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 upon 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 upon 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 exceedingly 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 had 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 had stretched out against the holy house of the Almighty, 33 and cutting out the tongue of the impious Nikanor, he said that he would 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 had manifested himself, saying, “Blessed is he who has 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 is called Adar in the Arami (Syrian) language), the day before the day of Mordekai.