The Bible, Douay Rheims, Book 46: 2 Machabees
U >>
Unknown >> The Bible, Douay Rheims, Book 46: 2 Machabees
8:11. Wherefore he sent immediately to the cities upon the sea coast, to
invite men together to buy up the Jewish slaves, promising that they
should have ninety slaves for one talent, not reflecting on the
vengeance which was to follow him from the Almighty.
8:12. Now when Judas found that Nicanor was coming, he imparted to the
Jews that were with him, that the enemy was at hand.
8:13. And some of them being afraid, and distrusting the justice of God,
fled away.
8:14. Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord,
that he would deliver them from the wicked Nicanor, who had sold them
before he came near them:
8:15. And if not for their sakes, yet for the covenant that he had made
with their fathers, and for the sake of his holy and glorious name that
was invoked upon them.
8:16. But Machabeus calling together seven thousand that were with him,
exhorted them not to be reconciled to the enemies, nor to fear the
multitude of the enemies who came wrongfully against them, but to fight
manfully:
Seven thousand... In the Greek it is six thousand. But then three
thousand of them had no arms. 1 Mac. 4.6.
8:17. Setting before their eyes the injury they had unjustly done the
holy place, and also the injury they had done to the city, which had
been shamefully abused, besides their destroying the ordinances of the
fathers.
8:18. For, said he, they trust in their weapons, and in their boldness:
but we trust in the Almighty Lord, who at a beck can utterly destroy
both them that come against us, and the whole world.
8:19. Moreover, he put them in mind also of the helps their fathers had
received from God: and how, under Sennacherib, a hundred and eighty-five
thousand had been destroyed.
8:20. And of the battle that they had fought against the Galatians, in
Babylonia; how they, being in all but six thousand, when it came to the
point, and the Macedonians, their companions, were at a stand, slew a
hundred and twenty thousand, because of the help they had from heaven,
and for this they received many favours.
Galatians... That is, the Gauls, who having ravaged Italy and Greece,
poured themselves in upon Asia, in immense multitudes, where also they
founded the kingdom of Galatia or Gallo Graecia.
8:21. With these words they were greatly encouraged and disposed even to
die for the laws and their country.
8:22. So he appointed his brethren captains over each division of his
army; Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving to each one fifteen
hundred men.
8:23. And after the holy book had been read to them by Esdras, and he
had given them for a watchword, The help of God: himself leading the
first band, he joined battle with Nicanor:
8:24. And the Almighty being their helper, they slew above nine thousand
men: and having wounded and disabled the greater part of Nicanor's army,
they obliged them to fly.
Above nine thousand... Viz., including the three thousand slain in the
pursuit.
8:25. And they took the money of them that came to buy them, and they
pursued them on every side.
8:26. But they came back for want of time: for it was the day before the
sabbath: and therefore they did not continue the pursuit.
8:27. But when they had gathered together their arms and their spoils,
they kept the sabbath: blessing the Lord who had delivered them that
day, distilling the beginning of mercy upon them.
8:28. Then after the sabbath they divided the spoils to the feeble and
the orphans, and the widows, and the rest they took for themselves and
their servants.
8:29. When this was done, and they had all made a common supplication,
they besought the merciful Lord, to be reconciled to his servants unto
the end.
8:30. Moreover, they slew above twenty thousand of them that were with
Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought against them, and they made
themselves masters of the high strong holds: and they divided amongst
them many spoils, giving equal portions to the feeble, the fatherless,
and the widows; yea, and the aged also.
8:31. And when they had carefully gathered together their arms, they
laid them all up in convenient places, and the residue of their spoils
they carried to Jerusalem:
8:32. They slew also Philarches, who was with Timotheus, a wicked man,
who had many ways afflicted the Jews.
8:33. And when they kept the feast of the victory at Jerusalem, they
burnt Callisthenes, that had set fire to the holy gates, who had taken
refuge in a certain house, rendering to him a worthy reward for his
impieties:
8:34. But as for that most wicked man, Nicanor, who had brought a
thousand merchants to the sale of the Jews,
8:35. Being, through the help of the Lord, brought down by them, of whom
he had made no account, laying aside his garment of glory, fleeing
through the midland country, he came alone to Antioch, being rendered
very unhappy by the destruction of his army.
Laying aside his garment of glory... That is, his splendid apparel,
which he wore through ostentation; he now throws it off, lest he should
be known on his flight.
8:36. And he that had promised to levy the tribute for the Romans, by
the means of the captives of Jerusalem, now professed that the Jews had
God for their protector, and therefore they could not be hurt, because
they followed the laws appointed by him.
2 Machabees Chapter 9
The wretched end, and fruitless repentance of king Antiochus.
9:1. At that time Antiochus returned with dishonour out of Persia.
9:2. For he had entered into the city called Persepolis, and attempted
to rob the temple, and to oppress the city, but the multitude running
together to arms, put them to flight: and so it fell out that Antiochus
being put to flight, returned with disgrace.
Persepolis... Otherwise called Elymais.
9:3. Now when he was come about Ecbatana, he received the news of what
had happened to Nicanor and Timotheus.
9:4. And swelling with anger, he thought to revenge upon the Jews the
injury done by them that had put him to flight. And therefore he
commanded his chariot to be driven, without stopping in his journey, the
judgment of heaven urging him forward, because he had spoken so proudly,
that he would come to Jerusalem, and make it a common burying place of
the Jews.
9:5. But the Lord, the God of Israel, that seeth all things, struck him
with an incurable and an invisible plague. For as soon as he had ended
these words, a dreadful pain in his bowels came upon him, and bitter
torments of the inner parts.
9:6. And indeed very justly, seeing he had tormented the bowels of
others with many and new torments, albeit he by no means ceased from his
malice.
9:7. Moreover, being filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage
against the Jews, and commanding the matter to be hastened, it happened
as he was going with violence, that he fell from the chariot, so that
his limbs were much pained by a grievous bruising of the body.
9:8. Thus he that seemed to himself to command even the waves of the
sea, being proud above the condition of man, and to weigh the heights of
the mountains in a balance, now being cast down to the ground, was
carried in a litter, bearing witness to the manifest power of God in
himself:
9:9. So that worms swarmed out of the body of this man, and whilst he
lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell off, and the filthiness of his
smell was noisome to the army.
9:10. And the man that thought a little before he could reach to the
stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry, for the intolerable
stench.
9:11. And by this means, being brought from his great pride, he began to
come to the knowledge of himself, being admonished by the scourge of
God, his pains increasing every moment.
9:12. And when he himself could not now abide his own stench, he spoke
thus: It is just to be subject to God, and that a mortal man should not
equal himself to God.
9:13. Then this wicked man prayed to the Lord, of whom he was not like
to obtain mercy.
Of whom he was not like to obtain mercy... Because his repentance was
not for the offence committed against God: but barely on account of his
present sufferings.
9:14. And the city, to which he was going in haste to lay it even with
the ground, and to make it a common burying place, he now desireth to
make free:
9:15. And the Jews, whom he said he would not account worthy to be so
much as buried, but would give them up to be devoured by the birds and
wild beasts, and would utterly destroy them with their children, he now
promiseth to make equal with the Athenians.
9:16. The holy temple also, which before he had spoiled, he promised to
adorn with goodly gifts, and to multiply the holy vessels, and to allow
out of his revenues the charges pertaining to the sacrifices.
9:17. Yea also, that he would become a Jew himself, and would go through
every place of the earth, and declare the power of God.
9:18. But his pains not ceasing, (for the just judgment of God was come
upon him) despairing of life, he wrote to the Jews, in the manner of a
supplication, a letter in these words:
9:19. To his very good subjects the Jews, Antiochus, king and ruler,
wisheth much health, and welfare, and happiness.
9:20. If you and your children are well, and if all matters go with you
to your mind, we give very great thanks.
9:21. As for me, being infirm, but yet kindly remembering you, returning
out of the places of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I
thought it necessary to take care for the common good:
9:22. Not distrusting my life, but having great hope to escape the
sickness.
9:23. But considering that my father also, at what time he led an army
into the higher countries, appointed who should reign after him:
9:24. To the end that if any thing contrary to expectation should fall
out, or any bad tidings should be brought, they that were in the
countries, knowing to whom the whole government was left, might not be
troubled.
9:25. Moreover, considering that neighbouring princes, and borderers,
wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event, I have
appointed my son, Antiochus, king, whom I often recommended to many of
you, when I went into the higher provinces: and I have written to him
what I have joined here below.
9:26. I pray you, therefore, and request of you, that, remembering
favours both public and private, you will every man of you continue to
be faithful to me and to my son.
9:27. For I trust that he will behave with moderation and humanity, and
following my intentions, will be gracious unto you.
9:28. Thus the murderer and blasphemer being grievously struck, as
himself had treated others, died a miserable death in a strange country,
among the mountains.
9:29. But Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body:
and out of fear of the son of Antiochus, went into Egypt to Ptolemee
Philometor.
2 Machabees Chapter 10
The purification of the temple and city. Other exploits of Judas. His
victory over Timotheus.
10:1. But Machabeus, and they that were with him, by the protection of
the Lord, recovered the temple and the city again.
10:2. But he threw down the altars which the heathens had set up in the
streets, as also the temples of the idols.
10:3. And having purified the temple, they made another altar: and
taking fire out of the fiery stones, they offered sacrifices after two
years, and set forth incense, and lamps, and the loaves of proposition.
10:4. And when they had done these things, they besought the Lord, lying
prostrate on the ground, that they might no more fall into such evils;
but if they should at any time sin, that they might be chastised by him
more gently, and not be delivered up to barbarians and blasphemous men.
10:5. Now upon the same day that the temple had been polluted by the
strangers on the very same day it was cleansed again; to wit, on the
five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu.
10:6. And they kept eight days with joy, after the manner of the feast
of the tabernacles, remembering that not long before they had kept the
feast of the tabernacles when they were in the mountains, and in dens
like wild beasts.
10:7. Therefore they now carried boughs and green branches and palms,
for him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.
10:8. And they ordained by a common statute, and decree, that all the
nation of the Jews should keep those days every year.
10:9. And this was the end of Antiochus, that was called the
Illustrious.
10:10. But now we will repeat the acts of Eupator, the son of that
wicked Antiochus, abridging the account of the evils that happened in
the wars.
10:11. For when he was come to the crown, he appointed over the affairs
of his realm one Lysias, general of the army of Phenicia and Syria.
10:12. For Ptolemee, that was called Macer, was determined to be
strictly just to the Jews and especially by reason of the wrong that had
been done them, and to deal peaceably with them. 10:13. But being
accused for this to Eupator by his friends, and being oftentimes called
traitor, because he had left Cyprus, which Philometor had committed to
him, and coming over to Antiochus the Illustrious, had revolted also
from him, he put an end to his life by poison.
10:14. But Gorgias, who was governor of the holds, taking with him the
strangers, often fought against the Jews.
10:15. And the Jews that occupied the most commodious holds, received
those that were driven out of Jerusalem, and attempted to make war.
The Jews, etc... He speaks of them that had fallen from their religion,
and were enemies of their country, who joining with the Idumeans or
Edomites, kept possession of the strong holds, and from thence annoyed
their countrymen.
10:16. Then they that were with Machabeus, beseeching the Lord by
prayers to be their helper, made a strong attack upon the strong holds
of the Idumeans:
10:17. And assaulting them with great force, won the holds, killed them
that came in the way, and slew altogether no fewer than twenty thousand.
10:18. And whereas some were fled into very strong towers, having all
manner of provision to sustain a siege,
10:19. Machabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zacheus, and them that were
with them, in sufficient number to besiege them, and departed to those
expeditions which urged more.
10:20. Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were
persuaded for the sake of money by some that were in the towers: and
taking seventy thousand didrachmas, let some of them escape.
10:21. But when it was told Machabeus what was done, he assembled the
rulers of the people, and accused those men that they had sold their
brethren for money, having let their adversaries escape. 10:22. So he
put these traitors to death, and forthwith took the two towers.
10:23. And having good success in arms, and all things he took in hand,
he slew more than twenty thousand in the two holds.
10:24. But Timotheus, who before had been overcome by the Jews, having
called together a multitude of foreign troops, and assembled horsemen
out of Asia, came as though he would take Judea by force of arms.
10:26. But Machabeus, and they that were with him, when he drew near,
prayed to the Lord, sprinkling earth upon their heads, and girding their
loins with haircloth,
10:26. And lying prostrate at the foot of the altar, besought him to be
merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary
to their adversaries, as the law saith.
10:27. And so after prayer taking their arms, they went forth further
from the city, and when they were come very near the enemies they
rested.
10:28. But as soon as the sun was risen both sides joined battle: the
one part having, with their valour, the Lord for a surety of victory,
and success: but the other side making their rage their leader in
battle.
10:29. But when they were in the heat of the engagement, there appeared
to the enemies from heaven five men upon horses, comely, with golden
bridles, conducting the Jews:
10:30. Two of them took Machabeus between them, and covered him on every
side with their arms, and kept him safe; but cast darts and fireballs
against the enemy, so that they fell down, being both confounded with
blindness, and filled with trouble.
10:31. And there were slain twenty thousand five hundred, and six
hundred horsemen.
10:32. But Timotheus fled into Gazara, a strong hold where Chereas was
governor.
10:33. Then Machabeus, and they that were with him cheerfully laid siege
to the fortress four days.
10:34. But they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place,
blasphemed exceedingly, and cast forth abominable words.
10:35. But when the fifth day appeared, twenty young men of them that
were with Machabeus, inflamed in their minds, because of the blasphemy,
approached manfully to the wall, and pushing forward with fierce
courage, got up upon it:
10:36. Moreover, others also getting up after them, went to set fire to
the towers and the gates, and to burn the blasphemers alive.
10:37. And having for two days together pillaged and sacked the
fortress, they killed Timotheus, who was found hid in a certain place:
they slew also his brother Chereas, and Apollophanes.
Timotheus... This man, who was killed at the taking of Gazara, is
different from that Timotheus who is mentioned in the fifth chapter of
the first book of Machabees, and of whom there is mention in the
following chapter.
10:38. And when this was done, they blessed the Lord with hymns and
thanksgiving, who had done great things in Israel, and given them the
victory.
2 Machabees Chapter 11
Lysias is overthrown by Judas. He sues for peace.
11:1. A short time after this Lysias, the king's lieutenant, and cousin,
and who had chief charge over all the affairs, being greatly displeased
with what had happened,
11:2. Gathered together fourscore thousand men, and all the horsemen,
and came against the Jews, thinking to take the city, and make it a
habitation of the Gentiles:
11:3. And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other temples of the
Gentiles and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:
11:4. Never considering the power of God, but puffed up in mind, and
trusting in the multitude of his foot soldiers, and the thousands of his
horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.
11:5. So he came into Judea, and approaching to Bethsura, which was in a
narrow place, the space of five furlongs from Jerusalem, he laid siege
to that fortress.
11:6. But when Machabeus, and they that were with him, understood that
the strong holds were besieged, they and all the people besought the
Lord with lamentations and tears, that he would send a good angel to
save Israel.
11:7. Then Machabeus himself first taking his arms, exhorted the rest to
expose themselves together with him, to the danger, and to succour their
brethren.
11:8. And when they were going forth together with a willing mind, there
appeared at Jerusalem a horseman going before them in white clothing,
with golden armour, shaking a spear.
11:9. Then they all together blessed the merciful Lord, and took great
courage: being ready to break through not only men, but also the
fiercest beasts, and walls of iron.
11:10. So they went on courageously, having a helper from heaven, and
the Lord, who shewed mercy to them.
11:11. And rushing violently upon the enemy, like lions, they slew of
them eleven thousand footmen, and one thousand six hundred horsemen:
11:12. And put all the rest to flight; and many of them being wounded,
escaped naked: Yea, and Lysias himself fled away shamefully, and
escaped.
11:13. And as he was a man of understanding, considering with himself
the loss he had suffered, and perceiving that the Hebrews could not be
overcome, because they relied upon the help of the Almighty God, he sent
to them:
11:14. And promised that he would agree to all things that are just, and
that he would persuade the king to be their friend.
11:15. Then Machabeus consented to the request of Lysias, providing for
the common good in all things; and whatsoever Machabeus wrote to Lysias,
concerning the Jews, the king allowed of.
11:16. For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, to this
effect: Lysias, to the people of the Jews, greeting.
11:17. John, and Abesalom, who were sent from you, delivering your
writings, requested that I would accomplish those things which were
signified by them. 11:18. Therefore whatsoever things could be reported
to the king, I have represented to him: and he hath granted as much as
the matter permitted.
11:19. If, therefore, you will keep yourselves loyal in affairs,
hereafter also I will endeavour to be a means of your good.
11:20. But as concerning other particulars, I have given orders by word
both to these, and to them that are sent by me, to commune with you.
11:21. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the four
and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorus.
In the year 148... Viz., according to the computation followed by the
Greeks; which was different from that of the Hebrews, followed by the
writer of the first book of Machabees. However, by this date, as well as
by other circumstances, it appears that the expedition of Lysias,
mentioned in this chapter, is different from that which is recorded, 1
Mac. 6.
11:22. But the king's letter contained these words King Antiochus to
Lysias, his brother, greeting.
11:23. Our father being translated amongst the gods we are desirous that
they that are in our realm should live quietly, and apply themselves
diligently to their own concerns.
11:24. And we have heard that the Jews would not consent to my father to
turn to the rites of the Greeks but that they would keep to their own
manner of living and therefore that they request us to allow them to
live after their own laws.
11:25. Wherefore being desirous that this nation also should be at rest,
we have ordained and decreed, that the temple should be restored to
them, and that they may live according to the custom of their ancestors.
11:26. Thou shalt do well, therefore, to send to them, and grant them
peace, that our pleasure being known, they may be of good comfort, and
look to their own affairs.
11:27. But the king's letter to the Jews was in this manner: King
Antiochus to the senate of the Jews, and to the rest of the Jews,
greeting.
11:28. If you are well, you are as we desire: we ourselves also are
well.
11:29. Menelaus came to us, saying that you desired to come down to your
countrymen, that are with us.
11:30. We grant, therefore, a safe conduct to all that come and go,
until the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus,
11:31. That the Jews may use their own kind of meats, and their own
laws, as before: and that none of them any manner of ways be molested
for things which have been done by ignorance.
11:32. And we have sent also Menelaus to speak to you.
11:33. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the
fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
11:34. The Romans also sent them a letter, to this effect: Quintus
Memmius, and Titus Manilius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of
the Jews, greeting.
11:35. Whatsoever Lysias, the king's cousin, hath granted to you, we
also have granted.
11:36. But touching such things as he thought should be referred to the
king, after you have diligently conferred among yourselves, send some
one forthwith, that we may decree as it is convenient for you: for we
are going to Antioch.
11:37. And therefore make haste to write back, that we may know of what
mind you are.
11:38. Fare ye well. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the
fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.
2 Machabees Chapter 12
The Jews are still molested by their neighbours. Judas gains divers
victories over them. He orders sacrifice and prayers for the dead.
12:1. When these covenants were made, Lysias went to the king, and the
Jews gave themselves to husbandry.
12:2. But they that were behind, viz. Timotheus, and Apollonius, the son
of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and besides them Nicanor, the
governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to live in peace, and to be
quiet.
12:3. The men of Joppe also were guilty of this kind of wickedness: they
desired the Jews, who dwelt among them, to go with their wives and
children into the boats, which they had prepared, as though they had no
enmity to them.
12:4. Which when they had consented to, according to the common decree
of the city, suspecting nothing, because of the peace: when they were
gone forth into the deep, they drowned no fewer than two hundred of
them.
12:5. But as soon as Judas heard of this cruelty done to his countrymen,
he commanded the men that were with him: and after having called upon
God, the just judge,
12:6. He came against those murderers of his brethren, and set the haven
on fire in the night, burnt the boats, and slew with the sword them that
escaped from the fire.
12:7. And when he had done these things in this manner, he departed as
if he would return again, and root out all the Joppites.
