1 Maccabees · Revised Version with Apocrypha
1 Maccabees 11 Revised Version with Apocrypha
1 And the king of Egypt gathered together great forces, as the sand which is by the sea shore, and many ships, and sought to make himself master of Alexander’s kingdom by deceit, and to add it to his own kingdom.
1 Then the king of Egypt gathered together great forces, as the sand which is by the sea shore, and many ships, and sought to make himself master of Alexander’s kingdom by deceit, and to add it to his own kingdom.
2 And he went forth into Syria with words of peace, and they of the cities opened unto him, and met him; For king Alexander’s commandment was that they should meet him, because he was his father in law.
2 He went out into Syria with words of peace, and the people of the cities opened their gates to him and met him; for King Alexander’s command was that they should meet him, because he was his father-in-law.
3 Now as he entered into the cities of Ptolemais, he set his forces for a garrison in each city.
3 Now as he entered into the cities of Ptolemais, he set his forces for a garrison in each city.
4 But when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon burned with fire, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof pulled down, and the bodies cast abroad, and them that had been burned, whom he burned in the war, for they had made heaps of them in his way.
4 But when he came near to Azotus, they showed him the temple of Dagon burned with fire, and Azotus and its pasture lands destroyed, and the bodies cast out, and those who had been burned, whom he burned in the war, for they had made heaps of them in his way.
5 And they told the king what things Jonathan had done, that they might cast blame on him: and the king held his peace.
5 They told the king what Jonathan had done, that they might cast blame on him; but the king kept silent.
6 And Jonathan met the king with pomp at Joppa, and they saluted one another, and they slept there.
6 Jonathan met the king with pomp at Joppa, and they greeted one another, and they slept there.
7 And Jonathan went with the king as far as the river that is called Eleutherus, and returned to Jerusalem.
7 Jonathan went with the king as far as the river that is called Eleutherus, then returned to Jerusalem.
8 But king Ptolemy became master of the cities upon the sea coast, unto Selucia which is by the sea, and he devised evil devices concerning Alexander.
8 But King Ptolemy took control of the cities along the sea coast, to Selucia which is by the sea, and he devised evil plans concerning Alexander.
9 And he sent ambassadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a covenant with one another, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign over thy father’s kingdom;
9 He sent ambassadors to King Demetrius, saying, “Come! Let’s make a covenant with one another, and I will give you my daughter whom Alexander has, and you shall reign over your father’s kingdom;
10 for I have repented that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me.
10 for I regret that I gave my daughter to him, for he tried to kill me.
11 And he cast blame on him, because he coveted his kingdom.
11 He accused him, because he coveted his kingdom.
12 And taking his daughter from him, he gave her to Demetrius, and was estranged from Alexander, and their enmity was openly seen.
12 Taking his daughter from him, he gave her to Demetrius, and was estranged from Alexander, and their enmity was openly seen.
13 And Ptolemy entered into Antioch, and put on himself the diadem of Asia; and he put two diadems upon his head, the diadem of Egypt and that of Asia.
13 Ptolemy entered into Antioch, and put on himself the crown of Asia. He put two crowns upon his head, the crown of Egypt and that of Asia.
14 But king Alexander was in Cilicia at that season, because they of those parts were in revolt.
14 But King Alexander was in Cilicia at that time, because the people of that region were in revolt.
15 And Alexander heard of it, and he came against him in war: and Ptolemy led forth [his host, ] and met him with a strong force, and put him to flight.
15 When Alexander heard of it, he came against him in war. Ptolemy marched out and met him with a strong force, and put him to flight.
16 And Alexander fled into Arabia, that he might be sheltered there; but king Ptolemy was exalted.
16 Alexander fled into Arabia, that he might be sheltered there; but King Ptolemy was triumphant.
17 And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy.
17 Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it to Ptolemy.
18 And king Ptolemy died the third day after, and they that were in his strongholds were slain by them that were in the strongholds.
18 King Ptolemy died the third day after, and those who were in his strongholds were slain by the inhabitants of the strongholds.
19 And Demetrius reigned in the hundred and threescore and seventh year.
19 Demetrius became king in the one hundred sixty-seventh year.
20 In those days Jonathan gathered together them of Judaea, to take the citadel that was at Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.
20 In those days Jonathan gathered together the Judeans to take the citadel that was at Jerusalem. He made many engines of war to use against it.
21 And certain that hated their own nation, men that transgressed the law, went unto the king, and reported to him that Jonathan was besieging the citadel.
21 Some lawless men who hated their own nation went to the king and reported to him that Jonathan was besieging the citadel.
22 And he heard, and was angered; but when he heard it, he set forth immediately, and came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not besiege it, and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.
22 He heard, and was angry, but when he heard it, he set out immediately, and came to Ptolemais, and wrote to Jonathan, that he should not besiege it, and that he should meet him and speak with him at Ptolemais with all speed.
23 But when Jonathan heard this, he commanded to besiege it [still: ] and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and of the priests, and put himself in peril,
23 But when Jonathan heard this, he gave orders to continue the siege. He chose some of the elders of Israel and of the priests, and put himself in peril
24 and taking silver and gold and raiment and divers presents besides, went to Ptolemais unto the king. And he found favour in his sight.
24 by taking silver, gold, clothing, and various other presents, and went to Ptolemais to the king. Then he found favor in his sight.
25 And certain lawless men of them that were of the nation made complaints against him,
25 Some lawless men of those who were of the nation made complaints against him,
26 and the king did unto him even as his predecessors had done unto him, and exalted him in the sight of all his Friends,
26 and the king did to him even as his predecessors had done to him, and exalted him in the sight of all his friends,
27 and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and all the other honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his Chief Friends.
27 and confirmed to him the high priesthood, and all the other honors that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.
28 And Jonathan requested of the king, that he would make Judaea free from tribute, and the three provinces, and the country of Samaria; and promised him three hundred talents.
28 And Jonathan requested of the king that he would make Judea free from tribute, along with the three provinces and the country of Samaria, and promised him three hundred talents.
29 And the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan concerning all these things after this manner:
29 The king consented, and wrote letters to Jonathan concerning all these things as follows:
30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, greeting:
30 “King Demetrius to his brother Jonathan, and to the nation of the Jews, greetings.
31 The copy of the letter which we wrote unto Lasthenes our kinsman concerning you, we have written also unto you, that ye may see it.
31 The copy of the letter which we wrote to Lasthenes our kinsman concerning you, we have written also to you, that you may see it.
32 King Demetrius unto Lasthenes his father, greeting:
32 ‘King Demetrius to Lasthenes his father, greetings.
33 We have determined to do good to the nation of the Jews, who are our friends, and observe what is just toward us, because of their good will toward us.
33 We have determined to do good to the nation of the Jews, who are our friends, and observe what is just toward us, because of their good will toward us.
34 We have confirmed therefore unto them the borders of Judaea, and also the three governments of Aphaerema and Lydda and Ramathaim ([these ] were added unto Judaea from the country of Samaria), and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the king’s dues which the king received of them yearly aforetime from the produce of the earth and the fruits of trees.
34 We have confirmed therefore to them the borders of Judea, and also the three governments of Aphaerema, Lydda, and Ramathaim (these were added to Judea from the country of Samaria), and all their territory to them, for all who do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the king’s dues which the king received of them yearly before from the produce of the earth and the fruits of trees.
35 And as for the other things that pertain unto us from henceforth, of the tenths and the tolls that pertain unto us, and the saltpits, and the crowns that pertain unto us, all these we will bestow upon them.
35 As for the other payments to us from henceforth, of the tithes and the taxes that pertain to us, and the salt pits, and the crown taxes due to us, all these we will give back to them.
36 And not one of these things shall be annulled from this time forth and for ever.
36 Not one of these grants shall be annulled from this time forth and forever.
37 Now therefore be careful to make a copy of these things, and let it be given unto Jonathan, and let it be set up on the holy mount in a meet and conspicuous place.
37 Now therefore be careful to make a copy of these things, and let it be given to Jonathan, and let it be set up on the holy mountain in a suitable and conspicuous place.’”
38 And king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made to him, and he sent away all his forces, each man to his own place, except the foreign forces, which he had raised from the isles of the Gentiles: and all the forces of his fathers hated him.
38 When King Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made to him, he sent away all his troops, each man to his own place, except the foreign troops, which he had raised from the islands of the Gentiles. So all the troops of his fathers hated him.
39 Now Tryphon was of those who aforetime had been of Alexander’s part, and he saw that all the forces murmured against Demetrius, and he went to Imalcue the Arabian, who was nourishing up Antiochus the young child of Alexander,
39 Now Tryphon was one of those who previously had been on Alexander’s side, and he saw that all the forces murmured against Demetrius. So he went to Imalcue the Arabian, who was raising up Antiochus the young child of Alexander,
40 and pressed sore upon him that he should deliver him unto him, that he might reign in his father’s stead: and he told him all that Demetrius had done, and the hatred wherewith his forces hated him; and he abode there many days.
40 and urgently insisted to him that he should deliver him to him, that he might reign in his father’s place. He told him all that Demetrius had done, and the hatred with which his forces hated him; and he stayed there many days.
41 And Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he should cast out of Jerusalem them of the citadel, and them that were in the strongholds; for they fought against Israel continually.
41 Now Jonathan sent to King Demetrius, that he should remove the troops of the citadel from Jerusalem, and the troops who were in the strongholds; for they fought against Israel continually.
42 And Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy nation, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if I find fair occasion.
42 Demetrius sent to Jonathan, saying, “I will not only do this for you and your nation, but I will greatly honor you and your nation, if I find an opportunity.
43 Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men who shall fight for me; for all my forces are revolted.
43 Now therefore you shall do well if you send me men who will fight for me; for all my forces have revolted.”
44 And Jonathan sent him three thousand valiant men unto Antioch: and they came to the king, and the king was glad at their coming.
44 So Jonathan sent him three thousand valiant men to Antioch. They came to the king, and the king was glad at their coming.
45 And they of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of a hundred and twenty thousand men, and they were minded to slay the king.
45 The people of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of one hundred and twenty thousand men, and they wanted to kill the king.
46 And the king fled into the court of the palace, and they of the city seized the passages of the city, and began to fight.
46 The king fled into the court of the palace, and the people of the city seized the main streets of the city and began to fight.
47 And the king called the Jews to help him, and they were gathered together unto him all at once, and they dispersed themselves in the city, and slew that day to the number of a hundred thousand.
47 The king called the Jews to help him, and they were gathered together to him all at once, and they dispersed themselves in the city, and killed that day about one hundred thousand.
48 And they set the city on fire, and gat many spoils that day, and saved the king.
48 They set the city on fire, and seized many spoils that day, and saved the king.
49 And they of the city saw that the Jews had made themselves masters of the city as they would, and they waxed faint in their hearts, and they cried out to the king with supplication, saying,
49 The people of the city saw that the Jews had taken control of the city as they pleased, and they became faint in their hearts, and they cried out to the king with supplication, saying,
50 Give us thy right hand, and let the Jews cease from fighting against us and the city.
50 “Give us your right hand, and let the Jews cease from fighting against us and the city.”
51 And they cast away their arms, and made peace; and the Jews were glorified in the sight of the king, and before all that were in his kingdom; and they returned to Jerusalem, having many spoils.
51 They threw away their weapons and made peace. The Jews were glorified in the sight of the king, and before all who were in his kingdom. Then they returned to Jerusalem, having much plunder.
52 And king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him.
52 So King Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him.
53 And he lied in all that he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, and recompensed him not according to the benefits with which he had recompensed him, and afflicted him exceedingly.
53 He lied in all that he spoke, and estranged himself from Jonathan, and didn’t repay him according to the benefits with which he had repaid him, and treated him very harshly.
54 Now after this Tryphon returned, and with him the young child Antiochus; and he reigned, and put on a diadem.
54 Now after this, Tryphon returned, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned and put on a crown.
55 And there were gathered unto him all the forces which Demetrius had sent away with disgrace, and they fought against him, and he fled and was put to the rout.
55 All the forces which Demetrius had sent away with disgrace were gathered to him, and they fought against him, and he fled and was routed.
56 And Tryphon took the elephants, and became master of Antioch.
56 Tryphon took the elephants, and took control of Antioch.
57 And the young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm unto thee the high priesthood, and appoint thee over the four governments, and to be one of the king’s Friends.
57 The young Antiochus wrote to Jonathan, saying, “I confirm to you the high priesthood, and appoint you over the four districts, and to be one of the king’s friends.”
58 And he sent unto him golden vessels and furniture for the table, and gave him leave to drink in golden vessels, and to be clothed in purple, and to have a golden buckle.
58 He sent to him golden vessels and furniture for the table, and gave him permission to drink in golden vessels, and to be clothed in purple, and to have a golden buckle.
59 And his brother Simon he made captain from the Ladder of Tyre unto the borders of Egypt.
59 He made his brother Simon governor from the Ladder of Tyre to the borders of Egypt.
60 And Jonathan went forth, and took his journey beyond the river and through the cities; and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to be his confederates. And he came to Ascalon, and they of the city met him honourably.
60 Jonathan went out and took his journey beyond the river and through the cities. All the forces of Syria gathered themselves to him to be his allies. He came to Ascalon, and the people of the city met him honorably.
61 And he departed thence to Gaza, and they of Gaza shut him out; and he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.
61 He departed from there to Gaza, and the people of Gaza shut him out. So he besieged it and burned its pasture lands with fire, and plundered them.
62 And they of Gaza made request unto Jonathan, and he gave them his right hand, and took the sons of their princes for hostages, and sent them away to Jerusalem; and he passed through the country as far as Damascus.
62 The people of Gaza pleaded with Jonathan, and he gave them his right hand, and took the sons of their princes for hostages, and sent them away to Jerusalem. Then he passed through the country as far as Damascus.
63 And Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to Kedesh, which is in Galilee, with a great host, purposing to remove him from his office;
63 Then Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes had come to Kedesh, which is in Galilee, with a great army, intending to remove him from his office.
64 and he went to meet them, but Simon his brother he left in the country.
64 He went to meet them, but he left Simon his brother in the country.
65 And Simon encamped against Bethsura, and fought against it many days, and shut it up:
65 Simon encamped against Bethsura, and fought against it many days, and hemmed it in.
66 and they made request to him that he would give them his right hand, and he gave it to them; and he put them out from thence, and took possession of the city, and set a garrison over it.
66 They asked him to give them his right hand, and he gave it to them. He removed them from there, took possession of the city, and set a garrison over it.
67 And Jonathan and his army encamped at the water of Gennesareth, and early in the morning they gat them to the plain of Hazor.
67 Jonathan and his army encamped at the water of Gennesareth, and early in the morning they marched to the plain of Hazor.
68 And, behold, an army of strangers met him in the plain, and they laid an ambush for him in the mountains, but themselves met him face to face.
68 Behold, an army of foreigners met him in the plain. They laid an ambush for him in the mountains, but they themselves met him face to face.
69 But they that lay in ambush rose out of their places, and joined battle; and all they that were of Jonathan’s side fled:
69 But those who lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle. All those who were on Jonathan’s side fled.
70 not one of them was left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Chalphi, captains of the forces.
70 Not one of them was left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Chalphi, captains of the forces.
71 And Jonathan rent his clothes, and put earth upon his head, and prayed.
71 Jonathan tore his clothes, put dirt on his head, and prayed.
72 And he turned again unto them in battle, and put them to the rout, and they fled.
72 He turned again to them in battle, and routed them, and they fled.
73 And they of his side that fled saw it, and returned unto him, and pursued with him unto Kedesh unto their camp, and they encamped there.
73 When the men on his side who had fled saw this, they returned to him and pursued with him to Kedesh to their camp, and they encamped there.
74 And there fell of the strangers on that day about three thousand men: and Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
74 About three thousand men of the foreigners fell on that day. Then Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.