When the holy city was inhabited in great peace, and the laws were observed most perfectly, because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of evil,

it happened that even the kings themselves did honor the place, and glorify the temple with the most costly gifts;

Insomuch that Seleucus, king of Asia, of his own revenues, furnished all the charges belonging to the service of the sacrifices.

But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made superintendent of the temple, had a quarrel with the high priest about an unjust act committed in the city.

And when he could not overcome Onias, he went to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who was at that time governor of Coelosyria and Phoenicia.

And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of innumerable sums of money, so that the multitude of the income could not be counted, and that it was not necessary for the charges of the sacrifices: and that it was possible for the king to bring it all into his own power.

Now when Apollonius went to the king, and acquainted him with the money that was described to him, he chose Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a command to bring him the foresaid money.

So Heliodorus forthwith began his journey, under a colour of visiting the cities of Coelosyria and Phoenicia, but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose.

And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been kindly received by the high priest of the city, he told him what had been revealed concerning their goods, and declared for what cause he had come, and asked if it was truly so.

Then the high priest told him that the money laid up was for the relief of widows and orphans,

And that part of it belonged to Hyrcanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and that it was not as that wicked Simon had falsely informed; for the whole sum was four hundred talents of silver and two hundred of gold.

And that it was by no means to be wronged; for it was a grievous thing to those that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable reverence of the temple, which is reverenced throughout the whole world.

But Heliodorus, according to the king’s command, insisted that the money should be carried into the king’s treasury.

And when he had appointed a day, he went in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small terror throughout the whole city.

And the priests in their priestly vestments fell down before the altar, and besought Heaven, Him that made the law concerning deposits, that He would preserve them safe for those who had deposited them.

And whoso looked upon the high priest, his heart was wounded, for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his soul;

For the man was covered with terror and trembling; which showed them that looked upon him the sadness of his soul.

Others ran out of the houses in companies, to make common supplication for the present indignity.

And the women were gathered together in the streets, girded with sackcloth under their breasts, and the virgins that were shut up, some ran to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.

And all of them stretching forth their hands to heaven, made supplication.

Then it would have pitied a man to see the multitude prostrate, and the high priest in an agony of tribulation.

They cried out to the Almighty Lord to keep the deposits safe and sure for those that had committed them.

But Heliodorus went on to execute that which was decreed, he himself being present in the treasury with his guard.

But the Lord of our fathers and the Author of all power afforded a wonderful manifestation: so that all that presumed to enter there were smitten with the divine power, and were brought to such a faintness and fear,

For there appeared unto them a horse with a terrible rider, magnificently adorned, which leaped upon Heliodorus, and struck him with his forefeet, and he that sat upon him seemed to have complete weapons of gold.

Moreover two other young men appeared before him, very strong, and beautiful in comeliness, and gloriously apparelled, who stood by him on either side, and scourged him continually, giving him many stripes.

And Heliodorus immediately fell to the ground, and a thick darkness came upon him: and they took him up and laid him upon a litter.

For he that in the former days entered with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, was carried out, every one clearly seeing the manifestations of the power of God.

So he lay speechless, and without all hope of recovery, by the power of God.

But the Jews blessed the Lord that had glorified his own place: and the temple, which a little before was full of terror and trouble, was filled with joy and gladness, the Almighty Lord being seen to reign therein.

Then some of Heliodorus’ friends presently entreated Onias, that he would call upon the Most High, and grant him his life, being now in his last gasp.

So the high priest being moved with pity, lest the king should suspect that some mischief had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the recovery of the man.

Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men appeared again to Heliodorus with the same apparel, and said: Give Onias the high priest great thanks, for for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life.

And thou, that hast been scourged of God, tell all mankind the great works and the power of God. And having spoken thus, they vanished out of sight.

So Heliodorus, after he had offered a sacrifice to the Lord, and made great vows to him, that had granted him life, and gave thanks to Onias, returned with his army to the king.

And he testified to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his own eyes.

And when the king asked Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said:

If thou hast any enemy or traitor to thy kingdom, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him again scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt, there is an especial power of God.

For He that dwelleth in heaven is Himself the watcher and defender of that place, and He striketh and destroyeth them who come to do it injury.

Thus went the matter concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury.