1 Maccabees 8
A Treaty Written on Bronze Tablets
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The Reputation of the Romans
8:1Judas heard the reputation of the Romans: that they were mighty in strength, that they looked favorably on all who joined them, that they established friendship with whoever approached them, and that they were mighty in strength.
8:2They recounted to him their wars, the brave deeds they were doing among the Galatians, and how they had subdued them and brought them under tribute;
8:3also what they had done in the country of Spain to gain control of the silver and gold mines there.
8:4By their counsel and perseverance they had gained control of the whole region, although it was very far from them. They had also overcome the kings who came against them from the end of the earth, crushing them and striking them a great blow; the survivors paid them tribute every year.
8:5They had crushed in battle Philip, Perseus king of the Kittians, and those who rose against them, and had subdued them.
8:6Antiochus the Great, king of Asia, had marched against them for battle with a hundred and twenty elephants, cavalry, chariots, and an exceedingly large force, but he was crushed by them.
8:7They took him alive and required him and those reigning after him to pay a great tribute, give hostages, and make a territorial settlement,
8:8including the country of India, Media, and Lydia, some of their finest regions. They took them from him and gave them to King Eumenes.
8:9They also heard that the people of Greece had resolved to come and destroy them.
8:10The Romans learned the plan and sent one general against them. They fought them, and many fell wounded; they took their wives and children captive, plundered them, subdued their land, demolished their strongholds, and enslaved them to this day.
8:11The remaining kingdoms and islands, as many as ever resisted them, they destroyed and enslaved. But with their friends and those who relied on them they maintained friendship.
8:12They subdued kings near and far, and all who heard their name feared them.
8:13Those whom they wish to help and to reign do reign; those whom they wish they remove. They have been greatly exalted.
8:14Yet in all these things not one of them has put on a diadem or clothed himself in purple to magnify himself by it.
8:15They made a council chamber for themselves, and every day three hundred and twenty men deliberated, continually taking counsel concerning the people so that they might be well ordered.
8:16Each year they entrust one man to rule them and govern their whole land. All obey the one, and there is no envy or rivalry among them.
The Embassy to Rome
8:17Judas chose Eupolemus son of John son of Accos, and Jason son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome to establish friendship and an alliance
8:18and to remove the yoke from them, because they saw the kingdom of the Greeks enslaving Israel in servitude.
8:19They went to Rome, a very long journey, entered the council chamber, and spoke, saying,
8:20“Judas, also called Maccabeus, his brothers, and the people of the Jews have sent us to you to establish an alliance and peace with you, and to have us enrolled as your allies and friends.”
8:21The proposal pleased them.
The Copy of the Treaty
8:22This is the copy of the letter they inscribed on bronze tablets and sent to Jerusalem to remain there with them as a memorial of peace and alliance:
8:23“May it be well with the Romans and the nation of the Jews on sea and on dry land forever, and may sword and enemy be far from them.
8:24If war comes first upon Rome or upon any of their allies throughout their whole dominion,
8:25the nation of the Jews shall fight alongside them wholeheartedly, as circumstances prescribe for them.
8:26They shall neither give nor supply grain, weapons, money, or ships to those making war, as Rome has decided. They shall keep their obligations, receiving nothing.
8:27Likewise, if war comes first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall fight alongside them with all their soul, as circumstances prescribe for them.
8:28To those acting as allies, grain, weapons, money, and ships shall not be given, as Rome has decided. They shall keep these obligations without deceit.
8:29On these terms the Romans thus established an agreement with the Jewish people.
8:30If after these terms both parties decide to add or remove anything, they shall do so by their own choice; whatever they add or remove shall be binding.
8:31Concerning the evils that King Demetrius is committing against them, we have written to him, saying, ‘Why have you made your yoke heavy upon our friends and allies, the Jews?
8:32If, therefore, they appeal against you again, we will give judgment for them and make war on you by sea and by land.’”
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Saints Translation · Liturgical reading edition · V1 · working draft awaiting specialist review.