Biblia Sacra: VETUS TESTAMENTUM

1 The brothers who are in Jerusalem, Jews, and those who are in the region of Judea, send greeting and good peace to the brothers, Jews, who are throughout Egypt.

2 benefaciat vobis Deus et meminerit testamenti sui quod est ad Abraham et Isaac et Iacob servorum suorum fidelium

2 may God do good to you and remember his covenant which is with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, his faithful servants

3 et det vobis cor omnibus ut colatis eum et faciatis eius voluntatem corde magno et animo volente

3 and may he give to all of you a heart, that you may worship him and do his will with a great heart and a willing spirit

4 adaperiat cor vestrum in lege sua et in praeceptis eius et faciat pacem

4 may he open your heart in his law and in his precepts, and may he make peace

5 exaudiat orationes vestras et reconcilietur vobis nec vos deserat in tempore malo

5 May he hear your prayers and be reconciled to you, nor desert you in an evil time

6 et nunc hic sumus orantes pro vobis

6 and now here we are praying for you

7 regnante Demetrio anno centesimo sexagesimo nono nos Iudaei scripsimus vobis in tribulatione et impetu qui supervenit nobis in istis annis ex quo recessit Iason a sancta terra et a regno

7 with Demetrius reigning, in the 169th year, we Jews wrote to you in the tribulation and the impetus that has supervened upon us in these years from the time when Jason withdrew from the Holy Land and from the kingdom

8 portam succenderunt et effuderunt sanguinem innocentem et oravimus ad Dominum et exauditi sumus et obtulimus sacrificium et similaginem et accendimus lucernas et proposuimus panes

8 they set the gate ablaze and poured out innocent blood, and we prayed to the Lord and were heard, and we offered sacrifice and fine flour, and we lit lamps and set forth the loaves

9 et nunc frequentate dies scenophegiae mensis casleu

9 and now keep the days of Scenopegia of the month Casleu

10 anno centesimo octogesimo octavo populus qui est Hierosolymis et in Iudaea senatusque et Iudas Aristobolo magistro Ptolomei regis qui est de genere christorum sacerdotum et his qui in Aegypto sunt Iudaeis salutem et sanitatem

10 in the 188th year, the people who are in Jerusalem and in Judea, and the senate, and Judas, to Aristobulus, teacher of King Ptolemy, who is of the lineage of the anointed priests, and to the Jews who are in Egypt, greeting and health.

11 de magnis periculis a Deo liberati magnifice gratias ipsi utpote qui adversus talem regem dimicavimus

11 liberated from great perils by God, we magnificently give thanks to him, inasmuch as we have fought against such a king

12 ipse enim ebullire fecit de Perside eos qui pugnaverunt contra nos

12 for he himself caused to boil up out of Persia those who fought against us

13 nam cum in Perside esset dux ipse et cum ipso inmensus exercitus cecidit in templo Naneae consilio deceptus sacerdotis Naneae

13 for when he himself, the leader, was in Persia, and with him an immense army, he fell in the temple of Nanea, deceived by the counsel of the priest of Nanea

14 ut enim cum ea habitaturus venit ad locum Antiochus et amici eius et ut acciperet pecunias multas dotis nomine

14 for when Antiochus came to the place, intending to cohabit with her, he and his friends, and to receive much money under the name of a dowry

15 cumque proposuissent eas sacerdotes Naneae et ipse cum paucis ingressus esset intra ambitum fani clauserunt templum

15 and when the priests of Nanea had set them forth, and he himself with a few had entered within the ambit of the fane, they shut the temple

16 cum intrasset Antiochus apertoque occulto aditu templi mittentes lapides percusserunt ducem et qui cum eo erant et diviserunt membratim et capitibus amputatis foras proiecerunt

16 when Antiochus had entered, and after the hidden entrance of the temple had been opened, they, hurling stones, struck the leader and those who were with him, and divided them limb by limb, and, with the heads amputated, they threw them outside

17 per omnia benedictus Deus qui tradidit impios

17 Blessed in all things is God, who has handed over the impious

18 facturi igitur quinta et vicesima mensis casleu purificationem templi necessarium duximus significare vobis ut vos quoque agatis diem scenophegiae et diem ignis qui datus est quando Neemias aedificato templo et altari obtulit sacrificia

18 accordingly, since we are about to perform on the twenty-fifth day of the month kislev the purification of the temple, we have deemed it necessary to signify to you, that you also keep the day of scenopegia and the day of the fire which was given when Nehemiah, the temple and the altar having been built, offered sacrifices.

19 nam cum in Persidem ducerentur patres nostri sacerdotes qui tunc Dei cultores erant acceptum ignem de altario occulte absconderunt in valle ubi erat puteus altus siccus et in eo contutati sunt eum ita ut omnibus ignotus esset locus

19 for when our fathers, the priests—who at that time were worshipers of God—were being led into Persia, they secretly hid the fire taken from the altar in a valley where there was a deep, dry well, and in it they safeguarded it, so that the place was unknown to all.

20 cum praeterissent autem multi anni et placuit Deo ut mitteretur Neemias a rege Persidis nepotes sacerdotum illorum qui absconderant misit ad requirendum ignem et sicut narraverunt nobis non invenerunt ignem sed aquam crassam

20 when, however, many years had passed and it pleased God that Nehemiah be sent by the king of Persia, he sent the descendants of those priests who had hidden it to seek the fire; and, as they told us, they did not find fire but thick water

21 et iussit eos haurire et adferre sibi et sacrificia quae inposita erant iussit sacerdos Neemias aspargi aqua ipsa et ligna et quae erant superposita

21 and he ordered them to draw and bring it to himself, and the priest Nehemiah ordered that the sacrifices which had been set be aspersed with that very water, and the wood, and the things which had been laid on top.

22 utque hoc factum est et tempus adfuit quo sol refulsit qui prius erat in nubilo accensus est ignis magnus ita ut omnes mirarentur

22 and when this had been done and the time arrived when the sun shone forth, which previously had been in cloud, a great fire was ignited, so that all marveled

23 orationem autem faciebant omnes sacerdotes dum consummaretur sacrificium Ionatha inchoante ceteris autem respondentibus

23 but all the priests were making prayer while the sacrifice was being consummated, Jonathan beginning, and the others responding

24 et Neemiae erat oratio hunc habens modum Domine Deus omnium creator terribilis et fortis iustus et misericors qui solus es rex bonus

24 and Nehemiah’s prayer had this manner: Lord, God of all, creator, terrible and strong, just and merciful, who alone are the good king

25 solus praestans solus iustus et omnipotens et aeternus qui liberas Israhel de omni malo qui fecisti patres electos et sanctificasti eos

25 alone preeminent, alone just and omnipotent and eternal, who deliver Israel from every evil, who made the fathers elect and sanctified them

26 accipe sacrificium pro universo populo tuo Israhel et custodi partem tuam et sanctifica

26 accept the sacrifice for your whole people Israel, and guard your portion and sanctify it

27 congrega dispersionem nostram libera eos qui serviunt gentibus contemptos et abominatos respice ut sciant gentes quod tu es Deus noster

27 congregate our dispersion, free those who serve the nations, look upon the despised and abominated, that the nations may know that you are our God

28 adflige opprimentes et contumeliam facientes in superbia

28 Afflict the oppressors and those who in pride commit contumely.

29 constitue populum tuum in loco sancto tuo sicut dixit Moses

29 constitute your people in your holy place, as Moses said

30 sacerdotes autem psallebant hymnos usquequo consumptum esset sacrificium

30 but the priests were chanting hymns until the sacrifice had been consumed

31 cum autem consummatum fuisset sacrificium ex residua aqua Neemias iussit lapides maiores perfundi

31 but when the sacrifice had been consummated, from the residual water Nehemiah ordered the larger stones to be drenched

32 quod ut factum est flamma ex eis accensa est sed ex lumine quod refulsit ab altari consumpta est

32 which, when it had been done, a flame was kindled from them; but it was consumed by the light which shone forth from the altar

33 ut vero manifestata essent haec renuntiatum est regi Persarum quod in loco in quo ignem absconderant hii qui translati erant sacerdotes aqua apparuit de qua Neemias et qui cum eo erant purificaverunt sacrificia

33 but when these things had been made manifest, it was reported to the king of the Persians that in the place where the priests who had been exiled had hidden the fire, water appeared, by which Nehemiah and those who were with him purified the sacrifices

34 considerans autem rex et rem diligenter examinans fecit ei templum

34 But the king, considering and diligently examining the matter, made a temple for it.

35 et si quibus donaverat rex multa bona accipiebat ex hoc et tribuebat

35 and even to those to whom the king had given many good things, he would take from this and bestow [more].

36 appellavit autem Neemias hoc Nepthar quod interpretatur purificatio vocatur autem apud plures Nephi

36 Moreover, Nehemiah called this Nepthar, which is interpreted “purification”; but among many it is called Nephi.

CAPUT 2

CHAPTER 2

1 invenitur autem in descriptionibus Hieremiae prophetae quod iussit accipere ignem eos qui transmigrabantur ut significatum est et ut mandavit transmigratis

1 it is found moreover in the records of Jeremiah the prophet that he ordered those who were being transmigrated to take fire, as it has been signified, and as he mandated to the transmigrants

2 et dedit illis legem ne obliviscerentur praecepta Domini et ut non exerrarent mentibus videntes simulacra aurea et argentea et ornamenta eorum

2 and he gave to them a law, lest they should forget the precepts of the Lord, and that they should not err in their minds on seeing the golden and silver simulacra and their ornaments

3 et alia huiuscemodi dicens hortabatur ne legem amoverent a corde suo

3 and, saying other things of this kind, he exhorted them not to remove the law from their hearts

4 erat autem in ipsa scriptura quomodo tabernaculum et arcam iussit propheta divino responso ad se facto comitari secum usquequo exiit in montem in quo Moses ascendit et vidit Dei hereditatem

4 and it was, moreover, in the writing itself how the prophet, a divine response having been made to him, ordered that the tabernacle and the ark accompany him until he went out to the mountain on which Moses ascended and saw the inheritance of God

5 et veniens ibi Hieremias invenit locum speluncae et tabernaculum et arcam et altare incensi intulit illuc et ostium obstruxit

5 and coming there Jeremiah found the place of a cave, and the tabernacle and the ark and the altar of incense he brought in there, and he blocked up the doorway

6 et accesserunt quidam simul qui sequebantur ut notarent sibi locum et non potuerunt invenire

6 and certain men approached together who were following, to mark the place for themselves, and they were not able to find it

7 ut autem cognovit Hieremias culpans illos dixit quod ignotus erit locus donec congreget Deus congregationem populi et propitius fiat

7 and when Jeremiah recognized it, reproving them, he said that the place will be unknown until God gathers the congregation of the people and becomes propitious

8 et tunc Dominus ostendet haec et apparebit maiestas Domini et nubes erit sicut et Mosi manifestabatur et sicut cum Salomon petiit ut locus sanctificaretur magno Deo manifestabat haec

8 and then the Lord will show these things, and the majesty of the Lord will appear, and the cloud will be as also it was manifested to Moses, and just as when Solomon petitioned that the place be sanctified, the great God was manifesting these things

9 et ut sapientiam habens obtulit sacrificium dedicationis et consummationis templi

9 and, as one having wisdom, he offered the sacrifice of the dedication and consummation of the temple

10 sicut et Moses orabat ad Dominum et descendit ignis de caelo et consumpsit holocaustum

10 just as also Moses was praying to the Lord, and fire descended from heaven and consumed the holocaust

11 et dixit Moses eo quod non sit mundatum quod erat pro peccato et consumptum est

11 and Moses said, because that which was for the sin-offering had not been purified, it was consumed

12 similiter et Salomon octo diebus celebravit dedicationem

12 likewise also Solomon celebrated the dedication for eight days

13 inferebantur autem in descriptionibus et commentariis Neemiae haec eadem et ut construens bibliothecam congregavit de regibus libros et prophetarum et David et epistulas regum et de donariis

13 and moreover these same things were being entered in the records and commentaries of Nehemiah, and how, while constructing a library, he gathered together the books of the kings and of the prophets and of David, and the epistles of the kings, and concerning the donations.

14 similiter autem et Iudas ea quae didicerat per bellum quod nobis acciderat congregavit omnia et sunt apud nos

14 likewise, moreover, Judas gathered together all the things which he had learned of through the war that had befallen us, and they are with us

15 si ergo desiderastis haec mittite qui perferant vobis

15 if therefore you have desired these things, send those who will bring them to you

16 acturi itaque purificationem scripsimus vobis bene igitur facietis si egeritis hos dies

16 Therefore, being about to perform the purification, we have written to you; you will do well, therefore, if you observe these days.

17 Deus autem qui liberavit populum suum et reddidit hereditatem omnibus et regnum et sacerdotium et sanctificationem

17 But God, who liberated his people and restored to all the heritage, and the kingdom and the priesthood and sanctification

18 sicut promisit in lege speramus quod cito nostri miserebitur et congregabit de sub caelo in locum sanctum

18 as he promised in the Law, we hope that he will quickly have mercy on our own and will congregate them from under heaven into the holy place

19 eripuit enim nos de magnis periculis et locum purgavit

19 for he has delivered us from great perils and has purged the place

20 de Iuda vero Macchabeo et fratribus eius et de templi magni purificatione et de arae dedicatione

20 and concerning Judas Maccabaeus and his brothers, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar

21 sed et de proeliis quae pertinent ad Antiochum Nobilem et filium eius Eupatorem

21 but also about the battles which pertain to Antiochus the Noble and his son Eupator

22 et de inluminationibus quae de caelo factae sunt ad eos qui pro Iudaeis fortiter fecerunt ita ut universam regionem cum pauci essent vindicarent et barbaram multitudinem fugarent

22 and of the illuminations which from heaven were wrought for those who acted bravely for the Jews, so that, though they were few, they vindicated the whole region and put the barbarian multitude to flight

23 et famosissimum in toto orbe templum recuperarent et civitatem liberarent ut leges quae abolendae erant restituerentur Domino cum omni tranquillitate propitio facto illis

23 and they recovered the most famous temple in the whole orb, and freed the city, so that the laws which were to be abolished might be restored to the Lord, with all tranquility, once He had been made propitious to them

24 itemque ab Iasone Cyreneo quinque libris conprehensa temptavimus nos uno volumine breviare

24 and likewise the things comprehended by Jason the Cyrenaean in five books we have attempted to abbreviate in one volume

25 considerantes enim multitudinem librorum et difficultatem volentibus adgredi narrationes historiarum propter multitudinem rerum

25 for, considering the multitude of books and the difficulty, for those wishing to undertake the narrations of histories because of the multitude of things

26 curavimus volentibus quidem legere ut esset animi oblectatio studiosis vero ut facile possint memoriae commendare omnibus autem legentibus utilitas conferatur

26 we have taken care, for those indeed wishing to read, that there be a delight of mind; for the studious, moreover, that they may easily be able to commend it to memory; and for all who read, that utility be conferred

27 et nobis quidem ipsis qui opus hoc breviandi causa suscepimus non facilem laborem immo vero negotium plenum vigiliarum et sudoris adsumpsimus

27 and for us indeed ourselves, who have undertaken this work for the sake of abbreviating, we have assumed not an easy labor; nay rather, a business full of vigils and sweat.

28 sicut hii qui praeparant convivium et quaerunt aliorum voluntati parere propter multorum gratiam libenter laborem sustinemus

28 just as those who prepare a banquet and seek to comply with the will of others, for the favor of many, we gladly sustain the labor

29 veritatem quidem de singulis auctori concedentes ipsi autem secundum datam formam brevitati studentes

29 indeed, conceding the truth concerning each particular to the author, while we ourselves, according to the given form, being studious of brevity

30 sicut enim novae domus architecto de universa structura curandum est ei vero qui pingere conatur quae apta sunt ad ornatum exquirenda sunt ita aestimandum est et in nobis

30 for just as it is the architect of a new house who must care for the entire structure, while for the one who attempts to paint the things apt for ornament are to be sought out, so it is to be judged in our case as well

31 etenim intellectum colligere et ordinare sermonem et curiosius partes singulas quasque disquaerere historiae congruit auctori

31 for indeed, to gather the understanding and to order the discourse, and to inquire more carefully into each and every single part, is congruous to the author of a history

32 brevitatem vero dictionis sectari et exsecutiones rerum vitare brevitati concedendum est

32 but to pursue brevity of diction and to avoid the executions of matters must be conceded to brevity

33 hinc igitur narrationem incipiemus de praefatione tantum dixisse sufficiat stultum etenim est ante historiam effluere in ipsa autem historia succingi

33 from here therefore we shall begin the narration; let it suffice to have said only concerning the preface; for it is foolish to overflow before the history, but in the history itself to be girded

CAPUT 3

CHAPTER 3

1 igitur cum sancta civitas habitaretur in omni pace leges etiam adhuc optime custodirentur propter Oniae pontificis pietatem et animos odio habentes mala

1 Therefore, when the holy city was inhabited in all peace, the laws too were still being kept most excellently on account of the piety of the pontiff Onias, and minds holding evils in hatred

2 fiebat ut ipsi reges et principes locum summo honore dignum ducerent et templum maximis muneribus inlustrarent

2 it happened that the kings themselves and the princes deemed the place worthy of the highest honor and made the temple illustrious with the greatest gifts

3 ita ut Seleucus Asiae rex de reditibus suis praestaret omnes sumptus ad ministerium sacrificiorum pertinentes

3 so that Seleucus, king of Asia, from his revenues would furnish all expenses pertaining to the ministry of the sacrifices

4 Simon autem de tribu Beniamin praepositus templi constitutus contendebat obsistente sibi principe sacerdotum iniquum aliquid in civitate moliri

4 But Simon, from the tribe of Benjamin, having been appointed superintendent of the temple, was contending—while the chief of the priests opposed him—to contrive something iniquitous in the city.

5 sed cum vincere Onian non posset venit ad Apollonium Tharseae filium qui illo tempore erat dux Coelesyriae et Foenicis

5 but since he could not conquer Onias, he came to Apollonius, son of Tharseas, who at that time was duke of Coelesyria and Phoenicia

6 et nuntiavit ei pecuniis innumerabilibus plenum esse aerarium Hierosolymis et communes copias inmensas esse quae non pertinent ad rationem sacrificiorum esse autem possibile sub potestate regis cadere universa

6 and he announced to him that the treasury at Jerusalem was filled with innumerable monies, and that the common resources were immense, which do not pertain to the reckoning of sacrifices; moreover, that it was possible for all to fall under the power of the king

7 cumque rettulisset Apollonius ad regem de pecuniis quae delatae erant ille accitum Heliodorum qui erat super negotia eius misit cum mandatis ut praedictam pecuniam transportaret

7 and when Apollonius had reported to the king concerning the moneys that had been brought in, he, having summoned Heliodorus, who was over his affairs, sent him with mandates to transport the aforesaid money

8 statimque Heliodorus iter adgressus specie quidem quasi per Coelesyriam et Foenicen civitates esset peragraturus re autem vera regis propositum perfecturus

8 and immediately Heliodorus, having set out on the journey, in appearance indeed as if he were going to traverse the cities through Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, but in truth to carry the king’s purpose to completion

9 sed cum venisset Hierosolymam et benigne a summo sacerdote in civitate esset exceptus narravit de dato indicio pecuniarum et cuius rei gratia adesset apparuit interrogabat autem si vere haec ita essent

9 but when he had come to Jerusalem and had been kindly received in the city by the high priest, he related the given indication of the monies, and it became apparent for what matter’s sake he was present; moreover, he was asking whether these things were truly so

10 tunc summus sacerdos ostendit deposita esse haec et victualia viduarum ac pupillorum

10 then the high priest showed that these were deposits and the victuals of widows and orphans

11 quaedam vero esse Hircani Tobiae viri valde eminentis in his quae detulerat impius Simon universa autem argenti talenta quadringenta esse et auri ducenta

11 but that some, indeed, were [the property] of Hyrcanus, son of Tobias, a man very eminent, among the things which the impious Simon had delated; and that the whole was 400 talents of silver and 200 of gold.

12 decipi vero eos qui credidissent loco et templo quod per universum mundum honoratur pro sui veneratione et sanctitate inpossibile omnino esse

12 but that those who had believed in the place and the temple—which is honored through the whole world for its own veneration and sanctity—should be deceived was altogether impossible

13 at ille pro his quae habebat in mandatis a rege dicebat omni genere regiae deferenda

13 but he, in accordance with the mandates he had from the king, said that in every way it had to be delivered to the royal palace

14 constituta autem die intrabat de his Heliodorus ordinaturus non modica vero per universam civitatem erat trepidatio

14 but on the appointed day Heliodorus was entering to set these matters in order; and indeed there was no small trepidation throughout the whole city

15 sacerdotes autem ante altare cum sacerdotalibus stolis iactaverunt se et invocabant de caelo eum qui de depositis legem posuit ut his qui deposuerant ea salva custodiret

15 but the priests, before the altar, with sacerdotal stoles, cast themselves down and invoked from heaven him who set the law concerning deposits, that he might keep them safe for those who had deposited them

16 iam vero qui videret summi sacerdotis vultum mente vulnerabatur facies enim et color inmutatus declarabat internum animi dolorem

16 now indeed whoever saw the face of the high priest was wounded in mind; for his countenance and his changed color declared the internal grief of his spirit

17 circumfusa enim erat viro maestitia quaedam et horror corporis per quae manifestus aspicientibus dolor cordis eius efficiebatur

17 for there was circumfused about the man a certain sadness and a horror of the body, through which the pain of his heart was made manifest to the beholders

18 alii etiam congregati de domibus confluebant publica supplicatione obsecrantes pro eo quod in contemptum locus esset venturus

18 others also, gathered from their houses, flowed together, beseeching with a public supplication on account of the fact that the place was about to come into contempt

19 accinctaeque mulieres ciliciis pectus per plateas confluebant sed et virgines quae conclusae erant procurrebant ad Onian aliae autem ad muros quaedam vero per fenestras aspiciebant

19 and women girded with cilicia (sackcloth), beating the breast, were streaming together through the streets; but even virgins who were enclosed were running forth to Onia, others, however, to the walls, while certain indeed were looking out through the windows.

20 universae autem protendentes manus in caelum deprecabantur

20 but all, stretching forth their hands to heaven, were supplicating

21 erat enim misera commixtae multitudinis et magni sacerdotis in agone constituti expectatio

21 for there was the wretched expectation of the mingled multitude, and of the high priest set in agony

22 et hii quidem invocabant omnipotentem Deum ut credita sibi his qui crediderant cum omni integritate conservarentur

22 and these indeed were invoking the Omnipotent God, that the things entrusted to them by those who had believed might be conserved with all integrity

23 Heliodorus autem quod decreverat perficiebat eodem loco ipse cum satellitibus circa aerarium praesens

23 But Heliodorus was accomplishing what he had decreed, he himself present in that same place with his satellites around the treasury.

24 sed spiritus Omnipotentis magnam fecit suae ostensionis evidentiam ita ut omnes qui ausi fuerant parere ei ruentes Dei virtute in dissolutionem et formidinem converterentur

24 but the Spirit of the Omnipotent made great evidence of his ostension, so that all who had dared to obey him, collapsing, were by the power of God turned into dissolution and dread

25 apparuit enim illis quidam equus terribilem habens sessorem optimis operimentis adornatus isque cum impetu Heliodoro priores calces elisit qui autem ei sedebat videbatur arma habere aurea

25 for there appeared to them a certain horse, having a terrible rider, adorned with the best coverings; and that one, with an impetus, struck Heliodorus with his fore hooves, and he who sat upon it seemed to have golden arms.

26 alii etiam apparuerunt duo iuvenes virtute decori optimi gloria speciosique amictu qui circumsteterunt eum et ex utraque parte flagellabant sine intermissione multis plagis verberantes

26 There also appeared two youths, comely in virtue, most excellent in glory, and splendid in raiment, who stood around him and from either side were scourging him, beating him with many blows without intermission.

27 subito autem Heliodorus concidit in terram eumque multa caligine circumfusum rapuerunt atque in sella gestatoria positum eiecerunt

27 but suddenly Heliodorus fell to the ground, and they seized him, encompassed with much darkness, and, set upon a sedan-chair, they cast him out.

28 et is qui cum multis cursoribus et satellitibus praedictum ingressus est aerarium portabatur nullo sibi auxilium ferente manifesta cognita Dei virtute

28 and he who, with many couriers and bodyguards, had entered the aforesaid treasury was being carried, with no one bringing help to him, the power of God having been recognized as manifest

29 et ille quidem per divinam virtutem iacebat mutus

29 and he indeed was lying mute by divine power

30 hii autem Dominum benedicebant quia magnificavit locum suum et templum quod paulo ante timore ac tumultu erat plenum apparente omnipotente Domino gaudio et laetitia impletum est

30 but these were blessing the Lord, because he magnified his place; and the temple, which a little before had been full of fear and tumult, with the omnipotent Lord appearing, was filled with joy and gladness.

31 tunc vero ex amicis Heliodori quidam rogabant confestim Onian ut invocaret Altissimum et vitam donaret ei qui in supremo spiritu erat constitutus

31 then indeed, certain of the friends of Heliodorus were begging Onias forthwith to invoke the Most High and to grant life to him who had been set at his last breath

32 considerans autem summus sacerdos ne forte rex suspicaretur malitiam aliquam ex Iudaeis circa Heliodorum consummatam obtulit pro salute viri hostiam salutarem

32 however, the high priest, considering lest perhaps the king suspect some malice from the Jews to have been consummated against Heliodorus, offered for the man’s safety a salutary sacrifice

33 cumque summus sacerdos exoraret idem iuvenes eisdem vestibus amicti adstantes Heliodoro dixerunt Oniae sacerdoti gratias age nam propter eum tibi Dominus vitam donavit

33 and when the high priest was interceding, the same youths, wrapped in the same garments, standing by Heliodorus, said: Give thanks to Onias the priest, for on account of him the Lord has granted you life.

34 tu autem ab eo flagellatus nuntia omnibus magnalia Dei et potestatem et his dictis non conparuerunt

34 But you, having been scourged by him, announce to all the great works of God and his power; and at these words they did not appear.

35 Heliodorus autem hostia Deo oblata et votis magnis promisit ei qui vivere illi concessit et Oniae gratias agens recepto exercitu repedabat ad regem

35 But Heliodorus, with a victim offered to God and with great vows, promised to Him who had conceded life to him; and, giving thanks to Onias, with the army received back, he was retracing his steps to the king.

36 testabatur autem omnibus ea quae sub oculis suis viderat opera magni Dei

36 and he was testifying to all the works of the great God which he had seen with his own eyes

37 cum autem rex interrogasset Heliodorum quis est aptus adhuc semel Hierosolymam mitti ait

37 but when the king had asked Heliodorus who is apt to be sent to Jerusalem yet once more, he said

38 si quem habes hostem aut regni tui insidiatorem mitte illuc et flagellatum eum recipies si tamen evaserit eo quod in loco vere sit Dei quaedam virtus

38 if you have anyone as an enemy or a conspirator against your kingdom, send him there, and you will receive him back flagellated—if indeed he escapes—because in that place there truly is a certain power of God.

39 nam ipse qui habet in caelis habitationem visitator et adiutor est loci illius et venientes ad malefaciendum percutit ac perdit

39 for he himself who has his habitation in the heavens is the visitor and helper of that place, and he strikes and destroys those who come to commit malefaction

40 igitur de Heliodoro et aerarii custodia ita se res habet

40 therefore, concerning Heliodorus and the custody of the treasury, thus the matter stands

CAPUT 4

CHAPTER 4

1 Simon autem praedictus pecuniarum et patriae delator male loquebatur de Onia tamquam ipse Heliodorum instigasset ad haec et ipse fuisset incentor malorum

1 But Simon, the aforesaid delator of the funds and of the fatherland, was speaking ill of Onias, as though he himself had instigated Heliodorus to these things and he himself had been the incentor of evils

2 provisoremque civitatis ac defensorem gentis suae et aemulatorem legis Dei audebat insidiatorem regni dicere

2 and he dared to call the provider of the city and defender of his nation and zealot for the law of God a plotter against the kingdom

3 sed cum inimicitiae in tantum procederent ut etiam per quosdam Simonis necessarios homicidia fierent

3 but when the enmities proceeded to such an extent that even through certain of Simon’s intimates homicides were being committed

4 considerans Onias periculum contentionis et Apollonium insanire utpote ducem Coelesyriae et Foenicis ad augendam malitiam Simonis ad regem se contulit

4 considering the peril of the contention, and that Apollonius was raving—as the leader of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia—for the augmenting of Simon’s malice, Onias betook himself to the king

5 non ut civium accusator sed communem utilitatem apud semet ipsum universae multitudinis considerans

5 not as an accuser of the citizens but considering with himself the common utility of the whole multitude

6 videbat enim sine regali providentia inpossibile esse pacem rebus dari nec Simonem posse cessare ab stultitia sua

6 for he saw that without royal providence it was impossible for peace to be given to affairs, nor could Simon cease from his folly

7 sed post Seleuci vitae excessum cum suscepisset regnum Antiochus qui Nobilis appellabatur ambiebat Iason frater Oniae summum sacerdotium

7 but after the departure of Seleucus from life, when Antiochus, who was called the Noble, had assumed the kingdom, Jason, the brother of Onias, was ambitiously seeking the high priesthood

8 adito rege promittens ei argenti talenta sexaginta et trecenta et ex reditibus aliis talenta octoginta

8 having approached the king, promising him 360 talents of silver and, from other revenues, 80 talents

9 super haec promittebat et alia centum quinquaginta si potestati eius concederetur gymnasium et ephoebian sibi constituere et eos qui in Hierosolymis erant Antiochenos scribere

9 beyond these he also promised another 150, if it were conceded to his authority to establish for himself a gymnasium and an ephebia, and to register as Antiochenes those who were in Jerusalem

10 quod cum rex agnovisset et obtinuisset principatum statim ad gentilem ritum contribules suos transferre coepit

10 when the king had recognized this, and he had obtained the principate, he at once began to transfer his fellow-tribesmen to the Gentile rite

11 et amotis his quae humanitatis causa Iudaeis a regibus fuerant constituta per Iohannem patrem Eupolemi qui apud Romanos de amicitia et societate functus est legationem legitimam civium iura destituens prava instituta sancibat

11 and, those things having been removed which for the cause of humanity had been established for the Jews by the kings, through John, the father of Eupolemus, who among the Romans had performed a legitimate legation concerning friendship and alliance, he, destituting the rights of citizens, was sanctioning depraved institutions

12 etenim ausus est sub ipsa arce gymnasium constituere et optimos quosque ephoeborum in lupanaribus ponere

12 for indeed he dared to establish a gymnasium beneath the very citadel and to place the very best of the ephebes in brothels

13 erat autem hoc non initium sed incrementum quoddam et profectus gentilis et alienigenae conversationis propter impii et non sacerdotis Iasonis nefarium et inauditum scelus

13 but this was not a beginning, but a certain increment and progress of gentile and alien conversation, on account of the nefarious and unheard-of crime of Jason, impious and no priest.

14 ita ut sacerdotes iam non circa altaris officia dediti essent sed contempto templo et sacrificiis neglectis festinarent participes fieri palestrae et praebitionis eius iniustae et in exercitiis disci

14 so that the priests were now no longer devoted to the offices of the altar, but, with the temple despised and the sacrifices neglected, they were hastening to become participants in the palaestra and in its unjust allowance, and in the exercises of the discus.

15 et patrios quidem honores nihil habentes graecas glorias optimas arbitrabantur

15 and indeed, accounting their ancestral honors as nothing, they deemed Greek glories the most excellent

16 quarum gratia periculosa eos contentio habebat et eorum instituta aemulabantur ac per omnia his consimiles esse cupiebant quos hostes et peremptores habuerant

16 for the sake of which a perilous contention held them, and they emulated their institutions and in all things desired to be like those whom they had had as enemies and destroyers

17 in leges enim divinas impie agere inpune non cedit sed haec sequens tempus declaravit

17 for to act impiously against the divine laws does not go unpunished, but the subsequent time declared this

18 cum autem quinquennalis agon Tyro celebraretur et rex praesens esset

18 but when the quinquennial agôn was being celebrated at Tyre and the king was present

19 misit Iason facinorosus ab Hierosolymis viros peccatores portantes argenti didragmas trecentas in sacrificiis Herculis quas postulaverunt hii qui adportaverant ne in sacrificiis erogarentur quia non oporteret sed in alios sumptus eas deputari

19 Jason, a criminal, sent from Jerusalem sinful men carrying three hundred silver didrachmas for the sacrifices of Hercules; which those who had brought them requested should not be disbursed for sacrifices, because it was not fitting, but that they be deputed to other expenses.

20 sed haec oblata sunt quidem ab eo qui miserat in sacrificium Herculis propter praesentes autem datae sunt in fabricam navium triremis

20 but these had indeed been offered by the one who had sent them for the sacrifice of Hercules; however, on account of those present, they were given for the fabrication of trireme ships

21 misso autem in Aegypto Apollonio Mnesthei filio propter primatus Filometoris regis cum cognovisset Antiochus alienum se a negotiis regni effectum propriis utilitatibus consulens profectus inde venit Ioppen et inde Hierosolymam

21 but when Apollonius, son of Menestheus, had been sent into Egypt on account of the primacy (enthronement) of King Philometor, and Antiochus had learned that he had been made alien to the affairs of the kingdom, consulting his own advantages he set out from there and came to Joppa, and from there to Jerusalem.

22 et magnifice ab Iasone et civitate susceptus cum facularum luminibus et laudibus ingressus est et inde Foenicen exercitum convertit

22 and magnificently received by Jason and the city, with torch-lights and lauds he entered; and from there he turned the army toward Phoenicia

23 et post triennii tempus misit Iason Menelaum supradicti Simonis fratrem portantem pecunias regi et de negotiis necessariis responsa perlaturum

23 and after the time of a triennium Jason sent Menelaus, the brother of the aforesaid Simon, carrying monies to the king and to bring back responses concerning the necessary business

24 at ille commendatus regi cum magnificasset faciem potestatis eius in semet ipsum retorsit summum sacerdotium superponens Iasonem talenta argenti trecenta

24 but he, commended to the king, when he had magnified the face of his power, turned the high priesthood back upon himself, by outbidding Jason by three hundred talents of silver

25 acceptisque a rege mandatis venit nihil quidem dignum habens sacerdotio animos vero crudelis tyranni et ferae beluae iram gerens

25 and, having received mandates from the king, he came, having indeed nothing worthy of the priesthood, but bearing the spirit of a cruel tyrant and the wrath of a wild beast

26 et Iason quidem qui proprium fratrem captivaverat ipse deceptus profugus in ammaniten expulsus est regionem

26 and Jason indeed, who had taken captive his own brother, himself deceived, as a fugitive was expelled into the Ammonite region

27 Menelaus autem principatum quidem obtinuit de pecuniis vero regi promissis nihil agebat cum exactionem faceret Sostratus qui arce erat praepositus

27 But Menelaus indeed obtained the primacy; yet concerning the monies promised to the king he was doing nothing, while Sostratus, who had been put in charge of the citadel, was making the exaction.

28 nam ad hunc exactio vectigalium pertinebat quam ob causam utrique ad regem vocati

28 for to this man the exaction of the tributes pertained, for which cause both were summoned to the king

29 Menelaus motus est sacerdotio succedente Lysimacho fratre suo Sostratus autem praelatus est Cypris

29 Menelaus was removed, the sacerdotal office succeeding to his brother Lysimachus; but Sostratus, moreover, was put in charge of Cyprus.

30 et cum haec agerentur contigit Tarsenses et Mallotas seditionem movere eo quod Antiochidi concubinae regis dono essent dati

30 and while these things were being transacted, it befell that the Tarsians and the Mallotes stirred up a sedition, for the reason that they had been given as a gift to Antiochis, the king’s concubine

31 festinanter itaque rex venit sedare illos relicto suffecto uno ex comitibus suis Andronico

31 hastily, therefore, the king came to quell them, leaving behind as a deputy Andronicus, one of his companions

32 ratus autem Menelaus accepisse se tempus oportunum aurea quaedam vasa templo furatus donavit Andronico et alia vendiderat Tyro et per vicinas civitates

32 but Menelaus, thinking that he had received an opportune time, having stolen certain golden vessels from the temple, gifted them to Andronicus, and had sold others at Tyre and through the neighboring cities

33 quod cum certissime cognovisset Onias arguebat eum ipse in loco tuto se continens Antiochiae secus Dafnen

33 when Onias had most certainly come to know this, he was arraigning him, he himself keeping himself in a safe place at Antioch near Daphne

34 unde Menelaus accedens ad Andronicum rogabat ut Onian interficeret qui cum venisset ad Onian et datis dextris cum iureiurando quamvis esset ei suspectus suasisset asylo procedere statim eum peremit non veritus iustitiam

34 whence Menelaus, approaching Andronicus, was asking that he kill Onias; and when he had come to Onias and, with right hands given with an oath, although he was suspect to him, had urged him to proceed out of the asylum, he immediately slew him, not fearing justice.

35 ob quam causam non solum Iudaei sed et aliae quoque nationes indignabantur et moleste ferebant de nece tanti viri iniusta

35 for which cause not only the Jews but also other nations were indignant and bore with displeasure the unjust killing of so great a man

36 sed regressum regem de Ciliciae locis adierunt Iudaei apud Antiochiam simul et Graeci conquerentes de iniqua nece Oniae

36 but the Jews approached the king, having returned from the regions of Cilicia, at Antioch, and the Greeks as well, complaining about the iniquitous killing of Onias

37 contristatus itaque ad animam Antiochus et flexus ad misericordiam lacrimas fudit recordatus defuncti sobrietatem et modestiam

37 therefore Antiochus, saddened to the soul and bent toward mercy, poured forth tears, recalling the sobriety and modesty of the deceased

38 accensusque animis Andronicum purpura exutum circumduci per totam civitatem iubet et eodem loco quo in Onian impietatem commiserat sacrilegum vita privari Domino illi dignam poenam tribuente

38 and, inflamed in mind, he orders Andronicus, stripped of the purple, to be led around through the whole city, and in the same place where he had committed impiety against Onias, that the sacrilegious man be deprived of life, the Lord bestowing upon him a punishment worthy of him.

39 multis autem sacrilegiis in templo a Lysimacho commissis Menelai consilio et divulgata fama congregata est multitudo adversus Lysimachum multo iam auro exportato

39 But with many sacrileges in the temple committed by Lysimachus at the counsel of Menelaus, and the rumor having been divulged, a multitude assembled against Lysimachus, with much gold already exported.

40 turbis autem insurgentibus et animis ira repletis Lysimachus armatis fere tribus milibus iniquis manibus uti coepit duce quodam Tyranno aetate pariter et dementia provecto

40 but as mobs were rising up and minds were filled with wrath, Lysimachus, with nearly three thousand armed men, began to make use of iniquitous hands, under a certain leader Tyrannus, advanced alike in age and in madness

41 sed ut intellexerunt conatum Lysimachi alii lapides alii fustes validos arripere quidam vero cinerem in Lysimachum iacere

41 but when they understood the attempt of Lysimachus, some seized stones, others stout clubs, while some indeed hurled ash upon Lysimachus

42 et multi quidem vulnerati quidam autem et prostrati omnes vero in fugam versi sunt ipsum etiam sacrilegum secus aerarium interfecerunt

42 and many indeed were wounded, some moreover even cast down; all, in truth, were turned to flight; they even killed the sacrilegious man himself beside the treasury.

43 de his ergo coepit iudicium adversus Menelaum agitari

43 therefore, concerning these things, the judgment began to be prosecuted against Menelaus

44 et cum venisset rex Tyrum ad ipsum negotium detulerunt missi viri tres a senioribus

44 and when the king had come to Tyre, the three men sent by the elders brought the very matter before him

45 et cum superaretur Menelaus promisit Ptolomeo multas pecunias ad suadendum regi

45 and when Menelaus was being overcome, he promised to Ptolemy many sums of money to persuade the king

46 itaque Ptolomeus in quodam atrio positum quasi refrigerandi gratia regem adiit et a sententia deduxit

46 therefore Ptolemy approached the king, who was positioned in a certain atrium as if for the sake of refreshment, and drew him away from his decision

47 et Menelaum quidem universae malitiae reum criminibus absolvit miseros autem qui etiam si apud Scytas causam dixissent innocentes iudicarentur morte damnavit

47 and Menelaus indeed, defendant of universal malice, he absolved from the charges; but the wretches, who even if they had pleaded their case among the Scythians would be judged innocent, he condemned to death.

48 cito ergo iniustam poenam dederunt qui pro civitate et populo et sacris vasis causam prosecuti sunt

48 quickly therefore they gave an unjust penalty to those who had prosecuted the cause on behalf of the city and the people and the sacred vessels

49 quam ob rem Tyri quoque indignati erga sepulturam eorum liberalissimi extiterunt

49 For which reason the Tyrians also, indignant, proved most liberal toward their burial.

50 Menelaus autem propter eorum qui in potentia erant avaritiam permanebat in potestate crescens in malitia et ad insidias civium

50 But Menelaus, on account of the avarice of those who were in power, remained in power, growing in malice and in plots against the citizens.

CAPUT 5

CHAPTER 5

1 eodem tempore Antiochus secundam profectionem paravit in Aegyptum

1 at the same time Antiochus prepared a second expedition into Egypt

2 contigit autem per universam Hierosolymorum civitatem videri diebus quadraginta per aera equites discurrentes auratas stolas habentes et hastis quasi cohortes armatas

2 it befell, moreover, that throughout the whole city of Jerusalem, for forty days, horsemen were seen running through the air, wearing gilded robes and with spears, armed as if cohorts

3 et cursus equorum per ordines digestos et congressiones fieri comminus et scutorum motus et galeatorum multitudinem gladiis destrictis et telorum iactus et aureorum armorum splendorem omnisque generis loricarum

3 and the courses of horses arrayed in ranks, and hand-to-hand engagements taking place, and the movement of shields, and a multitude of helmeted men with swords drawn, and the hurling of missiles, and the splendor of golden armaments and of cuirasses of every kind

4 quapropter omnes rogabant in bonum monstra converti

4 wherefore all were begging that the prodigies be turned to good

5 sed cum falsus rumor exisset tamquam vita excessisset Antiochus adsumptis Iason non minus mille viris repente adgressus est civitatem et civibus ad murum convolantibus ad ultimum adprehensa civitate Menelaus fugit in arcem

5 but when a false rumor had gone out as though Antiochus had departed from life, Jason, having taken up no fewer than a thousand men, suddenly assaulted the city; and as the citizens were flocking to the wall, at last, the city having been seized, Menelaus fled into the citadel

6 Iason vero non parcebat in caede civibus suis nec cogitabat prosperitatem adversus cognatos malum esse maximum arbitrans hostium et non civium se tropea capturum

6 Jason, however, did not spare his fellow citizens in slaughter, nor did he consider that prosperity against kinsmen is the greatest evil, thinking that he would be taking trophies of enemies and not of citizens.

7 et principatum quidem non obtinuit finem vero insidiarum suarum confusione cepit et profugus iterum abiit in Ammaniten

7 and indeed he did not obtain the principate; rather, the end of his plots came in confusion, and, a fugitive, he again went away to the Ammonites

8 ad ultimum in exitum sui conclusus ab Areta Arabum tyrannum fugiens de civitate in civitatem omnibus odiosus ut refuga legum et execrabilis ut patriae et civium hostis in Aegyptum extrusus est

8 at last, for his own ruin, hemmed in by Aretas, tyrant of the Arabs, fleeing from city to city, odious to all as a runaway from the laws and execrable as an enemy of his fatherland and his fellow-citizens, he was expelled into Egypt

9 et qui multos de patria expulerat peregre periit Lacedemonas profectus quasi pro cognatione ibi refugium habiturus

9 and he who had expelled many from the fatherland perished abroad, having set out to Lacedaemon, as though by kinship he would there have a refuge

10 et qui insepultos abiecerat multos ipse et inlamentatus et insepultus abicitur sepultura neque peregrina usus neque patrio sepulchro participans

10 and he who had cast away many unburied, he himself, both unlamented and unburied, is cast out from sepulture, availing himself neither of a foreign burial nor sharing in an ancestral sepulchre

11 his ita gestis suspicatus est rex societatem deserturos Iudaeos et ob hoc profectus ex Aegypto efferatis animis civitatem quidem armis cepit

11 with these things so conducted, the king suspected that the Jews would desert the alliance, and on account of this, having set out from Egypt, with savage spirits, he indeed seized the city by arms

12 iussit autem militibus interficere nec parcere occursantibus et per domos ascendentes trucidare

12 moreover he ordered the soldiers to kill and not to spare those who encountered (them), and, ascending through the houses, to slaughter (them)

13 fiebant ergo caedes iuvenum ac seniorum mulierum et natorum exterminia virginumque et parvulorum neces

13 therefore there occurred slaughters of youths and of elders, exterminations of women and of children, and killings of virgins and little ones

14 erant autem toto triduo octoginta milia interfecti quadraginta milia vincti

14 however, over the whole three days, eighty thousand were slain, forty thousand bound

15 sed nec ista sufficiunt ausus est intrare templum universa terra sanctius Menelao ductore qui legum et patriae fuit proditor

15 but not even these suffice: he dared to enter the temple, holier than the whole earth, with Menelaus as leader, who was a traitor to the laws and to the fatherland

16 et scelestis manibus sumens sancta vasa quae ab aliis regibus et civitatibus erant posita ad ornatum loci et gloriam contrectabat indigne et contaminabat

16 and with wicked hands taking up the holy vessels, which had been set by other kings and cities for the adornment of the place and its glory, he handled them unworthily and contaminated them

17 ita alienatus mente Antiochus non considerabat quod propter peccata habitantium civitatem modicum Dominus fuerat iratus propter quod et accidit circa locum despectio

17 thus, alienated in mind, Antiochus was not considering that because of the sins of the inhabitants of the city the Lord had been angry for a little while, on account of which even contempt befell the place

18 alioquin nisi contigisset eos multis peccatis esse involutos sicut Heliodorus qui missus est a Seleuco rege ad expoliandum aerarium etiam hic statim adveniens flagellatus et repulsus utique fuisset ab audacia

18 otherwise, unless it had happened that they were entangled in many sins, just as Heliodorus—who was sent by King Seleucus to despoil the treasury—this man too, immediately upon arriving, would surely have been scourged and repulsed from his audacity.

19 verum non propter locum gentem sed propter gentem locum Dominus elegit

19 but the Lord chose not the nation on account of the place, but the place on account of the nation

20 ideoque et ipse locus particeps factus est populi malorum postea autem fiet socius et bonorum et qui derelictus in ira Dei omnipotentis iterum in magni Domini reconciliatione cum summa gloria exaltabitur

20 and therefore the place itself too became a participant of the people’s evils; afterwards, however, it will become an associate also of the good things; and that which was forsaken in the wrath of God Almighty will again, in the reconciliation of the great Lord, be exalted with highest glory

21 igitur Antiochus mille et octingentis ablatis de templo talentis velociter Antiochiam regressus est existimans se prae superbia terram ad navigandum pelagus vero ad iter agendum deducturum propter mentis elationem

21 therefore Antiochus, with 1,800 talents taken away from the temple, swiftly returned to Antioch, supposing through superbia that he would make the land for sailing and the sea, in truth, for going on a journey, on account of the elation of his mind

22 reliquit autem et praepositos ad adfligendam gentem Hierosolymis quidem Philippum genere Frigem moribus crudeliorem eo ipso a quo constitutus est

22 he also left prefects to afflict the nation—at Jerusalem, indeed, Philip, by race a Phrygian, in conduct more cruel than the very one by whom he had been appointed

23 in Garizin autem Andronicum et Menelaum qui gravius quam ceteri inminebant civibus

23 but at Garizim, Andronicus and Menelaus, who were pressing upon the citizens more grievously than the others.

24 cumque adpositus esset contra Iudaeos misit odiosum principem Apollonium cum exercitu viginti et duobus milibus praecipiens ei omnes perfectae aetatis interficere mulieres ac iuvenes vendere

24 and when he had been posted against the Jews, he sent the odious commander Apollonius with an army of 22,000, instructing him to kill all of full age and to sell the women and the youths

25 qui cum venisset Hierosolymam pacem simulans quievit usque ad sanctum diem sabbati et tunc feriatis Iudaeis arma capere suis praecepit

25 who, when he had come to Jerusalem, feigning peace, kept quiet until the holy day of the Sabbath, and then, with the Jews at rest, he ordered his own men to take up arms

26 omnesque qui ad spectaculum processerant trucidavit et civitatem cum armatis discurrens ingentem multitudinem peremit

26 and all who had gone forth to the spectacle he slaughtered, and, running through the city with armed men, he destroyed an immense multitude

27 Iudas autem Macchabeus qui decimus fuerat secesserat in desertum locum ibique inter feras vitam in montibus cum suis agebat et faeni cibo vescentes demorabantur ne participes essent coinquinationis

27 Judas, however, Maccabeus, who had been the tenth, had withdrawn into a desert place, and there among wild beasts he was living in the mountains with his own; and, feeding on hay for food, they lingered so that they might not be participants of contamination.

CAPUT 6

CHAPTER 6

1 sed non post multum temporis misit rex senem quendam antiochenum qui conpelleret Iudaeos ut se transferrent a patriis et Dei legibus

1 but not long after, the king sent a certain old man, an Antiochene, to compel the Jews to transfer themselves away from their ancestral and God’s laws

2 contaminare etiam quod in Hierosolymis erat templum et cognominare Iovis Olympii et in Garizin prout erant hii qui locum inhabitabant Iovis Hospitalis

2 to contaminate also the temple that was in Jerusalem and to cognominate it Jupiter Olympian, and at Garizin, according to those who inhabited the place, Jupiter Hospitable

3 pessima autem universis et gravis malorum erat incursio

3 But to all, the incursion was most dire and a grave one of evils.

4 nam templum luxuria et comesationibus erat plenum et scortantium cum meretricibus sacratisque aedibus mulieres se ultro ingerebant intro ferentes ea quae non licebat

4 for the temple was full of luxury and comessations, and of fornicators with harlots; and in the consecrated halls women were thrusting themselves in unbidden, bringing inside things which were not permitted

5 altare etiam plenum erat inlicitis quae legibus prohibebantur

5 the altar also was full of illicit things which were prohibited by the laws

6 neque autem sabbata custodiebantur neque dies sollemnes patrii servabantur nec simpliciter se quisquam Iudaeum esse confitebatur

6 and moreover the sabbaths were not being kept, nor were the ancestral solemn days observed, nor did anyone simply confess himself to be a Jew

7 ducebantur autem cum amara necessitate in die natalis regis ad sacrificia et cum Liberi sacra celebrarentur cogebantur hedera coronati Libero circumire

7 they were led, moreover, with bitter necessity on the king’s natal day to the sacrifices, and when the sacred rites of Liber were being celebrated they were compelled, ivy-crowned, to go around in procession for Liber

8 decretum autem exiit in proximas gentilium civitates suggerentibus Ptolomeis ut pari modo et ipsi adversus Iudaeos agerent ut sacrificarent

8 moreover a decree went out to the neighboring cities of the Gentiles, with the Ptolemies suggesting, that in like manner they too should act against the Jews, that they should sacrifice

9 eos autem qui nollent transire ad instituta gentilium interficerent erat ergo videre miseriam

9 and those who were unwilling to pass over to the institutions of the Gentiles they were to kill; therefore it was a misery to behold

10 duae enim mulieres delatae sunt natos suos circumcidisse quas infantibus ad ubera suspensis cum publice per civitatem circumduxissent per muros praecipitaverunt

10 for two women were denounced for having circumcised their own sons; whom, with the infants hung at their breasts, after they had been led publicly through the city, they hurled headlong from the walls.

11 alii vero ad proximas coeuntes speluncas et latenter sabbati diem celebrantes cum indicati essent Philippo flammis succensi sunt eo quod verebantur propter religionem et observantiam manu sibimet auxilium ferre

11 but others, coming together to the nearest caves and secretly celebrating the day of the Sabbath, when they had been denounced to Philip, were set ablaze with flames, because they were afraid, on account of religion and observance, to bring help with their hand to themselves

12 obsecro autem eos qui hunc librum lecturi sunt ne abhorrescant propter adversos casus sed reputent ea quae acciderunt non ad interitum sed ad correptionem generis esse nostri

12 I beseech, moreover, those who are going to read this book not to abhor because of adverse events, but to reckon that the things which have happened are not for destruction but for the correction of our race.

13 etenim multo tempore non sinere peccatoribus ex sententia agere sed statim ultiones adhibere magni beneficii est indicium

13 for indeed to not allow sinners for a long time to act according to their own sentiment, but to apply retributions immediately, is an indication of great beneficence

14 non enim sicut in aliis nationibus Dominus patienter expectat ut eas cum iudicii dies venerit in plenitudine peccatorum puniat

14 for not, as in other nations, does the Lord patiently wait, so that when the day of judgment has come he may punish them in the fullness of sins

15 ita et in nobis statuit ut peccatis nostris in finem devolutis ita demum in nos vindicet

15 so too he has established for us, that when our sins have been brought to their end, then at last he should take vengeance upon us

16 propter quod numquam quidem a nobis misericordiam suam amovet corripiens vero in adversis populum suum non derelinquit

16 for which reason he indeed never removes his mercy from us, but, while correcting, he does not abandon his people in adversities

17 sed haec nobis ad commonitionem legentium dicta sint paucis iam autem veniendum est ad narrationem

17 but let these things have been said by us, in few words, for the admonition of the readers; now, however, we must come to the narration

18 igitur Eleazarus de primoribus scribarum vir aetate provectus et vultu decorus aperto ore hians conpellebatur carnem porcinam manducare

18 therefore Eleazarus, one of the foremost of the scribes, a man advanced in age and comely of countenance, with mouth open, gaping, was being compelled to eat porcine flesh

19 at ille gloriosam mortem magis quam odibilem vitam amplectens voluntarie praeibat ad supplicium

19 but he, embracing a glorious death rather than an odious life, went forward voluntarily to the punishment

20 intuens autem quemadmodum oportet accedere patienter sustinens destinavit non admittere inlicita propter vitae amorem

20 but looking upon how it is proper to accede, patiently sustaining, he determined not to admit illicit things on account of the love of life

21 hii autem qui adstabant iniqua miseratione commoti propter antiquam viri amicitiam tollentes eum secreto rogabant adferri carnes quibus vesci ei licebat et simularetur manducasse sicut rex imperaverat de sacrificii carnibus

21 but those who were standing by, moved by unjust commiseration on account of the man’s ancient friendship, taking him aside in secret, were begging that meats be brought which it was lawful for him to eat, and that he should pretend to have eaten, as the king had commanded, from the meats of the sacrifice

22 ut hoc facto a morte liberaretur et propter veterem amicitiam hanc in eo facerent humanitatem

22 that by this having been done he might be liberated from death, and, on account of the old friendship, they might perform this humanity toward him

23 at ille cogitationem cepit aetatis ac senectutis suae eminentiam dignam et ingenuitatem nobilitatis canitiem atque a puero optimae conversationis et secundum sanctae et a Deo conditae legis constituta respondit cito dicens praemitti se velle in infernum

23 but he conceived a thought worthy of the eminence of his age and of his own old age, and of the ingenuousness of nobility—his gray hairs—and of most excellent conversation from boyhood, and, according to the constitutions of the holy law founded by God, he answered quickly, saying that he wished to be sent forward into the underworld.

24 non enim aetatem nostram dignum est inquit fingere ut multi adulescentium arbitrati Eleazarum nonaginta annorum transisse ad vitam alienigenarum

24 for it is not worthy of our age, he says, to feign, so that many of the adolescents would suppose Eleazar, ninety years of age, to have crossed over to the life of the alien‑born.

25 et ipsi propter meam simulationem et propter modicum corruptibilis vitae tempus decipiantur et per hoc maculam atque execrationem meae senectuti conquiram

25 and they themselves, on account of my pretense and on account of the modicum of time of corruptible life, would be deceived, and through this I would procure for my old age a stain and an execration

26 nam et si in praesenti tempore suppliciis hominum eripiar sed manus Omnipotentis neque vivens neque defunctus effugiam

26 for even if at the present time I should be snatched from the punishments of men, yet the hand of the Omnipotent I shall not escape, neither living nor dead

27 quam ob rem fortiter vitam excedendo senectute quidem dignus apparebo

27 Wherefore, by bravely departing from life, I shall indeed appear worthy in my old age.

28 adulescentibus autem exemplum forte relinquam si prompto animo ac fortiter pro gravissimis et sanctissimis legibus honesta morte perfungar his dictis confestim ad supplicium trahebatur

28 but for the adolescents I shall leave a strong example, if with a prompt spirit and bravely, for the most grave and most sacred laws, I undergo an honorable death; with these words he was immediately dragged off to execution

29 hii autem qui eum ducebant et paulo ante fuerant mitiores in iram versi sunt propter sermones ab eo dictos quos illi per arrogantiam prolatos arbitrabantur

29 however, those who were leading him, and a little before had been more mild, were turned to wrath because of the discourses spoken by him, which they supposed had been brought forth through arrogance

30 sed cum plagis perimeretur ingemuit et dixit Domine qui habes sanctam scientiam manifeste scis tu quia cum a morte possim liberari duros corporis sustineo dolores secundum animam vero propter timorem tuum libenter haec patior

30 but when he was being slain by blows, he groaned and said: Lord, you who have holy science, manifestly you know that, although I could be freed from death, I sustain the hard pains of the body; but as to the soul, on account of fear of you, I willingly suffer these things.

31 et iste quidem hoc modo vita decessit non solum iuvenibus sed et universae genti memoriam mortis suae ad exemplum virtutis et fortitudinis derelinquens

31 and he indeed in this way departed from life, leaving behind not only to the youths but also to the whole people the memory of his death as an example of virtue and fortitude

CAPUT 7

CHAPTER 7

1 contigit autem et septem fratres cum matre adprehensos conpelli a rege contra fas ad carnes porcinas flagris et taureis cruciatos

1 and it also befell that seven brothers, together with their mother, having been apprehended, were compelled by the king, against divine law, to eat porcine meats, being tortured with scourges and bull‑hide thongs

2 unus autem ex illis qui erat primus sic ait quid quaeris et quid vis discere a nobis parati sumus mori magis quam patrias Dei leges praevaricari

2 but one of them, who was first, thus said: What do you seek, and what do you wish to learn from us? We are prepared to die rather than transgress the ancestral laws of God.

3 iratus itaque rex iussit sartagines et ollas aeneas succendi quibus statim succensis

3 Enraged, therefore, the king ordered frying-pans and bronze pots to be heated, which, immediately heated,

4 iussit ei qui prior fuerat locutus amputari linguam et cute capitis abstracta summas quoque manus ei et pedes praecidi ceteris eius fratribus et matre inspicientibus

4 he ordered that the one who had spoken first have his tongue amputated, and, with the skin of the head drawn off, that his hands and feet also be cut off, while his other brothers and his mother were looking on

5 et cum iam per omnia inutilis factus esset iussit ignem admoveri et adhuc spirantem torreri in sartaginem in qua cum diu cruciaretur ceteri una cum matre invicem se hortabantur mori fortiter

5 and when he had already been made useless in every respect, he ordered the fire to be brought near and that, while still breathing, he be roasted on the frying-pan, in which, as he was long tormented, the others together with their mother exhorted one another to die bravely

6 dicentes Dominus Deus aspiciat veritatem et consolabitur in nobis quemadmodum protestationem cantici declaravit Moses et in servis suis consolabitur

6 saying, Let the Lord God look upon the truth, and he will be consoled in us, just as Moses declared the protestation of the canticle, and he will be consoled in his servants

7 mortuo itaque primo illo hoc modo sequentem deducebant ad inludendum et cute capitis eius cum capillis detracta interrogabant si manducaret priusquam toto corpore per membra singula puniretur

7 therefore, when the first had died in this manner, they led the following one forth for mockery, and with the skin of his head with the hair stripped off, they were asking whether he would eat before he was punished in his whole body, limb by limb

8 at ille respondens patria voce dixit non faciam propter quod et iste sequenti loco primi tormenta suscepit

8 but he, responding in the voice of his fatherland, said, “I will not do it”; for which reason this one too, in the next place, received the torments of the first.

9 et in ultimo spiritu constitutus ait tu quidem scelestissime in praesenti vita nos perdis sed rex mundi defunctos nos pro suis legibus in aeternae vitae resurrectione suscitabit

9 and, being at his last breath, he said you indeed, most wicked one, in the present life destroy us, but the king of the world will raise us, the defunct, for his laws, in the resurrection of eternal life

10 post hunc tertius inludebatur et linguam postulatus cito protulit et manus constanter extendit

10 after this, the third was being mocked, and, his tongue having been demanded, he quickly put it forth and steadfastly extended his hands

11 et cum fiducia ait e caelo ista possideo sed propter Dei leges nunc haec ipsa despicio quoniam ab ipso me ea recepturum spero

11 and with confidence he said, I possess these from heaven; but on account of the laws of God I now despise these very things, since I hope to receive them back from him

12 ita ut rex et qui cum ipso erant mirarentur adulescentis animum quod tamquam nihili duceret cruciatus

12 so that the king and those who were with him marveled at the adolescent’s spirit, because he reckoned the tortures as nothing.

13 et hoc ita defuncto quartum similiter vexabant torquentes

13 and when this one had thus died, they were likewise vexing, torturing the fourth

14 et cum iam esset ad mortem sic ait potius est ab hominibus morti datos spem expectare a Deo iterum ab ipso resuscitandos tibi enim resurrectio ad vitam non erit

14 and when he was now at the point of death, he thus said: it is better for those given over to death by men to expect hope from God, to be raised up again by him; for for you there will not be a resurrection unto life.

15 et cum admovissent quintum vexabant eum at ille respiciens in eum

15 and when they had brought forward the fifth, they were tormenting him; but he, looking at him,

16 dixit potestatem inter homines habens cum sis corruptibilis facis quod vis noli autem putare genus nostrum a Deo esse derelictum

16 he said, having power among men, although you are corruptible, you do what you wish; but do not think our race has been forsaken by God

17 patienter sustine et videbis magna potestas ipsius qualiter te et semen tuum torquebit

17 endure patiently, and you will see his great power, how he will torment you and your seed

18 post hunc ducebant et sextum et is mori incipiens sic ait noli frustra errare nos enim propter nosmet ipsos haec patimur peccantes in Deum nostrum et digna admiratione facta sunt in nobis

18 after this they led also the sixth, and he, beginning to die, thus said: do not err in vain; for we on account of our very selves suffer these things, sinning against our God; and things worthy of admiration have been done in us.

19 tu autem ne existimes tibi inpune futurum quod contra Deum pugnare temptaveris

19 but you, do not think it will be with impunity for you that you have attempted to fight against God

20 supra modum autem mater mirabilis et bonorum memoria digna quae pereuntes septem filios sub unius diei tempore conspiciens bono animo ferebat propter spem quam in Deum habebat

20 beyond measure, however, the mother was marvelous and worthy of memory among the good, who, beholding her seven sons perishing within the time of a single day, bore it with good spirit on account of the hope which she had in God

21 singulos illorum hortabatur patria voce fortiter repleta sapientia et femineae cogitationi masculinum animum inserens

21 she was exhorting each of them with the native voice, bravely, filled with wisdom, and inserting a masculine spirit into feminine cogitation

22 dixit ad eos nescio qualiter in utero meo apparuistis neque enim ego spiritum et animam donavi vobis et vitam et singulorum membra non ego ipsa conpegi

22 she said to them: I know not how you appeared in my womb; for it was not I who gave you spirit and soul and life, nor did I myself compact the members of each one

23 sed enim mundi creator qui formavit hominis nativitatem quique omnium invenit originem et spiritum vobis iterum cum misericordia reddet et vitam sicut nunc vosmet ipsos despicitis propter leges eius

23 but indeed the creator of the world, who formed the nativity of man, and who found the origin of all things, will again with mercy restore to you both spirit and life, just as you now despise your very selves on account of his laws

24 Antiochus autem contemni se arbitratus simul et exprobrantis voce despecta cum adhuc adulescentior superesset non solum verbis hortabatur sed et iuramento adfirmabat divitem se et beatum facturum et translatum a patriis legibus amicum habiturum et res necessarias praebiturum

24 But Antiochus, supposing himself to be contemned and, at the same time, despising the voice of the one reproaching, when the younger was still remaining, not only exhorted him with words but also affirmed with an oath that he would make him rich and happy, and, translated from his ancestral laws, would have him as a friend and would provide the necessary things.

25 sed ad ista cum adulescens nequaquam inclinaretur vocavit rex matrem et suadebat ut adulescenti fieret in salutem

25 but when to these things the adolescent by no means inclined, the king called the mother and was persuading that it might be done for the adolescent unto safety

26 cum autem multis eam verbis esset hortatus promisit suasuram se filio suo

26 but when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised that she would persuade her son

27 itaque inclinata ad illum inridens crudelem tyrannum ait patria voce fili mi miserere mei quae te in utero decem menses portavi et lac triennio dedi et alui et in aetatem istam perduxi

27 and so, leaning toward him, mocking the cruel tyrant, she said in her native tongue: my son, have mercy on me, I who carried you in the womb for ten months, and gave milk for three years, and nourished you, and brought you to this age

28 peto nate aspicias in caelum et terram et ad omnia quae in eis sunt et intellegas quia ex nihilo fecit illa Deus et hominum genus

28 I ask, my son, that you look upon heaven and earth, and upon all the things that are in them, and understand that God made those things out of nothing, and the race of men.

29 ita fit ut non timeas carnificem istum sed dignus fratribus tuis effectus suscipe mortem ut in illa miseratione cum fratribus tuis te recipiam

29 so then, do not fear this executioner, but, made worthy of your brothers, accept death, so that in that mercy I may receive you with your brothers.

30 cum haec illa adhuc diceret ait adulescens quem sustinetis non oboedio praecepto regis sed praecepto legis quae data est nobis per Mosen

30 while she was still saying these things, the young man said, What are you waiting for? I do not obey the precept of the king, but the precept of the law which was given to us through Moses.

31 tu vero qui inventor omnis malitiae factus es in Hebraeos non effugies manum Dei

31 but you indeed, who have become the inventor of all malice against the Hebrews, will not escape the hand of God

32 nos enim pro peccatis nostris haec patimur

32 for we indeed suffer these things on account of our sins

33 et si nobis propter increpationem et correptionem Dominus noster modicum iratus est sed iterum reconciliabitur servis suis

33 and if our Lord has been a little angry with us on account of rebuke and correction, yet he will again be reconciled to his servants

34 tu autem o sceleste et omnium hominum flagitiosissime noli frustra extolli vanis spebus in servos eius inflammatus

34 but you, O wicked one and most flagitious of all men, do not vainly exalt yourself, inflamed against his servants by empty hopes

35 nondum enim omnipotentis Dei et omnia inspicientis iudicium effugisti

35 for you have not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God, who inspects all things

36 nam fratres mei modico nunc dolore sustentato sub testamento aeternae vitae effecti sunt tu vero iudicio Dei iustas superbiae poenas solves

36 for my brothers, now sustained by a slight pain, have come to be under the testament of eternal life; but you, by the judgment of God, will pay the just penalties of pride.

37 ego autem sicut fratres mei animam et corpus meum trado pro patriis legibus invocans Deum maturius genti nostrae propitium fieri teque cum tormentis et verberibus confiteri quod ipse est Deus solus

37 But I, for my part, like my brothers, deliver up my soul and my body for the ancestral laws, invoking God to become more speedily propitious to our nation, and that you, by torments and scourgings, may confess that he himself is God alone.

38 in me vero et in fratribus meis desinet Omnipotentis ira quae super omne genus nostrum iuste superducta est

38 but upon me and upon my brothers the wrath of the Omnipotent will cease, which over all our race has been justly brought down

39 tunc rex accensus ira in hunc super omnes crudelius desaeviit indigne ferens derisum se

39 then the king, inflamed with anger, raged against this one more cruelly than all, bearing indignantly that he himself had been derided

40 et hic itaque mundus obiit per omnia in Domino confidens

40 and thus this one, pure, died, in all things confiding in the Lord

41 novissime autem et mater consummata est

41 last of all, moreover, the mother too was consummated

42 igitur de sacrificiis et de nimiis crudelitatibus satis dictum

42 therefore, about sacrifices and about excessive cruelties, enough has been said

CAPUT 8

CHAPTER 8

1 Iudas vero Macchabeus et qui cum illo erant introibant latenter in castella et convocantes cognatos et eos qui permanserant in iudaismo adsumentes eduxerunt ad sex milia viros

1 But Judas Maccabaeus and those who were with him were entering covertly into the strongholds, and, calling together their kinsmen and those who had remained in Judaism, enlisting them, they mustered up to six thousand men.

2 et invocabant Dominum ut respiceret in populum qui ab omnibus calcabatur misereretur templo quod contaminabatur ab impiis

2 and they were invoking the Lord, that He would look upon the people who were being trampled underfoot by all, and would have mercy on the temple which was being contaminated by the impious

3 misereretur etiam exterminio civitatis quae esset ilico conplananda et vocem sanguinis ad se clamantis audiret

3 and that he would have mercy also on the extermination of the city, which was about to be immediately leveled flat, and would hear the voice of the blood crying out to him

4 memoraretur quoque iniquissimas mortes innocentium parvulorum et blasphemias nomini suo inlatas et indignaretur super his

4 that there might be remembrance also of the most iniquitous deaths of innocent little ones, and of the blasphemies brought upon his name, and that he would be indignant over these things

5 at Macchabeus congregata multitudine intolerabilis gentibus efficiebatur ira enim Domini in misericordiam conversa est

5 but Maccabaeus, the multitude having been congregated, was becoming intolerable to the Gentiles; for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy.

6 et superveniens castellis et civitatibus inprovisus succendebat eas et oportuna loca occupans non paucas hostium strages dabat

6 and, coming upon the castles and cities unlooked-for, he set them ablaze, and by occupying opportune places he was giving not a few slaughters upon the enemies

7 maxime autem noctibus ad huiuscemodi excursus ferebatur et fama virtutis eius ubique diffundebatur

7 most of all, however, by nights he was borne to excursions of this kind, and the fame of his virtue was being diffused everywhere

8 videns autem Philippus paulatim virum ad profectum venire ac frequentius res ei prospere cedere ad Ptolomeum ducem Coelesyriae et Foenicis scripsit ut auxilium ferret regis negotiis

8 But Philip, seeing that the man was gradually coming to advancement and that things were more frequently turning out prosperously for him, wrote to Ptolemy, the duke of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, to bring aid to the king’s affairs.

9 at ille velociter misit Nicanorem Patrocli de primoribus amicum datis ei permixtis gentibus armatis non minus viginti milibus ut universum Iudaeorum genus deleret adiuncto ei Gorgia viro militari

9 but he swiftly sent Nicanor, a friend of Patroclus, from among the foremost, having given to him mixed nations of armed men, not less than 20,000, to destroy the entire race of the Jews, with Gorgias, a military man, joined to him.

10 constituit autem Nicanor regi ut tributum Romanis quod erat dandum duo milia talentum de captivitate Iudaeorum suppleret

10 moreover Nicanor determined to the king that the tribute to the Romans, which was to be given—two thousand talents—he would make up from the captivity of the Jews

11 statimque ad maritimas misit civitates convocans ad coemptionem iudaeorum mancipiorum promittens se nonaginta mancipia talento distracturum non respiciens ad vindictam quae eum ab Omnipotente esset consecutura

11 and immediately he sent to the maritime cities, convoking them for the purchase of Jewish slaves, promising that he would sell ninety slaves for a talent, not regarding the vengeance that from the Omnipotent was going to overtake him

12 Iudas autem ubi conperit indicavit his qui secum erant Iudaeis Nicanoris adventum

12 But Judas, when he learned, indicated to the Jews who were with him the advent of Nicanor.

13 ex quibus quidam formidantes et non credentes Dei iustitiae in fugam vertebantur

13 among whom certain, fearful and not believing in the justice of God, were turned to flight

14 alii vero si quid eis supererat vendebant simulque Dominum deprecabantur ut eriperet eos ab impio Nicanore qui eos priusquam in comminus veniret vendiderat

14 but others, indeed, if anything was left over to them, were selling it, and at the same time were beseeching the Lord to deliver them from the impious Nicanor, who had sold them before he came into close quarters.

15 si non propter eos propter testamentum quod erat ad patres eorum et propter invocationem sancti et magnifici nominis eius super ipsos

15 if not for them, then for the covenant which was with their fathers, and for the invocation of his holy and magnificent name over them

16 convocatis autem Macchabeus septem milibus qui cum ipso erant rogabat ne hostibus reconciliarentur neque metuerent inique venientium adversum se hostium multitudinem sed fortiter contenderent

16 however, Maccabeus, having called together seven thousand who were with him, was beseeching that they not be reconciled to the enemies nor fear the multitude of enemies coming iniquitously against them, but that they contend bravely.

17 ante oculos habentes contumeliam quae in locum sanctum ab his iniuste esset inlata itemque et ludibria habitae civitatis iniuriam adhuc etiam veterum instituta convulsa

17 having before their eyes the contumely which had been unjustly inflicted upon the holy place by them, and likewise the mockeries—the injury of the city held to scorn—and furthermore that even the institutions of the ancients had been convulsed (torn up).

18 nam illi quidem armis confidunt ait simul et audacia nos autem in omnipotente Domino qui potest venientes adversus nos et universum mundum uno nutu delere confidimus

18 for they indeed trust in arms, he says, and likewise in audacity; but we put our trust in the Omnipotent Lord, who is able with a single nod to destroy those coming against us and the whole world.

19 admonuit autem eos et de auxiliis Dei quae facta sunt erga parentes et sub Sennacherim centum octoginta quinque milia ut perierunt

19 moreover, he reminded them also of the aids of God which were done toward the ancestors, and how under Sennacherib 185,000 perished

20 et de proelio quod eis adversus Galatas fuit in Babylonia ut omnes ubi ad rem ventum est Macedonibus sociis haesitantibus ipsi sex milia soli peremerunt centum viginti milia propter auxilium illis datum e caelo et beneficia pro his plurima consecuti sunt

20 and about the battle which they had against the Galatians in Babylonia, how, when it came to close quarters, with the Macedonians, their allies, hesitating, they themselves—6,000 alone—slew 120,000 because of the help given to them from heaven, and they obtained very many benefactions in return for these things.

21 his verbis constantes effecti sunt et pro legibus et patria mori parati

21 by these words they were made steadfast and prepared to die for the laws and the fatherland

22 constituit itaque fratres suos duces utrique ordini Simonem et Iosepphum et Ionathan subiectis unicuique millenis et quingentenis

22 and so he appointed his brothers as leaders for each order—Simon and Joseph and Jonathan—with a thousand and five hundred assigned to each.

23 ad hoc etiam ab Ezra lecto illis sancto libro et dato signo adiutorio Dei in prima acie ipse dux commisit cum Nicanore

23 Moreover, after the sacred book had been read to them by Ezra, and the sign having been given, "The Help of God," in the front line the leader himself joined battle with Nicanor

24 et facto sibi adiutore Omnipotente interfecerunt super novem milia hominum maiorem autem partem exercitus Nicanoris vulneribus debilem factam fugere conpulerunt

24 and, the Omnipotent having been made their helper, they killed over nine thousand men, and they compelled the greater part of Nicanor’s army, made feeble by wounds, to flee

25 pecuniis vero eorum qui ad emptionem ipsorum venerant sublatis ipsos usquequaque persecuti sunt

25 but with the monies of those who had come for the purchase of them taken away, they pursued them everywhere.

26 sed reverterunt hora conclusi nam erat ante sabbatum quam ob causam non perseveraverunt insequentes

26 but they returned, constrained by the hour; for it was before the sabbath, for which cause they did not persevere in pursuing

27 arma autem ipsorum et spolia congregantes sabbatum agebant benedicentes Dominum qui liberavit eos in isto die misericordiae initium stillans in eos

27 but collecting their arms and spoils, they were keeping the sabbath, blessing the Lord who delivered them on that day, distilling upon them the beginning of mercy

28 post sabbatum vero debilibus et orfanis et viduis diviserunt spolia et residua ipsi cum suis habuere

28 But after the Sabbath they divided the spoils to the weak and the orphans and the widows, and the residual they themselves kept with their own.

29 his ita gestis et communiter ab omnibus facta obsecratione misericordem Dominum postulabant ut in finem servis suis reconciliaretur

29 with these things thus done, and with a supplication made in common by all, they petitioned the merciful Lord that he would be reconciled to his servants unto the end

30 et ex his qui cum Timotheo et Bacchide erant contra se contendentes super viginti milia interfecerunt et munitiones excelsas obtinuerunt et plures praedas diviserunt aequam portionem debilibus pupillis et viduis sed et senioribus facientes

30 and of those who were with Timothy and Bacchides, contending against them, they slew over 20,000, and they obtained lofty fortifications, and they divided many spoils, making an equal portion for the weak, the orphans and the widows, but also for the elders.

31 et cum arma eorum collegissent diligenter omnia conposuerunt in locis oportunis residua vero spolia Hierosolymam detulerunt

31 and when they had collected their arms, they diligently arranged everything in opportune places, but the remaining spoils they brought to Jerusalem

32 et phylarchen qui cum Timotheo erat interfecerunt virum scelestum qui in multis Iudaeos adflixerat

32 and they killed the phylarch who was with Timothy, a wicked man who had afflicted the Jews in many ways

33 et cum epicinia agerent in Hierosolymis eos qui sacras ianuas incenderant id est Callistenen cum in quodam domicilio refugisset incenderunt digna ei mercede pro impietatibus suis reddita

33 and while they were celebrating epinicia in Jerusalem, those who had set fire to the sacred gates—namely Callisthenes—when he had taken refuge in a certain dwelling, they burned, a worthy merced for his impieties having been repaid to him

34 facinorosissimus autem Nicanor qui mille negotiantes ad Iudaeorum venditionem adduxerat

34 but the most criminal Nicanor, who had brought a thousand merchants for the sale of the Jews

35 humiliatus auxilio Domini ab his quos nullos existimaverat deposita veste gloriae per mediterranea fugiens solus venit Antiochiam summam infelicitatem de interitu sui exercitus consecutus

35 humiliated by the aid of the Lord by those whom he had esteemed as nothing, his garment of glory laid aside, fleeing through the inland regions he came alone to Antioch, having incurred the utmost ill-fortune from the destruction of his army.

36 et qui promiserat Romanis se tributum restituere de captivitate Hierosolymorum praedicabat nunc protectorem Deum habere Iudaeos et ob ipsum invulnerabiles esse eo quod sequerentur leges ab ipso constitutas

36 and he who had promised the Romans that he would restore the tribute from the captivity of Jerusalem was proclaiming that now the Jews have God as Protector and on account of Him are invulnerable, because they follow the laws constituted by Him

CAPUT 9

CHAPTER 9

1 eodem tempore Antiochus inhoneste revertebatur de Perside

1 at the same time Antiochus was returning dishonorably from Persia

2 intraverat enim ea quae dicitur Persipolis et temptavit expoliare templa et civitatem opprimere sed multitudine ad arma concurrente in fugam versi sunt et ita contigit ut Antiochus post fugam turpiter rediret

2 for he had entered that place which is called Persepolis and attempted to despoil the temples and to oppress the city, but when a multitude ran together to arms, they were put to flight, and thus it befell that Antiochus, after the flight, returned disgracefully

3 et cum venisset circa Ecbatana recognovit quae erga Nicanorem et Timotheum gesta sunt

3 and when he had come near Ecbatana, he recognized what had been done with regard to Nicanor and Timotheus

4 elatus autem ira arbitrabatur se iniuriam illorum qui se fugaverant posse in Iudaeos retorquere ideoque iussit agitari currum sine intermissione agens iter caelesti eum iudicio perurguente quod ita superbe locutus est venturum se Hierosolymam et congeriem sepulchri Iudaeorum eam facturum

4 but, elated with anger, he supposed that he could retort upon the Jews the injury of those who had put him to flight; and therefore he ordered the chariot to be driven without intermission as he made the journey, with heavenly judgment pressing him hard, because he had thus spoken so superbly: that he would come to Jerusalem and would make it a heap of the Jews’ sepulchre.

5 sed qui universa conspicit Dominus Israhel percussit eum insanabili et invisibili plaga ut enim finivit hunc ipsum sermonem adprehendit eum dolor dirus viscerum et amara internorum tormenta

5 but the Lord of Israel, who beholds all things, struck him with an incurable and invisible plague; for when he had finished this very discourse, a dire pain of the viscera seized him, and bitter torments of the internal parts.

6 et quidem satis iuste quippe qui multis et novis cruciatibus aliorum torserat viscera licet ille nullo modo a sua malitia cessaret

6 and indeed quite justly, since he, who had tortured the viscera of others with many and novel torments, in no way ceased from his malice.

7 super haec autem superbia repletus ignem spirans animo in Iudaeos et praecipiens adcelerare negotium contigit illum impetu euntem de curru cadere et gravi corporis conlisione membra vexare

7 but moreover, filled with pride, breathing fire in his mind against the Jews and ordering the business to be accelerated, it befell him, as he rushed along, to fall from the chariot and, by a grievous collision of the body, to afflict his limbs.

8 isque qui sibi videbatur etiam fluctibus maris imperare supra humanum modum superbia repletus et montium altitudines in statera adpendere nunc humiliatus ad terram in gestatorio portabatur manifestam Dei virtutem in semet ipso contestans

8 and he, who seemed to himself to command even the waves of the sea, filled with pride beyond the human measure, and to weigh the heights of mountains in a balance, now humbled, was being carried on a litter close to the ground, attesting in his very self the manifest power of God.

9 ita ut de corpore impii vermes scaturrirent ac viventes in doloribus carnes eius effluerent odore etiam illius et fetore exercitus gravaretur

9 so that from the body of the impious one worms gushed forth, and, living in pains, his flesh flowed out, and even by his odor and fetor the army was burdened

10 et qui paulo ante sidera caeli contingere se arbitrabatur eum nemo poterat propter intolerantiam fetoris portare

10 and he who a little before supposed himself to be touching the stars of heaven, him no one was able to carry because of the intolerability of the fetor

11 hinc igitur coepit ex gravi superbia deductus ad agnitionem sui venire divina admonitus plaga per momenta singula doloribus suis augmenta capientibus

11 Hence, therefore, brought down from grave arrogance, he began to come to a recognition of himself, admonished by a divine plague, as his pains, at each moment, were taking on augmentations.

12 et cum nec ipse iam fetorem suum ferre posset ita ait iustum est subditum esse Deo et mortalem non paria Deo sentire

12 and when not even he himself could now bear his own fetor, thus he said: it is just to be subject to God, and for a mortal not to sense parity with God

13 orabat autem haec scelestus Dominum a quo non esset misericordiam consecuturus

13 but the wicked man was praying these things to the Lord, from whom he would not be going to obtain mercy

14 et civitatem ad quam festinans veniebat ut eam ad solum deduceret et sepulchrum congestorum faceret nunc optat liberam reddere

14 and the city to which, hastening, he was coming, in order to reduce it to the ground and to make a sepulcher of the heaped-up, now he desires to render free

15 et Iudaeos quos nec sepultura quidem se dignos habituros sed avibus ac feris diripiendos traditurum et cum parvulis exterminaturum dixerat aequales nunc Atheniensibus facturum pollicetur

15 and the Jews, whom he had said that he himself would not deem worthy even of burial, but would hand over to be torn by birds and wild beasts and would exterminate along with their little ones, he now promises that he will make equals to the Athenians

16 templum etiam sanctum quod prius expoliaverat optimis donis ornaturum et sancta vasa multiplicaturum et pertinentes ad sacrificia sumptus de reditibus suis praestaturum

16 that he would also adorn the holy temple, which previously he had despoiled, with the best gifts, and would multiply the sacred vessels, and would provide the expenses pertaining to the sacrifices from his own revenues

17 super haec et Iudaeum futurum et omnem locum terrae perambulaturum et praedicaturum Dei potestatem

17 over and above these things, that he would be a Jew, and would traverse every place of the earth, and would proclaim the power of God

18 sed non cessantibus doloribus supervenerat enim in eum iustum Dei iudicium desperans scripsit ad Iudaeos in modum deprecationis epistulam haec continentem

18 but as the pains did not cease—for upon him there had come the just judgment of God—despairing, he wrote to the Jews, in the mode of a supplication, an epistle containing these things

19 optimis civibus Iudaeis plurimam salutem et bene valere et esse felices rex et princeps Antiochus

19 to the most excellent Jewish citizens, very many greetings, and may you be well and happy, King and Prince Antiochus

20 si bene valetis et filii vestri et ex sententia vobis cuncta sunt maximas agimus gratias

20 if you and your sons are well, and all things are to your satisfaction, we render very great thanks

21 et ego in infirmitate constitutus vestri autem benigne memor regressus de Persidis locis et infirmitate gravi adprehensus necessarium duxi pro communi utilitate curam habere

21 and I, established in infirmity, yet kindly mindful of you, having returned from the regions of Persia and seized with a grave infirmity, deemed it necessary, for the common utility, to have care

22 non desperans memet ipsum sed spem multam habeo effugiendi infirmitatem

22 not despairing of myself, but I have much hope of escaping the infirmity

23 respiciens autem quod et pater quibus temporibus in locis superioribus ducebat exercitum ostendit qui post se susciperet principatum

23 but looking back, moreover, that his father also, at such times as in the upper regions he was leading the army, pointed out one who would, after himself, assume the principate

24 ut si quid contrarium accideret aut difficile nuntiaretur scientes hii qui in regionibus erant cui esset rerum summa derelicta non turbarentur

24 so that, if anything contrary should happen or something difficult be reported, those who were in the regions, knowing to whom the supreme command of affairs had been left, would not be disturbed.

25 ad haec considerans de proximo potentes quosque et vicinos temporibus insidiantes et eventum expectantes designavi filium meum Antiochum regem quem saepe recurrens in superiora regna multis vestrum commendabam et scripsi ad eum quae subiecta sunt

25 considering moreover that those powerful at hand and the neighbors are lying in wait for the times and awaiting the outcome, I have designated my son Antiochus as king, whom, as I often returned to the upper kingdoms, I was commending to many of you; and I have written to him what is subjoined.

26 orate itaque vos et peto memores beneficiorum publice et privatim ut unusquisque conservet fidem ad me et ad filium meum

26 Therefore I pray you and I ask, mindful of the benefits publicly and privately, that each one preserve faith toward me and toward my son.

27 confido enim eum modeste et humane acturum et sequentem propositum meum communem vobis fore

27 for I trust that he will act modestly and humanely, and, following my purpose, will be common to you

28 igitur homicida et blasphemus pessime percussus et ut ipse alios tractaverat peregre in montibus miserabili obitu vita functus est

28 therefore the murderer and blasphemer, most grievously struck down, and, as he himself had treated others, abroad in the mountains, with a miserable demise, finished his life.

29 transferebat autem corpus Philippus conlactaneus eius qui metuens filium Antiochi ad Ptolomeum Filometora in Aegyptum abiit

29 however, Philip, his milk-brother, was transferring the body, and, fearing the son of Antiochus, he went away to Ptolemy Philometor in Egypt

CAPUT 10

CHAPTER 10

1 Macchabeus autem et qui cum illo erant Domino se protegente templum quidem et civitatem recepit

1 Maccabeus, however, and those who were with him, with the Lord protecting them, indeed recovered the temple and the city.

2 aras autem quas alienigenae per plateas extruxerant itemque delubra demolitus est

2 and he demolished the altars which the foreigners had erected throughout the streets, and likewise the shrines

3 et purgato templo aliud altare fecerunt et de ignitis lapidibus igne concepto obtulerunt sacrificia post biennium et incensum et lucernas et panes propositionis posuerunt

3 and, the temple having been purified, they made another altar, and from ignited stones, with fire having been kindled, they offered sacrifices after two years, and they set the incense and the lamps and the loaves of proposition

4 quibus gestis rogabant Dominum prostrati in terram ne amplius malis talibus inciderent sed et si quando peccassent ut ab ipso mitius corriperentur et non blasphemis ac barbaris hominibus traderentur

4 after these things had been done, they were beseeching the Lord, prostrate on the ground, that they might no longer fall into such evils, but also that, if ever they should sin, they might be corrected more mildly by him, and not be handed over to blasphemous and barbarous men

5 qua die autem templum ab alienigenis pollutum fuerat contigit eadem die purgationem fieri vicesima et quinta mensis qui fuit casleu

5 on the day moreover on which the temple had been polluted by foreigners, it befell that the purification was made on the same day, the twenty-fifth of the month which was Casleu

6 et cum laetitia diebus octo egerunt in modum tabernaculorum recordantes quod ante modicum temporis diem sollemnem tabernaculorum in montibus more bestiarum egerant

6 and with joy they kept eight days in the manner of Tabernacles, remembering that a little time before they had kept the solemn day of Tabernacles in the mountains after the manner of beasts

7 propter quod tyrsos et ramos virides et palmas praeferebant ei qui prosperavit mundari locum suum

7 for which reason they were bearing thyrsi and green branches and palms before him who had prospered that his place be cleansed

8 et decreverunt communi praecepto et decreto universae genti Iudaeorum omnibus annis agere dies istos

8 and they decreed, by common precept and decree, for the whole nation of the Jews to keep these days every year

9 et Antiochi quidem qui appellatus est Nobilis vitae excessus ita se habuit

9 and indeed the decease of Antiochus, who was called the Noble, was as follows

10 nunc autem de Eupatore Antiochi filio impii quae gesta sunt narrabimus breviantes mala quae in bellis gesta sunt

10 Now, however, concerning Eupator, the son of Antiochus the impious, we will narrate what was done, abbreviating the evils that were carried out in the wars.

11 hic suscepto regno constituit super negotia regni Lysiam quendam Foenicis et Syriae militiae principem

11 and he, having taken up the kingdom, appointed over the affairs of the kingdom a certain Lysias, commander of the military of Phoenicia and Syria

12 nam Ptolomeus qui dicebatur Macer iusti tenax erga Iudaeos esse instituit et praecipue propter iniquitatem quae facta erat in eos et pacifice agere cum eis

12 for Ptolemy, who was called Macer, resolved to be tenacious of justice toward the Jews, and especially on account of the iniquity that had been done against them, and to deal peaceably with them

13 sed ob hoc accusatus ab amicis apud Eupatorem cum frequenter proditor audiret eo quod Cyprum creditus a Filometore Nobilem translatus etiam ab eo recessisset veneno vitam finivit

13 but on account of this, accused by his friends before Eupator, as he frequently heard “traitor,” because, having been entrusted with Cyprus by Philometor, transferred over to Antiochus the Illustrious, and even having withdrawn from him as well, he ended his life by poison

14 Gorgias autem cum esset dux locorum adsumptis advenis frequenter Iudaeos debellabat

14 But Gorgias, moreover, since he was commander of the places, having taken on foreigners, frequently was subduing the Jews.

15 Iudaei vero qui tenebant oportunas munitiones fugatos ab Hierosolymis suscipiebant et bellare temptabant

15 But the Jews, who were holding opportune fortifications, were receiving those routed from Jerusalem and were attempting to wage war.

16 hii vero qui erant cum Macchabeo per orationes Dominum rogantes ut esset sibi adiutor impetum fecerunt in munitiones Idumeorum

16 but those who were with Maccabeus, through prayers beseeching the Lord to be a helper to them, made an assault upon the fortifications of the Idumaeans

17 multaque vi insistentes loca obtinuerunt occurrentes interemerunt et omnes simul non minus a viginti milibus trucidaverunt

17 and, pressing on with much force, they seized the positions, they slew those who came running to meet them, and all together they slaughtered not less than 20,000.

18 quidam autem cum confugissent in duas turres valde munitas omnem adparatum ad repugnandum habentes

18 some, however, when they had taken refuge into two very well-fortified towers, having every apparatus for resistance

19 Macchabeus ad eorum expugnationem relicto Simone et Ioseppho item Macchabeo eisque qui cum ipsis erant satis multis ipse ad eas quae amplius perurguebant pugnas conversus est

19 Maccabaeus, for the storming of them, having left Simon and Joseph, likewise Maccabaeus, and quite many who were with them, he himself turned to those battles which were pressing more urgently.

20 hii vero qui cum Simone erant cupiditate ducti a quibusdam qui in turribus erant suasi sunt pecunia et septuaginta milibus didragmis acceptis dimiserunt quosdam effugere

20 but those who were with Simon, led by cupidity, were persuaded with money by certain men who were in the towers, and, after receiving seventy thousand didrachmas, they permitted some to escape

21 cum autem Macchabeo nuntiatum esset quod factum est congregatis principibus populi accusavit quod pecunia fratres vendidissent adversariis eorum dimissis

21 but when it had been announced to Maccabeus what had been done, having congregated the princes of the people he accused them that for money they had sold their brothers, their adversaries having been let go

22 hos igitur proditores factos interfecit et confestim duas turres occupavit

22 these, therefore, having been made traitors, he slew, and forthwith he occupied two towers

23 armis autem ac manibus omnia prospere agendo in duabus munitionibus plus quam viginti milia peremit

23 but with arms and with hands, carrying all things forward prosperously, in the two fortifications he slew more than twenty thousand

24 Timotheus qui prius a Iudaeis fuerat superatus convocato exercitu peregrinae multitudinis et congregato exercitu asiano advenit quasi armis Iudaeam capturus

24 Timothy, who previously had been overcome by the Jews, having convoked an army of a foreign multitude and having assembled an Asiatic army, came as though to capture Judaea by force of arms.

25 Macchabeus autem et qui cum ipso erant adpropiante illo deprecabantur Deum caput terra aspergentes lumbosque ciliciis praecincti

25 But Maccabeus, and those who were with him, as he was approaching, were beseeching God, sprinkling earth upon their heads and with their loins girded in sackcloth.

26 ad altaris crepidinem provoluti ut sibi propitius inimicis autem eorum esset inimicus et adversaretur sicut lex dicit

26 having fallen prostrate at the step of the altar, that he might be propitious to them, but an enemy to their enemies, and oppose them, as the law says

27 et ita post orationem sumptis armis longius de civitate procedentes et proximi hostibus effecti resederunt

27 and thus, after the prayer, taking up arms, proceeding farther from the city and having become near to the enemies, they halted

28 primo autem solis ortu utrique commiserunt isti quidem victoriae et prosperitatis sponsorem cum virtute Dominum habentes illi autem ducem belli animum habebant

28 but at the first rising of the sun both sides engaged: these, indeed, having the Lord, along with valor, as the sponsor of victory and prosperity; but those had as the leader of war their own spirit.

29 sed cum vehemens pugna esset apparuerunt adversariis de caelo viri quinque in equis frenis aureis decori ducatum Iudaeis praestantes

29 but when the battle was vehement, there appeared to the adversaries from heaven five men on horses, adorned with golden bridles, providing leadership to the Jews

30 ex quibus duo Macchabeum medium habentes armis suis circumseptum incolomem conservabant in adversarios autem tela et fulmina iaciebant ex quo et caecitate confusi et repleti perturbatione cadebant

30 of whom two, having Maccabaeus in the middle, preserved him unharmed, encircled by their arms, but upon the adversaries they were hurling missiles and lightnings, whence, both confounded by blindness and filled with perturbation, they were falling

31 interfecti sunt autem viginti milia quingenti et equites sescenti

31 and there were slain twenty thousand five hundred, and six hundred horsemen

32 Timotheus autem confugit in Gazara praesidium munitum cui praeerat Caereas

32 But Timothy took refuge in Gazara, a fortified stronghold, over which Caereas was in command.

33 Macchabeus autem et qui cum eo erant laetantes obsederunt praesidium diebus quattuor

33 But Maccabeus and those who were with him, rejoicing, besieged the stronghold for four days.

34 at hii qui in turres erant loci firmitate confisi super modum maledicebant et sermones nefandos iactabant

34 but those who were in the towers, trusting in the strength of the place, were uttering maledictions beyond measure and were hurling nefarious speeches.

35 sed cum dies quinta inlucesceret viginti iuvenes ex his qui cum Macchabeo erant accensi animis propter blasphemiam viriliter accesserunt ad murum et feroci animo incedentes ascendebant

35 but when the fifth day was growing light, twenty youths from among those who were with Maccabeus, inflamed in spirit on account of the blasphemy, manfully approached the wall and, advancing with a fierce spirit, were climbing up.

36 sed et alii similiter ascendentes turres portasque succendere adgressi atque ipsos maledicos vivos concremare

36 but others likewise, climbing up, set about to ignite the towers and the gates, and to cremate alive those very blasphemers

37 per continuum autem biduum praesidio vastato Timotheum occultantem se in quodam reppertum loco peremerunt et fratrem illius Caerean et Apollofanem occiderunt

37 for a continuous two-day period, the garrison having been laid waste, they put Timotheus to death, found hiding himself in a certain place, and they killed his brother Chaereas and Apollophanes.

38 quibus gestis in hymnis et confessionibus benedicebant Dominum qui magna fecit cum Israhel et victoriam illi dedit

38 with these things done, in hymns and confessions they blessed the Lord, who did great things with Israel and gave him victory

CAPUT 11

CHAPTER 11

1 sed parvo post tempore Lysias procurator regis et propinquus ac negotiorum praepositus graviter ferens de his quae acciderant

1 but after a short time Lysias, the king’s procurator and kinsman, and the one set over affairs, taking it grievously regarding the things that had happened

2 congregatis octoginta milibus et equitatu universo veniebat adversus Iudaeos existimans se civitatem quidem captam gentibus habitaculum facturum

2 having congregated eighty thousand and with the entire cavalry, he was coming against the Jews, estimating that he would indeed make the captured city a habitation for the Gentiles

3 templum vero in pecuniae quaestu sicut cetera delubra gentium habiturum et per singulos annos venale sacerdotium

3 but that the temple, indeed, would be for pecuniary profit, just like the other shrines of the nations, and that the priesthood would be venal every single year

4 nusquam recogitans Dei potestatem sed mente effrenatus in multitudine peditum et in milibus equitum et in octoginta elefantis confidebat

4 nowhere rethinking the power of God, but with an unbridled mind he was trusting in the multitude of foot-soldiers and in the thousands of horsemen and in eighty elephants

5 ingressus autem Iudaeam et adpropians Bethsurae quod erat in angusto loco ab Hierosolyma intervallo quinque stadiorum illud praesidium expugnabat

5 and, having entered Judea and approaching Bethsura, which was in a narrow place at a distance of five stadia from Jerusalem, he was storming that stronghold

6 ut autem Macchabeus et qui cum eo erant cognoverunt expugnari praesidia cum fletu et lacrimis rogabant Dominum et omnis turba simul ut bonum angelum mitteret ad salutem Israhel

6 but when Maccabaeus and those who were with him learned that the garrisons were being stormed, with wailing and tears they were beseeching the Lord, and the whole crowd together, that he would send a good angel for the salvation of Israel

7 et ipse primus Macchabeus sumptis armis ceteros adhortatus est simul secum periculum subire et ferre auxilium fratribus suis

7 And Maccabaeus himself, first, having taken up arms, exhorted the rest to undergo the peril together with him and to bring aid to their brothers.

8 cumque pariter prompto animo procederent Hierosolymis apparuit praecedens eos eques in veste candida armis aureis hastam vibrans

8 and as they advanced together with a ready spirit, at Jerusalem there appeared, going before them, a horseman in a white garment, with golden arms, brandishing a spear

9 tum simul omnes benedixerunt misericordem Dominum et convaluerunt animis non solum homines sed et bestias ferocissimas et muros ferreos parati penetrare

9 then at once all blessed the merciful Lord and grew strong in spirit, ready to penetrate not only men but even the most ferocious beasts and iron walls

10 ibant igitur prompti de caelo habentes adiutorem et miserantem eos Dominum

10 they were going, therefore, prompt, having from heaven a helper and the Lord pitying them

11 leonum autem impetu inruentes hostibus prostraverunt ex eis undecim milia peditum et equites mille sescentos

11 but, rushing in with the impetus of lions against the enemies, they prostrated of them 11,000 foot-soldiers and 1,600 horsemen

12 universos autem in fugam verterunt plures vero ex eis vulnerati nudi evaserunt sed et ipse Lysias turpiter fugiens evasit

12 and they turned them all to flight; many indeed of them, wounded, escaped naked; but even Lysias himself, shamefully fleeing, got away.

13 et quia non insensatus erat secum ipse reputans factam erga se diminutionem et intellegens invictos esse Hebraeos Dei auxilio nitentes misit ad eos

13 and because he was not insensate, reckoning with himself the diminution done against him, and understanding that the Hebrews, relying on the aid of God, were invincible, he sent to them

14 promisitque consensurum se omnibus quae iusta sunt et regem conpulsurum amicum fieri

14 and he promised that he would consent to all things which are just, and would compel the king to become a friend

15 annuit autem Macchabeus precibus Lysiae in omnibus utilitati consulens et quaecumque Macchabeus scripsit Lysiae de Iudaeis ea rex concessit

15 Maccabeus assented, moreover, to Lysias’s entreaties, consulting for utility in all things; and whatever Maccabeus wrote to Lysias concerning the Jews, the king conceded.

16 nam erant scriptae Iudaeis epistulae a Lysia quidem hunc modum continentes Lysias populo Iudaeorum salutem

16 for letters had been written to the Jews, by Lysias indeed, containing this form: Lysias to the people of the Jews, greeting.

17 Iohannes et Abessalom qui missi sunt a vobis tradentes scripta postulabant ut ea quae per illos significabantur implerem

17 John and Abessalom, who were sent by you, delivering the writings, were requesting that I fulfill the things which were signified through them

18 quaecumque igitur regi potuerunt perferri exposui et quae res permittebat concessit

18 therefore whatever could be conveyed to the king I exposed, and he conceded what the situation permitted

19 si igitur in negotiis fidem conservaveritis etiam deinceps honorum vobis causa esse temptabo

19 if therefore in negotiations you shall have preserved fidelity, I will also henceforth attempt to be a cause of honors for you

20 de ceteris autem per singula verbo mandavi et istis et his qui a me missi sunt conloqui vobiscum

20 as for the rest, item by item I have given verbal instructions both to these men and to those who have been sent by me, to confer with you

21 bene valete anno centesimo quadragesimo octavo dioscori die mensis vicesima et quarta

21 fare well in the one hundred forty-eighth year, on the day of dioscorus, the twenty-fourth of the month

22 regis autem epistula ista continebat rex Antiochus Lysiae fratri salutem

22 but the king’s letter contained this: King Antiochus to his brother Lysias, greeting.

23 patre nostro inter deos translato nos volentes eos qui sunt in regno nostro sine tumultu agere et rebus suis adhibere diligentiam

23 our father having been translated among the gods, we, wishing those who are in our kingdom to conduct themselves without tumult and to apply diligence to their own affairs

24 audivimus Iudaeos non consensisse patri ut transferrentur ad ritum Graecorum sed tenere velle suum institutum ac propterea postulare concedi sibi legitima sua

24 we have heard that the Jews did not consent to our father that they be transferred to the rite of the Greeks, but wish to maintain their own institution, and for that reason request that their legitimate rights be conceded to them

25 volentes igitur hanc quoque gentem quietam esse statuentes iudicavimus templum restitui illis ut agerent secundum maiorum suorum consuetudinem

25 Willing therefore that this nation also be quiet, we determined and judged that the temple be restored to them, so that they might act according to the custom of their ancestors.

26 bene igitur feceris si miseris ad eos et dextram dederis ut cognita nostra voluntate bono animo sint et utilitatibus propriis deserviant

26 you will have done well, therefore, if you send to them and give the right hand, so that, our will having been made known, they may be of good spirit and serve their own interests

27 ad Iudaeos autem regis epistula talis erat rex Antiochus senatui Iudaeorum et ceteris Iudaeis salutem

27 But to the Jews, however, the king’s epistle was as follows: King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews and the other Jews, greetings.

28 si valetis sic estis ut volumus sed et ipsi bene valemus

28 if you are well, you are as we wish; but we ourselves also are well

29 adiit nos Menelaus dicens velle vos descendere ad vestros qui sunt apud nos

29 Menelaus approached us, saying that you wish to descend to your own (people) who are with us

30 his igitur qui commeant usque ad diem tricesimum mensis xandici damus dextras securitatis

30 therefore to those who travel to and fro up to the thirtieth day of the month Xandicus we give right hands of security

31 ut Iudaei utantur cibis et legibus suis sicut et prius et nemo eorum ullo modo molestiam patiatur de his quae per ignorantiam gesta sunt

31 that the Jews make use of their foods and their laws just as before, and that none of them in any way suffer trouble on account of the things which have been done through ignorance

32 misi autem et Menelaum qui vos adloquatur

32 I have, moreover, sent Menelaus, to address you.

33 valete anno centesimo quadragesimo octavo xandici mensis quintadecima

33 Farewell in the 148th year, on the fifteenth of the month Xandicus

34 miserunt autem etiam Romani epistulam ita se habentem Quintus Memmius et Titus Manilius legati Romanorum populo Iudaeorum salutem

34 But the Romans also sent an epistle of such tenor: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manilius, legates of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greetings.

35 de his quae Lysias cognatus regis concessit vobis et nos concessimus

35 about the things which Lysias, the king's kinsman, conceded to you, we too have conceded

36 de quibus autem iudicavit referendum confestim aliquem mittite diligentius inter vos conferentes ut decernamus sicut congruit vobis nos enim Antiochiam accedimus

36 but concerning those matters which he judged to be referred, at once send someone, after conferring more diligently among yourselves, that we may decree as is congruent for you; for we are approaching Antioch

37 ideoque festinate scribere ut nos quoque sciamus cuius estis voluntatis

37 and therefore make haste to write, that we also may know what your will is

38 bene valete anno centesimo quadragesimo octavo quintadecima die mensis xandici

38 farewell in the 148th year, on the fifteenth day of the month xandicus

CAPUT 12

CHAPTER 12

1 his factis pactionibus Lysias pergebat ad regem Iudaei autem agriculturae operam dabant

1 with these pactions made, Lysias proceeded to the king; the Jews, however, were devoting themselves to agriculture

2 sed hii qui resederant Timotheus et Apollonius gehennae filius sed et Hieronimus et Demofon super hos et Nicanor cypriarches non sinebant eos in silentio agere et quiete

2 but those who had remained—Timotheus and Apollonius, son of Gennaeus, and also Hieronymus and Demophon, and over these Nicanor, the Cypriarch—were not allowing them to act in silence and quiet.

3 Ioppitae vero tale quoddam flagitium perpetrarunt rogaverunt Iudaeos cum quibus habitabant ascendere scaphas quas paraverant cum uxoribus et filiis quasi nullis inimicitiis inter eos subiacentibus

3 The Joppians, however, perpetrated a certain such outrage: they asked the Jews with whom they were dwelling to board the skiffs which they had prepared, with their wives and children, as though no enmities were subsisting between them.

4 secundum communem itaque decretum civitatis et ipsis adquiescentibus pacisque causa nihil suspectum habentibus cum in altum processissent submerserunt non minus ducentos

4 according to the common decree of the city, therefore, and they themselves acquiescing and, for the sake of peace, holding nothing suspect, when they had advanced out into the deep, they submerged no fewer than 200

5 quam crudelitatem Iudas in suae gentis homines factam ut cognovit praecepit viris qui erant cum ipso et invocato iusto iudice Deo

5 when Judas learned of the cruelty done against the men of his own nation, he commanded the men who were with him, and, having invoked God, the just judge

6 venit adversus interfectores fratrum et portum quidem noctu succendit scaphas exusit eos autem qui ab igne refugerant gladio peremit

6 he came against the killers of his brothers, and the harbor indeed he set ablaze by night, he burned the skiffs, but those who had fled from the fire he slew with the sword

7 et cum haec ita egisset discessit quasi iterum reversurus et universos Ioppitas eradicaturus

7 and when he had thus done these things, he departed as though to return again and to eradicate all the Ioppites

8 sed cum cognovisset et eos qui erant Iamniae velle pari modo facere habitantibus secum Iudaeis

8 but when he had learned that those who were at Jamnia also wished to do in like manner to the Jews dwelling with them

9 Iamnitis quoque nocte supervenit et portum cum navibus succendit ita ut lumen ignis pareret Hierosolymis ab stadiis ducentis quadraginta

9 He came upon the Jamnites also by night and set the port with the ships ablaze, such that the light of the fire appeared in Jerusalem from 240 stadia away.

10 inde cum abissent novem stadiis et iter facerent ad Timotheum commiserunt cum eo Arabes quinque milia viri et equites quingenti

10 thence, when they had gone nine stadia and were making the march toward Timothy, the Arabs joined battle with him—five thousand men and five hundred horsemen.

11 cumque pugna valida fieret et auxilio Dei prospere cessisset residui victi Arabes petebant a Iuda dextras sibi dari promittentes pascua daturos et in ceteris profuturos

11 and when a strong battle was being waged and, with the help of God, had turned out prosperously, the remaining defeated Arabs were asking Judas that right hands be given to them, promising to give pastures and to be of use in other things

12 Iudas autem arbitratus vere in multis eos utiles promisit pacem dextrisque acceptis discessere ad tabernacula sua

12 But Judas, having judged that they would truly be useful in many things, promised peace; and, the right hands accepted, they departed to their tents.

13 adgressus est autem et civitatem quandam firmam pontibus murisque circumseptam quae a turbis habitabatur gentium promiscuarum cui nomen Caspin

13 He also assailed a certain city, strong and encompassed by bridges and walls, which was inhabited by crowds of intermingled nations, whose name was Caspin.

14 hii vero qui intus erant confidentes in stabilitate murorum et adparatu alimoniarum remissius agebant maledictis lacessentes Iudam ac blasphemantes et loquentes quae fas non est

14 but those who were inside, confident in the stability of the walls and the apparatus of provisions, were behaving more remissly, provoking Judas with maledictions and blaspheming, and speaking things which it is not lawful to speak

15 Macchabeus autem invocato magno mundi principe qui sine arietibus et machinis temporibus Iesu praecipitavit Hiericho inruit ferociter muris

15 But Maccabaeus, however, the great Prince of the world having been invoked, who without battering rams and machines in the times of Joshua cast down Jericho, rushed fiercely upon the walls.

16 et capta civitate per Domini voluntatem inenarrabiles caedes fecit ita ut adiacens stagnum stadiorum duo latitudinis sanguine infectum fluere videretur

16 and, the city having been taken by the Lord’s will, he made ineffable slaughters, such that the adjacent pool, two stadia in breadth, seemed to flow, stained with blood

17 inde discesserunt stadia septingenta quinquaginta et venerunt in Characa ad eos qui dicuntur Tubianei Iudaeos

17 thence they departed 750 stadia and came to Characa to those who are called the Tubianei Jews

18 et Timotheum quidem in illis locis conprehenderunt nulloque negotio perfecto regressus est relicto in quodam loco firmissimo praesidio

18 and indeed they came upon Timothy in those places, and with no business accomplished he withdrew, leaving behind a garrison in a certain very strong place.

19 Dositheus autem et Sosipater qui erant duces cum Macchabeo peremerunt a Timotheo relictos in praesidio decem milia viros

19 But Dositheus and Sosipater, who were leaders with Maccabeus, slew ten thousand men who had been left in garrison by Timothy.

20 at Macchabeus ordinatis circum se sex milibus et constitutis per cohortes adversus Timotheum processit habentem secum centum viginti milia peditum equitumque duo milia quingentos

20 but Maccabaeus, with six thousand arranged around himself and with them set by cohorts, advanced against Timothy, who had with him one hundred and twenty thousand infantry and two thousand five hundred cavalry.

21 cognito autem Iudae adventu Timotheus praemisit mulieres et filios et reliquum adparatum in praesidium quod Carnion dicitur erat enim inexpugnabile et accessu difficile propter locorum angustias

21 but, the advent of Judas having been known, Timothy sent ahead the women and the children and the remaining apparatus into the presidium which is called Carnion; for it was inexpugnable and difficult of access on account of the narrowness of the places.

22 cumque cohors Iudae prima apparuisset timor hostibus incussus est ex praesentia Dei qui universa conspicit et in fugam versi sunt alius alio ita ut magis a suis deicerentur et gladiorum suorum ictibus debilitarentur

22 and when the first cohort of Judas had appeared, fear was struck into the enemies from the presence of God who beholds all things, and they were turned to flight, one this way and another that, so that they were more cast down by their own men and were debilitated by the blows of their own swords.

23 Iudas autem vehementer instabat puniens profanos et prostravit ex eis triginta milia virorum

23 But Judas pressed vehemently, punishing the profane, and prostrated thirty thousand men of them.

24 ipse vero Timotheus incidit in partes Dosithei et Sosipatri et multis precibus postulabat ut vivus dimitteretur eo quod multorum ex Iudaeis parentes haberet ac fratres quos morte eius decipi eveniret

24 but Timothy himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, and with many entreaties he was pleading to be released alive, on the ground that he had the parents and brothers of many among the Jews, whom it would come to pass, by his death, to be deceived.

25 et cum fidem dedisset restituturum se eos secundum constitutum inlaesum eum dimiserunt propter fratrum salutem

25 and when he had given a pledge to restore them according to the stipulation, they released him unharmed for the brethren’s safety

26 Iudas autem egressus est a Carnio interfectis viginti quinque milibus

26 But Judas went out from Carnion, after twenty-five thousand had been slain.

27 post horum fugam et necem movit exercitum ad Efron civitatem munitam in qua multitudo diversarum gentium habitabat et robusti iuvenes pro muris consistentes fortiter repugnabant in hac autem machinae multae et telorum erat adparatus

27 after the flight and slaughter of these, he moved the army to Efron, a fortified city, in which a multitude of diverse nations was dwelling, and robust youths, standing before the walls, were stoutly resisting; moreover, in this city there were many machines and an apparatus of missiles.

28 sed cum Omnipotentem invocassent qui potestate vires hostium confregit ceperunt civitatem et ex eis qui intus erant viginti quinque milia prostraverunt

28 but when they had invoked the Omnipotent, who by his power shattered the forces of the enemies, they took the city and of those who were inside they struck down 25,000

29 inde ad civitatem Scytarum abierunt quae ab Hierosolymis sescentis stadiis aberat

29 thence they went away to the city of the Scythians, which was six hundred stadia distant from Jerusalem

30 contestantibus autem his qui apud Scytopolitas erant Iudaeis quod benigne ab eis haberentur etiam temporibus infelicitatis quod modeste secum egerint

30 but as the Jews who were among the Scythopolitans were contesting that they were treated kindly by them even in times of infelicity, that they had conducted themselves modestly with them

31 gratias agentes eis exhortati etiam de cetero erga genus suum benignos esse venerunt Hierosolymam die sollemni septimanarum instante

31 giving thanks to them, and exhorting them also henceforth to be benign toward their own race, they came to Jerusalem with the solemn day of weeks at hand

32 et post pentecosten abierunt contra Gorgiam praepositum Idumeae

32 and after Pentecost they went out against Gorgias, the provost of Idumea

33 exivit autem cum peditibus tribus milibus et equitibus quadringentis

33 and he went out with three thousand foot soldiers and four hundred horsemen

34 quibus congressis contigit paucos ruere Iudaeorum

34 when they had engaged, it befell that a few of the Jews fell

35 Dositheus vero quidam de Bachenoris eques vir fortis Gorgiam tenebat et cum vellet illum capere vivum eques quidam de Thracibus inruit in eum umerumque eius amputavit atque ita Gorgias effugit in Marisa

35 But Dositheus, a certain cavalryman of the Bachenor, a valiant man, was holding Gorgias; and when he wished to seize him alive, a certain horseman of the Thracians rushed upon him and cut off his shoulder, and thus Gorgias escaped into Marisa.

36 at illis qui cum Esdrin erant diutius pugnantibus et fatigatis invocavit Dominum Iudas adiutorem et ducem belli fieri

36 but as those who were with Esdrin were fighting for longer and were fatigued, Judas invoked the Lord to become a helper and leader of the war

37 incipiens voce patria et cum hymnis clamorem extollens fugam Gorgiae militibus incussit

37 beginning in the native voice, and, with hymns, raising a clamor, he put to flight the soldiers of Gorgias

38 Iudas autem collecto exercitu venit in civitatem Odollam et cum septima dies superveniret secundum consuetudinem purificati in eodem loco sabbatum egerunt

38 But Judas, the army having been collected, came into the city Odollam; and when the seventh day came on, according to custom, having been purified, in the same place they kept the sabbath.

39 et sequenti die venit cum suis Iudas ut corpora prostratorum tolleret et cum parentibus poneret in sepulchris paternis

39 and on the following day Judas came with his own, to take up the bodies of the fallen and to place them with their parents in the paternal sepulchers

40 invenerunt autem sub tunicis interfectorum de donariis idolorum quae apud Iamnian fuerunt a quibus lex prohibet Iudaeos omnibus ergo manifestum factum est ob hanc causam eos corruisse

40 but they found under the tunics of the slain some of the idols’ votive-offerings which had been at Jamnia, which the Law forbids the Jews; therefore it became manifest to all that for this cause they had fallen.

41 omnes itaque benedixerunt iustum iudicium Domini qui occulta fecerit manifesta

41 therefore all blessed the just judgment of the Lord, who has made the hidden things manifest

42 atque ita ad preces conversi rogaverunt ut id quod factum erat delictum obliteraretur at vero fortissimus Iudas hortabatur populum conservare se sine peccato sub oculis videntes quae facta sint pro peccato eorum qui prostrati sunt

42 and thus, turned to prayers, they begged that the delict which had been done be obliterated; but the most valiant Judas exhorted the people to preserve themselves without sin under the eyes, seeing what things have been done on account of the sin of those who have been prostrated

43 et facta conlatione duodecim milia dragmas argenti misit Hierosolymam offerri pro peccato sacrificium bene et religiose de resurrectione cogitans

43 and a collection having been made, he sent twelve thousand drachmas of silver to Jerusalem to have a sacrifice offered for sin, thinking well and religiously about the resurrection

44 nisi enim eos qui ceciderant resurrecturos speraret superfluum videretur et vanum orare pro mortuis

44 for unless he were hoping that those who had fallen would be resurrected, it would seem superfluous and vain to pray for the dead

45 et quia considerabat quod hii qui cum pietate dormitionem acceperant optimam haberent repositam gratiam

45 and because he considered that those who had received dormition with piety would have a most excellent grace laid up

46 sancta ergo et salubris cogitatio pro defunctis exorare ut a peccato solverentur

46 therefore a holy and salutary thought to pray for the departed, that they might be released from sin

CAPUT 13

CHAPTER 13

1 anno centesimo quadragesimo nono cognovit Iudas Antiochum Eupatoris venire cum multitudine adversus Iudaeam

1 in the 149th year Judas learned that Antiochus Eupator was coming with a multitude against Judea

2 et cum eo Lysiam procuratorem et praepositum negotiorum secum habentem peditum centum decem milia et equitum quinque milia et elefantos viginti duo currus cum falcibus trecentos

2 and with him Lysias, the procurator and superintendent of affairs, having with him one hundred and ten thousand infantry, and five thousand cavalry, and twenty-two elephants, and three hundred scythed chariots

3 commiscuit autem se illis et Menelaus et cum multa fallacia deprecabatur Antiochum non pro patriae salute sed sperans se constitui in principatum

3 and Menelaus also joined himself to them, and with much deceit was beseeching Antiochus, not for the fatherland’s safety but hoping that he might be constituted in the principate

4 sed Rex regum suscitavit animos Antiochi in peccatorem et suggerente Lysia hunc esse causam omnium malorum iussit ut eis est consuetudo conprehensum in eodem loco necari

4 but the King of kings aroused the spirits of Antiochus against the sinner, and with Lysias suggesting that this man was the cause of all evils, he ordered—according to their custom—that, apprehended in the same place, he be put to death

5 erat autem in eodem loco turris quinquaginta cubitorum aggestum undique habens cineris haec prospectum habebat in praeceps

5 now there was in the same place a tower of 50 cubits, having all around a heap of ashes; this had a prospect into a precipice

6 inde in cinerem deici iussit sacrilegum omnibus eum propellentibus ad interitum

6 then he ordered the sacrilegious man to be thrown down into the ash, with all driving him to destruction

7 et tali lege praevaricatorem legis contigit mori nec terrae dari Menelaum

7 and by such a law it befell the prevaricator of the law to die, and Menelaus was not given to the earth

8 et quidem satis iuste nam quia multa erga aram Dei delicta commisit cuius ignis et cinis erat sanctus ipse in cineris morte damnatus est

8 and indeed quite justly, for because he committed many delicts against the altar of God, whose fire and ash were holy, he himself was condemned to a death of ash

9 sed rex mente effrenatus veniebat nequiorem se Iudaeis ostensurus

9 but the king, with mind unbridled, was coming, about to show himself more wicked to the Jews

10 quibus Iudas cognitis praecepit populo ut die ac nocte Dominum invocarent quo sicut semper et nunc adiuvaret eos

10 upon learning these things, Judas instructed the people to invoke the Lord day and night, so that, just as always, he might help them now as well

11 quippe qui lege et patria sanctoque templo privari vererentur ac populum qui nuper paululum respirasset ne sineret blasphemis rursum nationibus subdi

11 indeed, they who feared to be deprived of the law and the fatherland and the holy temple, and that he would not allow the people, who had only recently had a small respite, to be subjected again to blasphemous nations

12 omnibus itaque id simul facientibus et petentibus a Domino misericordiam cum fletu et ieiuniis per triduum continuum prostratis hortatus est eos Iudas ut se praepararent

12 therefore, as all did this together and were asking mercy from the Lord, with weeping and fastings, prostrate for a continuous triduum, Judas exhorted them to prepare themselves

13 ipse vero cum senioribus cogitavit priusquam rex admoveret exercitum ad Iudaeam et obtineret civitatem exire et Domini iudicio committere exitum rei

13 he himself, however, with the elders deliberated that, before the king should move up the army toward Judea and obtain the city, they would go out and commit the outcome of the matter to the Lord’s judgment

14 dans itaque potestatem omnium Deo mundi creatori et hortatus suos ut fortiter dimicarent et usque ad mortem pro legibus templo civitate patria et civibus starent circa Modin exercitum constituit

14 giving therefore the power of all things to God, the creator of the world, and exhorting his own to fight bravely and to stand even unto death for the laws, the temple, the city, the fatherland, and the citizens, he stationed the army around Modin

15 et dato signo suis Dei victoria iuvenibus fortissimis electis nocte adgressus aulam regiam in castris interfecit viros quattuor milia et maximum elefantorum cum his qui superpositi erant

15 and, the sign having been given to his men, “God’s victory,” with very brave chosen youths, by night he attacked the royal pavilion in the camp, killed four thousand men, and the largest of the elephants together with those who were mounted upon it.

16 summoque metu ac perturbatione hostium replentes rebus prospere gestis abierunt

16 and, filling the enemy with utmost fear and perturbation, with affairs conducted prosperously, they departed

17 hoc autem factum est die inlucescente adiuvante eum Domini protectione

17 this, however, was done at daybreak, with the protection of the Lord aiding him

18 sed rex accepto gustu audaciae Iudaeorum arte difficultates locorum temptabat

18 but the king, having received a foretaste of the audacity of the Judaeans, by art was testing the difficulties of the places

19 et Bethsurae quod erat Iudaeorum praesidium munitum castra admovebat sed fugabatur inpingebat minuebatur

19 and to Bethsura, which was the Jews’ fortified stronghold, he was moving up the camp; but he was being put to flight, he made onsets, he was being diminished.

20 his autem qui intus erant Iudas necessaria mittebat

20 but to those who were inside Judas was sending necessaries

21 enuntiavit autem mysteria hostibus Rhodocus quidam de iudaico exercitu qui requisitus conprehensus conclusus est

21 but a certain Rhodocus from the Judaic army disclosed the mysteries to the enemies, who, having been sought out, was apprehended and confined

22 iterum rex sermonem habuit ad eos qui erant in Bethsuris dextram dedit accepit abiit

22 again the king had a speech to those who were in Bethsuris; he gave the right hand, received it, went away

23 commisit cum Iuda superatus est ut autem cognovit rebellasse Philippum Antiochiae qui relictus erat super negotia mente consternatus Iudaeos deprecans subditusque eis iurat de omnibus quibus iustum visum est et reconciliatus obtulit sacrificium honorificavit templum et munera posuit

23 he engaged with Judas and was defeated; but when he learned that Philip—who had been left in charge over the affairs—had rebelled at Antioch, confounded in mind, beseeching the Jews and submitting himself to them, he swore concerning all the things which seemed just; and, reconciled, he offered sacrifice, honored the temple, and set gifts.

24 Macchabeum amplexus est et fecit eum ab Ptolomaide usque Gerrenos ducem et principem

24 he embraced Maccabeus and made him from Ptolemais as far as the Gerrenes leader and prince.

25 ut autem venit Ptolomaidam graviter ferebant Ptolomenses amicitiae conventionem indignantes ne forte foedus inrumperent

25 but when he came to Ptolemais, the people of Ptolemais took the convention of friendship grievously, being indignant, lest perhaps they should break the treaty

26 tunc ascendit Lysias tribunal et exposuit rationem et populum sedavit regressusque est Antiochiam et hoc modo regi profectio et reditus processit

26 then Lysias ascended the tribunal and set forth the rationale and calmed the people, and he returned to Antioch, and in this manner the king’s departure and return proceeded

CAPUT 14

CHAPTER 14

1 sed post triennii tempus cognovit Iudas et qui cum eo erant Demetrium Seleuci cum multitudine valida et navibus per portum Tripoli ascendisse ad loca oportuna

1 but after the time of three years Judas and those who were with him learned that Demetrius, of Seleucus, with a strong multitude and ships, had landed by the port of Tripoli and gone up to suitable places

2 et tenuisse regiones adversus Antiochum et eius ducem Lysiam

2 and that he had held the regions against Antiochus and his commander Lysias

3 Alchimus autem quidam qui summus sacerdos fuerat sed voluntarie coinquinatus est temporibus commixtionis considerans nullo modo sibi esse salutem neque accessum ad altare

3 But a certain Alchimus, who had been high priest, but had voluntarily been defiled in the times of the commixture, considering that there was by no means for himself safety nor access to the altar,

4 venit ad regem Demetrium centesimo quinquagesimo anno offerens ei auream coronam et palmam super haec et tallos qui templi esse videbantur et ipsa quidem die siluit

4 he came to King Demetrius in the 150th year, offering him a golden crown and a palm, and beyond these also shoots which seemed to belong to the temple; and on that very day he kept silent

5 tempus autem oportunum dementiae suae nanctus convocatus a Demetrio ad consilium et interrogatus quibus rebus et consiliis Iudaei niterentur

5 but having found an opportune time for his dementia, convoked by Demetrius to the council and asked on what means and counsels the Jews were relying

6 respondit ipsi qui dicuntur Asidei Iudaeorum quibus praeest Iudas Macchabeus bella nutriunt et seditiones movent nec patiuntur regnum esse quietum

6 he answered him: those who are called the Asidaeans of the Jews, over whom Judas Maccabeus presides, nurture wars and set seditions in motion, nor do they allow the kingdom to be quiet

7 nam et ego defraudatus parentum gloria dico autem summo sacerdotio huc veni

7 for even I, defrauded of the glory of my parents, say moreover that for the supreme priesthood I have come hither

8 primo quidem utilitatibus regis fidem servans secundo autem etiam civibus consulens nam illorum pravitate universum genus nostrum non minime vexatur

8 first indeed, keeping faith with the king’s utilities; secondly, moreover, consulting also for the citizens—for by their depravity our whole race is very much vexed

9 sed his singulis oro rex cognitis et regioni et generi secundum pervulgatam omnibus humanitatem tuam prospice

9 but with these particulars known, I beseech, O king, look to both the region and the race in accordance with your humanity, made known to all.

10 nam quamdiu superest Iudas inpossibile est pacem esse negotiis

10 for as long as Judas remains, it is impossible for there to be peace in negotiations

11 talibus autem ab hoc dictis et ceteri amici hostiliter habentes adversus Iudam inflammaverunt Demetrium

11 but, with such things said by this man, the other friends also, being hostile against Judas, inflamed Demetrius

12 qui statim Nicanorem praepositum elefantorum ducem misit Iudaeam

12 who immediately sent Nicanor, the prefect of the elephants, as general, to Judaea

13 datis mandatis ipsum quidem Iudam caperet eos vero qui cum illo erant dispergeret et constitueret Alchimum maximi templi summum sacerdotem

13 mandates having been given, that he should seize Judas himself, but disperse those who were with him, and constitute Alcimus high priest of the greatest temple

14 tunc gentes quae de Iudaea fugerant Iudam segregatim se Nicanori miscebant miserias et clades Iudaeorum prosperitates rerum suarum existimantes

14 then the nations who had fled from Judea, apart from Judas, were joining themselves to Nicanor, reckoning the miseries and calamities of the Jews as the prosperities of their own affairs

15 audito itaque Iudaei Nicanoris adventu et conventu nationum conspersi terra rogabant eum qui populum suum constituit eum in aeternum custodiret quique suam portionem signis evidentibus protegit

15 therefore, upon hearing of Nicanor’s advent and the convent (assembly) of the nations, the Jews, sprinkled with earth, were beseeching him who established his people that he would guard it forever, and who protects his portion with evident signs

16 imperante autem duce statim inde moverunt et convenerunt ad castellum Dessau

16 however, with the leader commanding, they immediately moved from there and assembled at the castle Dessau

17 Simon vero frater Iudae commiserat cum Nicanore sed conterritus est repentino adventu adversariorum

17 Simon, however, the brother of Judas, had engaged with Nicanor, but was terrified by the sudden advent of the adversaries.

18 Nicanor tamen audiens virtutem comitum Iudae et animi magnitudinem quam pro patriae certaminibus habebant sanguine iudicium facere metuebat

18 Nicanor, however, hearing of the valor of Judas' companions and the magnanimity which they had for the contests of the fatherland, feared to render judgment in blood.

19 quam ob rem misit Possidonium et Theodotum et Matthathiam ut darent dextras atque acciperent

19 for which reason he sent Posidonius and Theodotus and Mattathias, to give right hands and to receive them

20 et cum diu de his consilium ageretur et ipse dux ad multitudinem rettulisset omnium una fuit sententia amicitiis annuere

20 and when for a long time counsel about these things was being conducted, and the leader himself had referred it to the multitude, there was one sentiment of all: to assent to friendship

21 itaque diem constituerunt qua secreto inter se agerent et a singulis sellae prolatae sunt et positae

21 and so they appointed a day on which they might transact in secret among themselves, and by each party chairs were brought forth and set down

22 praecepit autem Iudas armatos esse locis oportunis ne forte ab hostibus repente mali aliquid oriretur et congruum conloquium fecerunt

22 but Judas ordered that armed men be in opportune places, lest perhaps some evil should suddenly arise from the enemies, and they made a congruous colloquy

23 morabatur autem Nicanor Hierosolymis et nihil inique agebat gregesque turbarum quae congregatae fuerant dimisit

23 now Nicanor was lingering at Jerusalem and was doing nothing iniquitously, and he dismissed the bands of the crowds that had been congregated

24 habebat autem semper Iudam carum ex animo erat vero inclinatus

24 and he always held Judas dear from the heart, and indeed he was favorably inclined

25 rogavit eum ducere uxorem filiosque procreare nuptias fecit quiete egit communiterque vivebant

25 he asked him to take a wife and to procreate sons; he celebrated nuptials, he conducted himself quietly, and they lived together in common

26 Alchimus autem videns caritatem illorum ad invicem et conventiones venit ad Demetrium et dicebat Nicanorem rebus alienis adsentare Iudamque regni insidiatorem successorem sibi destinasse

26 But Alchimus, seeing their charity toward one another and their conventions, came to Demetrius and kept saying that Nicanor was assenting to alien affairs and had destined Judas, a plotter against the kingdom, as his successor.

27 itaque rex exasperatus et pessimis huius criminationibus inritatus scripsit Nicanori dicens graviter quidem se ferre de amicitiae conventione iubere tamen Macchabeum citius vinctum mittere Antiochiam

27 and so the king, exasperated and irritated by this man’s very wicked criminations, wrote to Nicanor, saying that he indeed took badly the covenant of friendship, nevertheless to order that Maccabeus be sent more quickly, bound, to Antioch.

28 quibus cognitis Nicanor consternabatur et graviter ferebat si ea quae convenerant irrita faceret nihil laesus a viro

28 upon which things being known, Nicanor was consternated and bore it grievously, if he should render null the things that had been agreed, having been harmed in nothing by the man

29 sed quia regi resistere non poterat oportunitatem observabat qua praeceptum perficeret

29 but since he could not resist the king, he was observing an opportunity by which he might fulfill the precept.

30 at Macchabeus videns austerius secum agere Nicanorem et consuetum occursum ferocius exhibentem intellegens non ex bono esse austeritatem istam paucis suorum congregatis occultavit se a Nicanore

30 but Maccabaeus, seeing Nicanor deal with him more austerely and display the customary encounter more ferociously, understanding that that austerity was not from a good source, with a few of his own gathered, concealed himself from Nicanor

31 quod ut ille cognovit fortiter se a viro praeventum venit ad maximum et sanctissimum templum et sacerdotibus solitas hostias offerentibus iussit sibi tradi virum

31 When he learned this—that he had been stoutly forestalled by the man—he came to the greatest and most holy temple, and, as the priests were offering the accustomed sacrifices, he ordered that the man be handed over to him.

32 quibus cum iuramento dicentibus nescire se ubi esset qui quaerebatur extendens manum ad templum

32 as they, with an oath, were saying that they did not know where the one sought was, he, extending his hand toward the temple

33 iuravit nisi mihi vinctum Iudam tradideritis istud Dei fanum in planitiem deducam et altare effodiam et templum hoc Libero patri consecrabo

33 he swore: unless you hand over Judas to me bound, I will raze that shrine of God to level ground and I will dig up the altar, and I will consecrate this temple to Liber Pater

34 et his dictis abiit sacerdotes autem protendentes manus in caelum invocabant eum qui semper propugnator esset gentis ipsorum haec dicentes

34 and, these things having been said, he departed; but the priests, stretching their hands to heaven, were invoking him who was always the champion of their own nation, saying these things

35 tu Domine qui universitatis nullius indiges voluisti templum habitationis tuae fieri in nobis

35 you, O Lord, who need nothing of the universe, willed that the temple of your habitation be made in us

36 et nunc sancte sanctorum omnium Domine conserva in aeternum inpollutam domum istam quae nuper mundata est

36 and now, O Holy One of all holy ones, Lord, preserve forever this house undefiled which was recently purified

37 Razias autem quidam de senioribus ab Hierosolymis delatus est Nicanori vir amator civitatis et bene audiens qui pro adfectu pater Iudaeorum appellabatur

37 However, Razias, a certain one of the elders from Jerusalem, was reported to Nicanor, a man, a lover of the city and of good repute, who for his affection was called the father of the Jews.

38 hic multis temporibus continentiae propositum tenuit in iudaismo corpusque et animam tradere contentus pro perseverantia

38 this man for a long time held the purpose of continence in Judaism, and was content to surrender body and soul for perseverance

39 volens autem Nicanor manifestare odium quod habebat in Iudaeos misit milites quingentos ut eum conprehenderent

39 But Nicanor, wishing to manifest the odium that he had against the Jews, sent five hundred soldiers to apprehend him.

40 putabat enim si illum decepisset se cladem maximam Iudaeis inlaturum

40 for he thought that, if he had deceived him, he would bring a very great calamity upon the Jews

41 turbis autem inruere domum eius et ianuam disrumpere atque ignem admovere cupientibus cum iam conprehenderetur gladio se petit

41 but as the crowds, eager to rush into his house and to break down the door and to apply fire, when he was already being apprehended, he struck himself with the sword

42 eligens nobiliter mori potius quam subditus fieri peccatoribus et contra natales suos indignis iniuriis agi

42 choosing to die nobly rather than to become subject to sinners and to be treated, contrary to his lineage, with unworthy injuries

43 sed cum per festinationem non certo ictu plagam dedisset et turbae intra ostia inrumperent recurrens audenter ad murum praecipitavit semet ipsum viriliter in turbas

43 but since, through haste, he had dealt the blow with no sure stroke, and the crowds were bursting in within the doors, running back he boldly precipitated himself to the wall, manfully into the crowds

44 quibus velociter locum dantibus casui eius venit per mediam cervicem

44 with them quickly giving place, his fall came upon the middle of his neck

45 et cum adhuc spiraret accensis animis surrexit cum et sanguis eius magno fluxu deflueret saucius cursu turbam pertransiit

45 and while he was still breathing, with spirits inflamed he rose up; and even though his blood was flowing down with a great flux, wounded, at a run he passed through the crowd

46 et stans super petram quandam praeruptam et iam exsanguis effectus conplexus intestina sua utrisque manibus proiecit super turbas invocans Dominatorem vitae ac spiritus ut haec illi iterum redderet atque ita vita defunctus est

46 and standing upon a certain precipitous rock, and now made exsanguine, embracing his intestines with both hands, he cast them upon the throngs, invoking the Lord of life and spirit to render these back to him again, and thus he died.

CAPUT 15

CHAPTER 15

1 Nicanor autem ut conperit Iudam esse in locis Samariae cogitavit die sabbati cum omni impetu committere

1 But Nicanor, as soon as he learned that Judas was in the localities of Samaria, resolved to join battle on the Sabbath day with all impetus.

2 Iudaeis vero qui illum per necessitatem sequebantur dicentibus ne ita ferociter et barbare feceris sed honorem tribue diei sanctificationis et honora eum qui universa conspicit

2 But to the Judaeans who were following him by necessity saying, “Do not act thus so ferociously and barbarously, but render honor to the day of sanctification and honor him who beholds all things.”

3 at ille infelix interrogavit si est potens in saeculo qui imperavit agi diem sabbatorum

3 but that wretch asked whether he is powerful in the world who commanded that the Sabbath day be observed

4 et respondentibus illis est Dominus vivus ipse in caelo potens qui iussit agi septimam diem

4 and as they answered, “It is the living Lord himself, powerful in heaven, who ordered the seventh day to be observed.”

5 at ille ait et ego potens sum super terram qui impero sumi arma et negotia regis impleri tamen non obtinuit ut consilium perficeret

5 but he said, and I too am potent over the earth, I who command that arms be taken up and that the king’s affairs be fulfilled; nevertheless he did not prevail to complete the counsel

6 et Nicanor quidem cum summa superbia erectus cogitaverat commune tropeum statuere de Iuda

6 and Nicanor indeed, uplifted with utmost arrogance, had thought to set up a common trophy over Judas

7 Macchabeus autem confidebat semper cum omni spe auxilium sibi a Domino adfuturum

7 But Maccabaeus, however, always trusted, with all hope, that aid from the Lord would be at hand for him.

8 et hortabatur suos ne formidarent ad adventum nationum sed in mente haberent adiutoria sibi facta de caelo et nunc sperarent ab Omnipotente adfuturam sibi victoriam

8 and he exhorted his own not to dread the advent of the nations, but to keep in mind the aids done for them from heaven, and now to hope from the Omnipotent that victory would be at hand for them

9 et adlocutus illos de lege et prophetis admonens etiam certaminum quae fecerant prius promptiores eos constituit

9 and having addressed them about the Law and the Prophets, admonishing them also of the contests which they had previously waged, he made them more prompt

10 et ita animis eorum erectis simul ostendens gentium fallaciam et iuramentorum praevaricationem

10 and thus, with their minds raised, at the same time showing the deceit of the nations and the prevarication of oaths

11 singulos autem illorum armavit non clypei et hastae munitione sed sermonibus optimis et hortationibus exposito digno fide somnio per quod universos laetificavit

11 but he armed each of them not with the fortification of shield and spear, but with most excellent discourses and exhortations, with a dream expounded, worthy of faith, through which he gladdened all.

12 erat autem huiusmodi visus Onian qui fuerat summus sacerdos virum bonum et benignum verecundum visu modestum moribus et eloquio decorum et qui a puero in virtutibus exercitatus sit manus protendentem orare pro omni populo Iudaeorum

12 now the vision was of this sort: Onias, who had been high priest—a good and benign man, modest in aspect, modest in morals, and decorous in eloquence—and who from boyhood had been exercised in virtues, stretching forth his hands, was praying for the whole people of the Jews

13 post haec apparuisse et alium virum aetate et gloria mirabilem et magni decoris habitudine circa illum

13 after these things there appeared also another man, marvelous in age and in glory, and of great comeliness in bearing, beside him

14 respondentem vero Onian dixisse hic est fratrum amator et populi Israhel hic est qui multum orat pro populo et universa sancta civitate Hieremias propheta Dei

14 and Onias, answering, said: This is the lover of the brethren and of the people of Israel; this is Jeremiah, the prophet of God, who prays much for the people and for the whole holy city.

15 extendisse autem Hieremiam dexteram et dedisse Iudae gladium aureum dicentem

15 and that Jeremiah extended his right hand and gave to Judas a golden sword, saying

16 accipe sanctum gladium munus a Deo quo deicies adversarios populi mei Israhel

16 receive the holy sword, a gift from God, with which you will cast down the adversaries of my people Israel

17 exhortati itaque Iudae sermonibus bonis valde de quibus extolli possit impetus et animi iuvenum confortari statuerunt dimicare et confligere fortiter ut virtus de negotiis iudicaret eo quod civitas et sancta et templum periclitaretur

17 having been exhorted, therefore, by Judas’s very good discourses, by which the impetus might be raised and the minds of the youths fortified, they resolved to fight and to engage in conflict bravely, so that valor might judge the matter, because both the holy city and the temple were in peril

18 erat enim pro uxoribus et filiis itemque pro fratribus et cognatis minor sollicitudo maximus vero et primus pro sanctitate timor erat templi

18 for there was lesser solicitude for wives and children, and likewise for brothers and kinsmen; but the greatest indeed and the foremost was fear for the sanctity of the temple

19 sed et eos qui in civitate erant non minima sollicitudo habebat pro his qui congressi erant

19 but also those who were in the city had no small solicitude for those who had engaged in combat

20 et cum iam omnes sperarent iudicium futurum hostisque adesset atque exercitus esset ordinatus bestiae equitesque oportuno in loco conpositi

20 and when now all were hoping that judgment would be forthcoming, and the enemy was at hand, and the army had been arrayed, the beasts and the horsemen were positioned in an opportune place

21 considerans Macchabeus adventum multitudinis et adparatum varium armorum ac ferocitatem bestiarum extendens manum in caelum prodigia facientem Dominum invocavit qui non secundum armorum potentiam sed prout ipsi placet dat dignis victoriam

21 Maccabaeus, considering the arrival of the multitude and the diverse apparatus of arms and the ferocity of the beasts, stretching his hand to heaven, invoked the Lord who works prodigies, who not according to the power of arms but as it pleases himself grants victory to the worthy.

22 dixit autem invocans hoc modo tu Domine misisti angelum tuum sub Ezechia rege Iudae et interfecisti de castris Sennacherim centum octoginta quinque milia

22 and he said, invoking in this manner: you, Lord, sent your angel under Hezekiah, king of Judah, and struck down from the camp of Sennacherib one hundred eighty-five thousand.

23 et nunc Dominator caelorum mitte angelum tuum bonum ante nos in timore et tremore magnitudinis brachii tui

23 and now, Dominator of the heavens, send your good angel before us, in fear and trembling of the magnitude of your arm

24 ut metuant qui cum blasphemia veniunt adversus sanctum populum tuum et hic quidem ita peroravit

24 that those who come with blasphemy against your holy people may fear, and he indeed thus perorated

25 Nicanor autem et qui cum ipso erant cum tubis et canticis admovebant

25 But Nicanor, and those who were with him, were approaching with trumpets and chants.

26 Iudas vero et qui cum eo erant invocato Deo per orationes congressi sunt

26 But Judas, and those who were with him, with God invoked through prayers, joined battle.

27 manu quidem pugnantes sed cordibus Dominum orantes prostraverunt non minus triginta milia praesentia Dei magnifice delectati

27 fighting indeed with the hand but with their hearts praying to the Lord they laid low no less than 30,000 splendidly delighted by the presence of God

28 cumque cessassent et cum gaudio redirent cognoverunt Nicanorem ruisse cum armis suis

28 and when they had ceased and were returning with joy, they learned that Nicanor had fallen with his arms

29 facto itaque clamore et perturbatione suscitata patria voce omnipotentem Dominum benedicebant

29 therefore, a clamor having been raised and a perturbation aroused, they were blessing the omnipotent Lord in their native voice

30 praecepit autem Iudas qui per omnia corpore et animo emori pro civibus paratus erat caput Nicanoris et manum cum umero abscisam Hierosolymam perferri

30 but Judas, who in all respects in body and soul was prepared to die for his fellow-citizens, commanded that Nicanor’s head and the hand cut off together with the shoulder be carried to Jerusalem

31 quo cum convenisset convocatis contribulibus et sacerdotibus ad altare arcersiit et eos qui in arce erant

31 when he had come there, having called together his compatriots and the priests, he summoned to the altar even those who were in the citadel

32 et ostenso capite Nicanoris et manu nefaria quam extendens contra domum sanctam omnipotentis Dei magnifice gloriatus est

32 and, the head of Nicanor and the nefarious hand having been shown, which, as he was extending it against the holy house of the Omnipotent God, he gloried magnificently

33 linguam etiam impii Nicanoris praecisam iussit particulatim avibus dari manum autem dementis contra templum suspendi

33 he also ordered the tongue of the impious Nicanor, cut off, to be given bit by bit to the birds, and the hand of the demented man against the temple to be suspended

34 omnes igitur caeli Dominum benedixerunt dicentes benedictus qui locum suum incontaminatum conservavit

34 Therefore all blessed the Lord of heaven, saying, blessed is he who has preserved his place uncontaminated.

35 suspendit autem Nicanoris caput in summa arce evidens ut esset et manifestum sit auxilii Dei

35 and he hung up Nicanor’s head on the highest citadel, as a visible sign, that the aid of God might be manifest

36 itaque omnes communi consilio decreverunt nullo modo diem istum absque celebritate praeterire

36 therefore all, by common counsel, decreed by no means to let this day pass without celebration

37 habere autem celebritatem tertiadecima die mensis adar quod dicitur voce syriaca pridie Mardochei die

37 to have moreover a celebration on the thirteenth day of the month Adar, which is called in the Syriac tongue the day before Mordecai’s day

38 igitur his erga Nicanorem gestis et ex illis temporibus ab Hebraeis civitate possessa ego quoque in his finem faciam sermonis

38 Therefore, with these things done regarding Nicanor, and from those times the city possessed by the Hebrews, I too will in these make an end of the discourse.

39 et siquidem bene et ut historiae conpetit et ipse velim si autem minus digne concedendum est mihi

39 and if indeed it is good and as befits history, I myself would wish it; but if less worthily, indulgence is to be granted to me

40 sicut enim vinum semper bibere aut semper aquam contrarium est alternis autem uti delectabile ita legentibus si semper exactus sit sermo non erit gratus hic ergo erit consummatus

40 for just as to drink wine always or always water is contrary, but to use them alternately is delectable, so for readers, if the discourse be always exact, it will not be pleasing; here, therefore, it will be consummated