Open English Translation 2 MAC Chapter 11

11 Now after a very little time, Lusias, the king’s guardian, kinsman, and chancellor, being very displeased about the things that’d happened, 2 collected about eighty thousand infantry and all his cavalry and came against the Yehudim (Jews), planing to make the city a home for Hellains (Greeks), 3 and to levy tribute on the temple, as on[fn] the other sacred places of the nations, and to put up the high priesthood for sale every year. 4 He took no account of God’s power, but was puffed up with his ten thousands of infantry, his thousands of cavalry, and his eighty elephants. 5 Coming into Yehudah (Judea) and approaching Beyt-Tsur, which was a fortified place and about a kilometre away from Yerushalem (Jerusalem), he pressed it hard.

6 When Makabi (Maccabaeus) and his men learnt that he was besieging the fortresses, they and all the people with lamentations and tears made supplication to the master to send a good angel to save Yisrael. 7 Makabi himself took up weapons first, and exhorted the others to put themselves in jeopardy together with him and help their kindred; and they went out with him very willingly. 8 As they were there, close to Yerushalem, a horseman appeared at their head in white clothing, brandishing[fn] weapons of gold. 9 They all together praised the merciful God, and were yet more strengthened in heart, being ready to assail[fn] not only men but the wildest animals and walls of iron, 10 they advanced in array, having him who’s in heaven to fight on their side, for the master had mercy on them. 11 Hurling themselves like lions against the enemy, they killed eleven thousand infantry and one thousand and six hundred cavalry, and forced all the rest to flee. 12 Most of them escaped wounded and naked. Lusias himself also escaped by shameful flight. 13 But as he was a man not void of understanding, pondering the defeat which had befallen him, and considering that the Ivrim (Hebrews) couldn’t be overcome because the Almighty God fought on their side, he sent again 14 and persuaded them to come to terms on condition that all their rights were acknowledged, and promised that he’d also persuade the king to become their friend.[fn] 15 Makabi gave consent on all the conditions which Lusias proposed to him, being careful of the common good; for whatever requests Makabi delivered in writing to Lusias about the Yehudim the king allowed.

16 The letter written to the Yehudim (Jews) from Lusias was to this effect:

“Lusias to the people[fn] of the Yehudim, greetings. 17 Yohan (John) and Avshalom (Absalom), who were sent from you, having delivered the document written below, made request about the things written there. 18 Whatever things therefore needed to be brought before the king I declared to him, and what things were possible he allowed. 19 If then you’ll all preserve your good will towards the government, I’ll also endeavour in the future to contribute to your good. 20 About this, I’ve given order in detail, both to these men and to those who are sent from me, to confer with you. 21 Farewell. Written in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the twenty-fourth day of the month Dioskorinthios.”[fn]

22 And the king’s letter contained these words:

“King Antiokos (Antiochus) to his brother Lusias, greetings. 23 Seeing that our father passed to the gods having the wish that the subjects of his kingdom should[fn] be undisturbed and give themselves to the care of their own affairs, 24 we, having heard that the Yehudim (Jews) don’t consent to our father’s purpose to turn them to the customs of the Hellains (Greeks), but choose rather their own way of living, and make request that the customs of their law be allowed to them—25 choosing therefore that this nation also should be free from disturbance, we determine that their temple is to be restored to them, and that they live according to the customs that were in the days of their ancestors. 26 You’ll therefore do well to send messengers to them and give them the right hand of friendship, that they, knowing our mind, may be of good heart, and gladly occupy themselves with the conduct of their own affairs.”

27 And to the nation, the king’s letter was as follows:

“King Antiokos to the senate of the Yehudim and to the other Yehudim, greetings. 28 If you’re all well, it’s as we desire. We ourselves also are in good health. 29 Menelaos informed us that your desire was to return home and follow your own business. 30 They therefore who depart home up to the thirtieth day of Xanthikos will have our friendship,[fn] with full permission 31 that the Yehudim use their own foods and observe their own laws, even as formerly. None of them will be in any way molested for the things that have been done in ignorance. 32 Moreover I’ve sent Menelaos also, that he may encourage you. 33 Farewell. Written in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of Xanthikos.”

34 The Romans also sent to them a letter in these words:

“Kointos Memios and Titos Manios, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Yehudim, greetings. 35 In regard to the things which Lusias the king’s kinsman granted you, we also give consent. 36 But as for the things which he judged should be referred to the king, send someone promptly, after you’ve considered them, that we may publish such decrees as are appropriate for your case; for we’re on our way to Antiokeia. 37 Therefore send someone with speed, that we also may learn what’s your mind. 38 Farewell.[fn] Written in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth day of Xanthikos.