1 A short time after this Lysias the king's lieutenant, and cousin, and who had chief charge over all the affairs, being greatly displeased with what had happened,
2 Gathered together fourscore thousand men, and all the horsemen, and came against the Jews, thinking to take the city, and make it a habitation of the Gentiles :
3 And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other temples of the Gentiles, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:
4 Never considering the power of God, but puffed up in mind, and trusting in the multitude of his foot soldiers, and the thousands of his horsemen, and his four- score elephants.
5 So he came into Judea, and approaching to Bethsura, which was in a narrow place, the space of five furlongs from Jerusalem, he laid siege to that fortress.
6 But when Machabeus and they that were with him, understood that the strong holds were besieged, they and all the people besought the Lord with lamentations and tears, that he would send a good angel to save Israel.
7 Then Machabeus himself, first taking his arms, exhorted the rest to expose themselves together with him, to the danger, and to succour their brethren.
8 And when they were going forth together with a willing mind, there appeared at Jerusatem a horseman going before them in white clothing, with golden armour, shaking a spear.
9 Then they all together blessed merciful Lord, and took great courage, being ready to break through not only men, but also the fiercest beasts, walls of iron.
10 So they went on courageously, having a helper from Peaven, and the who shewed mercy to them.
11 And rushing violently upon the my, like lions, they slew of them eleven thousand footmen, and one thousand hundred horsemen:
12 And put all the rest to flight: many of them being wounded, escaped naked: yea and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and escaped.
13 And as he was a man of understanding considering with himself, the loss he had suffered, and perceiving that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because they relied upon the help of the Almighty God, he sent to them:
14 And promised that he would agree to all things that are just, and that he would persuade the king to be their friend.
15 Then Machabeus consented to the request of Lysias, providing for the common Food in all things, and whatsoever Machabeus wrote to Lysias concerning the Jews, the king allowed of.
16 For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, to this effect: Lysias to the people of the Jews, greeting.
17 John and Abesalom who were sent from you, delivering your writings, re- quested that I would accomplish those things which were signified by them.
18 Therefore whatsoever things could be reported to the king I have represented to him: and he hath granted as much as the matter permitted.
19 If therefore you will keep yourselves loyal in affairs, hereafter also I will endeavour to be a means of your good.
20 But as concerning other particulars, I have given orders by word both to these, and to them that are sent by me, to commune with you.
21 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the four and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorus.
22 But the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus to Lysias his brother, greeting.
23 Our father being translated amongst the gods, we are desirous that they that are in our realm should live quietly, and apply themselves diligently to their own concerns,
24 And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father to turn to the rites of the Greeks, but that they would keep to their own manner of living, and therefore that they request us to allow them to live after their own laws.
25 Wherefore being desirous that this nation also should be at rest, we have ordained and decreed, that the temple should be restored to them, and that they may live according to the custom of their ancestors.
26 Thou shalt do well therefore to send to them, and grant them peace, that our pleasure being known, they may be of good comfort, and look to their own affairs.
27 But the king's letter to the Jews was in this manner: King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews, greeting.
28 If you are well, you are as we desire, we ourselves also are well.
29 Menelaus came to us, saying that you desired to come down to your countrymen, that are with us.
30 We grant therefore a safe conduct to all that come and go, until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,
31 That the Jews may use their own Bind of meats, and their own laws as be- fore, and that none of them any manner of ways be molested for things which have been done by ignorance.
32 And we have sent also Menelaus to speak to you.
33 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
34 The Romans also sent them a letter, to this effect. Quintus Memmius, and Titus Manilius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greeting.
35 Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted you, we also have granted.
36 But touching such things as he thought should be referred to the king, after you have diligently conferred among yourselves, send some one forthwith, that we may decree as it is convenient for you: for we are going to Antioch.
37 And therefore make haste to write back, that we may know of what mind you are.
38 Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
Versículos relacionados com 2 Maccabees, 11:
Chapter 11 of 2 Maccabees reports the victory of the army led by Judas Macabeu against the forces of Babylonian General Nicanor, who had invaded Judea with the intention of destroying the temple of Jerusalem. The verses below were chosen for dealing with topics related to this episode of struggle and victory:
1 Samuel 17:47: "And all this congregation shall know that the Lord does not save with the sword and with the spear; for the Lord is war, and He shall surrender to you into our hand." This passage is a declaration of faith of David, who trusts the power of God to defeat the giant Goliath. This faith in God and his protection is shared by Judas Macabeu and his army, who know that his victory depends not only on his military ability, but on divine aid.
Psalm 20:7: "Some trust cars, some in horses, but we will mention the name of the Lord our God." This passage highlights the importance of trust in God in the midst of battles. While other peoples trusted his military power, Judas Macabeu and his soldiers put his confidence in God and his protection.
Psalm 144:1: "Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who teaches my hands to the battle and my fingers to war." This passage highlights the importance of preparation and training for war. Just as the psalmist attributes his skill in the battle to God's teaching, Judas Macabeu and his soldiers prepare for the fight and have divine help to achieve victory.
Isaiah 31:5: "As birds fly, so will the Lord protect from hosts to Jerusalem; protecting, he will also rid and save, passing over, freeing." This passage is a promise of divine protection on Jerusalem. Judas Macabeu and his army struggle to defend the temple of Jerusalem and protect his people from foreign invaders.
Joshua 10:25: "Joshua said unto them, Do not fear, nor be afraid; strive, and have good courage, for the Lord shall make all your enemies against whom fighting." This passage is a message of encouragement and courage for the soldiers of Judas Macabeu. Just as Joshua encouraged his men to be strong and brave in the fight against the enemies of Israel, Judas Macabeu inspires his soldiers to fight with determination and faith in victory.
Fejezetek: