The Defeat of Lysias
2 Maccabees 11, verse 1. Shortly afterward, Lysias, who was the king's guardian and kinsman and in charge of the government, was greatly upset at what had happened, 2 Maccabees 11, verse 2. and gathered about eighty thousand infantry and all his cavalry to come against the Jews. He purposed to make the city a home for Greeks, 2 Maccabees 11, verse 3. to levy taxes on the temple, as he did on the sacred places of the other nations, and to put the high priesthood up for sale every year. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 4. He took no account at all of God's power, but was elated with his countless thousands of infantry and his thousands of cavalry, plus his eighty elephants. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 5. Thus he entered Judea and drew near Beth-zur, a fortified place about twenty miles from Jerusalem, and besieged it. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 6. When Maccabeus and his men heard of this, that Lysias was besieging the strongholds, they and all the people begged the Lord with lamentations and tears to send a good angel to save Israel. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 7. Maccabeus himself was the first to bear arms, and he pleaded with the others to join with him in risking their lives to go help their brothers. Then they eagerly set out together. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 8. But in that place, while they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman appeared before them, clothed in white and brandishing a full armor of gold. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 9. Then together they all blessed the merciful God and were strengthened in heart, ready to bring damage not only on humans but on the most savage of beasts or walls of iron. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 10. Because the Lord had mercy on them, they advanced with their weapons, having with them their ally from heaven. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 11. They hurled themselves against the enemy like lions and overthrew eleven thousand of them, as well as sixteen hundred cavalry, and forced all of them to flee. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 12. Most of them escaped, wounded and naked, and Lysias himself escaped by a disgraceful flight.
A Peace Accord with the Jews
2 Maccabees 11, verse 13. But as Lysias was not lacking in intelligence, he discussed the loss that had happened to him. He realized the Hebrews were unconquerable, because the Almighty God was their ally. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 14. So he sent a message and persuaded them to settle everything on just terms. Moreover, perhaps he could also persuade the king and compel him to become their friend. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 15. Then Maccabeus agreed to everything Lysias urged, since he was concerned about what was best for all. For whatever Maccabeus gave to Lysias in writing concerning the Jews, the king granted. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 16. Four letters were written to the Jews from Lysias, encompassing the following: “Lysias to the people of the Jews, greetings. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 17. John and Absalom, who were sent by you, have given us your signed communication and asked about the matters addressed in it. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 18. Accordingly, I reported to the king whatever was necessary to bring him, and he granted whatever was possible. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 19. If you will keep your goodwill toward the government, I will try in the future to promote your welfare. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 20. So in behalf of these things and their details, I have ordered that these men and my representatives confer with you. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 21. Farewell. The one hundred and forty-eighth year, the twenty-fourth of Dioscorinthius.” 2 Maccabees 11, verse 22. Now the king's letters contained the following: “King Antiochus to Lysias his brother, greetings. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 23. Since our father has departed to the gods, we desire the subjects of the kingdom be undisturbed in caring for their own affairs. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 24. We understand the Jews do not approve of our father's change to Greek customs, but choose their own way of life and ask that their customs be granted them. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 25. Since therefore we prefer for this nation to be free from disturbance, our decision is for their temple to be returned to them and for them to live according to the customs of their forefathers. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 26. Therefore, you will do well to send word to them and give them assurances of friendship, so they may know our policy. Be in good spirits, and continue gladly to help them in their own affairs.” 2 Maccabees 11, verse 27. The king's letter to the nation was as follows: “King Antiochus to the Jewish senate and the rest of the Jews, greetings. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 28. If you are healthy, this would be as we desire. We are also in good health. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 29. Menelaus has told us you wish to return home and attend to your own affairs. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 30. Therefore, those who return home by the thirtieth of Xanthicus will have our pledge of friendship, with freedom from fear, 2 Maccabees 11, verse 31. for the Jews to enjoy their own food and laws as before; and none of them shall be troubled in any way for things done in ignorance. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 32. I have also sent Menelaus to encourage you. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 33. Farewell. The one hundred and forty-eighth year, the fifteenth of Xanthicus.” 2 Maccabees 11, verse 34. The Romans also sent them a letter, which read as follows: “Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, legates of the Romans, to the people of the Jews, greetings. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 35. We also approve of those things concerning which Lysias the kinsman of the king has granted you. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 36. But the matters he decided to report to the king, as soon as you have considered these things, send someone promptly that we may explain what is suitable for you, for we are on our way to Antioch. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 37. For this reason make haste and send someone to let us know your intentions. 2 Maccabees 11, verse 38. Farewell. The one hundred and forty-eighth year, the fifteenth of Xanthicus.”