1 Shortly afterward, Lysias, who was the king's guardian and kinsman and in charge of the government, was greatly upset at what had happened,
2 and gathered about eighty thousand infantry and all his cavalry to come against the Jews. He purposed to make the city a home for Greeks,
3 to levy taxes on the temple, as he did on the sacred places of the other nations, and to put the high priesthood up for sale every year.
4 He took no account at all of God's power, but was elated with his countless thousands of infantry and his thousands of cavalry, plus his eighty elephants.
5 Thus he entered Judea and drew near Beth-zur, a fortified place about twenty miles from Jerusalem, and besieged it.
6 When Maccabeus and his men heard of this, that Lysias was besieging the strongholds, they and all the people begged the Lord with lamentations and tears to send a good angel to save Israel.
7 Maccabeus himself was the first to bear arms, and he pleaded with the others to join with him in risking their lives to go help their brothers. Then they eagerly set out together.
8 But in that place, while they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman appeared before them, clothed in white and brandishing a full armor of gold.
9 Then together they all blessed the merciful God and were strengthened in heart, ready to bring damage not only on humans but on the most savage of beasts or walls of iron.
10 Because the Lord had mercy on them, they advanced with their weapons, having with them their ally from heaven.
11 They hurled themselves against the enemy like lions and overthrew eleven thousand of them, as well as sixteen hundred cavalry, and forced all of them to flee.
12 Most of them escaped, wounded and naked, and Lysias himself escaped by a disgraceful flight.
13 But as Lysias was not lacking in intelligence, he discussed the loss that had happened to him. He realized the Hebrews were unconquerable, because the Almighty God was their ally.
14 So he sent a message and persuaded them to settle everything on just terms. Moreover, perhaps he could also persuade the king and compel him to become their friend.
15 Then Maccabeus agreed to everything Lysias urged, since he was concerned about what was best for all. For whatever Maccabeus gave to Lysias in writing concerning the Jews, the king granted.
16 Four letters were written to the Jews from Lysias, encompassing the following: “Lysias to the people of the Jews, greetings.
17 John and Absalom, who were sent by you, have given us your signed communication and asked about the matters addressed in it.
18 Accordingly, I reported to the king whatever was necessary to bring him, and he granted whatever was possible.
19 If you will keep your goodwill toward the government, I will try in the future to promote your welfare.
20 So in behalf of these things and their details, I have ordered that these men and my representatives confer with you.
21 Farewell. The one hundred and forty-eighth year, the twenty-fourth of Dioscorinthius.”
22 Now the king's letters contained the following: “King Antiochus to Lysias his brother, greetings.
23 Since our father has departed to the gods, we desire the subjects of the kingdom be undisturbed in caring for their own affairs.
24 We understand the Jews do not approve of our father's change to Greek customs, but choose their own way of life and ask that their customs be granted them.
25 Since therefore we prefer for this nation to be free from disturbance, our decision is for their temple to be returned to them and for them to live according to the customs of their forefathers.
26 Therefore, you will do well to send word to them and give them assurances of friendship, so they may know our policy. Be in good spirits, and continue gladly to help them in their own affairs.”
27 The king's letter to the nation was as follows: “King Antiochus to the Jewish senate and the rest of the Jews, greetings.
28 If you are healthy, this would be as we desire. We are also in good health.
29 Menelaus has told us you wish to return home and attend to your own affairs.
30 Therefore, those who return home by the thirtieth of Xanthicus will have our pledge of friendship, with freedom from fear,
31 for the Jews to enjoy their own food and laws as before; and none of them shall be troubled in any way for things done in ignorance.
32 I have also sent Menelaus to encourage you.
33 Farewell. The one hundred and forty-eighth year, the fifteenth of Xanthicus.”
34 The Romans also sent them a letter, which read as follows: “Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, legates of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greetings.
35 We also approve of those things concerning which Lysias the kinsman of the king has granted you.
36 But the matters he decided to report to the king, as soon as you have considered these things, send someone promptly that we may explain what is suitable for you, for we are on our way to Antioch.
37 For this reason make haste and send someone to let us know your intentions.
38 Farewell. The one hundred and forty-eighth year, the fifteenth of Xanthicus.”