1After a very short time, Lysias, the king’s regent, a kinsman and the one in charge of affairs, being greatly distressed by what had happened,
2gathered about eighty thousand infantry and all his cavalry and marched against the Jews, intending to make the city a settlement for Greeks,
3to make the temple a source of revenue like the other sacred precincts of the nations, and to put the high priesthood up for sale annually.
4He did not at all consider the power of God, but was puffed up by his tens of thousands of infantry, his thousands of cavalry, and his eighty elephants.
5So entering Judea and approaching Beth-zur—a strong place about five schoeni from Jerusalem—he laid siege to it.
6But when Maccabeus and his men learned that he was besieging the strongholds, they and the crowds pleaded with the Lord with wailing and tears to send a good angel for the salvation of Israel.
7Maccabeus himself was the first to take up arms, and he urged the others to risk danger with him to help their brothers; and they rushed out together eagerly.
8And while they were still there near Jerusalem, a horseman appeared at their head, dressed in white clothing and brandishing a golden weapon.
9And all together they blessed the merciful God and were strengthened in their souls, ready to pierce not only men but also the fiercest wild beasts and iron walls.
10They advanced in battle array, having their ally from heaven, since the Lord had mercy on them.
11Charging the enemy like lions, they struck down eleven thousand of them and one thousand six hundred of the cavalry, and forced all the rest to flee.
12Most of them escaped wounded and stripped of their armor, and Lysias himself also escaped by a shameful flight.
13Since he was not a senseless man, he reflected on the defeat that had befallen him and understood that the Hebrews were invincible because the mighty God was their ally. So he sent a message,
14and persuaded them to come to terms on all just conditions, promising that he would also persuade the king and compel him to be their friend.
15Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias urged, looking out for the common good. For whatever Maccabeus submitted to Lysias in writing concerning the Jews, the secretary granted.
16For there were letters written to the Jews from Lysias, containing the following: ‘Lysias to the people of the Jews, greetings.’
17‘John and Absalom, who were sent from you, delivered the appended document and requested a decision concerning the matters indicated in it.’
18‘Therefore, I have explained whatever needed to be brought before the king, and he has granted what was possible.’
19‘If, therefore, you maintain your goodwill toward our affairs, I will also try in the future to be a source of good things for you.’
20‘And concerning the details of these matters, I have instructed both your messengers and my own representatives to confer with you.’
21‘Farewell. In the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the twenty-fourth of Dioscorinthius.’
22The king’s letter contained the following: ‘King Antiochus to his brother Lysias, greetings.’
23‘Our father has passed on to the gods, and it is our desire that the subjects of the kingdom be undisturbed and attend to their own concerns.’
24‘We have heard that the Jews do not consent to our father’s policy of adopting Greek ways, but prefer their own way of life and ask that their own customs be allowed to them.’
25‘Therefore, choosing that this nation also be free from disturbance, we have decided that their temple be restored to them and that they should live according to the customs of their ancestors.’
26‘You will do well, therefore, to send messengers to them and to give them pledges of friendship, so that, knowing our policy, they may be of good cheer and cheerfully go about the management of their own affairs.’
27To the nation the king’s letter was as follows: ‘King Antiochus to the senate of the Jews and to the other Jews, greetings.’
28‘If you are well, it is as we wish. We ourselves are also in good health.’
29‘Menelaus has informed us that you wish to return home and attend to your own affairs.’
30‘Therefore, to those who return home by the thirtieth of Xanthicus, our pledge of security is given,’
31that the Jews are to live by their own customs and laws just as before, and that none of them is to be troubled in any way concerning things done in ignorance.
32I have also sent Menelaus to reassure you.
33Farewell. In the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth of Xanthicus.
34The Romans also sent a letter to them, which read as follows: “Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, envoys of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greetings.”
35Regarding what Lysias, the king’s kinsman, has granted you, we also give our consent.
36But as for the matters he decided should be referred to the king, consider them and send someone at once, so that we may make a recommendation as is fitting for us, for we are proceeding to Antioch.
37Therefore, hurry and send some people, so that we too may learn what your disposition is.
38Farewell. In the one hundred and forty-eighth year, on the fifteenth of Xanthicus.
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