Not long after this, Lysias, the king's commissioner and kinsman, who had the government of things, being greatly vexed for what had happened, gathered about eighty thousand men, and all his horsemen, and went against the Jews, thinking to make the city an habitation of the Grecians, and to make it a place to gain from, as other temples of the Gentiles, and to set the high priesthood to sale year by year.

After our father is departed to the gods, we have always had a care that the inhabitants of our kingdom should be without trouble, and diligently apply themselves to their own affairs. If therefore ye send to them, and make a covenant with them, that they may rest assured, if they know our mind concerning them, and thankfully apply themselves to their own services, ye shall do well.

And to make the temple a place of profit like other temples of the Gentiles, and to offer the high priesthood for sale year by year.

Not having a thought of the power of God, but swelling with pride, trusting in his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his eighty elephants.

So he entered into Judea, and came near to Bethsura, which was a strong city, about five furlongs from Jerusalem, and he vigorously assaulted it.

Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the strong holds, they and all the multitude with lamentation and tears, besought the Lord, that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.

Then Maccabeus himself first took weapons, exhorting the others to go with him to succour their brethren.

So they went forth with a willing mind together, and as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them a horseman in white clothing, shaking golden weapons.

And they all together blessed the merciful God, and took courage, so that they were ready not only to attack fierce beasts, but even men, and to break through iron walls.

And they went forward in order, having obtained help from heaven, and the Lord having mercy on them.

And rushing upon the enemy like lions, they slew eleven thousand of them, and sixteen hundred horsemen.

And they forced all the rest to flee; and most of them that escaped were wounded and naked, and Lysias himself fled shamefully.

And as the man was very cunning, he considered with himself the loss he had sustained, and perceived that the Hebrews were invincible, because the mighty God was their helper; so he sent unto them.

And promised that he would yield to all that was just, and reconcile the king to them.

Then Maccabeus agreed to all that Lysias desired, seeking what was profitable, and all that Maccabeus required of Lysias in writing, the king granted to the Jews.

Now the copies of the letters which Lysias wrote to the Jews are these: Lysias greeting the Jewish people. To Lysias from the Jews. John and Absalom, sent from you, have delivered to us your reply, and they have asked for a decree, the purport of which is:

So I have explained to the king what ought to be concluded, and he has approved of such things as the present state of affairs would allow.

If ye continue faithful in the matters between us, I also will endeavor to be a beneficent cause to you.

But concerning the particulars, we have commanded them, together with those whom ye sent from yourselves, to confer with you.

Farewell. The hundred and forty-eighth year, the four and twentieth day of the month of Dioscorinthius.

And this is the copy of the king's letter: King Antiochus to his brother Lysias sendeth greeting.

Forasmuch as we are informed that the Jews are not content with what our father commanded them concerning the change of their manners to the custom of the Greeks, but choose rather to live after their own order, and therefore crave that they may be allowed their own laws.

We, therefore, willing that this nation should be in no trouble at all, are minded that their temple should be restored to them, and that they should be governed by the laws of their forefathers.

And this is the king's letter to the nation: King Antiochus to the elders of the Jews and to the whole nation, sendeth greeting.

If you be well, it is what we desire; we ourselves are also in health.

Menelaus has informed us, that you desire to return home and be with your own people.

Those, therefore, that depart to the thirtieth day of the month Xanthicus shall have safety and peace.

And we have granted to the Jews their own food and their own laws, as they had before; and no one of them shall be molested for anything committed through ignorance.

I have sent also Menelaus unto you, that he may speak with you.

Fare ye well. In the hundred and forty-eighth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.

The Romans also sent unto them a letter, the tenor whereof was this: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, send greeting.

Concerning those things which Lysias, the king's kinsman, granted you, we are content therewith.

But as touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, when ye have advised thereof, send one immediately, that we may determine as it is convenient for you: for we are going to Antioch.

Therefore send one with speed, that we may know what your mind is.

Farewell. The hundred and forty-eighth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.