About that time Antiochus returned with shame from the regions of Persia.

For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and attempted to rob the temples, and to oppress the city; but the multitudes, arming themselves, put him to flight: so Antiochus was driven away in disgrace.

Now as he was at Ecbatana, there came tidings to him of that which had happened to Nicanor and Timotheus.

Then swelling with rage, he thought to avenge upon the Jews the injury done by those that had put him to flight. And therefore he commanded his chariot driver to drive without ceasing, for judgment from heaven was upon him. For in his insolence he said, “I will come to Jerusalem, and make it a burial place for the Jews.”

But the Lord God of Israel, who seeth all things, smote him with an incurable and invisible affliction; for as soon as he had spoken these words, a grievous pain in his bowels came upon him, and sore torments within him.

And that most justly; for he had tormented many with sundry and strange pains; yet he did not cease from his haughtiness.

But still, being full of pride, breathing out fire in his rage against the Jews, and commanding to drive fast, it came to pass that he fell out of his chariot, being carried violently, and all the members of his body were crushed.

Thus he that a little before thought he could command the waves of the sea, and set the highest mountains in a balance, was now cast upon the ground, and carried in a litter, showing forth to all the mighty power of God.

So that from the body of this wicked man worms swarmed, and his flesh fell off him while he was yet alive with pain and torments; and the stench of him was grievous to all the army.

And by reason of his intolerable stench, no man could endure to carry him that but a little before thought he might touch the stars of heaven.

Then, being broken in body and having lost all hope, he began to abate his great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself, when he was scourged with a divine plague, and his pains increased every moment.

So that he himself could not endure his own stench, and he said, “It is meet to be subject unto God, and that men should not think themselves to be equal with God, being mortal.”

Then this wicked person vowed unto the Lord, who would no more have mercy upon him.

That the holy city, which he intended to raze and make a common burial place, he would set at liberty.

And as for the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy to be buried, but to be cast out with their children to the beasts and birds, he would make them all equal to the Athenians.

And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would adorn with the best spoils, and restore all the holy vessels manyfold, and bear the charges of the sacrifices out of his own revenues.

Yea, that he would become a Jew himself, and go through all the world proclaiming the power of God.

But for all this his pains would not cease, for the just judgment of God was come upon him; therefore he gave over himself for lost, and wrote to the Jews the letter underwritten, containing the matter of a supplication, after this manner:

“Antiochus, King and commander, to the excellent Jews, his citizens, wisheth much health, welfare, and happiness.

If ye be well, and your children, and all things be according to your liking, I give humble thanks to God; and I put my trust in heaven.

As for me, I remember with affection your dignity and goodwill, and as I was returning from the regions of Persia, being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to take order for the common safety of all.

Not that I despair of myself, for I have great hope to escape this sickness.

But considering that my father, when he went with his army into the upper countries, appointed a successor,

To the end that if any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if any bad tidings occurred, the people in the country, knowing to whom the whole government was committed, might not be troubled.

And considering that the princes that are borderers and neighbors to our kingdom wait for opportunities, and expect some change; therefore have I appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I have often committed and commended to many of you, when I went into the upper provinces; to whom I have written what is here mentioned.

I pray and request you therefore to remember the benefits that I have done you, publicly and privately, and that every man will remain faithful to me and my son.

For I am persuaded that he will follow my purpose, and deal with you courteously and kindly.”

Thus this murderer and blasphemer, having suffered most grievously, as he had made other men suffer, died a miserable death in a strange country upon the mountains.

And Philip, being afraid of Antiochus the younger, carried away his body, and went to Ptolemy Philometor in Egypt.