 yet I and my sons and my kindred will walk in the covenant of our fathers. 21 Far be it from us that we should forsake the law and the ordinances. 22 We won’t listen to the king’s words, to turn aside from our worship, to the right hand, or to the left.”

23 When he’d finished speaking these words, a Yehudi (Jew) came in the sight of all to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modi’in, according to the king’s commandment. 24 Matityah saw it, so his zeal was kindled, and his guts trembled, and he vented his anger according to judgement, and ran and killed him on the altar. 25 He killed the king’s officer, who compelled men to sacrifice, at the same time, and pulled down the altar. 26 He was zealous for the law, even as Pinhas did to Zimri the son of Salu.

27 Matityah cried out in the city with a loud voice, saying, “Anyone who’s zealous for the law and maintains the covenant, let him follow me!” 28 He and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that they had in the city.

29 Then many who strived for justice and judgement went down into the wilderness to live there—30 they, their children, their wives, and their livestock—because evils were multiplied on them. 31 It was told the king’s officers and the forces that were in Yerushalem (Jerusalem), the city of David, that certain men who’d broken the king’s commandment had gone down into the secret places in the wilderness; 32 and many pursued after them, and having overtaken them, they encamped against them and set the battle in array against them on the Sabbath day. 33 They said to them, “Enough of this! Come out and do according to the king’s word, and you’ll all live!”

34 They said, “We won’t come out. We won’t do the king’s word, to profane the Sabbath day.”

35 Then the enemy hurried to attack them.

36 They didn’t answer them. They didn’t throw a stone at them, or block their secret places, 37 saying, “Let’s all die in our innocence. Heaven and earth testify for us, that you put us to death unjustly.”

38 So they attacked them on the Sabbath, and they died—they, their wives, their children, and their livestock—in number a thousand souls of men.

39 When Matityah (Mattathias) and his friends found out about it, and they mourned over them greatly. 40 One said to another, “If we all do as our kindred have done, and don’t fight against the Gentiles for our lives and our ordinances, they’ll quickly destroy us from off the earth.” 41 So they decided that day, saying, “Anyone who comes against us to battle on the Sabbath day, let’s fight against him, and we’ll in no way all die, as our kindred died in the secret places.”

42 Then a company of the Hasidim,[fn] mighty men of Yisrael (Israel), everyone who offered himself willingly for the law, were gathered together to them. 43 All those who fled from the evils were added to them, and supported them. 44 They mustered an army, and struck sinners in their anger, and lawless men in their anger. The rest fled to the Gentiles for safety. 45 And Matityah and his friends went around and pulled down the altars. 46 They forcibly circumcised the boys who were uncircumcised, as many as they found in the coasts of Yisrael. 47 They pursued the arrogant, and the work prospered in their hand. 48 They rescued the law out of the hand of the Gentiles and out of the hand of the kings. They never allowed the sinner to triumph.

49 The days of Matityah drew near that he should die, and he said to his sons, “Now pride and scorn have gained strength. It’s a season of overthrow and indignant anger. 50 Now, my children, be zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers. 51 Call to remembrance the actions of our fathers which they did in their generations; and receive great glory and an eternal name. 52 Wasn’t Avraham found faithful in temptation,[ref] and it was reckoned to him for righteousness?[ref] 53 Yosef (Joseph) in the time of his distress kept the commandment,[ref] and became lord of Mitsrayim (Egypt).[ref] 54 Pinhas our father, because he was extremely zealous, obtained the covenant of an eternal priesthood.[ref] 55 Yeshua (Jesus) became a judge in Yisrael (Israel)[ref] for fulfilling the word. 56 Kalev (Caleb) obtained a heritage in the land for testifying in the congregation.[ref] 57 David inherited the throne of a kingdom forever and ever[ref] for being merciful. 58 Eliyah (Elijah) was taken up into heaven[ref] because he was extremely zealous for the law. 59 Hananyah, Azaryah, and Mishael[ref] believed, and were saved out of the flame.[ref] 60 Daniyel was delivered from the mouth of lions for his innocence.[ref]

61 “Thus consider throughout the generations that no one who put their trust in him will lack for strength. 62 Don’t be afraid of the words of a sinful man; for his glory will be dung and worms. 63 Today he’ll be lifted up, and tomorrow he’ll in no way be found, because he’s returned to dust, and his thought has perished. 64 You, my children, be strong, and show yourselves men on behalf of the law; for in it you’ll obtain glory. 65 Listen, Shim’on (Simon) your brother, whom I know to be a man of counsel. Always listen to him. He’ll be a father to you. 66 Yehudah (Judas) Makabi (Maccabaeus) has been strong and mighty from his youth. He’ll be your captain and will fight[fn] the battle of the people. 67 Rally around all the doers of the law, and avenge the wrong done to your people. 68 Repay the Gentiles, and obey the commandments of the law.”

69 He blessed them, and was gathered to his ancestors. 70 He died in[fn] the one hundred and forty sixth year, and his sons buried him in the tombs of his ancestors at Modi’in. All Yisrael (Israel) made great lamentation for him.

3 His son Yehudah, who was called Makabi, rose up in his place. 2 All his kindred helped him, and so did all those who joined with his father, and they fought with gladness the battle of Yisrael. 3 He got his people great glory, and put on a breastplate like a giant, and bound his warlike harness around him, and set battles in array, protecting the army with his sword. 4 He was like a lion in his actions, and like a lion’s cub roaring for prey. 5 He hunted and pursued the lawless, and he burnt up those who troubled his people. 6 The lawless shrunk back for fear of him, and all the workers of lawlessness were very troubled, and deliverance prospered in his hand. 7 He angered many kings and made Ya’akov (Jacob) glad with his acts. His memory is blessed forever. 8 He went through the cities of Yehudah, destroyed the ungodly[fn] out of the land, and turned away anger from Yisrael. 9 He was renowned to the utmost part of the earth. He gathered together those who were ready to perish.

10 Apolonios gathered the Gentiles together with a great army from Shomron (Samaria) to fight against Yisrael. 11 Yehudah learnt of it, and he went out to meet him, struck him, and killed him. Many fell wounded to death, and the rest fled. 12 They took their spoils, and Yehudah took Apolonios’ sword, and he fought with it all his days.

13 Seron, the commander of Aram’s (Syria’s) army, heard that Yehudah had gathered a large company, including a body of faithful men who stayed with him, went out to war. 14 He said, “I’ll make myself a name and get myself glory in the kingdom. I’ll fight against Yehudah and those who are with him, who despise the king’s command. 15 A mighty army of the ungodly went up with him to help him, to take vengeance on the Israeli people.

16 He came near to the ascent of Beyt-Horon, and Yehudah went out to meet him with a small company. 17 But when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said to Yehudah, “How can our small group fight against such a large, strong army? We’re exhausted, and we haven’t eaten anything today.”

18 Yehudah said, “It’s an easy thing for many to be hemmed in by the hands of a few. With[fn] heaven it’s all one, to save by many or by few; 19 for victory in battle stands not in the multitude of an army, but strength is from heaven. 20 They come to us in fullness of insolence and lawlessness, to destroy us and our wives and our children, and to plunder us, 21 but we fight for our lives and our laws. 22 He himself will crush them before our face; but as for you, don’t be afraid of them.

23 Now when he’d finished speaking, he rushed suddenly against Seron and his army, and they were defeated before him. 24 They pursued them down the descent of Beyt-Horon to the plain, and about eight hundred men of them fell; but the rest fled into the land of the Pelishtim.

25 The fear of Yehudah and his kindred, and the dread of them, began to fall on the nations around them. 26 His fame reached the king, and every nation told of the battles of Yehudah.

27 But when King Antiokos (Antiochus) heard these words, he was full of indignation; and he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, an extremely strong army. 28 He opened his treasury and gave his forces pay for a year, and commanded them to be ready for every need. 29 He saw that the money was gone from his treasures, and that the tributes of the country were small, because of the dissension and disaster which he’d brought on the land, to the end that he might take away the laws which had been from the first days. 30 He was afraid that he wouldn’t have enough as at other times for the charges and the gifts which he used to give with a liberal hand, more abundantly than the kings who were before him. 31 And he was extremely perplexed in his mind, and he determined to go into Paras (Persia), and to take the tributes of those countries, and to gather much money. 32 He left Lusias, an honourable man, and one of royal lineage, to be over the affairs of the king from the river Perat (Euphrates) to the borders of Mitsrayim (Egypt), 33 and to bring up his son Antiokos, until he came again. 34 He delivered to Lusias half of his forces and the elephants, and gave him charge of all the things that he’d have done, and about those who lived in Yehudah and in Yerushalem (Jerusalem), 35 that he should send an army against them to root out and destroy the strength of Yisrael (Israel) and the remnant of Yerushalem, and to take away their memory from the place, 36 and that he should make foreigners live in all their territory, and should divide their land to them by lot. 37 The king took the half that remained of the forces, and left Antiokeia, his royal city, in the one hundred and forty seventh year;[fn] and he passed over the river Perat, and went through the upper countries.

38 Lusias chose Ptolemaios (Ptolemy) the son of Dorumenes, Nikanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king’s friends;[fn] 39 and with them, he sent forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry to go into the land of Yehudah and to destroy it, according to the king’s word. 40 They set out with all their army, and came and encamped near Emmaous in the plain country. 41 The merchants of the country heard of their fame, and took silver and gold in large quantities, and fetters,[fn] and came into the camp to take the Israeli people for slaves. Forces of Aram (Syria) and of the land of the Pelishtim[fn] joined with them.

42 Yehudah and his kindred saw that evils were multiplied, and that the forces were encamping in their borders. They learnt about the king’s words which he’d commanded, to destroy the people and make an end of them. 43 Then they each said to his neighbour, “Let’s repair the ruins of our people. Let’s fight for our people and the holy place.” 44 The congregation was gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray and ask for mercy and compassion. 45 Yerushalem (Jerusalem) was without inhabitant like a wilderness. There was none of her offspring who went in or went out. The sanctuary was trampled down. Children of foreigners were in the citadel. The Gentiles lived there. Joy was taken away from Ya’akov (Jacob), and the pipe and the harp ceased. 46 They gathered themselves together, and came to Mitspah, near Yerushalem; for in Mitspah there used to be a place of prayer for Yisrael. 47 They fasted that day, put on sackcloth, put ashes on their heads, tore their clothes, 48 and opened the book of the law, to learn about the things for which the Gentiles consulted the images of their idols. 49 They brought the priests’ clothes, the first fruits, and the one-tenth contributions. They stirred up the Nazarites, who’d accomplished their days. 50 They cried aloud towards heaven, saying, “What should we do with these men? Where should we carry them away? 51 Your holy place is trampled down and profaned. Your priests mourn in humiliation. 52 Listen, the Gentiles are assembled together against us to destroy us. You know what things they imagine against us. 53 How will we be able to stand against them, unless you help us?” 54 They sounded with the trumpets, and gave a loud shout.

55 And after this Yehudah (Judas) appointed leaders of the people: captains of thousands, captains of hundreds, captains of fifties, and captains of tens. 56 He said to those who were building houses, were betrothing wives, were planting vineyards, and were fearful, that they should return, each man to his own house, according to the law. 57 The army marched out and encamped on the south side of Emmaous. 58 Yehudah said, “Arm yourselves and be valiant men! Be ready in the morning to fight with these Gentiles who are assembled together against us to destroy us and our holy place. 59 Because it’s better for us to die in battle than to see the calamities of our nation and the holy place. 60 Nevertheless, as may be the will in heaven, so will he do.

4 Gorgias took five thousand infantry, a thousand chosen cavalry, and the army moved out at night, 2 that it might fall onto the army of the Yehudim (Jews) and strike them suddenly. The men of the citadel were his guides. 3 Yehudah heard of this, and he and the valiant men moved, that he might strike the king’s army which was at Emmaous 4 while the forces were still dispersed from the camp. 5 Gorgias came into the camp of Yehudah at night and found no man. He searched for them in the mountains; for he said, “These men are running away from us.”

6 As soon as it was day, Yehudah appeared in the plain with three thousand men. However they didn’t have the armour and swords they desired. 7 They saw the camp of the Gentiles strong and fortified, with cavalry all around it; and these were expert in war. 8 Yehudah said to the men who were with him, “Don’t be afraid of their numbers, or when they charge. 9 Remember how our fathers were saved in the Red sea, when Par’oh (Pharaoh) pursued them with an army. 10 Now let’s cry to heaven, if he’ll have us, and will remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this army before our face today. 11 Then all the Gentiles will know that there’s one who redeems and saves Yisrael (Israel).

12 The foreigners lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming near them. 13 They went out of the camp to battle. Those who were with Yehudah sounded their trumpets 14 and joined battle. The Gentiles were defeated, and fled into the plain. 15 But all those in the rear fell by the sword. They pursued them to[fn] Gezer, and to the plains of Edom, Azotos, and Yavneh. About three thousand of those men fell. 16 Then Yehudah and his army returned from pursuing them; 17 and he said to the people, “Don’t be greedy for the spoils, because there’s a battle before us. 18 Gorgias and his army are near us on the mountain. But stand now against our enemies and fight against them, and afterwards take the spoils with boldness.” 19 While Yehudah was finishing this speech, a part of them appeared looking out from the mountain. 20 They saw that their army had been put to flight, and that the Yehudim (Jews) were burning the camp; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done. 21 But when they perceived these things, they were very afraid. Perceiving also Yehudah’s army in the plain ready for battle, 22 they all fled into the land of the[fn] Pelishtim. 23 Yehudah returned to plunder the camp, and they took much gold, silver, blue, sea purple, and great riches. 24 Then they returned home, and sang a song of thanksgiving, and gave praise to heaven, because he’s good, because his mercy endures forever. 25 Yisrael (Israel) had a great deliverance that day.

26 The foreigners who’d escaped came and told Lusias all the things that’d happened. 27 When he heard of it, he was confounded and discouraged, because the things he desired hadn’t been done to Yisrael, nor had such things happened as the king commanded him.

28 In the next year, he gathered together sixty thousand chosen infantry and five thousand cavalry, that he might subdue them. 29 They came into Edom and encamped at Beyt-Tsur. Yehudah met them with ten thousand men. 30 He saw that the army was strong, and he prayed and said, “Blessed are you, Oh Saviour of Yisrael, who defeated the attack of the mighty warrior by the hand of your servant David, and delivered the army of the[fn] Pelishtim into the hands of Yonatan (Jonathan) the son of Sha’ul (Saul), and of his armour bearer. 31 Hem in this army in the hand of your people Yisrael, and let them be ashamed for their army and their cavalry. 32 Give them faintness of heart. Cause the boldness of their strength to melt away, and let them quake at their destruction. 33 Strike them down with the sword of those who love you, and let all who know your name praise you with thanksgiving.”

34 They joined in battle; and about five thousand men of Lusias’ army fell. They fell down near them. 35 But when Lusias saw that his troops were put to flight, and the boldness that’d come on those who were with Yehudah, and how they were ready either to live or to die nobly, he withdrew to Antiokeia, and gathered together hired soldiers, that he might come again into Yehudah with an even greater army.

36 But Yehudah and his kindred said, “Listen, our enemies are defeated. Let’s go up to cleanse the holy place and to rededicate it.” 37 All the army was gathered together, and they went up to Mt. Tsiyon (Zion). 38 They saw the sanctuary laid desolate, the altar profaned, the gates burnt up, shrubs growing in the courtyards as in a forest or as on one of the mountains, and the priests’ chambers pulled down; 39 and they tore their clothes, made great lamentation, put ashes on their heads, 40 fell on their faces to the ground,[fn] blew with the solemn trumpets,[fn] and cried towards heaven. 41 Then Yehudah appointed certain men to fight against those who were in the citadel until he’d cleansed the holy place.

42 He chose blameless priests who were devoted to the law; 43 and they cleansed the holy place and carried the defiled stones out to an unclean place. 44 They deliberated what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which had been profaned. 45 A good plan came into their mind, that they should pull it down, so that it wouldn’t bring disgrace on them, because the Gentiles had defiled it. So they pulled down the altar 46 and laid up the stones on the temple hill in a convenient place, until a prophet would come to give an answer about them. 47 They took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar like the former. 48 They built the holy place and the inner parts of the house; and they consecrated the courtyards. 49 They made new holy vessels, and they brought the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple. 50 They burnt incense on the altar, and they lit the lamps that were on the lampstand, and they gave light in the temple. 51 They set loaves on the table, hung up the curtains, and finished all the work which they’d done.

52 They rose up early in the morning, on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which is the month Kislev, in[fn] the one hundred and forty eighth year, 53 and offered sacrifice according to the law on the new altar of burnt offerings which they’d made. 54 At the time and day the Gentiles had profaned it, even then it was dedicated with songs, harps, lutes, and with cymbals. 55 All the people fell on their faces, worshipped, and gave praise towards heaven, which had given them good success. 56 They celebrated the dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed a sacrifice of deliverance and praise. 57 They decorated the front of the temple with crowns of gold and small shields. They dedicated the gates and the priests’ chambers, and made doors for them. 58 There was very great gladness among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away.

59 Yehudah (Judas) and his kindred and the whole congregation of Yisrael (Israel) ordained that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their seasons from year to year for eight days, from the twenty-fifth day of the month Kislev, with gladness and joy.

60 At that time, they fortified Mt. Tsiyon (Zion) with high walls and strong towers around it, so that the Gentiles wouldn’t come and trample them down, as they’d done before. 61 Yehudah stationed a garrison to guard it. They fortified Beyt-Tsur to keep it, that the people might have a fortress near Edom.

5 When the Gentiles all around heard that the altar had been rebuilt and the sanctuary dedicated as before, they were extremely angry. 2 They took counsel to destroy the race of Ya’akov (Jacob) that was among them, and they began to kill and destroy among the people. 3 Yehudah fought against the children of Esav (Esau) in Edom at Akrabattine, because they besieged Yisrael. He struck them with a great slaughter, humbled them, and took their spoils. 4 He remembered the wickedness of the children of[fn] Baean, who were a snare and a stumbling block to the people, lying in wait for them on the highways. 5 They were shut up by him in the towers. He encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burnt with fire the towers of the place with all who were in them. 6 He passed over to the children of Amon, and found a mighty band and many people, with Timotheos for their leader. 7 He fought many battles with them, and they were defeated before his face. He struck them, 8 and took possession of Yazer and its villages,[fn] and returned again into Yehudah.

9 The Gentiles who were in Gilead gathered themselves together against the Israelis who were on their borders, to destroy them. They fled to the fortress of Dathema, 10 and sent letters to Yehudah and his kindred, saying, “The Gentiles who are around us are gathered together against us to destroy us. 11 They’re preparing to come and get possession of the fortress where we fled for refuge, and Timotheos is the leader of their army. 12 Now therefore come and deliver us from their hand, for many of us have fallen. 13 All our kindred who were in the land of Toviyah (Tobias)[fn] have been put to death. They’ve carried their wives, their children, and their stuff into captivity. They destroyed about a thousand men there.”

14 While the letters were still being read, look, other messengers came from Galil with their clothes torn, bringing a similar report, 15 saying, “People of Ptolemais, of Tsor (Tyre), of Tsidon (Sidon), and all Galil of the[fn] Gentiles have gathered together to destroy us.”

16 Now when Yehudah and the people heard these words, a great congregation assembled together to determine what they should do for their kindred who were in distress and under attack. 17 Yehudah said to Shim’on his brother, “Choose men and go deliver your kindred who are in Galil, but Yonatan (Jonathan) my brother and I’ll go into the land of Gilead.” 18 He left Yosef (Joseph) the son of Zekaryah (Zechariah), and Azaryah, as leaders of the people, with the remnant of the army, in Yehudah, to guard it. 19 He commanded them, saying, “Take charge of this people, and fight no battle with the Gentiles until we return.” 20 Then three thousand men were assigned to go into Galil with Shim’on, but eight thousand men were assigned to Yehudah to go into the land of Gilead.

21 Shim’on (Simon) went into Galil and fought many battles with the Gentiles, and the Gentiles were defeated before him. 22 He pursued them to Ptolemais’ gate. About three thousand men of the Gentiles fell, and he took their spoils. 23 They took to them those who were in Galil and in Arbatta, with their wives, their children, and all that they had, and brought them into Yehudah with great gladness.

24 Yehudah Makabi (Maccabaeus) and his brother Yonatan passed over the Yarden (Jordan), and went three days’ journey in the wilderness. 25 They met with the Nabataeans, and these met them in a peaceful manner and told them all things that’d happened to their kindred in the land of Gilead, 26 and how many of them were shut up in Bosora, Bosor, Alema,[fn] Kasfor, Maked, and[fn] Karnayim—all these cities are strong and large—27 and how they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the land of Gilead, and that tomorrow they planned to encamp against the fortresses, and to take them, and to destroy all these men in one day.

28 Yehudah and his army turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness to Bosora; and he took the city, and killed all the males with the edge of the sword, took all their spoils, and burnt the city with fire. 29 He left there at night, and went until he came to the fortress. 30 When the morning came, they lifted up their eyes and saw many people who couldn’t be counted, bearing ladders and engines of war, to take the fortress; and they were fighting against them. 31 Yehudah saw that the battle had begun, and that the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets and a great sound, 32 and he said to the men of his army, “Fight today for your kindred!” 33 Then he went out behind them in three companies. They sounded with their trumpets and cried out in prayer. 34 And Timotheos’ army perceived that it was Makabi (Maccabaeus), and they fled from before him. He struck them with a great slaughter. About eight thousand men of them fell on that day.

35 He turned away to Mitspah and fought against it, took it, killed all its males, took its spoils, and burnt it with fire. 36 From there he marched and took[fn] Kasfor, Maked, Bosor, and the other cities of the land of Gilead.

37 Now after these things, Timotheos gathered another army and encamped near Rafon beyond the brook. 38 Yehudah sent men to spy on the army; and they brought him word, saying, “All the Gentiles who are around us are gathered together to them, a very great army. 39 They’ve hired Aravim to help them, and are encamped beyond the brook, ready to come against you to battle.” So Yehudah went to meet them.

40 Timotheos said to the captains of his army when Yehudah and his army drew near to the brook of water, “If he crosses over to us first, we won’t be able to withstand him, for he’ll certainly defeat us; 41 but if he’s afraid, and encamps beyond the river, we’ll cross over to him, and defeat him.” 42 Now when Yehudah came near to the water brook, he caused the scribes of the people to remain by the brook, and commanded them, saying, “Allow no man to encamp, but let all come to the battle.” 43 Then he crossed over the first against them, and all the people after him; and all the Gentiles were defeated before his face, and threw away their weapons, and fled to the temple at Karnayim.[fn] 44 They took the city and burnt the temple with fire, together with all who were in it. Karnayim was subdued. They couldn’t stand any longer before Yehudah’s face.

45 Yehudah gathered together all Yisrael (Israel), those who were in the land of Gilead, from the least to the greatest, with their wives, their children, and their stuff, a very great army, that they might come into the land of Yehudah. 46 They came as far as Efron, and this same city was large and very strong. It was on the road where they were going. They couldn’t turn away from it on the right hand or on the left, but needed to pass through the middle of it. 47 The people of the city shut them out and blocked the gates with stones. 48 Yehudah sent to them with words of peace, saying, “We’ll pass through your land to go into our own land, and no one will harm you. We’ll only pass by on our feet.” But they wouldn’t open to him. 49 Then Yehudah commanded an announcement to be made in the army, that each man should encamp in the place where he was. 50 So the men of the army encamped, and fought against the city all that day and all that night, and the city was delivered into his hands. 51 He destroyed all the males with the edge of the sword, razed the city, took its plunder, and passed through the city over those who were slain. 52 They went over the Yarden (Jordan) into the great plain near Beyt-Shean. 53 And Yehudah gathered together those who lagged behind and encouraged the people all the way through, until he came into the land of Yehudah. 54 They went up to Mt. Tsiyon (Zion) with gladness and joy, and offered whole burnt offerings, because not so much as one of them was slain until they returned in peace.

55 In the days when Yehudah and Yonatan (Jonathan) were in the land of Gilead, and Shim’on (Simon) his brother in Galil before Ptolemais, 56 Yosef (Joseph) the son of Zekaryah (Zechariah), and Azaryah, rulers of the army, heard of their exploits and of the war, and what things they’d done. 57 They said, “Let’s also get us a name, and let’s go fight against the Gentiles who are around us.” 58 So they gave orders to the men of the army that was with them, and went towards Yavneh. 59 Gorgias and his men came out of the city to meet them in battle. 60 Yosef and Azaryah were put to flight, and were pursued to the borders of Yehudah. About two thousand men of Yisrael fell on that day. 61 There was a great overthrow among the people, because they didn’t listen to Yehudah and his kindred, thinking to do some exploit. 62 But they weren’t of the family of those men by whose hand deliverance was given to Yisrael.

63 The man Yehudah and his kindred were glorified greatly in the sight of all Yisrael (Israel), and of all the Gentiles, wherever their name was heard of. 64 Men gathered together to them, acclaiming them.

65 Yehudah and his kindred went out and fought against the children of Esav (Esau) in the land towards the south. He struck Hevron and its villages,[fn] pulled down its fortresses, and burnt its towers all around. 66 He marched to go into the land of the[fn] Pelishtim, and he went through[fn] Shomron (Samaria). 67 In that day certain priests, desiring to do exploits there, were slain in battle, when they went out to battle unadvisedly. 68 But Yehudah turned towards Azotos, to the land of the[fn] Pelishtim, pulled down their altars, burnt the carved images of their gods with fire, took the plunder of their cities, and returned into the land of Yehudah.

6 King Antiokos (Antiochus) was travelling through the upper countries; and he heard that in Elymais in Paras (Persia) there was a city renowned for riches, for silver and gold, 2 and that the temple which was in it was extremely rich, and that in it were golden shields, breastplates, and weapons which Alexandros (Alexander), son of Filippos (Philip), the Makedonian king, who reigned first among the Hellains (Greeks), left behind there. 3 So he came and tried to take the city and to pillage it; and he wasn’t able, because his plan was known to them of the city, 4 and they rose up against him in battle. He fled and returned to Bavel (Babylon) with great disappointment.

5 Then someone came into Paras bringing him news that the armies which went against the land of Yehudah had been put to flight, 6 and that Lusias went first with a strong army and was put to shame before them, and that they’d grown strong because of weapons, power, and a supply of plunder which they took from the armies that they’d cut off, 7 and that they’d pulled down the abomination which he’d built on the altar that was in Yerushalem (Jerusalem), and that they’d surrounded the sanctuary with high walls, as before, and also Beyt-Tsur, his city.

8 When the king heard these words, he was astonished and moved greatly. He laid himself down on his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it hadn’t turned out for him as he’d planned. 9 He was there many days, because great grief continually gripped him, and he realised that he’d die. 10 He called for all his[fn] friends, and said to them, “Sleep departs from my eyes, and my heart fails because of worry. 11 I said in my heart, ‘To what suffering I’ve come! How great a flood it’s that I’m in, now! Because I was gracious and loved in my power.’ 12 But now I remember the evils which I did at Yerushalem, and that I took all the vessels of silver and gold that were in it, and sent out to destroy the inhabitants of Yehudah without a cause. 13 I perceive that it’s because of this that these evils have come on me. Listen, I’m perishing through great grief in a strange land.”

14 Then he called for Filippos (Philip), one of his[fn] friends, and set him over all his kingdom. 15 He gave him his crown, his robe, and his signet ring, so that he could guide Antiokos (Antiochus) his son, and nourish him up that he might be king. 16 Then King Antiokos died there in the one hundred and forty-ninth year.[fn] 17 When Lusias learnt that the king was dead, he set up Antiokos his son to reign, whom he’d nourished up being young, and he called his name Eupator.

18 Those who were in the citadel kept hemming Yisrael (Israel) in around the sanctuary, and always tried to harm them and to strengthen the Gentiles. 19 Yehudah planned to destroy them, and called all the people together to besiege them. 20 They were gathered together, and besieged them in[fn] the one hundred fiftieth year, and he made mounds to shoot from, and engines of war. 21 Some of those who were hemmed in came out, and some of the ungodly men of Yisrael were joined to them. 22 They went to the king, and said, “How much longer will you wait to bring justice, and avenge our kindred? 23 We were willing to serve your father and to live by his words, and to follow his commandments. 24 Because of this, the children of our people besieged the citadel[fn] and were alienated from us; but as many of us as they could catch, they killed, and plundered our inheritances. 25 Not against us only did they stretch out their hand, but also against all their borders. 26 Listen, they’re encamped this day against the citadel at Yerushalem (Jerusalem) to take it. They’ve fortified the sanctuary and Beyt-Tsur. 27 If you don’t quickly prevent them, they’ll do greater things than these, and you won’t be able to control them.

28 When the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all his[fn] friends, the rulers of his army, and those who were over the cavalry. 29 Bands of hired soldiers came to him from other kingdoms and from islands of the sea. 30 The number of his forces was one hundred thousand infantry, and twenty thousand cavalry, and thirty-two elephants trained for war. 31 They went through Edom, and encamped against Beyt-Tsur, and fought against it many days, and made engines of war. The Yehudim (Jews) came out and burnt them with fire, and fought valiantly.

32 Yehudah (Judas) marched away from the citadel and encamped at Beyt-Zekaryah, near the king’s camp. 33 The king rose early in the morning, and marched his army[fn] at full speed along the road to Beyt-Zekaryah. His forces made themselves ready to battle and sounded their trumpets. 34 They offered the elephants the juice of grapes and mulberries, that they might prepare them for the battle. 35 They distributed the animals among the phalanxes. They set by each elephant a thousand men armed with coats of mail and helmets of brass on their heads. Five hundred chosen cavalry were appointed for each elephant. 36 These were ready beforehand, wherever the elephant was. Wherever the elephant went, they went with it. They didn’t leave it. 37 Strong, covered wooden towers were on them, one on each elephant, fastened on it with secure harnesses. On each were four valiant men who fought on them, beside his Indian driver. 38 The rest of the cavalry he set on this side and that side on the two flanks of the army, striking terror into the enemy, and protected by the phalanxes. 39 Now when the sun shone on the shields of gold and brass, the mountains lit up, and blazed like flaming torches.

40 A part of the king’s army was spread on the high hills and some on the low ground, and they went on firmly and in order. 41 All who heard the noise of their multitude, the marching of the multitude, and the rattling of the weapons trembled; for the army was very great and strong. 42 Yehudah and his army drew near for battle, and six hundred men of the king’s army fell. 43 Eleazar, who was called Avaran, saw one of the animals armed with royal breastplates, and it was taller than all the animals, and the king seemed to be on it. 44 He gave his life to deliver his people, and to get himself an eternal name. 45 He ran on him courageously into the middle of the phalanx, and killed on the right hand and on the left, and they parted away from him on this side and on that. 46 He crept under the elephant, and stabbed it from beneath, and killed it. The elephant fell to the earth on him, and he died there. 47 They saw the strength of the kingdom and the fierce attack of the army, and turned away from them.

48 But the soldiers of the king’s army went up to Yerushalem (Jerusalem) to meet them, and the king encamped towards Yehudah (Judea) and towards Mt. Tsiyon (Zion). 49 He made peace with the people of Beyt-Tsur. He came out of the city because they had no food there to endure the siege, because it was a Sabbath to the land. 50 The king took Beyt-Tsur, and appointed a garrison there to keep it. 51 He encamped against the sanctuary many days; and set there mounds to shoot from, and engines of war, and machines for throwing fire and stones, and weapons to throw darts, and slings. 52 The Yehudim (Jews) also made engines of war against their engines, and fought for many days. 53 But there was no food in the sanctuary, because it was the seventh year, and those who fled for safety into Yehudah from among the Gentiles had eaten up the rest of the stores. 54 There were only a few people left in the sanctuary, because the famine prevailed against them, and they were scattered, each man to his own place.

55 Lusias heard that Filippos (Philip), whom Antiokos (Antiochus) the king, while he was yet alive, appointed to raise his son Antiokos to be king, 56 had returned from Paras (Persia) and Maday (Media), and with him the forces that went with the king, and that he was seeking to take control of the government. 57 He hurried, and gave orders to depart. He said to the king and the leaders of the army and to the men, “We get weaker daily, our food is scant, the place where we encamp is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie on us. 58 Now therefore let’s negotiate with these men, and make peace with them and with all their nation, 59 and covenant with them, that they may walk after their own laws, as before; for because of their laws which we abolished they were angered, and did all these things.”

60 The speech pleased the king and the princes, and he sent to them to make peace; and they accepted it. 61 The king and the princes swore to them. On these conditions, they came out from the fortress. 62 Then the king entered into Mt. Tsiyon (Zion). He saw the strength of the place, and broke the oath which he’d sworn, and gave orders to pull down the wall all around. 63 Then he left in haste and returned to Antiokeia, and found Filippos master of the city. He fought against him, and took the city by force.

7 In the one hundred and fifty first year,[fn] Demetrios the son of Seleukos (Seleucus) came out of Romai (Rome), and went up with a few men to a city by the sea, and reigned there. 2 When he’d go into the house of the kingdom of his fathers, that the army laid hands on Antiokos (Antiochus) and Lusias, to bring them to him. 3 The thing became known to him, and he said, “Don’t show me their faces!” 4 So the army killed them. Then Demetrios sat on the throne of his kingdom.

5 All the lawless and ungodly men of Yisrael (Israel) came to him. Alkimos was their leader, desiring to be high priest. 6 They accused the people to the king, saying, “Yehudah and his kindred have destroyed all your friends, and have scattered us from our own land. 7 Now therefore send a man whom you trust, and let him go and see all the destruction which he’s brought on us and the king’s country, and how he’s punished them and all who helped them.” 8 So the king chose Bakides, one of the king’s[fn] friends, who was ruler in the country beyond the river, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king. 9 He sent him and that ungodly Alkimos, whom he made the high priest; and he commanded him to take vengeance on the Israeli people.

10 They marched away and came with a great army into the land of Yehudah (Judah). He sent messengers to Yehudah and his kindred with words of peace deceitfully. 11 They paid no attention to their words; for they saw that they’d come with a great army. 12 A group of scribes gathered together to Alkimos and Bakides to seek just terms. 13 The[fn] Hasidim were the first among the Israeli people who strived for peace from them, 14 for they said, “One who’s a priest of the seed of Aharon (Aaron) has come with the army, and he’ll do us no wrong.” 15 He spoke with them words of peace, and swore to them, saying, “We won’t seek to harm you or your friends.” 16 They trusted him. Then he seized sixty men of them, and killed them in one day, according to the word which was written,

17 The flesh of your saints[fn]

and their blood was shed all around Yerushalem (Jerusalem),

and there was no one to bury them.

18 The fear and the dread of them fell onto all the people, for they said, “There’s neither truth nor justice in them; for they’ve broken the covenant and the oath which they swore.” 19 Bakides withdrew from Yerushalem, and encamped in Bezeth. He sent and seized many of the deserters who were with him, and some of the people, and he killed them, throwing them into a large pit. 20 He placed Alkimos in charge of the country and left with him a force to aid him. Then Bakides went away to the king.

21 Alkimos struggled to maintain his high priesthood. 22 All those who troubled their people joined him, and they took control of the land of Yehudah (Judah), and did great damage in Yisrael. 23 Yehudah saw all the wrongs that Alkimos and his company had done among the Israeli people, even more than the Gentiles. 24 He went out into all the borders of Yehudah and took vengeance on the men who’d deserted from him, and they were restrained from going out into the country. 25 But when Alkimos saw that Yehudah and his company had grown strong, and knew that he wasn’t able to withstand them, he returned to the king, and brought evil accusations against them.

26 Then[fn] the king sent Nikanor, one of his honourable princes, a man who hated Yisrael (Israel) and was their enemy, and commanded him to destroy the people. 27 Nikanor came to Yerushalem (Jerusalem) with a great army. He sent to Yehudah and his kindred deceitfully with words of peace, saying, 28 “Let there be no battle between me and you; I’ll come with a few men, that I may see your faces in peace.” 29 He came to Yehudah, and they saluted one another peaceably. The enemies were ready to seize Yehudah by violence. 30 This was known to Yehudah, that he came to him with deceit, and he was very afraid of him, and would see his face no more. 31 Nikanor found out that his plan was disclosed; and he went out to meet Yehudah in battle beside Kefar-Shalama. 32 About five hundred men of Nikanor’s army fell, and the rest fled into the city of David.

33 After these things, Nikanor went up to Mt. Tsiyon (Zion). Some of the priests came out of the sanctuary, with some of the people’s elders, to salute him peaceably, and to show him the whole burnt sacrifice that was being offered for the king. 34 He mocked them, laughed at them, derided them shamefully,[fn] spoke arrogantly, 35 and swore in a rage, saying, “Unless Yehudah and his army are now delivered into my hands, it’ll be that, if I return safely, I’ll burn up this house!” And he went out in a great rage. 36 The priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple; and they wept, and said, 37 “You chose this house to be called by your name, to be a house of prayer and supplication for your people. 38 Take vengeance on this man and his army, and let them fall by the sword. Remember their blasphemies, and don’t allow them to live any longer.”

39 Then Nikanor went out from Yerushalem (Jerusalem) and encamped in Beyt-Horon, and there the Arami (Syrian) army met him. 40 Yehudah encamped in Adasa with three thousand men. Yehudah prayed and said, 41 “When those who came from the king blasphemed, your angel went out, and struck among them one hundred and eighty-five thousand. 42 Even so, crush this army before us today, and let all the rest know that he’s spoken wickedly against your sanctuary. Judge him according to his wickedness.” 43 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar, the armies met in battle. Nikanor’s army was defeated, and he himself was the first to fall in the battle. 44 Now when his army saw that Nikanor had fallen, they threw away their weapons and fled. 45 They pursued them a day’s journey from Adasa until you come to[fn] Gezer, and they sounded an alarm after them with the signal trumpets. 46 Men came out of all the surrounding villages of Yehudah, and outflanked them. These turned them back on those, and they all fell by the sword. There wasn’t one of them left. 47 The Yehudim (Jews) took the spoils and the booty, and they cut off Nikanor’s head and his right hand, which he’d stretched out so arrogantly, and brought them, and hung them up beside Yerushalem. 48 The people were extremely glad, and they kept that day as a day of great gladness. 49 They[fn] ordained to keep this day year by year on the thirteenth day of Adar. 50 So the land of Yehudah had rest a few days.

8 Yehudah heard of the fame of the Romans, that they’re valiant men, and have pleasure in all who join themselves to them, and make friends with all who come to them, 2 and that they’re valiant men. They told him of their wars and exploits which they do among the Gauls, and how they conquered them, and forced them to pay tribute; 3 and what things they did in the land of Spania, that they might take control of the silver and gold mines which were there; 4 and how by their policy and persistence they conquered all the place (and the place was extremely far from them), and the kings who came against them from the uttermost part of the earth, until they’d defeated them, and struck them severely; and how the rest give them tribute year by year. 5 Filippos (Philip), and Perseus, king of Kitim, and those who lifted up themselves against them, they defeated in battle, and conquered them. 6 Antiokos (Antiochus) also, the great king of Asia, came against them to battle, having one hundred and twenty elephants, with cavalry, chariots, and a very great army, and he was defeated by them. 7 They took him alive, and decreed that both he and those who reigned after him should give them a great tribute, and should give hostages, and a parcel of land from the best of their provinces: 8 the countries of Hodu, Maday (Media), and Ludia. They took them from him, and gave them to King Eumenes. 9 Yehudah heard how the Hellains (Greeks) planned to come and destroy them, 10 but this became known to them, and they sent against them a general who fought against them, and many of them fell down wounded to death, and they made captive their wives and their children, and plundered them, and conquered their land, and pulled down their fortresses, and plundered them, and brought them into bondage to this day. 11 The remaining kingdoms and islands, as many as rose up against them at any time, they destroyed and made them to be their servants; 12 but with their friends and those who relied on them they stayed friends. They conquered the kingdoms that were near and those that were far off, and all that heard of their fame were afraid of them. 13 What’s more, whoever they desired to help and to make kings, these they make kings; and whoever they desired, they depose. They’re exalted greatly. 14 Because all this, none of them ever put on a crown, neither did they clothe themselves with purple, as a display of grandeur. 15 Yehudah heard how they’d made for themselves a senate house, and day by day, three hundred and twenty men sat in council, consulting always for the people, to the end they might be well governed, 16 and how they commit their government to one man year by year, that he should rule over them, and control all their country, and all are obedient to that one, and there’s neither envy nor emulation among them.

17 So Yehudah chose Eupolemos the son of Yohan (John), the son of Hakots, and Yason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Romai (Rome), to establish friendship and alliance with them, 18 and that they should free the yoke from themselves; for they saw that the kingdom of the Hellains (Greeks) kept Yisrael (Israel) in bondage. 19 Then they went to Romai, a very long journey, and they entered into the senate house, and said, 20 “Yehudah, who’s also called Makabi (Maccabaeus), and his kindred, and the people of the Yehudim (Jews), have sent us to you, to make an alliance and peace with you, and that we might be registered as your allies and friends.”

21 This thing was pleasing to them. 22 This is the copy of the writing which they wrote back again on tables of brass, and sent to Yerushalem (Jerusalem), that it might be with them there for a memorial of peace and alliance:

23 “Good success be to the Romans, and to the nation of the Yehudim, by sea and by land forever. May the sword and the enemy be far from them. 24 But if war arises for Romai first, or any of their allies in all their dominion, 25 the nation of the Yehudim must help them as allies, as the occasion will indicate to them, with all their heart. 26 To those who make war on them, they mustn’t give supplies, food, weapons, money, or ships, as it’s seemed good to Romai, and they must keep their ordinances without taking anything in return. 27 In the same way, moreover, if war comes first on the nation of the Yehudim, the Romans must willingly help them as allies, as the occasion will indicate to them; 28 and to those who are fighting with them, there mustn’t be given food, weapons, money, or ships, as it’s seemed good to Romai. They must keep these ordinances, and that without deceit. 29 According to these terms, the Romans made a treaty with the Jewish people. 30 But if in the future the one party and the other decide to add or diminish anything, they may do so by mutual agreement, and whatever they add or take away will be ratified.

31 About the evils which King Demetrios is doing to them, we’ve written to him, saying, ‘Why have you made your yoke heavy on our friends and allies the Yehudim? 32 If therefore they plead any more against you, we’ll do them justice, and fight with you on sea and on land.’ ”

9 Demetrios heard that Nikanor had fallen with his forces in battle, and he sent Bakides and Alkimos again into the land of Yehudah (Judah) a second time, and the right wing of his army with them. 2 They went by the way that leads to Gilgal, and encamped against Mesaloth, which is in Arbela, and took possession of it, and killed many people. 3 The first month of the one hundred and fifty-second year,[fn] they encamped against Yerushalem (Jerusalem). 4 Then they marched away and went to Beroia with twenty thousand infantry and two thousand cavalry. 5 Yehudah was encamped at Elasa with three thousand chosen men. 6 They saw the multitude of the forces, that they were many, and they were terrified. Many slipped away out of the army. There weren’t left of them more than eight hundred men.

7 Yehudah saw that his army slipped away and that the battle pressed on him, and he was very troubled in spirit, because he had no time to gather them together, and he became faint. 8 He said to those who were left, “Let’s arise and go up against our adversaries, if perhaps we may be able to fight with them.”

9 They tried to dissuade him, saying, “There’s no way we’re able; but let’s rather save our lives now. Let’s return again with our kindred, and fight against them; but we’re too few.”

10 Yehudah said, “Let it not be so that I should do this thing, to flee from them. If our time has come, let’s die in a manly way for our kindred’s sake, and not leave a cause of reproach against our honour.”

11 The army marched out from the camp, and stood to encounter them. The cavalry was divided into two companies, and the slingers and the archers went before the army, and all the mighty men that fought in the front of the battle. 12 Bakides was in the right wing. The phalanx advanced on the two parts, and they blew with their trumpets. 13 The men by Yehudah’ side sounded with their trumpets, and the earth shook with the shout of the armies, and the battle was joined, and continued from morning until evening.

14 Yehudah saw that Bakides and the strength of his army were on the right side, and all that were brave in heart went with him, 15 and the right wing was defeated by them, and he pursued after them to the mount Azotos. 16 Those who were on the left wing saw that the right wing was defeated, and they turned and followed in the footsteps of Yehudah and of those who were with him. 17 The battle became desperate, and many on both sides fell wounded to death. 18 Yehudah fell, and the rest fled.

19 Yonatan (Jonathan) and Shim’on (Simon) took Yehudah their brother, and buried him in the tomb of his ancestors at Modi’in. 20 They wept for him. All Yisrael made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, and said, 21 “How is the mighty fallen, the saviour of Yisrael!” 22 The rest of the acts of Yehudah, and his wars, and the valiant actions which he did, and his greatness, aren’t written; for they were very many.

23 After Yehudah’s death, the lawless emerged within all the borders of Yisrael (Israel). All those who did iniquity rose up. 24 In those days there was a very great famine, and the country went over to their side. 25 Bakides chose the ungodly men and made them rulers of the country. 26 They enquired and searched for Yehudah’s friends, and brought them to Bakides, and he took vengeance on them and used them despitefully. 27 There was great suffering in Yisrael, such as wasn’t since the time prophets stopped appearing to them.

28 All Yehudah’s friends were gathered together, and they said to Yonatan (Jonathan), 29 “Since your brother Yehudah has died, we have no man like him to go out against our enemies and Bakides, and among those of our nation who hate us. 30 Now therefore we’ve chosen you this day to be our prince and leader in his place, that you may fight our battles.” 31 So Yonatan took the governance on him at that time, and rose up in the place of his brother Yehudah.

32 When Bakides found out, he tried to kill him. 33 Yonatan, and Shim’on (Simon) his brother, and all who were with him, knew it; and they fled into the wilderness of Tekoa, and encamped by the water of the pool of Asphar. 34 Bakides found this out on the Sabbath day, and came—he and all his army—over the Yarden (Jordan).

35 Yonatan sent his brother, a leader of the multitude, and implored his friends the Nabataeans, that they might store their baggage, which was much, with them. 36 The children of Jambri came out of Meydeva, and seized Yohan (John) and all that he had, and went their way with it.

37 But after these things, they brought word to Yonatan and Shim’on his brother that the children of Jambri were celebrating a great wedding, and were bringing the bride, a daughter of one of the important leading citizens of Kena’an (Canaan), from Nadabath with a large escort. 38 They remembered Yohan their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the cover of the mountain. 39 They lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a great procession with much baggage. The bridegroom came out with his friends and his kindred to meet them with timbrels, musicians, and many weapons. 40 They rose up against them from their ambush and killed them, and many fell wounded to death. The remnant fled into the mountain, and the Yehudim (Jews) took all their spoils. 41 So the wedding was turned into mourning, and the voice of their musicians into lamentation. 42 They avenged fully their brother’s blood, and turned back to the marshes of the Yarden.

43 Bakides heard it, and he came on the Sabbath day to the banks of Yarden (Jordan) with a great army. 44 Yonatan said to his company, “Let’s stand up now and fight for our lives, for things are different today than they were yesterday and the day before. 45 Because the battle is before us and behind us. Moreover the water of the Yarden is on this side and on that side, and marsh and thicket. There’s no place to escape. 46 Now therefore cry to heaven, that you may be delivered out of your enemies’ hand.” 47 So the battle was joined, and Yonatan stretched out his hand to strike Bakides, and he turned away back from him. 48 Yonatan and those who were with him leapt into the Yarden, and swam over to the other side. The enemy didn’t pass over the Yarden against them. 49 About a thousand men of Bakides’ company fell that day; 50 and he returned to Yerushalem (Jerusalem). They built strong cities in Yehudah (Judea), the fortress that was in Yeriho (Jericho), and Emmaous, Beyt-Horon, Beyt-El (Bethel), Timnah, Pireaton, and Tephon, with high walls and gates and bars. 51 He set garrisons in them to harass Yisrael (Israel). 52 He fortified the city Beyt-Tsur, Gezer, and the citadel, and put troops and stores of food in them. 53 He took the sons of the chief men of the country for hostages, and put them under guard in the citadel at Yerushalem.

54 And in the one hundred and fifty-third year,[fn] in the second month, Alkimos gave orders to pull down the wall of the inner courtyard of the sanctuary. He also pulled down the works of the prophets. 55 He began to pull down. At that time was Alkimos stricken, and his works were hindered; and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, and he could no more speak anything and give orders about his house. 56 Alkimos died at that time with great torment. 57 Bakides saw that Alkimos was dead, and he returned to the king. Then the land of Yehudah had rest for two years.

58 Then all the lawless men took counsel, saying, “Listen, Yonatan (Jonathan) and his men are living at ease and in security. Now therefore we’ll bring Bakides, and he’ll capture them all in one night. 59 They went and consulted with him. 60 He marched out and came with a great army, and sent letters secretly to all his allies who were in Yehudah, that they should seize Yonatan and those who were with him; but they couldn’t, because their plan was known to them. 61 Yonatan’s men seized about fifty of the men of the country who were authors of the wickedness, and he killed them. 62 Yonatan, Shim’on, and those who were with him, went away to Beyt-Basi, which is in the wilderness, and he built up that which had been pulled down, and they made it strong. 63 Bakides found out about it, and he gathered together all his multitude, and sent orders to those who were of Yehudah. 64 He went and encamped against Beyt-Basi and fought against it many days, and made engines of war.

65 Yonatan left his brother Shim’on (Simon) in the city, and went out into the country, and he went with a few men. 66 He struck Odomera and his kindred, and the children of Phasiron in their tents. 67 They began to strike them, and to go up with their forces. Then Shim’on and those who were with him went out of the city, and set the engines of war on fire, 68 and fought against Bakides, and he was defeated by them. They afflicted him severely; for his counsel and expedition was in vain. 69 They were very angry with the lawless men who gave him counsel to come into the country, and they killed many of them. Then he decided to depart into his own land.

70 Yonatan learnt of this and sent ambassadors to him, to the end that they should make peace with him, and that he should restore to them the captives. 71 He accepted the thing, and did according to his words, and swore to him that he wouldn’t seek his harm all the days of his life. 72 He restored to him the captives which he’d taken before out of the land of Yehudah (Judah), and he returned and departed into his own land, and didn’t come any more into their borders. 73 Thus the sword ceased from Yisrael (Israel). Yonatan lived at Mikmas. Yonatan began to judge the people; and he destroyed the ungodly out of Yisrael.

10 In the one hundred sixtieth year,[fn] Alexandros (Alexander) Epifanes (Epiphanes), the son of Antiokos (Antiochus), went up and took possession of Ptolemais. They received him, and he reigned there. 2 King Demetrios heard about this, and he gathered together very great forces, and went out to meet him in battle.

3 Demetrios sent a letter to Yonatan with words of peace, so as to honour him. 4 Because he said, “Let’s go beforehand to make peace with them, before he makes peace with Alexandros against us; 5 for he’ll remember all the evils that we’ve done against him, and to his kindred and to his nation.” 6 So he gave him authority to gather together forces, and to provide weapons, and that he should be his ally. He also commanded that they should release the hostages that were in the citadel to him.

7 Yonatan came to Yerushalem (Jerusalem), and read the letter in the hearing of all the people, and of those who were in the citadel. 8 They were very afraid when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an army. 9 Those in the citadel released the hostages to Yonatan, and he restored them to their parents.

10 Yonatan lived in Yerushalem and began to build and renew the city. 11 He commanded those who did the work to build the walls and encircle Mt. Tsiyon (Zion) with[fn] square stones for defence; and they did so. 12 The foreigners who were in the fortresses which Bakides had built fled away. 13 Each man left his place and departed into his own land. 14 Only at Beyt-Tsur, there were left some of those who’d forsaken the law and the commandments, for it was a place of refuge to them.

15 King Alexandros (Alexander) heard all the promises which Demetrios had sent to Yonatan. They told him of the battles and the valiant actions which he and his kindred had done, and of the troubles which they’d endured. 16 So he said, “Could we find another man like him? Now we’ll make him our[fn] friend and ally.” 17 He wrote a letter and sent it to him, in these words, saying, 18 “King Alexandros to his brother Yonatan, greetings. 19 We’ve heard of you, that you’re a mighty man of valour, and worthy to be our[fn] friend. 20 Now we’ve appointed you this day to be high priest of your nation, and to be called the king’s[fn] friend, and to take our side, and to keep friendship with us.” He also sent to him a purple robe and a golden crown.

21 And Yonatan put on the holy clothes in the seventh month of the one hundred sixtieth year,[fn] at the feast of tabernacles; and he gathered together forces and provided weapons in abundance.

22 When Demetrios heard these things, he was grieved and said, 23 “What’s this that we’ve done, that Alexandros has gotten ahead of us in establishing friendship with the Yehudim to strengthen himself? 24 I also will write to them words of encouragement and of honour and of gifts, that they may be with me to aid me.” 25 So he sent to them this message:

“King Demetrios to the nation of the Yehudim (Jews), greetings. 26 Since as you’ve kept your covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, and haven’t joined yourselves to our enemies, we’ve heard of this, and are glad. 27 Now continue still to keep faith with us, and we’ll repay you with good in return for your dealings with us. 28 We’ll grant you many immunities and give you gifts.

29 “Now I free you and release all the Yehudim from the tributes, from the salt tax, and from the crown levies. 30 Instead of the third part of the seed, and instead of half of the fruit of the trees, which falls to me to receive, I release it from this day and from now on, so that I won’t take it from the land of Yehudah (Judah), and from the three districts which are added to it from the country of Shomron (Samaria) and Galil, from this day forth and for all time. 31 Let Yerushalem (Jerusalem) be holy and free, with her borders, one-tenth contributions, and taxes. 32 I yield up also my authority over the citadel which is at Yerushalem, and give it to the high priest, that he may appoint in it men whom he chooses to keep it. 33 Every soul of the Yehudim who’s been carried captive from the land of Yehudah into any part of my kingdom, I set at liberty without payment. Let all officials also cancel the taxes on their livestock.

34 “All the feasts, the Sabbaths, new moons, appointed days, three days before a feast, and three days after a feast, let them all be days of immunity and release for all the Yehudim who are in my kingdom. 35 No one has authority to exact anything from any of them, or to trouble them about any matter.

36 “Let there be enrolled among the king’s forces about thirty thousand men of the Yehudim, and pay will be given to them, as is due to all the king’s forces. 37 Of them, some will be placed in the king’s great fortresses, and some of them will be placed over the affairs of the kingdom, which are positions of trust. Let those who are over them and their rulers be of themselves, and let them walk after their own laws, even as the king has commanded in the land of Yehudah.

38 “The three districts that have been added to Yehudah from the country of Shomron (Samaria), let them be annexed to Yehudah, that they may be reckoned to be under one ruler, that they may not obey any other authority than the high priest’s. 39 As for Ptolemais and its land, I’ve given it as a gift to the sanctuary that’s at Yerushalem (Jerusalem), for the expenses of the sanctuary. 40 I also give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver from the king’s revenues from the places that are appropriate. 41 And all the additional funds which those who manage the king’s affairs didn’t pay as in the first years, they’ll give from now on towards the works of the temple. 42 Besides this, the five thousand shekels of silver which they received from the uses of the sanctuary from the revenue year by year is also released, because it belongs to the priests who minister there. 43 Anyone who flees to the temple that’s at Yerushalem, and within all of its borders, whether one owe money to the king, or any other matter, let them go free, along with all that they have in my kingdom. 44 Because the building and renewing of the structures of the sanctuary, the expense will also be given out of the king’s revenue. 45 Because the building of the walls of Yerushalem and fortifying it all around, the expense will also be given out of the king’s revenue, also for the building of the walls in Yehudah.”

46 Now when Yonatan (Jonathan) and the people heard these words, they gave no credence to them, and didn’t accept them, because they remembered the great evil which he’d done in Yisrael (Israel), and that he’d afflicted them very severely. 47 They were well pleased with Alexandros, because he was the first who spoke words of peace to them, and they were allies with him always.