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I. MACCABEES. Apocrypha. their own people, went unto the king, and told 40 And lay sore upon him to deliver him this him that Jonathan besieged the tower. young Antiochus, that he might reign in his 22 Whereof when he heard, he was angry, father's stead: he told him therefore all that and immediately removing, he came to Ptole- Demetrius had done, and how his men of war mais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should were at enmity with him; and there he remained not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak a long season.

with him at Ptolemais in great haste.

41 In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king

23 Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard Demetrius, that he would cast those of the this, commanded to besiege it still and he tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the chose certain of the elders of Israel, and the fortresses: for they fought against Israel. priests, and put himself in peril;

24 And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents beside, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight. 25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him,

26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,

27 And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him pre-eminence among his chief friends.

28 Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred

talents.

29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this

manner:

30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:

42 So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.

43 Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.

44 Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch; and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.

45 Howbeit, they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.

46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.

47 Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and, dispersing themselves through the city, slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.

48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king. 49 So when they of the city saw that the

31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes Jews had got the city as they would, their concerning you, that ye might see it. courage was abated: wherefore they made sup

32 King Demetrius unto his father Lasthe-plication to the king, and cried, saying, nes sendeth greeting: 50 Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease

33 We are determined to do good to the peo- from assaulting us and the city. ple of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep 51 With that they cast away their weapons, covenants with us, because of their good will and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.

toward us.

34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, 52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of that are added unto Judea from the country of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him. Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the

earth and of trees.

53 Nevertheless, he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.

35 And as for other things that belong unto 54 After this returned Tryphon, and with us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, us, as also the salt-pits, and the crown taxes, and was crowned. which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.

36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.

37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.

55 Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.

56 Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.

57 At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high 38 After this, when king Demetrius saw that priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four the land was quiet before him, and that no re-governments, and to be one of the king's friends. sistance was made against him, he sent away 58 Upon this he sent him golden vessels to all his forces, every one to his own place, except be served in, and gave him leave to drink in certain bands of strangers, whom he had gather- gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a ed from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all golden buckle. the forces of his fathers hated him.

39 Moreover, there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian, that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander,

59 His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called, The ladder of Tyrus, anto the borders of Egypt.

60 Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him

Apocrypha.

CHAP. XII.

Apocrypha.

for to help him and when he came to Ascalon, then among you, to signify that ye are our they of the city met him honourably. brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.

61 From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.

62 Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.

63 Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country,

64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.

65 Then Simon encamped against Bethsura, and fought against it a long season, and shut it up:

8 At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.

9 Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, for that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,

10 Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.

11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren: 66 But they desired to have peace with him, | 12 And we are right glad of your honour. which he granted them, and then put them out 13 As for ourselves, we have had great troufrom thence, and took the city, and set a gar-bles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the rison in it. kings that are round about us have fought against us.

67 As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.

63 And behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.

69 So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places, and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;

70 Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.

71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.

72 Afterward turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.

73 Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they camped.

74 So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

CHAP. XII.

TOW when Jonathan saw that the time

14 Howbeit, we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:

15 For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.

16 For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.

17 We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.

18 Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.

19 And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.

20 Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:

21 It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham :

22 Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of

Now when, one chose certain men, and your prosperity.

sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.

2 He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.

23 We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are ours, and ours are yours. We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.

24 Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,

3 So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship 25 He removed from Jerusalem, and met which ye had with them, and league, as in for- them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them mer time. no respite to enter his country.

4 Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place, that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.

5 And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote unto the Lacedemonians :

6 Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other people of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:

7 There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned

26 He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night-season.

27 Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth centinels round about the host.

28 But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.

Apocrypha.

I. MACCABEES.

Apocrypha.

29 Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew they that were with him were taken and slain, it not till the morning: for they saw the lights they encouraged one another, and went close burning. together, prepared to fight.

30 Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.

31 Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.

32 And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country. 33 Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppe, and won it.

51 They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.

52 Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.

53 Then all the heathen that were round

about them sought to destroy them: for, said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from

34 For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius' part; among men. wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.

CHAP. XIII.

35 After this came Jonathan home again, NOV [OW when Simon heard that Tryphon had and calling the elders of the people together, gathered together a great host to invade he consulted with them about building strong the land of Judea, and destroy it,

holds in Judea,

36 And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.

37 Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down; and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.

38 Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.

2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,

3 And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.

4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.

5 Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trou39 Now Tryphon went about to get the king-ble: for I am no better than my brethren. dom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, 6 Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and that he might set the crown upon his own head. the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: 40 Howbeit, he was afraid that Jonathan for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us would not suffer him, and that he would fight of very malice.

against him; wherefore he sought a way how 7 Now as soon as the people heard these to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So words, their spirit revived. he removed, and came to Bethsan.

41 Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.

42 Now when Tryphon saw that Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;

43 But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.

44 Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou put all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?

45 Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.

46 So Jonathan, believing him, did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.

47 And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him. 48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates, and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.

49 Then sent Tryphon a host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company.

50 But when they knew that Jonathan and

8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.

9 Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever thou commandest us, that will we do.

10 So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.

11 Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absalom, and with him a great power, to Joppe who casting out them that were therein, remained there in it.

12 So Tryphon removed from Ptolemais with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.

13 But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.

14 Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,

15 Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.

16 Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.

17 Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him, yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people :

Apocrypha.

CHAP. XIV.

Apocrypha. 18 Who might have said, Because I sent 40 And look who are meet among you to him not the money and the children, therefore be in our court, let them be enrolled, and let is Jonathan dead. there be peace betwixt us.

19 So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled, neither would he let Jonathan go.

20 And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went.

41 Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year.

42 Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.

43 In those days Simon camped against Ga21 Now they that were in the tower sent za, and besieged it round about; he made also messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he an engine of war, and set it by the city, and should hasten his coming unto them by the battered a certain tower, and took it. wilderness, and send them victuals.

22 Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.

23 And when he came near to Bascama, he slew Jonathan, who was buried there.

24 Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

25 Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.

26 And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days.

27 Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone, behind and before.

23 Moreover, he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.

44 And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city.

45 Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.

46 And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy

mercy.

47 So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were, and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.

48 Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwelling-place for himself.

49 They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, 29 And in these he made cunning devices, nor sell wherefore they were in great distress about the which he set great pillars, and upon for want of victuals, and a great number of the pillars he made all their armour for a per- them perished through famine. petual memory, and by the armour ships carv- 50 Then cried they to Simon, beseeching ed, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea.

30 This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day.

31 Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him.

32 And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.

33 Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein.

34 Moreover, Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil.

35 Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner:

36 King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the el

him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:

51 And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month, in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm-trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.

52 He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover, the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.

53 And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazara. CHAP. XIV.

OW

ders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth

year king Demetrius gathered his forces 37 The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, together, and went into Media, to get him help which ye sent unto us, we have received and to fight against Tryphon.

we are ready to make a steadfast peace with 2 But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to con- Media, heard that Demetrius was entered withfirm the immunities which we have granted. in his borders, he sent one of his princes to take 38 And whatsoever covenants we have made him alive:

with you shall stand; and the strong holds, 3 Who went and smote the host of Demetriwhich ye have builded, shall be your own. us, and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, 39 As for any oversight or fault committed by whom he was put in ward. unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax 4 As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all also, which ye owe us: and if there were any the days of Simon; for he sought the good of other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no his nation in such wise, as that everinore his more be paid. authority and honour pleased them well.

Apocrypha.

I. MACCABEES.

Apocrypha.

5 And as he was honourable in all his acts, so away in fight their enemies from them, and in this, that he took Joppe for an haven, and made confirmed their liberty. an entrance to the isles of the sea,

6 And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,

7 And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazara, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleanness, neither was there any that resisted him.

8 Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.

27 So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in mount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred threescore and twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high priest,

28 At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things notified unto us.

29 Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been 9 The ancient men sat all in the streets, wars in the country, wherein for the maincommuning together of good things, and the tenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon young men put on glorious and warlike apparel. the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, 10 He provided victuals for the cities, and together with his brethren, put themselves in set in them all manner of munition, so that his jeopardy, and, resisting the enemies of their honourable name was renowned unto the end nation, did their nation great honour: of the world.

11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:

12 For every man sat under his vine and his fig-tree, and there was none to fray them:

13 Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.

14 Moreover, he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.

15 He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied the vessels of the temple.

16 Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.

17 But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:

18 They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:

19 Which writings were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.

30 (For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,

31 Their enemies purposed to invade their country, that they might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:

32 At which time Šimon rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent much of his own substance, and armed the valiant men of his nation, and gave them wages,

33 And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies had been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there :

34 Moreover, he fortified Joppe, which lieth upon the sea, and Gazara, that bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all things convenient for the reparation thereof.)

35 The people therefore, seeing the acts of Simon, and unto what glory he thought to bring his nation, made him their governor and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for the justice and faith which he kept to his nation, and for that he sought by all means to exalt his people.

20 And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the 36 For in his time things prospered in his high priest, and the elders, and priests, and hands, so that the heathen were taken out of residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, their country, and they also that were in the send greeting: city of David in Jerusalem, who had made 21 The ambassadors that were sent unto themselves a tower, out of which they issued, our people certified us of your glory and ho- and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did nour: wherefore we were glad of their coming. much hurt in the holy place: 22 And did register the things that they 37 But he placed Jews therein, and fortified spake in the council of the people in this man- it for the safety of the country and the city, and ner, Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipa- raised up the walls of Jerusalem. ter son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came 38 King Demetrius also confirmed him in the unto us to renew the friendship they had high priesthood according to those things, with us.

39 And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great honour.

23 And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put the copy of 40 For he had heard say, that the Romans their ambassage in public records, to the end had called the Jews their friends and confedethe people of the Lacedemonians might have rates and brethren; and that they had entera memorial thereof: furthermore, we have tained the ambassadors of Simon honourably: written a copy thereof unto Simon the high 41 Also that the Jews and priests were well priest.

24 After this, Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight, to confirm the league with them."

25 Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall we give to Simon and

pleased that Simon should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet;

42 Moreover, that he should be their captain, and should take charge of the sanctuary. to set them over their works, and over the country, and over the armour, and over the 26 For he and his brethren and the house of fortresses, that, I say, he should take charge his father have established Israel, and chased of the sanctuary;

his sons?

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