| Not long after this, Lysias the kings steward and a kinsman of his, which had the governance of his matters ( took sore displeasure for the things that had happened: and when he had gathered eighty thousand men of foot with all the host of horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to win the city to make it an habitation for the Heathen, and the temple would he have to be an house of *lucre, like as the other goddes houses of the Heathen are, and to sell the priests office every year: Not considering the power of God, but was wild in his mind, trusting in the multitude of footmen, in thousands of horsemen, and in his eighty Elephants.
So he came to Jewry and then to Bethsura, ( a castle of defense laying in a narrow place five furlongs from Jerusalem ) Now when Maccabeus and his company knew that the strongholds were taken, they fell to their prayers with weeping and tears before the Lord: and all the people in like manner besought him, that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel. Maccabeus himself was the first that made him ready to the battle, exhorting the other that were with him, to jeopard themselves and to help their brethren. And when they were going forth of Jerusalem together with a ready and willing mind, there appeared before them upon horse back a man in white clothing with harness of gold, shaking his spear. Then they praised the Lord all together, which had showed them mercy, and were comforted in their minds: in so much that they were ready, not only to fight with men, but with the most cruel beasts, yee and to run through the walls of iron.
Thus they went on willing having an helper from heaven, and the Lord merciful unto them. They fell mightily upon their enemies like lions, brought down eleven thousand footmen, sixteen hundred horsemen, put all the other to flight, many of them also being wounded, and some got away naked. Yee Lysias himself was faine to flee shamefully, and so to escaped. Nevertheless the man was not without understanding, but considered by himself that his power was minished and pondered how the Jews being defended by the help of Almighty God, were not able to be overcome: wherefore he sent them word, and promised, that he would consent unto all things which were reasonable, and to make the king their friend. To the which prayer of Lysias Maccabeus agreed seeking in all things the common wealth: and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.
For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias containing these words.
Lysias sendeth greeting to the people of the Jews. Jhon and Absolom which were sent from you, delivered me writings, and required me to fulfill the things concerning their errand. Therefore look what might be granted, I certified the king thereof: and whatsoever was convenient. I agreed thereto. If ye will now be faithful in the matters, I shall endeavor to myself hereafter also to do you good. As concerning other things by every article thereof: I have committed them to your messengers, and to those whom I have sent you, to commune with you of the same, fare ye well, In the hundred and forty eighth year, the twenty fourth day of the month *Dioscorinthius.
Now the kings letter contained these words. King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto his brother Lysias. For so much as our father *is now dead, our will is, that they which are in our realm, live without any insurrection, and that every man to be diligent in his own matters. We understand also, that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but stiffly to keep their own statutes: for the which cause they require of us also, to let them remain still by their own laws.
Wherefore our mind is, that this people shall be in rest: we have concluded and determined also, to restore them their temple again: that they may live according to the use and custom of their forefathers. Thou shalt do us a pleasure therefore, if thou send unto them and agree with them: that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good cheer, and look to their own wealth.
And this was the letter, that the king wrote unto the Jews: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council and the other people of the Jews. If ye fare well, we have our desire: as for us, we are in good health. Menelaus came and told us, how that your desire was to come down to your people, which are with us.
Wherefore those that well come, we gave them free liberty, unto the thirtieth day of the month of *April, that they may use the meats of the Jews and their own laws, like as afore: and none of them by any manner of ways to have harm, for things done in ignorance. Menelaus whom we have sent unto you, shall commune with you at large, fare ye well. In the hundred and forty eighth year, the fifteenth day of the month of *April.
The Romans also sent a letter, containing these words: Quintus Mennius and Titus Manilius ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews. Look what Lysias the kings kinsmen hath granted you, we grant you the same also. But as concerning the things which he referred unto the king, sent hither some with speed: and ponder the matter diligently among yourselves, that we may cast the best to your profit, for we must depart now unto Antioche. And therefore write shortly again, that we may know your mind Fair well. In the hundred forty eighth year, the fifteenth day of the month of *April. |
 |
|
