2 Maccabees 11 — Greek text and reception

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After a very short interval, Lysias, the king's guardian, kinsman and chief minister, was deeply distressed at what had happened.

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Gathering about eighty thousand men and all the cavalry, he came against the Jews, intending to make the city a dwelling for Greeks,

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to make the temple subject to taxation like the other nations' sacred precincts, and to put the high priesthood up for sale each year.

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He took no account at all of God's might, but was elated by his tens of thousands of infantry, his thousands of horsemen, and his eighty elephants.

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Entering Judea, he approached Beth-zur, a fortified place about five stadia from Jerusalem, and pressed it hard.

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When Maccabeus and his men learned that he was besieging the strongholds, they, together with the crowds, implored the Lord with lamentations and tears to send a good angel for Israel's deliverance.

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Maccabeus himself was the first to take up his weapons. He urged the others to share the danger with him and help their brothers. Together and eagerly they set out.

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While they were there near Jerusalem, a horseman in white clothing appeared leading them, brandishing golden armor.

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Together they all blessed the merciful God and grew strong in spirit, ready to pierce not only human beings but the fiercest wild animals and iron walls.

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They advanced in battle array with their Ally from heaven, the Lord having shown them mercy.

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Rushing like lions upon the enemy, they struck down eleven thousand of them and sixteen hundred horsemen; they forced all the rest to flee.

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Most of them escaped wounded and stripped; Lysias himself also escaped by fleeing disgracefully.

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Being no fool, he considered the defeat that had befallen him and realized that the Hebrews were invincible while the mighty God was their ally.

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He sent to persuade them to settle on every just condition, declaring that he would also persuade the king and compel him to become their friend.

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Maccabeus consented to everything Lysias proposed, taking thought for what was beneficial. For the king granted all the requests concerning the Jews that Maccabeus submitted to Lysias in writing.

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The letters written to the Jews contained these words. From Lysias: “Lysias to the multitude of the Jews, greetings.

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John and Absalom, your envoys, presented the document appended below and requested the matters indicated in it.

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Whatever also needed to be brought before the king, I explained; and he granted what was possible.

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If, then, you maintain your goodwill toward the government, I will also attempt in future to help bring about good things for you.

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Concerning these matters and their particulars, I have instructed both these men and my own representatives to speak with you.

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Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the twenty-fourth of Dios Corinthios.”

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The king's letter contained these words: “King Antiochus to his brother Lysias, greetings.

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Since our father has departed to the gods, we desire those in the kingdom to be free from disturbance and attend to their own affairs.

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We have heard that the Jews do not consent to our father's change to Greek customs, but choose their own way of life and ask that their lawful practices be permitted.

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Wishing therefore that this nation also be free from disturbance, we decide that their temple be restored to them and that they conduct their lives according to their ancestors' customs.

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You will therefore do well to send to them and give pledges, so that, knowing our policy, they may be of good heart and happily devote themselves to the management of their own affairs.”

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The king's letter to the nation was as follows: “King Antiochus to the council of elders of the Jews and the other Jews, greetings.

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If you are well, it is as we wish. We ourselves are also in good health.

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Menelaus has informed us that you wish to return and attend to your own affairs.

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Those who return by the thirtieth of Xanthicus will have a pledge of safe conduct,

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permitting the Jews to use their own foods and laws as before. None of them shall be troubled in any way for offenses committed in ignorance.

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I have also sent Menelaus to encourage you.

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Farewell. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth of Xanthicus.”

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The Romans also sent them a letter with these words: “Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greetings.

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Regarding what Lysias, the king's kinsman, has granted you, we also give our approval.

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As for the matters he decided should be referred to the king, consider them and send someone immediately, so that we may set them forth as is appropriate for you, for we are proceeding to Antioch.

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Therefore hurry and send some men, so that we too may know what your judgment is.

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Be in good health. In the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth of Xanthicus.”