The Book of Maccabees I Reader

Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander’s part afore, who,

seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander,

And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father’s stead: he told him therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.

In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius,

that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.

I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.

Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.

Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.

Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.

but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.

Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and dispersing themselves through the city

slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand. Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king.

So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying,

Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.

With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.

So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him. Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan,

neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.

After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.

Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.

Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.

At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying,

I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king’s friends.

Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.

His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.

Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him:

and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.

From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.

Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.

Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country,

He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country. Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long season, and shut it up:

But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.

As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.

And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.

So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle,

all that were of Jonathan’s side fled; Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.

Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed. Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.

Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they camped.

So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.

He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.

So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said,

Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time.

Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.

And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:

Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:

There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.

At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.

Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,

Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.

We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:

As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.

Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:

For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.

For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.

We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.

Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.

And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.

Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:

It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:

Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity. We do write back again to you,

that your cattle and goods are our’s, and our’s are your’s We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.

Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,

He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.

He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.

Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth sentinels round about the host.

But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.

Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.

Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.

Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.

And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country,

Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.

For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius’ part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.

After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,

And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.

Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.

Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.

Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.

Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.

Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.

Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him; But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.

Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?

Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais,

for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.

So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.

And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.

Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.

Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company.

But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared to fight.

They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again. Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably,

and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.

Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them:

for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.

Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,

And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together, And gave them exhortation, saying,

Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.

By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone.

Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.

Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.

Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived. 8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.

Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.

So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.

Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absalom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.

So Tryphon removed from Ptolemais with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.

But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.

Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,

Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the kings treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.

Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.

Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people: Who might have said,

Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.

So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.

And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went.

Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon,

to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals.

Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not.

So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.

And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there. Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.

And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days.

Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before. Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father, and his mother, and his four brethren.

And in these he made cunning devices, about the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea.

This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day.

Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him. And he reigned in his stead,

and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.

Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals therein.

Moreover Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because all that Tryphon did was to spoil.

Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner:

King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:

The golden crown, and the scarlet robe, which ye sent unto us, we have received: and we are ready to make a stedfast peace with you, yea,

and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted.

And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.

As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown tax also, which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.

And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.

Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred and seventieth year.

Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.

In those days Simon camped against Gaza and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower, and took it.

And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:

Insomuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon to grant them peace.

And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy.

So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were,

and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving. Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it,

and placed such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwelling place for himself.

They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell:

wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.

Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him to be at one with them: which thing he granted them; and when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:

And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.

He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness.

Moreover the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.

And when Simon saw that John his son was a valiant man, he made him captain of all the hosts; and he dwelt in Gazera.

Now in the hundred threescore and twelfth year king Demetrius gathered his forces together, and went into Media to get him help to fight against Tryphon.

But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive:

Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.

As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon; for he sought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.

And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppa for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,

And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,

And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazera, and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleanness, neither was there any that resisted him.

Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.

The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.

He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of the world.

He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:

For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to fray them:

Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.

Moreover he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.

He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the temple.

Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.

But as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high priest in his stead, and ruled the country, and the cities therein:

They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren: Which writings were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.

And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent;

The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high priest, and the elders, and priests, and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:

The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us of your glory and honour: wherefore we were glad of their coming,

And did register the things that they spake in the council of the people in this manner;

Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews’ ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they had with us.