Lysias and the Jews

¹Lysias, the guardian and relative of the king, was in charge of the government. After a very short time he became extremely displeased at what happened.

²He led eighty thousand troops and all his cavalry against the Jews. He intended to make the city a Greek territory,

³to make the temple subject to tribute like the sacred sites of other nations, and to put the high priesthood on sale every year.

⁴He gave no thought whatsoever to the power of God but was inflated by his tens of thousands of foot soldiers, his thousands of cavalry, and his eighty elephants.

⁵He entered Judea, drew near to Beth-zur (a strongly fortified town about a half mile from Jerusalem), and attacked it.[#11.5 Or five stades or 3,021 feet; a stadion is a linear measure of approximately 607 feet.]

⁶When the Maccabee’s followers received information that Lysias was surrounding the fortresses, they and all the people begged the Lord with laments and tears to send a good angel to save Israel.

⁷The Maccabee was himself the first to take up arms, and he urged the others to run risks as he did and to come to the aid of their brothers. They dashed out at once, ready for action.

⁸While they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman in white garments and wearing full body armor made of gold appeared to them and led them.

⁹All together they praised the merciful God, and their souls were strengthened. They prepared themselves to attack not only men but also the most fierce animals and even the iron walls.

¹⁰They proceeded in battle order, having a heavenly ally thanks to the Lord’s mercy toward them.

¹¹Charging like lions against their enemies, they took down eleven thousand foot soldiers and sixteen hundred horses, and they put all the rest to flight.

¹²Most of them escaped wounded and naked, while Lysias himself escaped by disgracefully running away.

¹³Showing intelligence, Lysias pondered the reality of this defeat and realized that the Hebrews, assisted by God’s power, couldn’t be defeated. So he sent a messenger

¹⁴and persuaded them to come to a just settlement in all issues concerning civil rights. He also persuaded them that he would convince the king to become their friend.[#11.14 Correction; Gk uncertain]

¹⁵The Maccabee consented to Lysias’ proposals, thinking it was best for all involved. Whatever the Maccabee presented in writing to Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted.

¹⁶This is what Lysias’ letter to the Jews said:[#11.16 Or letters]

²²This is what the king’s letter said:

²⁷This is what the king’s letter to the nation said:

³⁴Also the Romans sent a letter to the Jews that said: