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I Book of the Maccabees

1-5 6-10 11-16

1Mac 11:1

And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like

the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went

about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to

his own.

1Mac 11:2

Whereupon he took his journey into Spain in peaceable manner,

so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king

Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his

brother in law.

1Mac 11:3

Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one

of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.

1Mac 11:4

And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple

of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that

were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them

that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them

by the way where he should pass.

1Mac 11:5

Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the

intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.

1Mac 11:6

Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where

they saluted one another, and lodged.

1Mac 11:7

Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the

river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.

1Mac 11:8

King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the

cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined

wicked counsels against Alexander.

1Mac 11:9

Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying,

Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my

daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy

father's kingdom:

1Mac 11:10

For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought

to slay me.

1Mac 11:11

Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his

kingdom.

1Mac 11:12

Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to

Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was

openly known.

1Mac 11:13

Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns

upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.

1Mac 11:14

In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because

those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.

1Mac 11:15

But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him:

whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with

a mighty power, and put him to flight.

1Mac 11:16

So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king

Ptolemee was exalted:

1Mac 11:17

For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent

it unto Ptolemee.

1Mac 11:18

King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that

were in the strong holds were slain one of another.

1Mac 11:19

By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and

seventh year.

1Mac 11:20

At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in

Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many

engines of war against it.

1Mac 11:21

Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went

unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,

1Mac 11:22

Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately

removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he

should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him

at Ptolemais in great haste.

1Mac 11:23

Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to

besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel

and the priests, and put himself in peril;

1Mac 11:24

And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents

besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found

favour in his sight.

1Mac 11:25

And though certain ungodly men of the people had made

complaints against him,

1Mac 11:26

Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done

before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,

1Mac 11:27

And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the

honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his

chief friends.

1Mac 11:28

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.

1Mac 11:29

So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all

these things after this manner:

1Mac 11:30

King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation

of the Jews, sendeth greeting:

1Mac 11:31

We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto

our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.

1Mac 11:32

King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:

1Mac 11:33

We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who

are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their

good will toward us.

1Mac 11:34

Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea,

with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem,

that are added unto Judea from the country of 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.

1Mac 11:35

And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes

and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the

crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them

all for their relief.

1Mac 11:36

And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for

ever.

1Mac 11:37

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.

1Mac 11:38

After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet

before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent

away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain

bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the

heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.

1Mac 11:39

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,

1Mac 11:40

And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus,

that he might reign in his father's stead: he told him therefore

all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at

enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.

1Mac 11:41

In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he

would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also

in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.

1Mac 11:42

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.

1Mac 11:43

Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help

me; for all my forces are gone from me.

1Mac 11:44

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.

1Mac 11:45

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.

1Mac 11:46

Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city

kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.

1Mac 11:47

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.

1Mac 11:48

Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day,

and delivered the king.

1Mac 11:49

So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city

as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made

supplication to the king, and cried, saying,

1Mac 11:50

Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and

the city.

1Mac 11:51

With that they cast away their weapons, 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.

1Mac 11:52

So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the

land was quiet before him.

1Mac 11:53

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.

1Mac 11:54

After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child

Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.

1Mac 11:55

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.

1Mac 11:56

Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.

1Mac 11:57

At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I

confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over

the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.

1Mac 11:58

Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and

gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple,

and to wear a golden buckle.

1Mac 11:59

His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called

The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.

1Mac 11:60

Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities

beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered

themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to

Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.

1Mac 11:61

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.

1Mac 11:62

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.

1Mac 11:63

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,

1Mac 11:64

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

country.

1Mac 11:65

Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a

long season, and shut it up:

1Mac 11:66

But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted

them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and

set a garrison in it.

1Mac 11:67

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.

1Mac 11:68

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.

1Mac 11:69

So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and

joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;

1Mac 11:70

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.

1Mac 11:71

Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head,

and prayed.

1Mac 11:72

Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight,

and so they ran away.

1Mac 11:73

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.

1Mac 11:74

So there were slain of the heathen that day about three

thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

1Mac 12:1

Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain

men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the

friendship that they had with them.

1Mac 12:2

He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other

places, for the same purpose.

1Mac 12:3

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, which ye

had with them, and league, as in former time.

1Mac 12:4

Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of

every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea

peaceably.

1Mac 12:5

And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to

the Lacedemonians:

1Mac 12:6

Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and

the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians

their brethren send greeting:

1Mac 12:7

There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high

priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that

ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.

1Mac 12:8

At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent

honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was

made of the league and friendship.

1Mac 12:9

Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that

we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,

1Mac 12:10

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.

1Mac 12:11

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:

1Mac 12:12

And we are right glad of your honour.

1Mac 12:13

As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on

every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have

fought against us.

1Mac 12:14

Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others

of our confederates and friends, in these wars:

1Mac 12:15

For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are

delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under

foot.

1Mac 12:16

For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and

Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to

renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.

1Mac 12:17

We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to

deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our

brotherhood.

1Mac 12:18

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

1Mac 12:19

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

1Mac 12:20

Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest,

greeting:

1Mac 12:21

It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are

brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:

1Mac 12:22

Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall

do well to write unto us of your prosperity.

1Mac 12:23

We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are

our's, and our's are your's We do command therefore our

ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.

1Mac 12:24

Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius' princes were come to

fight against him with a greater host than afore,

1Mac 12:25

He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of

Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.

1Mac 12:26

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.

1Mac 12:27

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.

1Mac 12:28

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.

1Mac 12:29

Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the

morning: for they saw the lights burning.

1Mac 12:30

Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for

they were gone over the river Eleutherus.

1Mac 12:31

Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called

Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.

1Mac 12:32

And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed

through all the country,

1Mac 12:33

Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto

Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned

aside to Joppa, and won it.

1Mac 12:34

For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them

that took Demetrius' part; wherefore he set a garrison there to

keep it.

1Mac 12:35

After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders

of the people together, he consulted with them about building

strong holds in Judea,

1Mac 12:36

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.

1Mac 12:37

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.

1Mac 12:38

Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with

gates and bars.

1Mac 12:39

Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to

kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his

own head.

1Mac 12:40

Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and

that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how

to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and

came to Bethsan.

1Mac 12:41

Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men

chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.

1Mac 12:42

Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he

durst not stretch his hand against him;

1Mac 12:43

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.

1Mac 12:44

Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this

people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?

1Mac 12:45

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.

1Mac 12:46

So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away

his host, who went into the land of Judea.

1Mac 12:47

And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom

he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with

him.

1Mac 12:48

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.

1Mac 12:49

Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into

Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's

company.

1Mac 12:50

But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him

were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went

close together, prepared to fight.

1Mac 12:51

They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they

were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.

1Mac 12:52

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.

1Mac 12:53

Then all the heathen that were round about then 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 among men.

1Mac 13:1

Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a

great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,

1Mac 13:2

And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he

went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,

1Mac 13:3

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.

1Mac 13:4

By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's

sake, and I am left alone.

1Mac 13:5

Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own

life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my

brethren.

1Mac 13:6

Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our

wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to

destroy us of very malice.

1Mac 13:7

Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit

revived.

1Mac 13:8

And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be

our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.

1Mac 13:9

Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us,

that will we do.

1Mac 13:10

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.

1Mac 13:11

Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a

great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein

remained there in it.

1Mac 13:12

So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to

invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.

1Mac 13:13

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

1Mac 13:14

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,

1Mac 13:15

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.

1Mac 13:16

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.

1Mac 13:17

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:

1Mac 13:18

Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the

children, therefore is Jonathan dead.

1Mac 13:19

So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit

Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.

1Mac 13:20

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.

1Mac 13:21

Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon,

to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the

wilderness, and send them victuals.

1Mac 13:22

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.

1Mac 13:23

And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was

buried there.

1Mac 13:24

Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

1Mac 13:25

Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother,

and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.

1Mac 13:26

And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed

him many days.

1Mac 13:27

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.

1Mac 13:28

Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for

his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.

1Mac 13:29

And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set

great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for

a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they

might be seen of all that sail on the sea.

1Mac 13:30

This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth

yet unto this day.

1Mac 13:31

Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus,

and slew him.

1Mac 13:32

And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of

Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.

1Mac 13:33

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.

1Mac 13:34

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.

1Mac 13:35

Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this

manner:

1Mac 13:36

King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of

kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth

greeting:

1Mac 13:37

The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto

us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace

with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the

immunities which we have granted.

1Mac 13:38

And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand;

and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.

1Mac 13:39

As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we

forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if

there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more

be paid.

1Mac 13:40

And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then

be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.

1Mac 13:41

Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in

the hundred and seventieth year.

1Mac 13:42

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.

1Mac 13:43

In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round

about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city,

and battered a certain tower, and took it.

1Mac 13:44

And they that were in the engine leaped into the city;

whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:

1Mac 13:45

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.

1Mac 13:46

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

but according to thy mercy.

1Mac 13:47

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.

1Mac 13:48

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 dwellingplace for himself.

1Mac 13:49

They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that

they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy,

nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of

victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.

1Mac 13:50

Then cried they to Simon, beseeching 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:

1Mac 13:51

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.

1Mac 13:52

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.

1Mac 13:53

And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he

made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.

1Mac 14:1

Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius

gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him

help to fight against Tryphone.

1Mac 14:2

But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that

Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his

princes to take him alive:

1Mac 14:3

Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and

brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.

1Mac 14:4

As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of

Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as

that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.

1Mac 14:5

And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he

took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of

the sea,

1Mac 14:6

And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the

country,

1Mac 14:7

And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the

dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the

which he took all uncleaness, neither was there any that

resisted him.

1Mac 14:8

Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave

her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.

1Mac 14:9

The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of

good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike

apparel.

1Mac 14:10

He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all

manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned

unto the end of the world.

1Mac 14:11

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

joy:

1Mac 14:12

For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there

was none to fray them:

1Mac 14:13

Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them:

yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.

1Mac 14:14

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.

1Mac 14:15

He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the

temple.

1Mac 14:16

Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that

Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.

1Mac 14:17

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:

1Mac 14:18

They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the

friendship and league which they had made with Judas and

Jonathan his brethren:

1Mac 14:19

Which writings were read before the congregation at

Jerusalem.

1Mac 14:20

And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians

sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon

the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the

people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:

1Mac 14:21

The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us

of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their

coming,

1Mac 14:22

And did register the things that they spake in the council of

the people in this manner; Numenius son of Antiochus, and

Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to

renew the friendship they had with us.

1Mac 14:23

And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably,

and to put the copy of their ambassage in publick records, to

the end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial

thereof: furthermore we have written a copy thereof unto Simon

the high priest.

1Mac 14:24

After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of

gold of a thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.

1Mac 14:25

Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall

we give to Simon and his sons?

1Mac 14:26

For he and his brethren and the house of his father have

established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from

them, and confirmed their liberty.

1Mac 14:27

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,

1Mac 14:28

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.

1Mac 14:29

Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country,

wherein for the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law,

Simon the son of Mattathias, of the posterity of Jarib, together

with his brethren, put themselves in jeopardy, and resisting the

enemies of their nation did their nation great honour:

1Mac 14:30

(For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation

together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,

1Mac 14:31

Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they

might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:

1Mac 14:32

At which time Simon 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,

1Mac 14:33

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:

1Mac 14:34

Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and

Gazera, 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.)

1Mac 14:35

The people therefore sang 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.

1Mac 14:36

For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the

heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were

in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a

tower, out of which they issued, and polluted all about the

sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:

1Mac 14:37

But he placed Jews therein. and fortified it for the safety

of the country and the city, and raised up the walls of

Jerusalem.

1Mac 14:38

King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood

according to those things,

1Mac 14:39

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

honour.

1Mac 14:40

For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews

their friends and confederates and brethren; and that they had

entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably;

1Mac 14:41

Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon

should be their governor and high priest for ever, until there

should arise a faithful prophet;

1Mac 14:42

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 fortresses, that,

I say, he should take charge of the sanctuary;

1Mac 14:43

Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that

all the writings in the country should be made in his name, and

that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold:

1Mac 14:44

Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or

priests to break any of these things, or to gainsay his words,

or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be

clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;

1Mac 14:45

And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these

things, he should be punished.

1Mac 14:46

Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as

hath been said.

1Mac 14:47

Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high

priest, and captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to

defend them all.

1Mac 14:48

So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables

of brass, and that they should be set up within the compass of

the sanctuary in a conspicuous place;

1Mac 14:49

Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the

treasury, to the end that Simon and his sons might have them.

1Mac 15:1

Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters

from the isles of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of

the Jews, and to all the people;

1Mac 15:2

The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the

high priest and prince of his nation, and to the people of the

Jews, greeting:

1Mac 15:3

Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom

of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I

may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered

a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of

war;

1Mac 15:4

My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may

be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities

in the kingdom desolate:

1Mac 15:5

Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the

kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they

granted.

1Mac 15:6

I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with

thine own stamp.

1Mac 15:7

And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be

free; and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses

that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them

remain unto thee.

1Mac 15:8

And if anything be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be

forgiven thee from this time forth for evermore.

1Mac 15:9

Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will

honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour,

so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.

1Mac 15:10

In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus

into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came

together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.

1Mac 15:11

Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora,

which lieth by the sea side:

1Mac 15:12

For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that

his forces had forsaken him.

1Mac 15:13

Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an

hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand

horsemen.

1Mac 15:14

And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined

ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by

land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.

1Mac 15:15

In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome,

having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written

these things:

1Mac 15:16

Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:

1Mac 15:17

The Jews' ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came

unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from

Simon the high priest, and from the people of the Jews:

1Mac 15:18

And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.

1Mac 15:19

We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and

countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against

them, their cities, or countries, nor yet aid their enemies

against them.

1Mac 15:20

It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.

1Mac 15:21

If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled

from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high

priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.

1Mac 15:22

The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king,

and Attalus, to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,

1Mac 15:23

And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the

Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria,

and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and

Rhodus, and Aradus, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and Gortyna,

and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.

1Mac 15:24

And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.

1Mac 15:25

So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day,

assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he

shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in.

1Mac 15:26

At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid

him; silver also, and gold, and much armour.

1Mac 15:27

Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the

covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange

unto him.

1Mac 15:28

Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends,

to commune with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with

the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.

1Mac 15:29

The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in

the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.

1Mac 15:30

Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the

tributes of the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without

the borders of Judea:

1Mac 15:31

Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and

for the harm that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities,

other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and fight

against you

1Mac 15:32

So Athenobius the king's friend came to Jerusalem: and when

he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver

plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him

the king's message.

1Mac 15:33

Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken

other men's land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others,

but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had

wrongfully in possession a certain time.

1Mac 15:34

Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our

fathers.

1Mac 15:35

And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did

great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee

an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him

not a word;

1Mac 15:36

But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him

of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he

had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.

1Mac 15:37

In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.

1Mac 15:38

Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and

gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,

1Mac 15:39

And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he

commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and

to war against the people; but as for the king himself, he

pursued Tryphon.

1Mac 15:40

So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people

and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay

them.

1Mac 15:41

And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and

an host of footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make

outroads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.

1Mac 16:1

Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what

Cendebeus had done.

1Mac 16:2

Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John,

and said unto them, I, and my brethren, and my father's house,

have ever from my youth unto this day fought against the enemies

of Israel; and things have prospered so well in our hands, that

we have delivered Israel oftentimes.

1Mac 16:3

But now I am old, and ye, by God's mercy, are of a sufficient

age: be ye instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for

our nation, and the help from heaven be with you.

1Mac 16:4

So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war

with horsemen, who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that

night at Modin.

1Mac 16:5

And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the

plain, behold, a mighty great host both of footmen and horsemen

came against them: howbeit there was a water brook betwixt them.

1Mac 16:6

So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he

saw that the people were afraid to go over the water brook, he

went first over himself, and then the men seeing him passed

through after him.

1Mac 16:7

That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the

midst of the footmen: for the enemies' horsemen were very many.

1Mac 16:8

Then sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus

and his host were put to flight, so that many of them were

slain, and the remnant gat them to the strong hold.

1Mac 16:9

At that time was Judas John's brother wounded; but John still

followed after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus

had built.

1Mac 16:10

So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus;

wherefore he burned it with fire: so that there were slain of

them about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land

of Judea in peace.

1Mac 16:11

Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of

Abubus made captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:

1Mac 16:12

For he was the high priest's son in law.

1Mac 16:13

Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the

country to himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against

Simon and his sons to destroy them.

1Mac 16:14

Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country,

and taking care for the good ordering of them; at which time he

came down himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and

Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the

eleventh month, called Sabat:

1Mac 16:15

Where the son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a

little hold, called Docus, which he had built, made them a great

banquet: howbeit he had hid men there.

1Mac 16:16

So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and

his men rose up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon

into the banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and

certain of his servants.

1Mac 16:17

In which doing he committed a great treachery, and

recompensed evil for good.

1Mac 16:18

Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that

he should send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him

the country and cities.

1Mac 16:19

He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the

tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give

them silver, and gold, and rewards.

1Mac 16:20

And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the

temple.

1Mac 16:21

Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father

and brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to

slay thee also.

1Mac 16:22

Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid

hands on them that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for

he knew that they sought to make him away.

1Mac 16:23

As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and

worthy deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which

he made, and his doings,

1Mac 16:24

Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his

priesthood, from the time he was made high priest after his

father.