The Succession of Alexander the Great.

After Alexander of Macedon, the son of Philip, had come from the land of Kittim and defeated Darius, the king of the Persians and the Medes, he succeeded him as king, in addition to his position as king of Greece. He engaged in many campaigns, captured strongholds, and executed kings. In his advance to the ends of the earth, he plundered countless nations. When the earth was reduced to silence before him, his heart swelled with pride and arrogance. He recruited a very powerful army, and as provinces, nations, and rulers were conquered by him, they became his tributaries.

       However, when all this had been accomplished, Alexander became ill, and he realized that his death was imminent. Therefore, he summoned his officers, nobles who had been brought up with him from his youth, and he divided his kingdom among them while he was still alive. Then, in the twelfth year of his reign, Alexander died.

       After that, his officers assumed power in the kingdom, each in his own territory. They all put on royal crowns after his death, as did their heirs who succeeded them for many years, inflicting great evils on the world.

       From these there sprang forth a wicked offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, the son of King Antiochus. Previously he had been a hostage in Rome. He began his reign in the one hundred and thirty-seventh year of the Greeks.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 1, VERSES 1 - 10

Hellenism in Palestine.

In those days there emerged in Israel a group of renegades who led many people astray, saying, "Let us enter into an alliance with the Gentiles around us. Many disasters have come upon us since we separated ourselves from them." This proposal received great popular support, and when some of the people immediately thereafter approached the king, he authorized them to introduce the practices observed by the Gentiles. Therefore, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to Gentile custom, concealed the marks of their circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. Thus they allied themselves to the Gentiles and sold themselves to the power of evil.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 1, VERSES 11 - 15

The Temple of Jerusalem Is Sacked.

Once his kingdom had been firmly established, Antiochus was determined to become king of Egypt so that he might reign over both kingdoms. He invaded Egypt with a massive force of chariots, elephants, and cavalry, supported by a large fleet. When he engaged Ptolemy, the king of Egypt, in battle, Ptolemy fled in fear before him, amidst a great number of casualties. The fortified cities in the land of Egypt were captured, and Antiochus plundered the kingdom.

       After his return from his conquest of Egypt in the year one hundred and forty-three, Antiochus advanced upon Israel and Jerusalem with a massive force. In his arrogance he entered the sanctuary and removed the golden altar, the lampstand for the light with all its fixtures, the table for the loaves of offering, the libation cups and bowls, the golden censers, the curtain, and the crowns. He stripped off all the gold decorations on the front of the temple, and he seized the silver and gold and precious vessels and all the hidden treasures he could find. Taking all this, he returned to his own country, having caused great bloodshed and boasted arrogantly of what he had accomplished.

       There was great mourning throughout Israel,

          and the rulers and the elders groaned.

       Girls and young men wasted away,

          and the beauty of the women waned.

       Every bridegroom raised up laments,

          and the bride sat mourning in her bridal chamber.

       The land trembled for its inhabitants,

          and the entire house of Jacob was clothed in shame.

       Two years later the king sent his chief collector of tribute to the cities of Judah. When he came to Jerusalem with a powerful force, he deceitfully addressed the people there with sentiments of peace. Once he had gained their confidence, he suddenly launched a savage attack on the city and exterminated many of the people of Israel. He plundered the city and set it on fire. He demolished its dwellings and the walls that encircled the city, took the women and children captive, and seized the livestock. Then they rebuilt the City of David with a massive high wall and strong towers, and it became their citadel. There they stationed a sinful race of renegades, who fortified themselves inside it, storing up arms and provisions, and depositing there the plunder they had collected from Jerusalem. Thus they posed a significant threat.

       The citadel became an ambush against the sanctuary,

          an evil adversary for Israel at all times.

       They spilled innocent blood all around the sanctuary,

          and even defiled the sanctuary itself.

       Because of them the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled,

          and the city became a dwelling place of strangers.

       She became estranged from her own offspring,

          and her children abandoned her.

       Her sanctuary became as desolate as a desert;

          her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach,

          her honor into contempt.

       Her dishonor was equal to her former glory,

          and her exaltation was turned into mourning.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 1, VERSES 16 - 40

The Great Persecution.

Then the king issued an edict to his whole kingdom that all of his subjects should become a united people, with each nation abandoning its particular customs. All the Gentiles accepted the decree of the king, and many among the Israelites adopted his religion, sacrificing to idols and profaning the Sabbath.

       The king also sent messengers to Jerusalem and the cities of Judah with edicts commanding them to adopt practices that were foreign to their country: to prohibit holocausts, sacrifices, and libations in the sanctuary, to profane the Sabbaths and feast days, to defile the temple and its priests, to build altars, temples, and shrines for idols, to sacrifice swine and other unclean beasts, to leave their sons uncircumcised, and to allow themselves to be defiled with every kind of impurity and abomination, so that they would forget the law and change all their observances. Anyone who refused to obey the command of the king was to be put to death.

       These were the terms of the edicts he issued throughout his kingdom. He appointed inspectors to supervise all the people, and he commanded all the towns of Judah to offer sacrifices, town by town. Many of the people, abandoning the law, joined them and committed evil deeds in the land, thereby driving Israel into hiding in every possible place of refuge.

       On the fifteenth day of the month Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-five, the king erected upon the altar of holocausts the abomination that causes desolation, and pagan altars were built in the surrounding towns of Judah. Incense was offered at the doors of the houses and in the streets. Any scrolls of the law that were found were torn to pieces and destroyed by fire. If any people were discovered in possession of a book of the covenant or acting in conformity with the law, they were condemned to death by the decree of the king.

       Month after month these wicked people used their power against any loyal Israelite found in the towns. On the twenty-fifth day of each month they offered sacrifice on the altar erected on top of the altar of holocausts. In accordance with the royal decree, any women who had their children circumcised were put to death, with their infants hung from their necks; also put to death were their families and those who had circumcised them.

       Despite all this, many in Israel stood firm and were resolved in their hearts not to eat any unclean food. They preferred to die rather than to be defiled by such food and profane the holy covenant, and they suffered death for their convictions. Great affliction was unleashed upon Israel.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 1, VERSES 41 - 64

Mattathias and His Sons.

In those days Mattathias, son of John, son of Simeon, a priest of the family of Joarib, departed from Jerusalem and settled in Modein. He had five sons: John, who was called Gaddi; Simon, who was called Thassi; Judas, who was called Maccabeus; Eleazar, who was called Avaran; and Jonathan, who was called Apphus. When he observed the sacrilegious acts that were being committed in Judah and Jerusalem, he said: "Alas! Why was I born to witness the ruin of my people and the ruin of the holy city, and to sit by idly while she has been delivered over to her enemies, and the sanctuary given into the hands of foreigners?

       "Her temple has become like a prison without honor,

          her glorious vessels have been carried off as booty.

       Her infants have been slaughtered in the streets,

          her young men slain by the sword of the enemy.

       What nation has not usurped a share of her sovereignty

          and carried off her possessions as plunder?

       All her adornment has been stripped from her;

          she who enjoyed freedom has now become a slave.

       We see our sanctuary, and our beauty,

          and our glory now laid waste.

       The Gentiles have defiled them.

          What now do we have to live for?"

Then Mattathias and his sons tore their garments, put on sackcloth, and engaged in great mourning.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 1 - 14

A Righteous Anger.

The officers of the king who had been commissioned to enforce the apostasy came to the town of Modein to ensure that the sacrifices were being offered. Many Israelites assembled around them, but Mattathias and his sons stood apart. Then the officers of the king addressed Mattathias in these words: "You are a leader in this town, respected and influential, and you have the support of your sons and brothers. Now be the first to come forward and obey the decree of the king, as all the Gentiles have done, as well as the citizens of Judah and the people who remain in Jerusalem. Then you and your sons will be counted among the Friends of the King, and you and your sons will be honored with gold and silver and many other gifts."

       However, Mattathias responded in a loud voice: "Even if every nation in the king's dominions obeys him, each one forsaking the religion of its fathers and agreeing to submit to the king's commands, I and my sons and my brothers will continue to observe the covenant of our fathers. GOD forbid that we should ever forsake the law and its statutes. We will not obey the king's commands or deviate from our religion to the right hand or to the left."

       As he finished speaking, a Jew came forward in the sight of all to offer sacrifice on the altar in Modein, in accordance with the royal decree. When Mattathias observed this, he became inflamed with zeal. His righteous anger aroused, he sprang forward and slaughtered him on the altar. At the same time he also killed the officer of the king who was present to enforce the sacrifice, and he destroyed the altar. In this way he demonstrated his zeal for the law, just as Phinehas had done with Zimri, the son of Salu.

       Then Mattathias advanced through the town, shouting: "Let everyone who is zealous for the law and who stands by the covenant come with me!" Then he and his sons fled to the hills, leaving behind in the town everything that they possessed. Many of the people who desired to live in accordance with justice and the law went down to the desert and settled there, taking with them their sons, their wives, and their livestock, so oppressive were the sufferings that they had been forced to endure.

       Shortly thereafter it was reported to the officers of the king and the forces stationed in Jerusalem, the City of David, that those who had refused to obey the king's edict had retreated to hiding places in the desert. A large force set out in pursuit and caught up with them; they encamped opposite them and prepared to attack them on the Sabbath. "Enough of this defiance" they said. "Come out and obey the king's edict, and your lives will be spared." "We will not come out," they replied, "nor will we do what the king commands and profane the Sabbath."

       Then the enemy immediately launched an attack on them, but they did not retaliate, neither hurling rocks nor barricading their hiding places. They only said, "Let us all die in a state of innocence. Heaven and earth are our witnesses that you are massacring us without the slightest justification." Therefore, the enemy attacked on the Sabbath and massacred them along with their wives, their children, and their livestock--one thousand persons in all.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 15 - 38

Mattathias Organizes the Resistance.

When Mattathias and his friends were informed of this, they grieved deeply for them. "If we all do as our kindred have done," they said to one another, "and refuse to fight against the Gentiles in defense of our lives and our traditions, they will soon wipe us off the face of the earth." On that day they formulated this decision: "Let us fight against anyone who attacks us on the Sabbath, so that we will not all be killed, as happened to our kindred who died in their hiding places."

       Soon thereafter they were joined by a group of Hasideans, valiant warriors of Israel, each one a stout defender of the law. In addition, all those who were refugees from the persecution joined up with them, adding to their strength. After organizing an army, they struck down sinners in their anger and renegades in their fury. Those who escaped them fled to the Gentiles for safety. Mattathias and his friends marched through the kingdom, destroying the pagan altars and forcibly circumcising all the uncircumcised boys they found within the borders of Israel. They hunted down their arrogant enemies, and their efforts prospered under their direction. Thus they defended the law against the Gentiles and their kings, and they did not allow the wicked to emerge triumphant.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 39 - 48

Last Words of Mattathias.

When the time drew near for Mattathias to die, he said to his sons: "Arrogance and scorn have now grown strong; this is an age of turmoil and violent fury. Therefore, my sons, be zealous for the law and be willing to give your lives for the covenant of our ancestors.

       "Remember the deeds that our ancestors performed in their generations,

          and you shall win great honor and everlasting renown.

       Was not Abraham found faithful when he was put to the test,

          and it was reckoned to him as righteousness?

       Joseph, in the time of his distress, kept GOD's law,

          and he became the lord of Egypt.

       Phinehas, our ancestor, because of his burning zeal,

          received the covenant of everlasting priesthood.

       Joshua, for carrying out his commission,

          became a judge in Israel.

       Caleb, for his testimony in the assembly,

          received an inheritance in the land.

       David, as a result of his mercy,

          inherited the throne of an everlasting kingdom.

       Elijah, because of his burning zeal for the law,

          was taken up into heaven.

       Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, for their faith,

          were rescued from the flames.

       Daniel, for his innocence,

          was rescued from the lions' jaws.

       Therefore, remember that from generation to generation

          no one who hopes in HIM will be lacking in strength.

       Do not fear the words of sinful people,

          for their glory will turn to dung and worms.

       Today they are exalted, but tomorrow they are nowhere to be found

          because they have returned to the dust,

          and their grandiose schemes have come to naught.

       My children, draw your courage and strength from the law,

          for through it glory will be yours.

"Here is your brother Simon who I know is a man of sound judgment. Always listen to him, for he will act as your father. Judas Maccabeus, a mighty warrior from his youth, will be the commander of your army and direct your battles against the peoples. Enroll in your cause all who observe the law, and in this way you will avenge the wrongs perpetrated on your people. Pay back the Gentiles in full, and obey the precepts of the law."

       Then he blessed them and was gathered to his ancestors. He died in the year one hundred and forty-six and was buried in the tombs of his ancestors in Modein, and all Israel mourned him with great lamentation.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 2, VERSES 49 - 70

Eulogy of a Hero.

Then his son Judas, who was known as Maccabeus, took his place. All his brothers and all who had allied themselves to his father gave him their support, and they enthusiastically continued to fight for Israel.

       He enhanced the glory of his people,

          and like a giant he put on his breastplate.

       He girded himself with the armor of warfare,

          engaging in battles and protecting the camp by his sword.

       In his exploits he was like a lion,

          like a young lion roaring for prey.

       He pursued and tracked down the wicked,

          and he cast into the flames those who troubled his people.

       The lawbreakers cowered with terror at his approach;

          all evildoers were completely confounded.

       Under his leadership deliverance was achieved,

          as he caused many kings to become embittered,

       but Jacob to be gladdened by his deeds;

          and his memory is blessed forever.

       He marched through the towns of Judea,

          destroying the apostates who dwelt there.

       He turned away wrath from Israel,

          and his renown spread to the ends of the earth,

       as he saved those that were on the brink of perishing.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 3, VERSES 1 - 8

First Battles of Judas.

Then Apollonius united the Gentiles with a large army from Samaria to wage war against Israel. On learning this, Judas marched out to confront him, and he defeated and killed him. Many fell wounded, and those who survived took flight. Then their spoils were seized. The sword of Apollonius was taken by Judas, who used it in his battles for the rest of his life.

       When Seron, the commander of the Assyrian army, learned that Judas had mustered a large force of faithful soldiers prepared for battle, he said, "I will make a name for myself and win great renown in the kingdom if I defeat Judas and his followers who have shown such contempt for the king's edict." And once again a large army of unbelievers banded together to help him exact vengeance on the Israelites.

       When he reached the ascent of Beth-horon, Judas marched out to confront him with a small contingent. However, when they observed the army that was gathered to do battle with them, his soldiers said to Judas, "How can we, as few as we are, fight against so great a multitude? Besides, we are faint with hunger, for we have eaten nothing all day." But Judas replied, "It is easy for many to be defeated by a few. In the sight of Heaven, there is no distinction between deliverance by many and deliverance by a few. Victory in war does not depend upon the size of the fighting force, but rather upon the strength that comes from Heaven. Our enemies have come against us in a display of insolence and lawlessness to destroy us and our wives and our children, and to plunder us. However, we are fighting in defense of our lives and our laws. HE HIMSELF will crush them before our eyes; therefore, do not be afraid of them."

       When he had finished speaking, he rushed suddenly against Seron and his army, and they were crushed before him. He pursued them down the descent of Beth-horon as far as the plain. About eight hundred of their men fell, and those who survived fled to the country of the Philistines. As a result, Judas and his brothers began to be feared, and terror seized the Gentiles all around them. His fame came to the attention of the king, and all the Gentiles talked about Judas and his battles.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 3, VERSES 10 - 26

Syria Readies the Repression.

When King Antiochus learned about these developments, he was infuriated, and he ordered the mobilization of all the forces of his kingdom, a very powerful army. He withdrew from his treasury enough money to provide his soldiers with a year's pay in advance, and he ordered them to be prepared for action at a moment's notice. Then he realized that this expenditure had exhausted the reserves in his treasury, and that the revenues from the province had dwindled as a result of the dissension and disaster he had caused for his empire by abolishing the laws that had been in effect from the earliest times. He thus began to fear that, as had happened on more than one occasion, he would not have sufficient funds to cover his normal expenses and the gifts that he had been accustomed to distribute more lavishly than had any of his predecessors on the throne. Greatly concerned, he decided to go to Persia and levy tribute on those provinces and in this manner raise a large sum of money.

       He therefore left Lysias, a distinguished nobleman of royal lineage, in charge of the king's affairs from the Euphrates River to the Egyptian frontier, and he also gave him responsibility for the care of his son Antiochus until he returned. He turned over to him half of his army, together with the elephants, and provided him with detailed instructions about all that he wanted done. As for the inhabitants of Judea and Jerusalem, Lysias was to send an army against them to crush and destroy the power of Israel and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to wipe out the memory of them from the land. Furthermore, he was to settle foreigners throughout the territory and to distribute their land by lot.

       The king then took the remaining half of his forces and set out from Antioch, his capital, in the year one hundred and forty-seven. He crossed the Euphrates River and advanced through the upper provinces.

       Lysias chose Ptomely, the son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor and Gorgias, powerful men among the Friends of the King, and under their command he sent forty thousand infantry and seven thousand cavalry to invade the land of Judah and destroy it in compliance with the king's orders. Setting out with all their forces, they reached the plain in the region of Emmaus, where they pitched camp. When the local merchants heard the news of this army, they came to the camp with a large amount of silver and gold as well as fetters, seeking to purchase the Israelites for slaves. In addition, forces from Idumea and Philistia joined with them.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 3, VERSES 27 - 41

The Triumph of Judas.

Judas and his brothers realized how critical their situation had become, with opposing forces encamped within their territory. They also had learned of the orders that the king had issued for the total destruction of their people. Therefore, they said to one another, "Let us restore the shattered fortunes of our people and fight for our people and our sanctuary."

       They then gathered together in a full assembly, both to prepare for battle and to offer prayers and implore mercy and compassion.

       Jerusalem was uninhabited like a wilderness;

          not one of her children entered or came out.

       The sanctuary was trodden underfoot,

          and foreigners had captured the citadel,

       which had become a lodging place for the Gentiles.

       Joy had vanished from Jacob;

          the flute and the harp were silent.

       After assembling, they made their way to Mizpah, opposite Jerusalem, because in former times Mizpah had been a place of worship for Israel. That day they fasted, donned sackcloth, sprinkled ashes on their heads, and tore their garments. They unrolled the scroll of the law, seeking therein the guidance for which the Gentiles consulted the images of their gods. they also carried with them the priestly vestments and the firstfruits and the tithes, and they brought forth the Nazirites who had completed the period of their vows. Then they cried aloud to Heaven: "What shall we do with these people, and where shall we take them? YOUR sanctuary has been trampled underfoot and profaned, and YOUR priests mourn in humiliation. And now the Gentiles have formed an alliance to destroy us. YOU are well aware of what fate they plan for us. How will we be able to withstand them if YOU do not come to our aid?" Then they sounded the trumpets and raised a great shout.

       After this, Judas appointed leaders of the people, in charge of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. He ordered to return to their homes those who were building houses, those who were just married, those who were planting vineyards, and those who were afraid, in accordance with the provisions of the law. Then the army marched out and encamped to the south of Emmaus. "Arm yourselves and be brave," Judas instructed. "In the morning be prepared to fight against these Gentiles who have assembled against us to destroy us and our sanctuary. It is better that we die in battle than that we witness the misfortunes of our people and our sanctuary. Whatever Heaven wills, so will HE do."

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 3, VERSES 42 - 59

The Battle of Emmaus.

Gorgias took five thousand infantry and a thousand picked cavalry, and this detachment set out at night in order to launch a surprise attack on the camp of the Jews. Men from the citadel served as his guides. However, Judas learned of their plan, and he and his soldiers moved out to attack the royal forces at Emmaus while some of the troops were still dispersed away from the camp. When Gorgias reached the camp of Judas by night, therefore, he found no one there, and he began to search for them in the mountains, saying, "These men are fleeing from us."

       At daybreak, Judas appeared in the plain with three thousand men, although they lacked the armor and the swords they would have wished for. They saw the camp of the Gentiles with its strong fortifications, flanked with cavalry, and a fighting force expert in the art of warfare. Judas said to those who were with him: "Do not be afraid of their superior numbers or panic when they attack. Remember how our ancestors were saved at the Red Sea when Pharaoh was pursuing them with his forces. So now let us cry out to Heaven, asking HIM to show us HIS favor, to remember HIS covenant with our ancestors, and to destroy this army confronting us today. Then all the Gentiles will know that there is one who redeems and saves Israel."

       When the foreigners looked up and saw them advancing against them, they came out of their camp to engage in battle. Then the men with Judas blew their trumpets, and the fighting began. The Gentiles were defeated and fled into the plain. All those who were in the rear fell by the sword, and the rest were pursued as far as Gazara and the plains of Judea, to Azotus and Jamnia, with about three thousand of them slain.

       When Judas and his army broke off their pursuit, he said to the people: "Do not be greedy for plunder, for we have yet another battle ahead of us. Gorgias and his army are very close to us in the mountain area. Stand firm now against our enemies and defeat them. After that, you can safely take as much booty as you please."

       Just as Judas was finishing this speech, a detachment appeared, looking down from the mountain. They could see that their army had been put to flight and that their camp was being burned. The smoke that could be clearly seen indicated what had occurred. When they perceived this, they were very much afraid, and when they also beheld the army of Judas in the plain, ready for battle, they all fled into the territory of the Philistines.

       Then Judas went back to plunder the camp, and they confiscated a great amount of gold and silver, violet and purple cloths, and magnificent treasures. As they returned, they sang hymns of thanksgiving and praise to glorify Heaven, "for HE is good, for HIS mercy endures forever." Thus Israel experienced a great deliverance that day.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 4, VERSES 1 - 25

Victory over Lysias.

Those foreigners who had managed to escape went to Lysias and reported to him everything that had occurred. When he heard the news, he was greatly disturbed and disappointed, because his plots against Israel had not turned out as he had intended and in accordance with the command of the king.

       So the following year he mobilized sixty thousand picked infantry and five thousand cavalry to defeat them. They marched into Idumea and encamped at Beth-zur. Judas confronted them with ten thousand men, and when he realized how strong their army was, he offered this prayer:

       "Blessed are YOU, O Savior of Israel, who crushed the attack of the mighty warrior by the hand of YOUR servant David and delivered the camp of the Philistines into the hands of Jonathan, the son of Saul, and of his armor-bearer. Deliver this army into the hands of YOUR people Israel, and destroy the pride of the enemy in their troops and cavalry. Fill them with fear, weaken the boldness of their strength, and let them quake at their own destruction. Strike them down with the sword of those who love YOU, so that all who acknowledge YOUR name will praise YOU with hymns."

       Then both sides entered into battle, and in the hand-to-hand combat five thousand of the army of Lysias were slain. When Lysias saw his army being routed and the boldness of the soldiers of Judas who were prepared either to live or to die nobly, he withdrew to Antioch and began to recruit a force of mercenaries for a further invasion of Judea with an even larger army.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 4, VERSES 26 - 35

Restoration of the Temple

Then Judas and his brothers said: "Behold, our enemies have been crushed; let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it." And so the entire army assembled, and they went up to Mount Zion. There they found the sanctuary desolate, the altar desecrated, the gates burned to the ground, the courts overgrown with weeds as in a thicket or on some mountain, and the chambers of the priests in ruins. Then they tore their garments and uttered loud cries of mourning; they sprinkled their heads with ashes and fell prostrate, with their faces to the ground. And when the signal was given with the trumpets, they cried out to Heaven.

       Then Judas designated men to engage in combat with those in the citadel while he purified the sanctuary. He appointed blameless priests who were devoted to the law; these purified the sanctuary and carried off the stones of the Abomination to an unclean place. They discussed what should be done about the altar of burnt offerings that had been desecrated, and they made the proper decision to demolish it so that it would not be a source of lasting shame to them inasmuch as the Gentiles had defiled it.

       Therefore, they tore down the altar and stored the stones in a suitable place on the temple hill until a prophet should appear on the scene to determine what should be done with them. They took unhewn stones, according to the law, and built a new altar fashioned after the former one. They also repaired the sanctuary and the interior of the temple and purified the courts. They made new sacred vessels and brought the lampstand, the altar of incense, and the table into the temple. Then they burned incense on the altar, and they lit the lamp on the lampstands to illuminate the temple. Finally, they placed loaves of bread on the table and hung the curtains, thereby bringing to completion all of the work they had undertaken.

       Early in the morning on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, that is, the month of Chislev, in the year one hundred and forty-eight, they arose and offered sacrifice, in accordance with the law, on the new altar of burnt offerings that they had constructed. On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had desecrated it, on that very day it was dedicated with hymns, harps, flutes, and cymbals. All the people prostrated themselves in adoration and praised Heaven, who had granted success to their endeavors.

       They celebrated the dedication of the altar for eight days and joyfully offered burnt offerings and sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. They decorated the front of the temple with gold crowns and shields; they  restored the gates and the chambers for the priests and furnished them with doors. There was great rejoicing among the people inasmuch as the disgrace inflicted by the Gentiles had been removed. Then Judas, his brothers, and the entire congregation of Israel decreed that the days marking the rededication of the altar should be observed with joy and gladness for eight days every year on the anniversary, beginning on the twenty-fifth day of the month Chislev.

       At that time they fortified Mount Zion, encircling it with high walls and strong towers to prevent the Gentiles from coming and trampling over it as they had done in the past. Judas stationed a garrison there to guard it, and he also fortified Beth-zur so that the people would have a stronghold facing Idumea.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 4, VERSES 36 - 61

War against Nearby Tribes.

When the Gentiles in the surrounding area heard that the altar had been rebuilt and the sanctuary had been rededicated, they became greatly angered. They determined to destroy the descendants of Jacob who were living in their midst, and they began to persecute and massacre the people. Then Judas made war on the descendants of Esau at Akrabattene in Idumea because they were besieging the Israelites. He inflicted on them a massive defeat, overcame them, and took their spoils. He also remembered the wickedness of the sons of Baean, who had proved to be a snare and a stumbling block to the people with their ambushes on the roads. Having blockaded them in their towers, he vowed to effect their total destruction. Then he set ablaze their towers with all the people in them. Next, he crossed over to attack the Ammonites, where he was confronted by a strong army and a large crowd of people, with Timothy as their leader. He engaged in many battles with them, and they were crushed and struck down. After capturing Jazer and its villages, he returned to Judea.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 5, VERSES 1 - 8

Judas Called Upon for Help.

The Gentiles in Gilead banded together against the Israelites who were living in their territory, with the intention of destroying them. However, the Israelites fled to the stronghold of Dathema and sent the following letter to Judas and his brothers: "The Gentiles around us have banded together to destroy us, and they are preparing to come and seize this stronghold in which we have taken refuge. Timothy is in command of their army. Please come immediately and rescue us from their clutches, for many of us have already fallen. All of our kindred who dwelt among the Tobiads have been killed, and the Gentiles have carried off their wives and children, confiscated their property, and slain about a thousand people there."

       While the letter was still in the process of being read, other messengers, with their garments torn, arrived from Galilee with a similar message, reporting that the people of Ptolemais, Tyre, and Sidon had united with the whole of Galilee of the Gentiles to destroy them. When Judas and the people heard these reports, they convened a great assembly to determine what they should do for their beleaguered kindred who were under attack by their enemies.

       Judas said to his brother Simon, "Choose as many troops as you need and go forth to rescue your kindred in Galilee, while my brother Jonathan and I will go to Gilead."

       He left the remainder of his forces under the command of Joseph, son of Zechariah, and Azariah, a leader of the people, to defend Judea. "Take charge of these people," he commanded them, "but do not engage the Gentiles in battle until we come back." Simon was allotted three thousand men for the march on Galilee, while eight thousand men were assigned to Judas for the march on Gilead.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 5, VERSES 9 - 20

Victories in Galilee and Gilead.

Simon advanced into Galilee and engaged in many battles with the Gentiles, who were crushed before him. He pursued them to the gate of Ptolemais. About three thousand of the Gentiles were slain, and he gathered their spoils. Then he took back with him the Jews who were in Galilee and Arbatta, with their wives and children and all their possessions, and he brought them to Judea with great rejoicing.

       Meanwhile, Judas Maccabeus and his brother Jonathan crossed the Jordan and journeyed for three days through the desert. There they encountered some Nabateans who received them peacefully and reported to them everything that had happened to their kindred in Gilead: "Many of them have been surrounded in Bozrah, in Bosor near Alema, in Chaspho, Maked, and Carnaim"--all of these towns were large and fortified--"and some have been shut up in the other towns of Gilead. The enemy plans to attack and capture these strongholds tomorrow and to destroy all the people inside them in a single day."

       Judas and his army immediately changed direction, crossing the desert to Bozrah. He captured the city, put the entire male population to the sword, confiscated all their possessions, and set the place on fire. During the night he led his army from that place and journeyed to the stronghold of Dathema. At dawn they caught sight of an innumerable horde who were bringing forth ladders and engines of war to capture the stronghold, and already beginning the assault on those besieged. When Judas saw that the attack had begun and heard a war cry rising to heaven from the city, accompanied by trumpet blasts and loud shouts, he said to the men of his army: "Fight this day for your kindred!"

       He advanced behind them with three columns, sounding their trumpets and shouting in prayer. When the army of Timothy realized that it was Maccabees, they fled before him. He inflicted a crushing defeat on them, and about eight thousand of their men fell that day. Then he moved on toward Alema and attacked and captured it. He slew every male in it, plundered the town, and set it afire. From there he moved on and took Chaspho, Maked, Bosor, and the other cities of Gilead.

       After these things, Timothy gathered another army and pitched camp opposite Raphon, on the other side of the stream. Judas sent men to reconnoiter their camp, and they returned to him with this report: "All the Gentiles in this area have come to his support, encompassing a very large force. They have also hired Arab mercenaries to assist them. They are encamped across the stream and are prepared to attack you." Judas therefore went forward to engage them in battle.

       As Judas and his army were approaching the stream, Timothy said to the officers of his forces, "If he crosses over to us first, we shall not be able to resist him, and he will surely defeat us. However, if he is fearful and camps on the other side of the river, we will cross over to him and defeat him."

       When Judas reached the stream, he stationed the scribes of the people alongside it and gave them this command, "Do not allow anyone to encamp, but order them all to enter the battle." He himself was the first one to cross over to the attack, and his entire army followed him. The Gentiles were crushed; at his approach they threw down their arms and fled to the temple at Carnaim. The Jews captured that city and then burned down the temple with all who were inside. Thus Carnaim was captured, and no further resistance was offered to Judas.

       Then Judas assembled all the Israelites who dwelt in Gilead, both great and small, with their wives and their children and their possessions, an enormous company of people, to escort them to the land of Judah. When they reached Ephron, a large, strongly fortified town situated along the road, they discovered that it was impossible to bypass it to either the right or the left; they had no other option than to pass through it. However, the inhabitants of the town barricaded the gates with stones and denied them passage. Judas then conveyed to them the following peaceful message: "We wish to pass through your territory in order to reach our own. No one will do you any harm. We will simply pass through on foot." However, they refused to open their gates to him.

       Judas then issued an order that all of his forces should remain where they were. After they took up their positions, he led them in an assault on that town the entire day and all through the night, and it was delivered into his hands. After he put every male to the sword, razed the town to the ground, and plundered it, he marched through it over the bodies of the dead.

       Then they crossed the Jordan into the extensive plain opposite Beth-shan. Judas continued to rally the stragglers and to encourage the people throughout the journey until they reached the land of Judah. They ascended Mount Zion with joy and gladness and offered burnt offerings because they had returned safely without the loss of a single person.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 5, VERSES 21 - 54

Israelite Commanders Defeated at Jamnia.

While Judas and Jonathan were in Gilead and Simon their brother was in Galilee outside Ptolemais, Joseph, son of Zechariah, and Azariah, the commanders of the army, heard about their valiant deeds and the heroic battles that they had fought, and they said, "Let us also make a name for ourselves by going out to fight against the Gentiles in our area."

       Therefore, they issued orders to the forces under their command to march against Jamnia. Gorgias and his men came out of the town to confront them in battle. Joseph and Azariah were routed, and they were pursued to the borders of Judea. On that day about two thousand Israelites were slain. Thus the people suffered a massive defeat because they had not heeded the instructions of Judas and his brothers, but instead attempted to match their brave accomplishments. However, they did not belong to the family of those through whom the deliverance of Israel was to be achieved.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 5, VERSES 55 - 62

The Israelites' Success over the Edomites and the Philistines.

The valiant Judas and his brothers became greatly renowned throughout Israel and among all the Gentiles, wherever their name was heard, and crowds thronged around them to offer them praise. Then Judas and his brothers went forth and attacked the descendants of Esau in the country toward the south. He conquered Hebron and its villages, destroying its fortifications and burning down the towers encircling it. He then marched into the land of the Philistines and passed through Marisa. On that day, several priests who inadvisedly went out to fight in their desire to prove their courage fell in battle. Judas next turned toward Azotus in the land of the Philistines. He destroyed their altars and burned the statues of their gods, plundered their towns, and then returned to the land of Judah.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 5, VERSES 63 - 68

Defeat and Death of Antiochus IV.

As King Antiochus was going through the upper provinces, he heard that Elymais, a city in Persia, was renowned for its wealth in silver and gold, and that its temple was very rich, containing gold shields, breastplates, and weapons left there by Alexander, the son of Philip, the king of Macedon and the first to reign over the Greeks. Therefore, he journeyed there in an attempt to capture and plunder the city, but he was unsuccessful because the people of the city had become aware of his designs and rose up in battle against him. He was put to flight and had to withdraw in great disappointment and retreat toward Babylon.

       While he was still in Persia, a messenger brought him the news that the armies that had invaded the land of Judah had been routed, that Lysias--who had advanced with a massive force--had been put to flight by the Israelites, that the Israelites had grown increasingly strong as a result of the weapons, equipment, and abundant spoils they had captured from the armies they had destroyed, that they had pulled down the Abomination he had built upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had surrounded the sanctuary with high walls as they had done in the past and had fortified his city of Beth-zur.

       When the king heard this report, he was distraught and deeply shaken. Sick with grief because his plans had failed, he retreated to his bed. He lay there for many days, overwhelmed repeatedly with disappointment, and he realized that he was at the point of death.

       Therefore, he summoned all his Friends and said to them: "Sleep is gone from my eyes, and my heart is overwhelmed with anxiety. I have asked myself: 'Why have I been brought to these depths of despair, inasmuch as during my reign I was always kind and greatly beloved?' But now I recall the evil deeds I perpetrated in Jerusalem in seizing all its vessels of silver and gold and unjustifiably ordering the extermination of the inhabitants of Judah. I am certain that this is the reason why these misfortunes have afflicted me, and why I am dying here of bitter grief in a strange land."

       Then he summoned Philip, one of his Friends, and appointed him ruler over his entire kingdom. He gave him his crown, his robe, and his signet ring, entrusting him with the authority to educate his son Antiochus and train him to be king. King Antiochus died in Persia, in the year one hundred and forty-nine.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 1 - 16

Judas Besieges the Citadel of Jerusalem.

When Lysias learned that the king was dead, he designated the king's son Antiochus, whom he had brought up from childhood, to succeed him as king, and he gave him the name Eupator.

       Meanwhile, the men garrisoned in the citadel were blockading the Israelites in the sanctuary, taking advantage of every opportunity to harm them and thereby further the cause of the Gentiles. Judas therefore resolved to bring about their destruction, and he mobilized all the people to besiege them. They assembled and stormed the citadel in the year one hundred and fifty, employing catapults and engines of war whose construction he had ordered. Some of those besieged in the garrison escaped, joined by some godless Israelites. They approached the king and said:

       "How much longer are you going to delay in your pursuit of justice and avenging our comrades? We were happy to serve your father, to follow his instructions, and to obey his commands. As a result, our own kindred have besieged the citadel and turned against us. They have put to death as many of us as they have been able to capture, and they have plundered our property. Furthermore we are not the only ones against whom they have taken action, for they have attacked all the lands throughout your territory. At this very moment they are besieging the citadel in Jerusalem, determined to capture it, and they have fortified the sanctuary and Beth-zur. Unless you quickly make some move to impede them, they will do far worse things than these, and you will not be able to stop them."

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 17 - 27

The Battle of Beth-zur.

The king became enraged when he heard this, and he summoned all his Friends, his generals, and the commanders of his calvary. He also recruited mercenary forces from other kingdoms and from the islands of the seas. His forces numbered one hundred thousand foot soldiers, twenty thousand cavalry, and thirty-two elephants trained for war. They advanced through Idumea and besieged Beth-zur, continuing the attack for many days. They also constructed engines of war, but the defenders made a raid and set them on fire, fighting courageously.

       Then Judas left the citadel and encamped at Beth-zechariah, opposite the camp of the king. The king rose at daybreak, and after a forced march along the road to Beth-zechariah, his forces drew up in battle formation and sounded their trumpets. The elephants were roused for battle by being given a mixture of grapes and mulberries to drink. These beasts were distributed among the phalanxes. With each elephant there were stationed a thousand men arrayed in coats of mail, with bronze helmets. In addition, five hundred picked cavalry were assigned to each beast. They anticipated every move made by the elephant; wherever it went, they immediately accompanied it, never leaving its side. On each elephant, for its protection, and fastened to its back by a harness, was a strong wooden tower that held four soldiers who fought from that position, as well as an Indian driver. The rest of the cavalry were stationed on either side of the army, so that they could harass the enemy while being protected by the phalanxes.

       When the sun shone on the gold and bronze shields, the mountains blazed with their reflection and gleamed like burning torches. Part of the king's army was stationed on the high hills, while others were assembled in the plain. They advanced steadily and in good order, and seized all who trembled as they heard the clamor raised by this vast multitude as they marched and by the clash of their arms, for their army was a very large and powerful force.

       Judas and his army advanced to give battle, and six hundred of the king's army were slain. Eleazar, called Avaran, noted that one of the elephants was adorned with royal armor. Since it was larger than all the other beasts, he thought that the king must be astride it, and he gave his life to save his people and win for himself everlasting renown. He courageously charged toward it through the midst of the phalanx, killing men right and left, so that they fell back on all sides at his approach. He got in position under the elephant and stabbed it from below, slaying it. The beast fell to the ground on top of him, and he died there.

       When the Jews saw the strength and ferocity of the royal forces, they retreated before them. A part of the king's army marched up to Jerusalem to attack them, and the king encamped at both Judea and Mount Zion. He made terms of peace with the people of Beth-zur, and they evacuated the town, for they had no provisions there that would enable them to withstand a siege, since that was a sabbatical year in the land. The king then occupied Beth-zur and stationed a garrison there to defend it.

       He besieged the sanctuary for many days, employing artillery, engines of war to hurl fire and stones, machines to shoot arrows, and catapults. The Jews for their part set up machines of their own to counter theirs, and they continued the battle for many days. However, there was no food in the storerooms because it was the sabbatical year, and those who had fled from the Gentiles and taken refuge in Judea had consumed the last of the reserves. Only a few men remained in the sanctuary; the rest scattered to their own homes, for the famine proved too severe for them.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 28 - 54

Offer of a Peace Treaty.

Lysias heard that Philip, whom King Antiochus, prior to his death, had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus to be king, had returned from Persia and Media with the forces that had accompanied the king, and that he was attempting to seize control of the government. Therefore, he quickly gave orders to withdraw, saying to the king, to the commanders of the army, and to the soldiers, "Every day we are growing weaker, our provisions are running low, the place we are besieging is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom demand our attention. Let us now come to terms with these people and make peace with them and with their entire nation. Let us grant them permission to live in accordance with their laws as they used to do, for it was on account of our abolition of these laws that they became angry and were provoked into doing all these things."

       This proposal met with the approval of the king and his commanders, and he presented the Jews with peace terms, which they accepted. Therefore, the king and his commanders ratified the treaty by oath, and accordingly the Jews emerged from their stronghold. However, when the king entered Mount Zion and saw how strongly the place was fortified, he broke the oath that he had sworn and gave orders to demolish the encircling wall. Then he departed and returned in haste to Antioch. He found Philip in control of the city, but he engaged in battle against him and took the city by force.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 6, VERSES 55 - 63

Demetrius Becomes King.

In the year one hundred and fifty-one, Demetrius, the son of Seleucus, departed from home and, arriving with a few men at a town on the seacoast, began to rule there. As he was entering the royal palace of his ancestors, his troops seized Antiochus and Lysias with the intention of handing them over to him. However, when he was informed of this act, he said, "Keep them out of my sight." The soldiers therefore executed them, and Demetrius ascended the royal throne.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 7, VERSES 1 - 4

Alcimus Invents Intrigues for the New King.

Then all the renegades and godless men of Israel approached him, led by Alcimus who had designs on the high priesthood. They brought to the king this accusation against the people: "Judas and his brothers have killed all your Friends and have driven us out of our country. Send a man whom you trust to go forth and inspect the devastation that Judas has wreaked on us and on the lands ruled by the king, and authorize him to punish him and all their allies."

       The king chose Bacchides, one of the Friends of the King, who was the governor of West-of-Euphrates, an influential personage in the kingdom, and a loyal supporter of the king. He sent him and the godless Alcimus, whom he appointed as high priest, with orders to exact vengeance on the Israelites. They set out, and when they arrived with a large army in the land of Judah, they sent envoys to Judas and his brothers to suggest deceitful proposals of peace. But the latter placed no trust in their words, since they saw the immense force that had accompanied them.

       However, a group of scribes approached Alcimus and Bacchides to ask for just terms of peace. The Hasideans were the first among the Israelites to request a peace agreement, for they said, "A priest of the line of Aaron has come with the army, and he will not be a party to any wrongful act." Alcimus engaged in peace talks with them, and he swore this oath to them: "We will not attempt to injure you or your friends." However, once he had gained their confidence, he arrested sixty of them and put them to death in one day, in fulfillment of the words of Scripture:

       "They have scattered the bodies of your

              faithful ones

       and shed their blood round about

              Jerusalem,

       and there is no one to bury them."

       Then fear and dread of them fell on the whole people. "There is no truth or justice among them," they said. "They have violated their agreement and their sworn oath."

       Bacchides then withdrew from Jerusalem and encamped at Beth-zaith, where he ordered the arrest of many of those who had deserted to him, along with some of the people. He slaughtered them and cast them into an immense pit. After that he placed Alcimus in charge of the province, leaving an army with him to give him support, while he himself went back to the king.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 7, VERSES 5 - 20

The War Springs Up Anew.

Alcimus used every means to continue in his role as high priest, and all those who were reckoned as troublemakers rallied to his support. They gained control of the land of Judah and inflicted great damage on Israel. When Judas saw all the wrongs that Alcimus and his supporters had inflicted on the Israelites, exceeding anything that the Gentiles had done, he went throughout the territory of Judea, punishing those who had deserted and preventing them from gaining access to rural areas. When Alcimus saw that Judas and his supporters were gaining considerable strength and realized that he would not be able to withstand them, he returned to the king and brought malicious charges against them.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 7, VERSES 21 - 25

Nicanor Is Entrusted with Putting Down the Insurgents.

Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his most distinguished officers and a bitter enemy of Israel, with orders to destroy the people. Having arrived in Jerusalem with a large force, he sent to Judas and his brothers this deceitful message couched in peaceful terms: "Let there be no fighting between you and me. I shall come with a small escort to have a peaceful meeting with you."

       When he came to Judas, they greeted each other peaceably, but the enemy had made plans to kidnap Judas. When Judas became aware that Nicanor's visit had a treacherous purpose, he became afraid and refused to meet him again. After Nicanor realized that his plot had been uncovered, he marched out to meet Judas in battle near Caphar-salama. About five hundred of Nicanor's men were slain; the rest fled to the City of David.

       After these events, Nicanor went up to Mount Zion. Some of the priests from the sanctuary and some of the elders of the people came out to greet him peaceably and to show him the burnt offering that was being offered for the king. But he mocked and jeered at them, defiled them, and spoke arrogantly, swearing in his rage: "Unless Judas and his army are turned over to me immediately, I will burn this temple to the ground when I return victorious." Then he went off in great anger. At this turn of events, the priests went in and stood tearfully before the altar and the sanctuary, saying:

       "YOU have chosen this house to bear YOUR name and to be a house of prayer and supplication for YOUR people. Exact vengeance on this man and his army, and let them fall by the sword. Remember their blasphemies and grant them no reprieve."

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 7, VERSES 26 - 38

Judas Routs the Enemy.

Nicanor left Jerusalem and encamped at Beth-horon, where he was joined by an army from Syria. Meanwhile, Judas pitched camp in Adasa with three thousand men, where he offered this prayer: "When the messengers from the king were guilty of blasphemy, YOUR angel sent forth and struck down one hundred and eighty-five thousand of his men. In the same way, crush this army before us today, so that everyone will come to know that Nicanor has spoken blasphemously against YOUR sanctuary. Judge him according to his wickedness."

       The armies met in battle on the thirteenth of the month of Adar. Nicanor's army was crushed, and he himself was the first to fall in the battle. When his army saw that Nicanor had fallen, they threw down their arms and fled. The Jews pursued them a day's journey, from Adasa as far as Gazara, sounding their trumpets in warning as they followed. People emerged from all the surrounding villages of Judea and hemmed in Nicanor's forces, driving them back to confront their pursuers. They all fell by the sword, without a single one managing to escape.

       Then the Jews collected the spoils and the booty. They cut off Nicanor's head and the right hand that he had stretched out so arrogantly, and they brought them to Jerusalem to be put on display there. The people rejoiced greatly and celebrated that day as a great festival. They decreed that this occasion was to be observed each year on the thirteenth day of Adar. And for a short time the land of Judah was at peace.

1ST MACCABEES: CHAPTER 7, VERSES 39 - 50