Open English Translation 2 MAC Chapter 15

15 But Nikanor, hearing that Yehudah (Judas) and his company were in the region of Shomron (Samaria), resolved to attack them with complete safety on the day of rest. 2 When the Yehudim (Jews) who were compelled to follow him said, “Don’t destroy so savagely and barbarously, but give due glory to the day which he who sees all things has honoured and hallowed above other days.”

3 Then the thrice-accursed wretch asked if there were a Sovereign in heaven who’d commanded to keep the Sabbath day.

4 When they declared, “There’s the master, living himself as Sovereign in heaven, who told us observe the seventh day.”

5 He replied, “I also am a sovereign on the earth, who commands you to take up weapons and execute the king’s business.” Nevertheless he didn’t prevail to execute his cruel plan.

6 And Nikanor, in his utter boastfulness and arrogance,[fn] had determined to set up a monument of complete victory over Yehudah and all those who were with him. 7 But Makabi (Maccabaeus) still trusted unceasingly, with all hope that he should obtain help from the master. 8 He exhorted his company not to be fearful at the assault of the heathen, but keeping in mind the help which in former times they’d often received from heaven, so now also to look for the victory which would come to them from the Almighty, 9 and encouraging them out of the law and the prophets, and reminding them of the conflicts that they’d won, he made them more eager. 10 And when he’d aroused their courage, he gave them orders, at the same time pointing out the faithlessness of the heathen and their breach of their oaths. 11 Arming each one of them, not so much with the sure defence of shields and spears as with the encouragement of good words, and moreover relating to them a dream worthy to be believed, he made them all extremely glad.

12 The vision of that dream was this: Honyo (Onias), he who’d been high priest, a leading citizen and good man, modest in bearing, yet gentle in manner and well-spoken, and trained from a child in all points of virtue, with outstretched hands invoking blessings on the whole body of the Yehudim (Jews). 13 Then he saw a man appear, of venerable age and exceeding glory, and the dignity around him was wonderful and most majestic. 14 Honyo replied, “This is the lover of the kindred, he who prays much for the people and the holy city: Yirmiyah (Jeremiah) God’s prophet. 15 Yirmiyah stretched out his right hand and delivered to Yehudah a gold sword, and in giving it addressed him thus: 16 “Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with which you’ll strike down the adversaries.”

17 Being encouraged by Yehudah’s (Judas’) words, which were noble and effective, and able to incite to virtue and to stir the souls of the young to manly courage, they determined not to carry on a campaign, but nobly to bear down on the enemy, and fighting hand to hand with all courage bring the matter to a conclusion, because the city, the sanctuary, and the temple were in danger. 18 Because their fear for wives and children, and furthermore for family and relatives, was less important to them; but greatest and first was their fear for the consecrated sanctuary. 19 Also those who were shut up in the city were in no light distress, being troubled because of the encounter in the open country.

20 When all were now waiting for the decision of the issue, and the enemy had already joined battle, and the army had been set in array, and the elephants[fn] brought back to a convenient post,[fn] and the cavalry deployed on the flanks, 21 Makabi (Maccabaeus), perceiving the presence of the troops,[fn] and the various weapons with which they were equipped, and the savageness of the elephants,[fn] holding up his hands to heaven called on the master who works wonders, knowing that success comes not by weapons, but that, according to how the master judges, he gains the victory for those who are worthy. 22 And calling on God, he said this: “You, Oh Sovereign master, sent your angel in the time of King Hizkiyah (Hezekiah) of Yehudah, and he killed of the army[fn] of Sanheriv (Sennacherib) as many as one hundred and eighty-five thousand. 23 So now also, Oh Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel before us to bring terror and trembling. 24 Through the greatness of your arm let them be stricken with dismay who with blasphemy have come here against your holy people.” As he finished these words, 25 Nikanor and his company advanced with trumpets and victory songs; 26 but Yehudah and his company joined battle with the enemy with invocation and prayers. 27 Fighting with their hands and praying to God with their hearts, they killed no less than thirty-five thousand men, being made extremely glad by the manifestation of God.

28 When the engagement was over and they were returning again with joy, they recognised Nikanor lying dead in full armour. 29 Then there was shouting and noise, and they blessed the Sovereign master in the language of their ancestors. 30 He who in all things was in body and soul the foremost champion of his fellow-citizens, he who kept through life the good will of his youth towards his countrymen, ordered that Nikanor’s head be cut off with his hand and arm, and that they be brought to Yerushalem (Jerusalem). 31 When he’d arrived there and had called his countrymen together and set the priests before the altar, he sent for those who were in the citadel. 32 Showing the head of the vile Nikanor and the hand of that profane man, which with proud brags he’d stretched out against the holy house of the Almighty, 33 and cutting out the tongue of the impious Nikanor, he said that he’d give it in pieces to the birds, and hang up these rewards of his folly near the sanctuary. 34 They all, looking up to heaven, blessed the master who’d manifested himself, saying, “Blessed is he who’s preserved his own place undefiled!” 35 He hung Nikanor’s head and shoulder from the citadel, a clear sign evident to all of the help of the master. 36 They all ordained with a common decree to in no way let this day pass undistinguished, but to mark with honour the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (it’s called Adar in the Arami (Syrian) language), the day before the day of Mordekai.

37 This then having been the account of the attempt of Nikanor, and the city having from those times been held by the Ivrim (Hebrews), I also will here make an end of my book. 38 If I’ve written well and to the point in my story, this is what I myself desired; but if it’s poorly done and mediocre, this is the best I could do. 39 Because as it’s distasteful[fn] to drink wine alone and likewise to drink water alone, while[fn] the mingling of wine with water at once gives full pleasantness to the flavour; so also the fashioning of the language delights the ears of those who read the story.

Here is the end.