69 And they that lay in ambush rose out of their places, and joined battle. 70 And all that were on Jonathan's side fled: and none was left of them, but Mathathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, chief captain of the army. 71 And Jonathan rent his garments, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed. you in the sacrifices that we offer, and in our observances, as it is meet and becoming to remember brethren. 12 And we rejoice at your glory. 13 But we have had many troubles and wars on every side; and the kings that are round about us, have fought against us. 14 But we would not be troublesome to you, nor to the rest of our allies and friends 72 And Jonathan turned again to them to battle and he put them to flight; and in these wars. they fought. 15 For we have had help from heaven: 73 And they of his part that fled saw and we have been delivered, and our enethis; and they turned again to him; and mies are humbled. they all with him pursued the enemies even 16 We have chosen therefore Numenius to Cades to their own camp; and they the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son came even thither. of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans 74 And there fell of the aliens in that to renew with them the former amity and day three thousand men: and Jonathan re-alliance. turned to Jerusalem. CHAP. XII. 17 And we have commanded them to go also to you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters, concerning the renew Jonathan renews his league with the Romansing of our brotherhood. 18 And now you shall do well to give us ND Jonathan saw that the time served : Ahim and he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, to confirm and to renew the amity with them: 2 And he sent letters to the Spartans, and to other places, according to the same form. 3 And they went to Rome, and entered into the senate-house, and said: Jonathan the high-priest, and the nation of the Jews have sent us to renew the amity and alliance, as it was before. 4 And they gave them letters to their governors in every place, to conduct them into the land of Juda with peace. 5 And this is a copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans : 19 And this is the copy of the letter which he had sent to Onias: 20 ARIUS king of the Spartans to Onias the high-priest, greeting. 21 It is found in writing concerning the Spartans and the Jews, that they are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abra ham. 22 And now since this is come to our knowledge, you do well to write to us of your prosperity. 23 And we also have written back to you, That our cattle, and our possessions, are yours; and yours, ours. We therefore have commanded that these things should be told you. 25 So he went out from Jerusalem, and 24 Now Jonathan heard that the generals of Demetrius were come again with a great6 JONATHAN the high priest, and the an-er army than before, to fight against him. cients of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to the Spar-met them in the land of Amath: for he tans, their brethren, greeting. gave them no time to enter into his country. 7 There were letters sent long ago to 26 And he sent spies into their camp: Onias the high-priest from Arius who reign-and they came back, and brought him word ed then among you, to signify that you are that they designed to come upon them in our brethren, as the copy here underwritten, the night. doth specify. 8 And Onias received the ambassador with honour; and received the letters, wherein there was mention made of the alliance and amity. 9 We, though we needed none of these things, having for our comfort the holy books that are in our hands, 10 Chose rather to send to you to renew the brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers to you altogether: for there is a long time passed since you sent to us. 27 And when the sun was set, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms all night long ready to fight: and he set centinels round about the camp. 28 And the enemies heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle: and they were struck with fear and dread in their heart: and they kindled fires in their camp. 29 But Jonathan and they that were with him, knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning. 30 And Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they had passed the river Eleutherus. 11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our festivals, and other days wherein it is convenient, remember 31 And Jonathan turned upon the Ara bians that are called Zabadeans: and hell of the city, and took him: and all them defeated them, and took the spoils of them. that came in with him, they slew with the 32 And he went forward, and came to sword. Damascus, and passed through all that country. 33 Simon also went forth, and came as far as Ascalon, and the neighbouring fortresses: and he turned aside to Joppe, and took possession of it. 34 (For he heard that they designed to deliver the hold to them that took part with Demetrius) and he put a garrison there to keep it. 35 And Jonathan came back, and called together the ancients of the people: and he took a resolution with them to build fortresses in Judea: 49 Then Tryphon sent an army and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company. 50 But they, when they understood that Jonathan and all that were with him were taken and slain, encouraged one another, and went out ready for battle. 51 Then they that had come after them, seeing that they stood for their lives, returnled back. 52 Whereupon they all came peaceably into the land of Juda. And they bewailed Jonathan, and them that had been with him, exceedingly and Israel mourned with great 36 And to build up walls in Jerusalem, lamentation. and raise a mount between the castle and 53 Then all the heathens that were round the city, to separate it from the city, that so about them, sought to destroy them. For it might have no communication, and that they said: they might neither buy nor sell. 54 They have no prince, nor any to help 37 And they came together to build up them: now therefore let us make war upon the city for the wall that was upon the them, and take away the memory of them brook towards the east was broken down; from amongst men. and he repaired that which is called Caphe tetha: 38 And Simon built Adiada in Sephela, and fortified it, and set up gates and bars. 39 Now when Tryphon had conceived a design to make himself king of Asia, and to take the crown, and to stretch out his hand against king Antiochus : CHAP. XIII. Simon is made captain general in the room of his brother. Jonathan is slain by Tryphon. Simon is favoured by Demetrius: he taketh Gaza, and the castle of Jerusalem. TOW Simon heard that Tryphon was gathering together a very great army, 40 Fearing lest Jonathan would not suffer to invade the land of Juda, and to deshim, but would fight against him : he sought troy it. to seize upon him, and to kill him. So he rose up, and came to Bethsan. 41 And Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for battle, and came to Bethsan. NOW 2 And seeing that the people was in dread, and in fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and assembled the people : 3 And exhorted them, saying: You know what great battles I and my brethren, and 42 Now when Tryphon saw that Jonathan the house of my father, have fought for the came with a great army, he durst not stretch laws, and the sanctuary, and the distresses forth his hand against him. 43 But received him with honour, and commended him to all his friends, and gave him presents: and he commanded his troops to obey him, as himself. 44 And he said to Jonathan: Why hast thou troubled all the people, whereas we have no war? I that we have seen: 4 By reason whereof all my brethren have lost their lives for Israel's sake, and am left alone. 5 And now far be it from me to spare my life in any time of trouble: for I am not better than my brethren. 6 I will avenge then my nation and the 45 Now therefore send them back to sanctuary, and our children, and wives: for their own houses and choose thee a few all the heathens are gathered together to men that may be with thee, and come with destroy us out of mere malice. me to Ptolemais: and I will deliver it to 7 And the spirit of the people was enthee, and the rest of the strong holds, and kindled as soon as they heard these words: the army, and all that have any charge: and 8 And they answered with a loud voice, I will return and go away: for this is the saying: Thou art our leader in the place of cause of my coming. Judas, and Jonathan thy brother: 46 And Jonathan believed him, and did as he said and sent away his army: and they departed into the land of Juda: 9 Fight thou our battles: and we will do whatsoever thou shalt say to us. 10 So gathering together all the men 47 But he kept with him three thousand of war, he made haste to finish all the walls men of whom he sent two thousand into of Jerusalem: and he fortified it round Galilee, and one thousand went with him. about. 48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into 11 And he sent Jonathan the son of AbPtolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gatessalom, and with him a new army into Joppe: and he cast out them that were in it, and against another, for his father, and his mohimself remained there. ther, and his four brethren : 12 And Tryphon removed from Ptole- 29 And round about these he set great mais with a great army, to invade the land pillars; and upon the pillars arms for a perof Juda and Jonathan was with him in cus-petual memory; and by the arms ships tody. carved, which might be seen by all that 13 But Simon pitched in Addus, over-sailed on the sea. gainst the plain. 30 This is the sepulchre that he made in 14 And when Tryphon understood that Modin even unto this day. Simon was risen up in the place of his bro- 31 But Tryphon, when he was upon a ther Jonathan, and that he meant to join journey with the young king Antiochus, battle with him, he sent messengers to treacherously slew him. him, 15 Saying: We have detained thy brother Jonathan for the money that he owed in the king's account, by reason of the affairs which he had the management of. 32 And he reigned in his place, and put on the crown of Asia; and brought great evils upon the land. 33 And Simon built up the strong holds of Judea, fortifying them with high towers, 16 But now send a hundred talents of and great walls, and gates, and bars: and silver, and his two sons for hostages, that he stored up victuals in the fortresses. when he is set at liberty, he may not revolt 34 And Simon chose men, and sent to from us; and we will release him. king Demetrius, to the end that he should 17 Now Simon knew that he spoke de-grant an immunity to the land: for all that ceitfully to him; nevertheless he ordered Tryphon did was to spoil. the money and the children to be sent : lest he should bring upon himself a great hatred of the people of Israel, who might have said: 18 Because he sent not the money, and the children, therefore is he lost. 19 So he sent the children, and the hundred talents: and he lied, and did not let Jonathan go. 35 And king Demetrius, in answer to this request, wrote a letter in this manner: 36 KING Demetrius to Simon the highpriest, and friend of kings, and to the ancients, and to the nation of the Jews, greeting. 37 The golden crown, and the palm, which you sent, we have received: and we are ready to make a firm peace with you, 20 And after this Tryphon entered within and to write to the king's chief officers to the country to destroy it: and they went release you the things that we have reabout by the way that leadeth to Ador:leased. and Simon and his army marched to every|| 38 For all that we have decreed in your place whithersoever they went.* favour shall stand in force. The strong21 And they that were in the castle, sent holds that you have built, shall be your messengers to Tryphon, that he should own. make haste to come through the desert, and send them victuals. 39 And as for any oversight or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the 22 And Tryphon made ready all his horse-crown which you owed: and if any other men to come that night: but there fell a thing were taxed in Jerusalem, now let it very great snow, and he came not into the not be taxed. country of Galaad. 23 And when he approached to Bascama, he slew Jonathan and his sons there. 24 And Tryphon returned, and went into his own country. 25 And Simon sent and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers. 40 And if any of you be fit to be enrolled among ours, let them be enrolled; and let there be peace between us. 41 In the year one hundred and seventy the yoke of the Gentiles was taken off from Israel. 42 And the people of Israel began to write in the instruments and public records, 26 And all Israel bewailed him with great the great captain, and prince of the Jews. The first year under Simon the high-priest, lamentation and they mourned for him many days. 27 And Simon built over the sepulchre of his father and of his brethren, a building lofty to the sight, of polished stone behind and before. 28 And he set up seven pyramids one 43 In those days Simon besieged Gaza, and camped round about it: and he made engines, and set them to the city: and he struck one tower, and took it. 44 And they that were within the engine leapt into the city and there was a great uproar in the city. 45 And they that were in the city went Simon and his army marched to every up with their wives and children upon the place whithersoever they went; that is, whi-wall with their garments rent: and they thersoever Tryphon and his horsemen went, cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon in order to oppose them. to grant them peace. 46 And they said: Deal not with us according to our evil deeds, but according to thy mercy. 47 And Simon being moved, did not destroy them but yet he cast them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein there had been idols: and then he entered into it with hymns, blessing the Lord: 48 And having cast out of it all uncleanness, he placed in it men that should observe the law and he fortified it, and made it his habitation. : 7 And he gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazara, and of Bethsura, and of the castle; and took away all uncleanness out of it: and there was none that resisted him. 8 And every man tilled his land with peace: and the land of Juda yielded her increase, and the trees of the fields their fruit. 9 The ancient men sat all in the streets, and treated together of the good things of the land; and the young men put on them glory, and the robes of war. 49 But they that were in the castle of Jerusalem were hindered from going out 10 And he provided victuals for the ciand coming into the country, and from buy-ties; and he appointed that they should be ing and selling and they were straitened furnished with ammunition, so that the fame with hunger; and many of them perished of his glory was renowned even to the end through famine. of the earth. 50 And they cried to Simon for peace and he granted it to them: and he cast them out from thence, and cleansed the castle from uncleannesses. : 11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy. 12 And every man sat under his vine, and under his fig-tree: and there was none to make him afraid. 51 And they entered into it in the three and twentieth day of the second month, in 13 There was none left in the land to the year one hundred and seventy one, with fight against them: kings were discomfited thanksgiving, and branches of palm-trees, in those days. and harps, and cymbals, and psalteries, and hymns, and canticles; because the great enemy was destroyed out of Israel. 52 And he ordained that these days should be kept every year with gladness. 53 And he fortified the mountain of the temple that was near the castle: and he dwelt there himself, and they that were with him. 14 And he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low and he sought the law, and took away every unjust and wicked man. 15 He glorified the sanctuary, and multiplied the vessels of the holy places. 16 And it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead: and they were very sorry. 54 And Simon saw that John his son was 17 But when they heard that Simon his a valiant man for war: and he made him brother was made high priest in his place, captain of all the forces: and he dwelt inland was possessed of all the country, and the cities therein : Gazara. CHAP. XIV. Demetrius is taken by the king of Persia. 18 They wrote to him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and alliance which they had made with Judas and with Jonathan his brethren. N the year one hundred and seventy two, IN 19 And they were read before the assem king Demetrius assembled his army, and bly in Jerusalem. And this is the copy of went into Media to get him succours to fight the letters that the Spartans sent. against Tryphon. 2 And Arsaces the king of Persia and Media heard that Demetrius was entered within his borders: and he sent one of his princes to take him alive, and bring him to him. 20 THE PRINCES and the cities of the Spartans to Simon the high priest, and to the ancients, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, their brethren, greeting. 3 And he went, and defeated the army of 21 The ambassadors that were sent to Demetrius: and took him, and brought our people, have told us of your glory, and him to Arsaces; and he put him into cus-honour, and joy: and we rejoiced at their tody. 4 And all the land of Juda was at rest all the days of Simon: and he sought the good of his nation: and his power and his glory pleased them well all his days. 5 And with all his glory he took Joppe for a haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea. coming. 22 And we registered what was said by them in the councils of the people in this manner: Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, ambassa dors of the Jews, came to us to renew the former friendship with us. 23 And it pleased the people to receive 6 And he enlarged the bounds of his na- the men honourably, and to put a copy of tion and made himself master of the coun-their words in the public records, to be a memorial to the people of the Spartans. try. and And we have written a copy of them to Si-|| 37 And he placed therein Jews for the mon the high priest. defence of the country, and of the city; he raised up the walls of Jerusalem. 38 And king Demetrius confirmed him in the high priesthood. 24 And after this Simon sent Numenius to Rome, with a great shield of gold, of the weight of a thousand pounds, to confirm the league with them. And when the people of Rome had heard 25 These words, they said: What thanks shall we give to Simon, and his sons? 39 According to these things he made him his friend, and glorified him with great glory. 40 For he had heard that the Romans had 26 For he hath restored his brethren, and called the Jews their friends, and confedehath driven away in fight the enemies of rates, and brethren, and that they had reIsrael from them: and they decreed him li-ceived Simon's ambassadors with honour : berty, and registered it in tables of brass, 41 And that the Jews and their priests and set it upon pillars in mount Sion. had consented that he should be their 27 And this is a copy of the writing: prince, and high priest for ever, till there THE EIGHTEENTH day of the month Elul, in should arise a faithful prophet: the year one hundred and seventy two, be- 42 And that he should be chief over ing the third year under Simon the high them, and that he should have the charge priest at Asaramel, of the sanctuary, and that he should appoint 28 In a great assembly of the priests, and rulers over their works, and over the counof the people, and the princes of the nation, try, and over the armour, and over the and the ancients of the country, these strong-holds: things were notified: Forasmuch as there 43 And that he should have care of the have often been wars in our country, holy places: and that he should be obeyed 29 And Simon the son of Mathathias of by all, and that all the writings in the counthe children of Jarib, and his brethren, have try should be made in his name: and that put themselves in danger, and resisted the he should be clothed with purple and gold: enemies of their nation, for the maintenance 44 And that it should not be lawful for of their holy places, and the law; and have any of the people, or of the priests, to disraised their nation to great glory. 30 And Jonathan gathered together his nation, and was made their high priest; and he was laid to his people. annul any of these things, or to gainsay his words, or to call together an assembly in the country without him: or to be clothed with purple, or to wear a buckle of gold. 31 And their enemies desired to tread 45 And whosoever shall do otherwise, or down and destroy their country, and to shall make void any of these things, shall be stretch forth their hands against their holy punished. places. 46 And it pleased all the people to es32 Then Simon resisted and fought for tablish Simon, and to do according to these his nation, and laid out much of his money, words. and armed the valiant men of his nation, 47 And Simon accepted thereof, and was and gave them wages: well pleased to execute the office of the 33 And he fortified the cities of Judea, high priesthood, and to be captain and and Bethsura that lieth in the borders of prince of the nation of the Jews, and of the Judea, where the armour of the enemies priests, and to be chief over all. was before and he placed there a garrison 48 And they commanded that this writing of Jews. should be put in tables of brass, and that 34 And he fortified Joppe which lieth by they should be set up within the compass the sea; and Gazara, which bordereth upon of the sanctuary, in a conspicuous place: Azotus, wherein the enemies dwelt before, 49 And that a copy thereof should be and he placed Jews here; and furnished put in the treasury, that Simon and his sons them with all things convenient for their may have it. reparation. CHAP. XV. 35 And the people seeing the acts of Si-Antiochus son of Demetrius honours Simon. mon, and to what glory he meant to bring his nation, made him their prince, and high priest; because he had done all these things, and the and which The Romans write to divers nations in fa- he kept to his nation, and for that he sought Aus sent letters from the isles of the by all means to advance his people. sea to Simon the priest, and prince of the 36 And in his days things prospered in nation of the Jews, and to all the people : his hands, so that the heathens were taken 2 And the contents were these: KING away out of their country; and they also Antiochus to Simon the high priest, and to that were in the city of David in Jerusalem the nation of the Jews, greeting: in the castle, out of which they issued forth,|| 3 Forasmuch as certain pestilent men and profaned all places round about the have usurped the kingdom of our fathers, sanctuary, and did much evil to its purity. lland my purpose is to challenge the king |