<p>11:1 And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that
lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get
Alexander’s kingdom, and join it to his own.</p>
<p>11:2 Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner, so as they
of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded
them so to do, because he was his brother in law.</p>
<p>11:3 Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a
garrison of soldiers to keep it.</p>
<p>11:4 And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that
was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the
bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for they
had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass.</p>
<p>11:5 Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he
might blame him: but the king held his peace.</p>
<p>11:6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they saluted
one another, and lodged.</p>
<p>11:7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called
Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.</p>
<p>11:8 King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the
sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against
Alexander.</p>
<p>11:9 Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us
make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath,
and thou shalt reign in thy father’s kingdom:</p>
<p>11:10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me.</p>
<p>11:11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.</p>
<p>11:12 Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and
forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known.</p>
<p>11:13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his
head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.</p>
<p>11:14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that
dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.</p>
<p>11:15 But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon
king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and put
him to flight.</p>
<p>11:16 So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king Ptolemee was
exalted:</p>
<p>11:17 For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it unto
Ptolemee.</p>
<p>11:18 King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the
strong holds were slain one of another.</p>
<p>11:19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh
year.</p>
<p>11:20 At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea to
take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against
it.</p>
<p>11:21 Then certain ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the
king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,</p>
<p>11:22 Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to
Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower,
but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste.</p>
<p>11:23 Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still:
and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests, and put himself
in peril;</p>
<p>11:24 And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and
went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.</p>
<p>11:25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against
him,</p>
<p>11:26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and
promoted him in the sight of all his friends,</p>
<p>11:27 And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he
had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.</p>
<p>11:28 Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from
tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he
promised him three hundred talents.</p>
<p>11:29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these
things after this manner:</p>
<p>11:30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the
Jews, sendeth greeting:</p>
<p>11:31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin
Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.</p>
<p>11:32 King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:</p>
<p>11:33 We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our
friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us.</p>
<p>11:34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three
governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from
the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as
do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of
them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.</p>
<p>11:35 And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs
pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due
unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.</p>
<p>11:36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.</p>
<p>11:37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be
delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.</p>
<p>11:38 After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him,
and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, every
one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gathered
from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated
him.</p>
<p>11:39 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,</p>
<p>11:40 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.</p>
<p>11:41 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.</p>
<p>11:42 So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee
and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity
serve.</p>
<p>11:43 Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all
my forces are gone from me.</p>
<p>11:44 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.</p>
<p>11:45 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.</p>
<p>11:46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the
passages of the city, and began to fight.</p>
<p>11:47 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.</p>
<p>11:48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and
delivered the king.</p>
<p>11:49 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,</p>
<p>11:50 Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.</p>
<p>11:51 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.</p>
<p>11:52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was
quiet before him.</p>
<p>11:53 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.</p>
<p>11:54 After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who
reigned, and was crowned.</p>
<p>11:55 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.</p>
<p>11:56 Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.</p>
<p>11:57 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.</p>
<p>11:58 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.</p>
<p>11:59 His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder
of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.</p>
<p>11:60 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.</p>
<p>11:61 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.</p>
<p>11:62 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.</p>
<p>11:63 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,</p>
<p>11:64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.</p>
<p>11:65 Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long season,
and shut it up:</p>
<p>11:66 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.</p>
<p>11:67 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.</p>
<p>11:68 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.</p>
<p>11:69 So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined
battle, all that were of Jonathan’s side fled;</p>
<p>11:70 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.</p>
<p>11:71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.</p>
<p>11:72 Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they
ran away.</p>
<p>11:73 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.</p>
<p>11:74 So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but
Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.</p>
<p>12:1 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.</p>
<p>12:2 He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the
same purpose.</p>
<p>12:3 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.</p>
<p>12:4 Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place
that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.</p>
<p>12:5 And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the
Lacedemonians:</p>
<p>12:6 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:</p>
<p>12:7 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.</p>
<p>12:8 At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and
received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and
friendship.</p>
<p>12:9 Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the
holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,</p>
<p>12:10 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.</p>
<p>12:11 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:</p>
<p>12:12 And we are right glad of your honour.</p>
<p>12:13 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.</p>
<p>12:14 Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our
confederates and friends, in these wars:</p>
<p>12:15 For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered
from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.</p>
<p>12:16 For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he
son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had
with them, and the former league.</p>
<p>12:17 We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you
our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.</p>
<p>12:18 Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.</p>
<p>12:19 And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.</p>
<p>12:20 Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:</p>
<p>12:21 It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and
that they are of the stock of Abraham:</p>
<p>12:22 Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to
write unto us of your prosperity.</p>
<p>12:23 We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are ours, and
ours are yours. We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you
on this wise.</p>
<p>12:24 Now when Jonathan heard that Demebius’ princes were come to fight
against him with a greater host than afore,</p>
<p>12:25 He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he
gave them no respite to enter his country.</p>
<p>12:26 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.</p>
<p>12:27 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.</p>
<p>12:28 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.</p>
<p>12:29 Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they
saw the lights burning.</p>
<p>12:30 Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were
gone over the river Eleutherus.</p>
<p>12:31 Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and
smote them, and took their spoils.</p>
<p>12:32 And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the
country,</p>
<p>12:33 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.</p>
<p>12:34 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.</p>
<p>12:35 After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people
together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,</p>
<p>12:36 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.</p>
<p>12:37 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.</p>
<p>12:38 Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and
bars.</p>
<p>12:39 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.</p>
<p>12:40 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.</p>
<p>12:41 Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the
battle, and came to Bethsan.</p>
<p>12:42 Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not
stretch his hand against him;</p>
<p>12:43 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.</p>
<p>12:44 Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so
great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?</p>
<p>12:45 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.</p>
<p>12:46 So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who
went into the land of Judea.</p>
<p>12:47 And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two
thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.</p>
<p>12:48 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.</p>
<p>12:49 Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into
the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company.</p>
<p>12:50 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.</p>
<p>12:51 They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready
to fight for their lives, turned back again.</p>
<p>12:52 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.</p>
<p>12:53 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.</p>
<p>13:1 Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to
invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,</p>
<p>13:2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to
Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,</p>
<p>13:3 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.</p>
<p>13:4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and I
am left alone.</p>
<p>13:5 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.</p>
<p>13:6 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.</p>
<p>13:7 Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived.</p>
<p>13:8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader
instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.</p>
<p>13:9 Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we
do.</p>
<p>13:10 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.</p>
<p>13:11 Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to
Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.</p>
<p>13:12 So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land
of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.</p>
<p>13:13 But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.</p>
<p>13:14 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,</p>
<p>13:15 Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is
owing unto the king’s treasure, concerning the business that was
committed unto him.</p>
<p>13:16 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.</p>
<p>13:17 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:</p>
<p>13:18 Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children,
therefore is Jonathan dead.</p>
<p>13:19 So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon
dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.</p>
<p>13:20 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.</p>
<p>13:21 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.</p>
<p>13:22 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.</p>
<p>13:23 And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there.</p>
<p>13:24 Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.</p>
<p>13:25 Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried
them in Modin, the city of his fathers.</p>
<p>13:26 And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many
days.</p>
<p>13:27 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.</p>
<p>13:28 Moreover he set up seven pyramids, one against another, for his father,
and his mother, and his four brethren.</p>
<p>13:29 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.</p>
<p>13:30 This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto
this day.</p>
<p>13:31 Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew
him.</p>
<p>13:32 And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and
brought a great calamity upon the land.</p>
<p>13:33 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.</p>
<p>13:34 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.</p>
<p>13:35 Unto whom king Demetrius answered and wrote after this manner:</p>
<p>13:36 King Demetrius unto Simon the high priest, and friend of kings, as also
unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:</p>
<p>13:37 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.</p>
<p>13:38 And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the
strong holds, which ye have builded, shall be your own.</p>
<p>13:39 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.</p>
<p>13:40 And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let then be enrolled,
and let there be peace betwixt us.</p>
<p>13:41 Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel in the hundred
and seventieth year.</p>
<p>13:42 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.</p>
<p>13:43 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.</p>
<p>13:44 And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there
was a great uproar in the city:</p>
<p>13:45 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.</p>
<p>13:46 And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but
according to thy mercy.</p>
<p>13:47 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.</p>
<p>13:48 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
dwellingplace for himself.</p>
<p>13:49 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.</p>
<p>13:50 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:</p>
<p>13:51 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.</p>
<p>13:52 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.</p>
<p>13:53 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.</p>
<p>14:1 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 Tryphone.</p>
<p>14:2 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:</p>
<p>14:3 Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him to
Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.</p>
<p>14:4 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.</p>
<p>14:5 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,</p>
<p>14:6 And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,</p>
<p>14:7 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 uncleaness,
neither was there any that resisted him.</p>
<p>14:8 Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase,
and the trees of the field their fruit.</p>
<p>14:9 The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of good things,
and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.</p>
<p>14:10 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.</p>
<p>14:11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:</p>
<p>14:12 For every man sat under his vine and his fig tree, and there was none to
fray them:</p>
<p>14:13 Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the
kings themselves were overthrown in those days.</p>
<p>14:14 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.</p>
<p>14:15 He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied vessels of the temple.</p>
<p>14:16 Now when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was
dead, they were very sorry.</p>
<p>14:17 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:</p>
<p>14:18 They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and
league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:</p>
<p>14:19 Which writings were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.</p>
<p>14:20 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:</p>
<p>14:21 The ambassadors that were sent unto our people certified us of your glory
and honour: wherefore we were glad of their coming,</p>
<p>14:22 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.</p>
<p>14:23 And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put the
copy of their ambassage in publick records, to the end the people of the
Lacedemonians might have a memorial thereof: furthermore we have written a copy
thereof unto Simon the high priest.</p>
<p>14:24 After this Simon sent Numenius to Rome with a great shield of gold of a
thousand pound weight to confirm the league with them.</p>
<p>14:25 Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall we give to
Simon and his sons?</p>
<p>14:26 For he and his brethren and the house of his father have established
Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from them, and confirmed their
liberty.</p>
<p>14:27 So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in
mount Sion: and this is the copy of the writing; The eighteenth day of the
month Elul, in the hundred threescore and twelfth year, being the third year of
Simon the high priest,</p>
<p>14:28 At Saramel in the great congregation of the priests, and people, and
rulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things notified
unto us.</p>
<p>14:29 Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country, wherein for
the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon the son of Mattathias,
of the posterity of Jarib, together with his brethren, put themselves in
jeopardy, and resisting the enemies of their nation did their nation great
honour:</p>
<p>14:30 (For after that Jonathan, having gathered his nation together, and been
their high priest, was added to his people,</p>
<p>14:31 Their enemies prepared to invade their country, that they might destroy
it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:</p>
<p>14:32 At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent much of
his own substance, and armed the valiant men of his nation and gave them wages,</p>
<p>14:33 And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth
upon the borders of Judea, where the armour of the enemies had been before; but
he set a garrison of Jews there:</p>
<p>14:34 Moreover he fortified Joppa, which lieth upon the sea, and Gazera, that
bordereth upon Azotus, where the enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jews
there, and furnished them with all things convenient for the reparation
thereof.)</p>
<p>14:35 The people therefore seeing the acts of Simon, and unto what glory he
thought to bring his nation, made him their governor and chief priest, because
he had done all these things, and for the justice and faith which he kept to
his nation, and for that he sought by all means to exalt his people.</p>
<p>14:36 For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the heathen were
taken out of their country, and they also that were in the city of David in
Jerusalem, who had made themselves a tower, out of which they issued, and
polluted all about the sanctuary, and did much hurt in the holy place:</p>
<p>14:37 But he placed Jews therein, and fortified it for the safety of the
country and the city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem.</p>
<p>14:38 King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood according to
those things,</p>
<p>14:39 And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great honour.</p>
<p>14:40 For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews their friends
and confederates and brethren; and that they had entertained the ambassadors of
Simon honourably;</p>
<p>14:41 Also that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon should be
their governor and high priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful
prophet;</p>
<p>14:42 Moreover that he should be their captain, and should take charge of the
sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over the country, and over the
armour, and over the fortresses, that, I say, he should take charge of the
sanctuary;</p>
<p>14:43 Beside this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that all the
writings in the country should be made in his name, and that he should be
clothed in purple, and wear gold:</p>
<p>14:44 Also that it should be lawful for none of the people or priests to break
any of these things, or to gainsay his words, or to gather an assembly in the
country without him, or to be clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold;</p>
<p>14:45 And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these things, he
should be punished.</p>
<p>14:46 Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as hath been
said.</p>
<p>14:47 Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high priest, and
captain and governor of the Jews and priests, and to defend them all.</p>
<p>14:48 So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables of brass, and
that they should be set up within the compass of the sanctuary in a conspicuous
place;</p>
<p>14:49 Also that the copies thereof should be laid up in the treasury, to the
end that Simon and his sons might have them.</p>
<p>15:1 Moreover Antiochus son of Demetrius the king sent letters from the isles
of the sea unto Simon the priest and prince of the Jews, and to all the people;</p>
<p>15:2 The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high priest
and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting:</p>
<p>15:3 Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our
fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to the
old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers
together, and prepared ships of war;</p>
<p>15:4 My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be avenged of
them that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate:</p>
<p>15:5 Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the kings before
me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted.</p>
<p>15:6 I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with thine own stamp.</p>
<p>15:7 And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free; and all
the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, and
keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee.</p>
<p>15:8 And if any thing be, or shall be, owing to the king, let it be forgiven
thee from this time forth for evermore.</p>
<p>15:9 Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, and
thy nation, and thy temple, with great honour, so that your honour shall be
known throughout the world.</p>
<p>15:10 In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into the
land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together unto him, so
that few were left with Tryphon.</p>
<p>15:11 Wherefore being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which lieth
by the sea side:</p>
<p>15:12 For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that his forces
had forsaken him.</p>
<p>15:13 Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty
thousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen.</p>
<p>15:14 And when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships close to
the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by sea, neither
suffered he any to go out or in.</p>
<p>15:15 In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome, having
letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these things:</p>
<p>15:16 Lucius, consul of the Romans unto king Ptolemee, greeting:</p>
<p>15:17 The Jews’ ambassadors, our friends and confederates, came unto us
to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high priest,
and from the people of the Jews:</p>
<p>15:18 And they brought a shield of gold of a thousand pound.</p>
<p>15:19 We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and countries, that
they should do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities, or
countries, nor yet aid their enemies against them.</p>
<p>15:20 It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.</p>
<p>15:21 If therefore there be any pestilent fellows, that have fled from their
country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high priest, that he may punish
them according to their own law.</p>
<p>15:22 The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus,
to Ariarathes, and Arsaces,</p>
<p>15:23 And to all the countries and to Sampsames, and the Lacedemonians, and to
Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia,
and Halicarnassus, and Rhodus, and Phaselis, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus, and
Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.</p>
<p>15:24 And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high priest.</p>
<p>15:25 So Antiochus the king camped against Dora the second day, assaulting it
continually, and making engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that he
could neither go out nor in.</p>
<p>15:26 At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him; silver
also, and gold, and much armour.</p>
<p>15:27 Nevertheless he would not receive them, but brake all the covenants which
he had made with him afore, and became strange unto him.</p>
<p>15:28 Furthermore he sent unto him Athenobius, one of his friends, to commune
with him, and say, Ye withhold Joppa and Gazera; with the tower that is in
Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.</p>
<p>15:29 The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the land, and
got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.</p>
<p>15:30 Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of
the places, whereof ye have gotten dominion without the borders of Judea:</p>
<p>15:31 Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm
that ye have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents:
if not, we will come and fight against you.</p>
<p>15:32 So Athenobius the king’s friend came to Jerusalem: and when he saw
the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great
attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king’s message.</p>
<p>15:33 Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have neither taken other
men’s land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but the
inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession a
certain time.</p>
<p>15:34 Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers.</p>
<p>15:35 And whereas thou demandest Joppa and Gazera, albeit they did great harm
unto the people in our country, yet will we give thee an hundred talents for
them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word;</p>
<p>15:36 But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of these
speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen: whereupon the
king was exceeding wroth.</p>
<p>15:37 In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.</p>
<p>15:38 Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea coast, and gave him an
host of footmen and horsemen,</p>
<p>15:39 And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he commanded him
to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people;
but as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon.</p>
<p>15:40 So Cendebeus came to Jamnia and began to provoke the people and to invade
Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them.</p>
<p>15:41 And when he had built up Cedrou, he set horsemen there, and an host of
footmen, to the end that issuing out they might make outroads upon the ways of
Judea, as the king had commanded him.</p>
<p>16:1 Then came up John from Gazera, and told Simon his father what Cendebeus
had done.</p>
<p>16:2 Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John, and said unto
them, I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have ever from our youth
unto this day fought against the enemies of Israel; and things have prospered
so well in our hands, that we have delivered Israel oftentimes.</p>
<p>16:3 But now I am old, and ye, by God’s mercy, are of a sufficient age:
be ye instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for our nation, and the
help from heaven be with you.</p>
<p>16:4 So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war with horsemen,
who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that night at Modin.</p>
<p>16:5 And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the plain, behold, a
mighty great host both of footmen and horsemen came against them: howbeit there
was a water brook betwixt them.</p>
<p>16:6 So he and his people pitched over against them: and when he saw that the
people were afraid to go over the water brook, he went first over himself, and
then the men seeing him passed through after him.</p>
<p>16:7 That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the midst of the
footmen: for the enemies’ horsemen were very many.</p>
<p>16:8 Then sounded they with the holy trumpets: whereupon Cendebeus and his host
were put to flight, so that many of them were slain, and the remnant gat them
to the strong hold.</p>
<p>16:9 At that time was Judas John’s brother wounded; but John still
followed after them, until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus had built.</p>
<p>16:10 So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus; wherefore he
burned it with fire: so that there were slain of them about two thousand men.
Afterward he returned into the land of Judea in peace.</p>
<p>16:11 Moreover in the plain of Jericho was Ptolemeus the son of Abubus made
captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold:</p>
<p>16:12 For he was the high priest’s son in law.</p>
<p>16:13 Wherefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the country to
himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against Simon and his sons to
destroy them.</p>
<p>16:14 Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and taking
care for the good ordering of them; at which time he came down himself to
Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and Judas, in the hundred threescore and
seventeenth year, in the eleventh month, called Sabat:</p>
<p>16:15 Where the son of Abubus receiving them deceitfully into a little hold,
called Docus, which he had built, made them a great banquet: howbeit he had hid
men there.</p>
<p>16:16 So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and his men rose
up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon into the banqueting place, and
slew him, and his two sons, and certain of his servants.</p>
<p>16:17 In which doing he committed a great treachery, and recompensed evil for
good.</p>
<p>16:18 Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king, that he should
send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him the country and cities.</p>
<p>16:19 He sent others also to Gazera to kill John: and unto the tribunes he sent
letters to come unto him, that he might give them silver, and gold, and
rewards.</p>
<p>16:20 And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the temple.</p>
<p>16:21 Now one had run afore to Gazera and told John that his father and
brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to slay thee also.</p>
<p>16:22 Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid hands on them
that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for he knew that they sought to
make him away.</p>
<p>16:23 As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and worthy
deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which he made, and his
doings,</p>
<p>16:24 Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his priesthood, from the
time he was made high priest after his father.</p>
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