11 Now after a very little time, Lusias, the king’s guardian, kinsman, and chancellor, being very displeased about the things that had 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 strong place and about five stadia[fn] away from Yerushalem (Jerusalem), he pressed it hard.

6 When Makabi (Maccabaeus) and his men learnt that he was besieging the strongholds, 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 apparel, 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 is 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) could not 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 would also persuade the king to become their friend.[fn] 15 Makabi gave consent upon all the conditions which Lusias proposed to him, being careful of the common good; for whatever requests Makabi delivered in writing to Lusias concerning the Yehudim the king allowed.