24 Now Timotheos, who had been defeated by the Yehudim (Jews) before, having gathered together foreign forces in great multitudes, and having collected the cavalry which belonged to Asia, not a few, came as though he would take Yehudah (Judea) by force of weapons. 25 But as he drew near, Makabi and his men sprinkled dirt on their heads and girded their loins with sackcloth, in supplication to God, 26 and falling down upon the step in front of the altar, implored him to become gracious[fn] to them, and be[fn] an enemy to their enemies and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declares. 27 Rising from their prayer they took up their weapons, and advanced some distance from the city. When they had come near to their enemies, they[fn] halted. 28 When the dawn was now breaking, the two armies joined in battle, the one part having this, beside virtue, for a pledge of success and victory, that they had fled to the master for refuge, the others making their passion their leader in the fight.

29 When the battle became strong, there appeared out of heaven to their adversaries five splendid men on horses with bridles of gold, and[fn] two of them, leading on the Yehudim, 30 and taking Makabi in the middle of them, and covering him with their own armour, guarded him from wounds, while they shot arrows and thunderbolts at the enemies. Because this reason, they were blinded and thrown into confusion, and were cut to pieces, filled with bewilderment. 31 Twenty thousand and five hundred were slain, beside six hundred cavalry.

32 Timotheos himself fled into a stronghold called Gezer, a fortress of great strength, where[fn] Kaireas was in command. 33 Then Makabi and his men were glad and laid siege to the fortress for four days. 34 Those who were within, trusting in the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and hurled out impious words. 35 But at dawn of the fifth day, certain young men of Makabi’ company, inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies, assaulted the wall with masculine force and with furious[fn] anger, and cut down whoever came in their way. 36 Others climbing up in the same way, while the enemies were distracted with those who had made their way within, set fire to the towers, and kindled fires that burnt the blasphemers alive, while others broke open the gates, and, having given entrance to the rest of the band, occupied the city. 37 They killed Timotheos, who was hidden in a cistern, and his brother Kaireas, and Apolofanes. 38 When they had accomplished these things, they blessed the master with hymns and thanksgiving, blessing him who provides great benefits to Yisrael (Israel) and gives them the victory.