3402. Before he left, he put Lysias of Syrian royalty, as governor over all the regions from the river Euphrates to the borders of Egypt. He entrusted him with the care of his son Antiochus. (Eupator) He committing to him, half of all his forces and his elephants. He was ordered to utterly to root out the name of the Jews and to give their country to strangers. Antiochus left with the rest of his sons from Antioch near Daphne in the 147th year of the kingdom of Greeks. He crossed over the Euphrates River and marched into the high countries. /APC 1Ma 3:32-37
3403. Philip, whom Antiochus had appointed over Jerusalem /APC 2Ma 5:22 saw how Judas Maccabeus grew stronger and stronger every day. He wrote to Ptolemy (son of Dorymenes) the governor of Coelosyria for help. Ptolemy immediately sent Nicanor son of Patroclus, a most trusted friend, with more than 20,000 soldiers from all nations. He was to exterminate the Jews. Ptolemy also sent Gorgias as a joint commander. He was a captain who was quite experienced in military affairs. /APC 2Ma 8:8,9
3404. Lysias also sent Ptolemy as a reserve to them. Under these three commanders, Ptolemy, Nicanor and Gorgias, were 40,000 foot soldiers and 7,000 cavalry. They marched with their entire army and camped by Emmaus in the plain country. /APC 1Ma 3:38-40
3405. Since Antiochus was 2000 talents in arrears to the Romans, Nicanor settle the account from the sale of the captive Jews. For that purpose, he invited from the cities near the seacoast 1000 merchants. He promised them 90 slaves for one talent. /APC 2Ma 8:10,11,14,34,36. No sooner was this known but the merchants of the country with their attendants came to the camp to purchase the Jews for slaves. Large numbers also came from Syria and the Philistines to barter for slaves. /APC 1Ma 3:41
3406. Jerusalem being now abandoned by its inhabitants and the temple was profaned. In these distressing times, Judas Maccabeus moved with his army to Maspha or Mizpa. Before the temple was built, the Jews used to worship there. Jud 11:11 20:1 21:5,8 1Sa 7:5,6 10:17 He proclaimed a fast and with most fervent prayers asked the Lord's protection of his small army. He had only 6000 (7000 in the Latin edition) against this huge force. After this, such as had betrothed wives or planted vineyards or were afraid he sent away according to the law.De 20:6-8 He divided his army into four squadrons of 1500 men and each squadron to one of his brothers. The army moved and camped on the south side of Emmaus opposite to the enemy. Judas earnestly exhorted them to behave valiantly even to die for their country and the laws of their God. He ordered them to be ready for the battle the next day. /APC 1Ma 3:42-60 2Ma 8:12-22
3407. That night Gorgias planned a surprise attack. He took 500 foot soldiers and 1000 choice cavalry and came toward the Jew's camp. He had the garrison soldiers of Fort Sion for his escort. When Judas found this out, he wisely used this opportunity to attack the enemy while they were divided. He marched immediately to Emmaus against Nicanor while Gorgias their normal commander away. When Gorgias came by night to the Jew's camp and no one was there. He thought they had fled and searched for them in the mountains. At the break of day Judas showed himself in the plains of Emmanus with 3000 men. These had neither armour or swords. /APC 1Ma 4:1-6
3408. Judas encouraged his soldiers to the battle and given the word to fight. By the help of God, he led the troops against Nicanor and killed more than 9000 and wounded and maimed the most of Nicanor's army. They were all routed. The Jews pursued some of them from Emmanus as far as Gazara (as the Greek copy of the Maccabees, in the end of Arundel's library reads it) or Gadara (as Josephus). Other fled to the plains of Idumea, others as far as Palestine, Azotus, and Jamnia. About 3000 stragglers were killed. /APC 1Ma 4:8-15 2Ma 8:23,24
3409. Among those that fled were the merchants, who were certain of victory and of getting a good bargain on slaves. They became targets themselves. The Jews seized their money which the brought to buy them with. When they had long pursued them they sounded a retreat. For the evening, on which the sabbath began, was drawing near. After that they had gathered up the arms of the vanquished host and taken the spoils from them, they prepared for the observation of the sabbath,. They magnified the mercy of God for this so marvellous a deliverance. /APC 2Ma 8:25-27
3410. Judas has his Jews who were eager for plunder to stop. He feared of an encounter with Gorgias who was now returned from his fruitless expedition. Those forces were in the mountains. The enemy knew what had happened by the smoke of the burning tents and the other division of their army was routed. When they saw Judas on the plain, standing in battle array ready to engage them, they all scattered into the land of strangers. The land was thus cleared of the enemy. Judas returned to the spoil where he found plenty of gold, blue silk, purple of the sea, which the Phoenician merchants had left behind them and much wealth. /APC 1Ma 4:16-23 All this the soldiers shared among themselves, having first set aside a portion for the maimed, widows and orphans. Then together they beseeched the Lord that he would continue to be gracious and favourable to his servants. /APC 2Ma 8:28,29
3411. After this the Jews fought with Timothy and Bacchides and slew in that battle more than 20,000 of the enemy. They took over the forts, and divided among themselves much spoil. They set aside some for the maimed, orphans, widows and aged persons into equal portions with themselves. When they had gathered up the arms and disposed of them into the most convenient places, the remainder of the spoil they carried to Jerusalem. They also slew Philarches, one of Timothy's men. He was a most wretched fellow and a notorious persecutor of the Jews. and in the midst of their solemn festival, which they had instituted For their recent victory, they burnt Callisthenes alive after he had taken sanctuary in a little house. He had burned the holy gates. Nicanor stripped himself of all his glorious clothes so to be less noticed. He came like a solitary fugitive through the midland country to Antioch. He confessed that the Jews were utterly unconquerable because they had God for their Protector. /APC 2Ma 8:30-36
3412. Lysias was told by one who esacped what had happened. He was counfounded because the things which he wanted happened to Israel did not occur and the king's ordered were thwarted. /APC 1Ma 4:26,27
3839b AM, 4549 JP, 165 BC
3413. Therefore the next year which was the 148th of the kingdom of the Greeks, Lysias hurried into Judea through Idumea with 60,000 foot soldiers and 5000 cavalry. Judas Maccabeus marched toward him as he was camped at Bethsura on the borders of Judea. First he implored publicly the help of God and started the battle. Lysias saw how the Jews like so many mad men contemning death, broke through their enemy's ranks. His men fled and 5000 were killed there. He returned to Antioch and planned a new expedition after he had gathered a larger army. /APC 1Ma 4:28-35
3414. Antiochus Epiphanes had taken an expedition against Artaxias king of the Armenians, who marched from the eastern parts. Antiochus killed most of his army and took Artaxias prisoner. (Appian. Syriac. p. 117. & 131. Porphyr. apud Jerome in Da 11)
3415. Prusias, king of Bithynia, strongly condemned Eumenes, king of Pergamos, who was already suspected of the Romans. Letters were intercepted that intimated an alliance with Perseus against the Romans. Prusias had also prevailed with the Galatians, Selgenses and many other people of Asia, to do the same. Attalus and Athenaeus were sent to Rome by their brother Eumenes. They had an audience with the Senate and cleared him of all crimes he was accused of. They returned to their country with many honours conferred on them. However, for all this, the senate still suspected an alliance between Eumenes and Antiochus. They sent C. Sulpitius Gallus and Marius Sergius as ambassadors with instructions to examine closely the affairs of Antiochus and Eumenes. They were to see if there were any preparations made for war and if there was any alliance between them against the Romans. (Polyb. Legat. 106. Diod. Sic. Legat. 21.)
3416. When C. Sulpicius Gallus entered Asia he unwisely made a proclamation through the chief cities there. He asked anyone who had anything accusations against king Eumenes, to come to Sardis at a set time. When he arrived, he sat on the bench made for that purpose, and spent 10 days hearing all sorts of things against Eumenes. He was looking for something to impeach him with. Gallus was a vain person and hoped to be honoured by finding fault with Eumenes. (Polyb. l. 31. in Excerpt. Valesii. p. 145.)
3417. When they had some relief from their enemies, Judas Maccabeus and his brothers with all their forces came up to Jerusalem. They retook the temple and the city except the citadel of Sion. They demolished the altars and shrines which the Gentiles had built in the public streets. Judas commanded some men to attack those who were in the citadel of Sion. He spent most of his time in cleansing the temple. His spirit was stirred up by the desolations he saw. /APC 1Ma 4:36-41 2Ma 10:1,2
3840a AM, 4549 JP, 165 BC
3418. Judas assigned the priests who knew the Law to cleanse the sanctuary and move the defiled stones into an unclean place. They pulled down the altar of burnt offerings which was profaned by the Gentiles. Its stones were stored in the mount of the temple until the time when a prophet came who might tell them what ought to be done with them. They built another of whole stones on which no iron tool had been lifted according to the spirit of the law. De 27:5,6 They repaired the Holy and the Holy of Holies. They hallowed the courts and made new holy vessels. They brought into the temple the candlestick, the altar of incense and the table. They burnt incense on the altar, lit the lamps which were on the candlestick. They placed the shewbread on the table, spread the viols, and finished whatever they started. /APC 1Ma 4:42,51 2Ma 10:3
3419. On the 25th day of the 9th month, called Cisleu, or Chasleu, in the 148th year of the kingdom of the Greeks. They rose early in the morning and started a fire by striking stones one against the other. They offered sacrifice according to the law on their new altar of burnt offering. /APC 1Ma 4:52,53 2Ma 10:3 This was 2 years after Judas succeeded his father Mattathias in the government but 3 whole years since the Gentiles first sacrificed in that place. For on that very same day of the same month on which they profaned the old altar, Judas consecrated the new one. (/APC 1Ma 4:54 2Ma 10:3-5 Joseph. l. 12. c. 11.)
3420. This dedication was joyfully celebrated with songs, hymns, citherns, harps, and cymbals. All the people fell prostrate on the ground and worshipped and blessed the God of heaven who had given them good success. They beseeched him that he would not allow them to fall any more in such calamities. If at any time they provoked him, they prayed that he himself would chasten them in mercy and that they might not be delivered up to the blasphemous and barbarous Gentiles. They kept the dedication of deliverances or peace offerings and of praise. They decked the fore front of the temple with golden crowns and shields. They repaired the gates and chambers on the sides of the temple and made doors for them. /APC 1Ma 4:54-58 2Ma 10:4-6
3421. Then Judas and his brethren and all the congregation of Israel, ordained that through the whole country of the Jews, the days of the dedication of the altar should be observed annually with mirth and gladness for 8 days starting with the 25th day of the month Chisleu. /APC 1Ma 4:59 2Ma 10:8 After they had kept the 8 days, they kept the feast of tabernacles. They recalled how not long ago they kept that feast while living about the mountains and caves like wild beasts. Now they carried green boughs, fair branches and palms. They sang praises to him who had brought the purification of his holy place to such a good conclusion. /APC 2Ma 10:6,7 Hence it was, that in the letters which the council at Jerusalem wrote to the Jews in Egypt, these days are called the days of tabernacles of the month Chisleu. /APC 2Ma 1:9,18 In the gospel Joh 10:22 they are called the feast of dedication of the Jews or the feast of lamps. This was either from the sudden eradiation of their religion and liberties, as Josephus intimates (Antiq. l. 13. c. 2.) or from the lighting of the lamps because both at that time and the lighting of the lamps in the temple was restored. /APC 1Ma 4:49,50 2Ma 10:3 Also, to this very day, the Jews in their synagogue still continue their custom of celebrating this feast with the lighting of lamps.
3422. When they had repaired the temple, they fortified mount Sion with high walls and strong towers to contain the enemy. They feared that those who were garrisoned in that fort would sally out against those worshipping at the temple. They fortified Bethsura which was about a half mile away /APC 2Ma 10:5 so that the people might have a garrison for defence against Idumea. /APC 1Ma 4:60,51 4:7-26
3840b AM, 4550 JP, 164 BC
3423. When the surrounding countries heard of the building of the altar and the dedication of the sanctuary, they were much displeased by this. Thereupon, they plotted how they might destroy all the Jews and they began to massacre all those that lived in any of their quarters. /APC 1Ma 5:1,2
3424. Antiochus Epiphanes crossed the high country beyond Euphrates. He heard that the city of Elymais in Persia, (called Persepolis /APC 2Ma 9:2) was a very wealthy city. In its temple, (which Appian reports to be dedicated to Venus, (Elymais in Syriac. p. 131.) but Polybius and Diod to Diana, in Elymais, (in Josephus, l. 12. c. 13. & Jerome in Da 11 with Excerptis Valesii. p. 141.)) was richly appointed and had gold coverings, breast plates and arms left there by Alexander the Great, Philip's son. When he greedily tried to plunder the city, the citizens rose up in arms against him. He was defeated and forced to retreat with much dishonour./APC 1Ma 6:1-4 2Ma 9:1,2
3425. When he arrived at Ecbatana, he was told of the defeat of Nicanor and Timothy in Judea. He left there for Babylon. Near the borders of Persia, he heard also of the great defeat given to Lysias' army, how the image of Jupiter Olympius was cast out of the temple at Jerusalem, and that the sanctuary and Bethsura were fortified. Therefore full of fury, he thought to be avenged upon the Jews for the disgrace he recently received by them. He ordered his chariots to go with all speed to hasten the journey home. He proudly bragged that as soon as he arrived at Jerusalem, he would make that city a common burying place for the Jews. /APC 1Ma 4:4-7 2Ma 9:3,4 The passage of Tacitus (l. 5. Histor.) relates to this:
``King Antiochus endeavoured to reform their religion and to bring in the cities of the Greeks. He was hindered by the Parthian war in his plan of destroying that most base nation.''
3426. Scarcely were these proud words out of Antiochus' mouth, when he was struck with an incurable disease in the bowels and extreme pains. Although his body was quite sick his mind was still sharp. He still breathed out his threats against the Jews. He ordered his chariot man to increase his pace. It happened on this fast journey that he fell out of his chariot. He was badly hurt and his whole body was bruised and his limbs put out of joint. After he was taken up from the ground, he carried about in an horse litter. Worms bred so fast in his body that whole streaks of flesh sometimes dropped from him. While he was still alive in such pitiful state and because of the stench, none could endure to carry him. Thereby he became offensive to his whole army. /APC 2Ma 9:5-10 He was forced to stop his journey to Babylon and to stay at Tabis, a town of Persia. (Polybius, in Excerpt. his Valesii, p. 144. & Jerome, Da 11) He continued bed ridden many days /APC 1Ma 6:8,9 and pined away. (Appian. in Syriac. p. 131.)
3840c AM, 4550 JP, 164 BC
3427. From the beginning of the spring, began the 149th year of the kingdom of the Greeks. /APC 1Ma 6:16 Antiochus Epiphanes gave up any hope of recovering. He called his friends and publicly acknowledged all those miseries to have happened to him for the harm he had done to the Jews. He must now, to his great grief, die in a strange land. /APC 1Ma 6:10-13 When he could no longer endure his own smell, he said:
``It is fitting to submit to God, and for man who is mortal, not to set himself in competition with God.''
3428. In this prayer to God, he vowed that he would allow those of Jerusalem and all other Jews everywhere, the free use of their own constitutions and that in the future, they should enjoy the liberty of their own laws and customs. He promised he would beautify the temple with most rare gifts, restore all the holy vessels. He would defray the costs of the sacrifices from his own treasury and that he himself also would become a Jew. He promised to go through the whole habitable world and declare the power of God. When he saw no lessening of his pains, he wrote most courteous letters to the Jews and earnestly entreated them, that they would remain loyal to him and to his son. While Antiochus lived he had appointed his son to be the next king as was the normal custom. /APC 2Ma 9:11-27
3429. He called Philip to him who was his close friend and raised with him. /APC 2Ma 9:29 He appointed him over the whole kingdom and committed to him his crown, his robe and his signet. His purpose was that after he had taken back his son Antiochus from Antioch, where he had left him with Lysias, he should raise him up to be the next ruler of the kingdom. He was only 9 years old as had been previously hinted from Appian. Thus Antiochus died in 149th year of the kingdom of the Greeks of a miserable death in a strange land on the mountains /APC 2Ma 9:28 of Parata, near Babylon. Grotius writing on this from the 5th book of Curtius, stated that the town Tabis was located here. Polybius (in Excerpt. Velesii, p. 144.) said that he died at Tabis in Persia and Jerome on Da 11 tells (from Polybius and Diodorus) how Antiochus was frightened by certain phantoms and visions. He went mad and at last had a disease which killed him. He attributed his calamity to his sacrilegious designs on Diana's temple. However, Antiochus professed in the presence of all his friends that the basis of all his misery was:
``He robbed the temple at Jerusalem and sent forces to destroy the Jews without any cause.'' /APC 1Ma 6:12,13
3430. His dead corpse was carried out by Philip. He feared Antiochus' son and withdrew himself into Egypt to Ptolemy Philometor. /APC 2Ma 9:29 He planned to raise forces against Lysias. When Lysias had heard of Antiochus Epiphanes' death, he set up his son Antiochus in his place on the throne who was under his guardianship during his minority years and he called him Eupator. /APC 1Ma 6:17 Appian reports, that the Syrians gave him that surname in honour of his father and confirmed that Lysias was his guardian in his upbringing. (in Syriac. p. 117.)
3431. Antiochus Eupator was now in actual possession of the crown and preferred to let Lysias manage the realm. In particular he gave him control of Coelosyria and Phoenicia. Ptolemy Macron, Dorymenes' son, who had that honour formerly under Antiochus Epiphanes, /APC 2Ma 8:8 1Ma 3:38 poisoned himself when he was accused to Eupator as favouring the Jews. He saw the great injustices that were done to them and endeavoured that justice might be done to them and their affairs might be managed in a peaceable manner. He had been called a traitor for turning over Cyprus which was committed to his trust by Philometor, to Antiochus Epiphanes. /APC 2Ma 10:11-13 Polybius gives him this commendation: (in Excerpt. Valesii, p. 126.)
``Ptolemy Macron, the governor of Cyprus behaved himself like an Egyptian in nothing, but was prudent and valiant among the first.''
3432. But Gorgias who had the command of all parts about Judea, hired soldiers and continually pressed the war against the Jews. The Idumeans were allied with him and got control of the best places. They accepted the Jerusalem renegades and attacked the Jews and did what they could to keep the war going. /APC 2Ma 10:14,15
3433. Thereupon Judas Maccabeus at Acrabbates, a region of Idumea, attacked the sons of Esau, who had besieged the Jews. He stormed their garrisons and took control of them. Over 20,000 were killed and he seized on all their spoils. /APC 1Ma 5:3 2Ma 10:16,17
3434. He recalled the injury done to the Jews by the children of Baean. They had hid themselves in secret ambushes along the way sides, by which the Jewish army was to pass. After their last defeat, the Baeanites had escaped with 9000 to 2 very strong citadels and were provided with all things necessary to endure a siege. Therefore Judas Maccabeus left his brother Simon with Joseph and Zacchaeus to besiege them. He marched away to relieve some other places which stood in more need of his help. Those who were with Simon were greedy of money. They made a deal with the besieged for 70,000 drachmas and allowed some to escape. As soon as Maccabeus knew this, he convened the governors of the people and in their presence executed as many of them as where involved in this treachery. He took both the garrisons with little trouble and he burned them to the ground and utterly destroyed more than 20,000 of them. /APC 1Ma 5:4,5 2Ma 10:16-23
3435. From there he passed over to the Ammonites, where he found a very large force with many people under Timotheus' command. He often fought them and defeated them. He took Jazer and its towns and returned to Judea. /APC 1Ma 5:6-8
3436. After his last defeat, Timotheus recruited multitudes of foreign forces and cavalry from Asia. He returned confident of the conquest of Judea. Maccabeus and those that were with him, after a serious humiliation and supplication to God, marched from Jerusalem and fought the enemy a great distance from the city. They were encouraged by visions of some horsemen in the heavens fighting for them. They killed 20,500 of the enemy's foot soldiers and 600 cavalry. Timothy escaped to a very strong garrison called Gazara where his brother Chereas was governor. Finally the garrison was taken. He and his brother with Apollonius were found hiding together in a pit and all three were killed with the sword. /APC 2Ma 10:24-38
3437. The Trocmians, a people of Galatia, tried to get a foothold in Cappadocia. When this failed they sent letters to the Romans hoping to make King Ariarathes odious to them. The Romans soon sent an embassy headed by M. Junius there. (Polyb. Legat. 108.)
3841a AM, 4550 JP, 164 BC
3438. The autumn began the year of the "account of the contracts" or Dhilkarnain as noted by the writer of 2nd Macabees, year 149. The Chaldee account used in the king's edicts, (/APC 2Ma 11:21) and in Ptolemy's great Syntaxis, (l. 9. c. 7. & l. 11. c. 8.) 148 is used. This was also a sabbatical year.
3439. The heathen about the region of Gilead assembled against the Jews who were near their borders and planned to exterminate them. They killed 1000 Jews who lived in the land of Tob. Jud 11:3 They led away their wives and children as captives and took their goods and household belongings. Timothy hurried with an army to besiege those Jews of Gilead who took refuge in the garrison in Dathema. This was not the same Timothy who was killed with his brother Chereas, but another man with the same name. At the same time, others from Ptolemais, Tyre, Sidon and all Galilee of the Gentiles held a meeting to wipe out the Galilaeans. /APC 1Ma 5:9-15
3440. The Gileadites and Galilaeans sent letters to Judas and his brothers and earnestly asked them to hurry to help them. Thereupon after Judas consulted first with those at Jerusalem, he divided his whole army into 5 brigades. He sent his brother Simon with 3000 men to help the Galilaeans. He and his brother Jonathan, took along with them 8000 to help the Gileadites. He left the rest of the army with Joseph, son of Zacharias and with Azaria for the defense of Judea. He strictly charging them that they should not on any condition fight with the heathens until they returned back. /APC 1Ma 5:16-20
3441. As soon was Simon entered Galilee, he attacked the heathens and chased them to the very gates of Ptolemais. They killed 3000 men there and took their spoil. After he had rescued the Galilaeans and those of Arbattis in the plain with their wives, children and all they had, they brought them into Judea with great joy. (/APC 1Ma 5:21-23)
3442. Before Judas could get to the Gileadites, many of them were besieged in Bossora, Bosor, Alemis, Caspher, Maged, Carnain and other cities in Gilead. (/APC 1Ma 5:26,27)
3443. By that time, Judas and his brother had crossed the Jordan River and had gone on a 3 day march through the Arabian Desert. The Nabathites met him and told what had happened to the Gileadites. In addition, they said that on the next day, the enemy planned to attack the garrisons and as fast as they captured them to kill them all in one day. With this news, Judas with his army turned aside by the way of the wilderness to Bozor. After they captured the city they killed all the males, pillaged the city and then burned it to the ground. He left at night and marched toward the fortress where he found the enemy about day break. They were placing the battering rams against the place. Those within the city prayed to God for help. Those that were with Judas marched in three divisions to the rear of the enemy. They blew trumpets and lifted up their voice in prayer. Timothy's camp knew that it was Maccabeus who was so near to them. They fled from him as fast as they could. In the pursuit, he killed 8000 of the enemy. After this, he went to Maspha and took it by storm. He killed all the males and after they had plundered the place, they set it on fire. From there he went and took Chasphon, Maged, Bosor, and the other cities of the country of Gilead. (/APC 1Ma 5:24-36)
3444. While Judas and Jonathan were in Gilead and Simon in Galilee opposite Ptolemais, Joseph, the son of Zacharias and Azarias, who were left behind to hold Judea, heard of their gallant achievements. They were ambitious to get themselves a name as great as the others. Contrary to orders, they took their army as far as Jamnia and planned to fight the heathens. However, Gorgias assembled all his forces from the city against them and drove them back to the very borders of Judea. That day 2000 Jews were killed. (/APC 1Ma 5:55-62)
3841b AM, 4551 JP, 163 BC
3445. Lysias was the protector and kinsman of the young king Eupator. Lysias effectively ran the kingdom. He was greatly upset at what had happened and mustered almost 80,000 men with all his own cavalry and 80 elephants. He marched against the Jews and planned to make Jerusalem a Greek city, the temple a tributary and to sell the office of the high priest every year. Thereupon, when he entered Judea, he besieged Bethsura, which was a strong place about half a mile from Jerusalem. However, Maccabeus' army were guided by an angel and killed 11,000 of the enemy's foot soldiers and 1600 cavalry. All the rest including Lysias fled. Many were badly wounded and others threw away their arms and shifted for themselves. /APC 2Ma 11:1-12
3446. Lysias thought about his defeat and God who fought the battles for the Jews. He sent ambassadors to them to sue for peace and said that he would agree to all reasonable terms. He said he would use his influence to gain favour with the king. Judas Maccabeus agreed and wrote what he thought would be in the best interest of the Jews. This letter was sent by the hands of John and Absalom and contained what Lysias should ask the king for on the behalf of the Jews. The king granted every request. (/APC 2Ma 11:13-15) The letters from both King Antiochus to Lysias and from him to the Jews are found in (/APC 2Ma 11:22-26) These are dated in the year (of the Chaldee account) 148, the 24th day of the month Dioscorinthius as it is in the Greek copies. In the Latin copy (/APC 2Ma 11:16-21) this month in the Chaldee year seems to be intercalated between Dyster and Xanthicus (in which are written, the following letters of the King, and the Romans to the Jews, concerning this peace.) Therefore this is called in the Greek edition of the book of Esther, (now seen in the noble Earl of Atundel's library) the month Adar-nisan and Dysterxanthicus, and by the modern Jews, Veadar or the other Adar. Although our Syriac interpreter of the second book of the Maccabees has substituted in its name the Syrians, "latter Tisri."
3447. In the same 148th year, (of the Chaldee account) the 15th day of the month Xanthicus according also to the Chaldean reckoning, there are letters sent to the Jews from King Antiochus /APC 2Ma 11:27-33 and from Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlins (otherwise called Manius or Mamlius) the ambassadors from Rome. At that time they came to the king at Antioch. (/APC 2Ma 11:34-38) After this Lysias came to the king after the covenants were drawn up. /APC 1Ma 12:1
3841c AM, 4551 JP, 163 BC
3448. About the beginning of the spring, began the 150th year of the kingdom of the Greeks which the writer of the first book of the Maccabees uses.
3449. Demetrius, son of Seleucus Philopator was held many years hostage at Rome and was now 23 years old. He requested the senate that with the help of the people of Rome, he might be restored to his own kingdom which was unjustly usurped by the son of Antiochus Epiphanes, his uncle. He said that he should always look on Rome as his native country consider the senator's sons as brothers and the senators as fathers. Notwithstanding all this flattery, the senate esteemed it more expedient for them to have Syria governed by a child rather than a man. They voted that Demetrius should be detained at Rome and the kingdom be confirmed to the child which Antiochus left behind him. However, they presently sent Cn. Octavius Spurius, Lucretius and Lucius Aurelius as delegates to run that kingdom according to the pleasure of the senate. They thought no one would oppose them since the king was yet a child, and the princes of the court would be favourable to the senate since the Romans did not turn over the kingdom to Demetrius. The princes had greatly feared that this might happen. The senate was told that Antiochus had gotten elephants in Syria and many more ships than they allowed him. They ordered their delegates to burn the ships and hough the elephants. In other words, they should do what they could to bankrupt the king's treasury. (Polyb. Legat. 107, Appian, Syriac. p. 117. Sonor. ex Dione. Justin. l. 34. c. 3.)
3450. The delegates also received instructions to visit the Macedonians. They were not accustomed to a democratic government and had made no use of a common council. There were factions and seditions among them. They were ordered also to make a diligent enquiry into the affairs of the Galatians and the kingdom of Ariarathes. (Polyb. Legat. 107.) However, Ariarathes, by his great civility in a conference with Junius and the former delegates, sent them away with a good opinion of himself. (Polyb. Legat. 108.)
3451. The peace between Eupator and the Jews was no sooner made than it was broken by those who had command in the adjacent lands. Timothy Apollonius, son of Genneus, Hieronymus, Demophon and Nicanor, the governor of Cyprus, would not allow the Jews to live in peace. The citizens of Joppa tricked more than 200 Jews who lived among them onto their ships. They sailed from shore and threw them all overboard. /APC 2Ma 12:2-4
3452. When Judas Maccabeus heard of this piece of treachery, he came by night to Joppa. He burned their port and their ships. He killed all those who had fled there. When he knew that the Jemnites plotted against those Jews that lived with them, he did the same by night to their port and fleet. The flames of the fire appeared as far away as Jerusalem which was 30 miles away. /APC 2Ma 12:5-9
3453. When Judas' army had gone about a mile from there on their march against Timothy, the nomads of Arabia attacked them with at least 5000 foot soldiers and 500 cavalry. After a fierce battle, the Arabians were defeated. They agreed to supply them with cattle and other needs and hence made peace with Judas. /APC 2Ma 12:10-12
3454. Judas' soldiers stormed the city of Caspis and took it. The city was fortified with a bridge and surrounded with walls and inhabited by people from various countries. So great was the slaughter of the citizens, that an adjacent lake, a quarter mile wide, was red with blood. /APC 2Ma 12:13-16
3455. They left there and travelled about 94 miles to Characa to the Jews who were called Tabiani because they lived in the land of Tob. Timothy had left the place, although he had not finished his business there. He left behind a very strong garrison. Dositheus and Sosipator, two of Judas' captains, attacked them and killed about 10,000 of the men which Timothy had left to hold it. /APC 2Ma 12:17-19
3456. After this defeat, Timothy raised a new army of 120,000 foot soldiers and 2500 cavalry from all the surrounding countries with mercenaries from the Arabians. He sent away the women and children and other supplies to Carnion or Carnaim. This place was hard to besiege and difficult to approach because of the narrowness of the entrance. Timothy camped opposite Raphon on the other side the brook. Judas with all his forces, putting himself in the vanguard, crossed the brook toward the enemy. He totally routed that Gentile army. Some flew this way and others that way, in such a great disorder that they were often harmed by their own men and wounded by the points of their own swords. Judas eagerly pursued them and he slew nearly 30,000 men. /APC 1Ma 5:37-43 2Ma 12:20-23
3457. Timothy was captured by Dositheus and Sosipater. He craftily persuaded them to let him escape with his life because he had in his power many of the Jews' parents and brothers. If they put him to death, they would likewise be killed. When he agreed for their safe return, they let him go for their brethrens' sake. /APC 2Ma 12:24,25
3458. Judas marched on to the city of Carnaim and to the temple of Atargata which was located there. Many of the enemy had fled there for refuge. Judas burned the temple along with everyone in it. He demolished the city and killed 25,000 men. /APC 1Ma 5:43,44 2Ma 12:26
3459. Judas brought back all the Israelites which were in Gilead with their wives, children and all their belongings. He planned to bring them into Judea. They came as far as Ephron, which was a very great and well fortified city and stood in their way. It was inhabited by people from many countries. The walls were well manned and had in it a good supply of engines and ammunition. When Judas and his army had to pass through it, the citizens closed their gates against them and barricaded them up with the stones. However, they forced their way through after a day and a night's battery and demolished the city to the ground. They took all the spoil, killed all the males numbering almost 25,000 and marched over the dead bodies through it. /APC 1Ma 5:45-51 2Ma 12:27,28
3460. After this, they passed over Jordan into a great plain before Bethshan, /APC 1Ma 5:52 which the Greeks called Scythopolis, (Joseph. Antiq. l. 12. c. 12.) about 75 miles from Jerusalem. As soon as they entered the town, the Jews, who lived among them, met them and told them, how friendly the Scythopolitans had always been with them. They said how kindly they had treated them in their adversities. Thereupon they returned them thanks and requested the continuance of their friendship to their country in times to come. /APC 2Ma 12:29-31
3461. Judas brought up the rear of his army and encouraged them all the way until he came to Judea. /APC 1Ma 5:53 They arrived at Jerusalem about the feast of Pentecost /APC 2Ma 12:31 and went up to Mount Sion with joy and gladness. They offered burnt offerings because they had not lost a man and all returned home in peace. /APC 1Ma 5:54
3462. After Pentecost, Judas and his brothers with 3000 foot soldiers and 400 cavalry marched against Gorgias who commanded Idumea and planned to fight with him. /APC 2Ma 12:32,33 1Ma 5:65
3463. In that battle few of the Jews were killed. Dositheus, one of the Bacenor's troops, a strong man had taken Gorgias prisoner and grabbed him by his coat of mail and led him away. A Thracian soldier came to him and cut off his shoulder and rescued Gorgias. He escaped into Marissa. They that followed Esdris, one of Judas' captains, were wearied with the long battle. When Judas had called on the Lord and sang psalms and hymns in his mother tongue, he attacked Gorgias' forces suddenly and made them flee. /APC 2Ma 12:33-37
3464. After the victory, he called together his army and withdrew to the city of Adullam. When the sabbath was come they purified themselves and kept that day. The next day, Judas' soldiers had gathered up the bodies of those that died in the battle and planned to bury them. They found under everyone's coat, things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites which was prohibited by the Jewish law. De 7:25,26 It was clear to all what was the reason for their death. Thereupon they prayed and beseeched God that the sin might be utterly rooted out. Arundel's book and the Aldin edition states that they beseeched God that they might not be utterly destroyed for that sin. Moreover, they made a contribution of 2000 or 3000 (as the Greek Arundel and my own Syriac book, or 12,000 as the Latin copies have it) drachmas of silver and sent it to Jerusalem to make a sin offering. /APC 2Ma 12:38-43
3841d AM, 4551 JP, 163 BC
3465. Then Judas with his brethren went against the sons of Esau and attacked them in the south of Judea and smote Hebron and its villages. They dismantled the fortifications and burned the towns around the area. From there, he went through Samaria and planned to go into the land of the Philistines. At that time some priests were killed who were desirous to show their valour and acted unwisely in a skirmish. Judas went down toward Azotus into the land of the Philistines. After he had overturned their altars, burnt their graven images and took away the spoils of the cities, he returned into Judea. /APC 1Ma 5:65-68
3466. Antiochus' soldiers who were garrisoned in the tower at Jerusalem, had shut up the Jews around the temple and always tried to find ways to annoy them and strengthen the heathen. Judas and all the people besieged them in the 150th year of the Greeks. He placed his battering rams and engines against them. However, some of the besieged escaped, to whom also some wicked Jews allied themselves. They prevailed with Antiochus Eupator the king to quickly subdue the rising power of the Jews. /APC 1Ma 6:18-27
3467. Thereupon the king summoned together all his friends and the commanders of his army and his cavalry. He got forces from other kingdoms. His whole force consisted of 100,000 foot soldiers and 20,000 cavalry and 32 elephants which were trained for war. (/APC 1Ma 6:28-30) In the second book of the Maccabees we read, how that in the 149th year of the account, that is of the contracts, Judas Maccabeus had news that Antiochus Eupator was gone against Judea. His Greek forces numbered 110,000 foot soldiers and 5300 cavalry, 22 elephants and 300 chariots with hooks. /APC 2Ma 13:1,2
3468. Menelaus the usurping high priest, sided with this power and hoped to obtain from Eupator that honour which he had before in name only. /APC 2Ma 13:3
3469. King Eupator was highly enraged and came resolving to bring far greater harm on the Jews than his father ever did. When Judas heard of this, he commanded the people to call on God night and day for protection. After he had called a council of war, he resolved to march against the king and he camped by Modin. /APC 2Ma 13:9-14
3470. When the king's army had marched through Idumea, they attacked Bethsura with their engines of war but the men of Bethsura sallied forth valiantly and burned the engines. Judas camped in Bethzachariah opposite the king's camp. /APC 1Ma 6:31,32 He told his men that victories are from God. Then he took with him the most valiant men and attacked the enemy's camp by night. He advanced as far as the king's own pavilion. He slew in this fight almost 4000 men and their best elephants along with all that came upon him. When the morning dawned, he withdrew victoriously. The entire enemy camp was filled with dread and horror by his exploits. /APC 2Ma 13:15-17
3471. Early in the morning, the king marched with his army and camped near Bethzachariah. He drew up his men into battle array and ordered that the juice of grapes and mulberries should be placed before the elephants. He thought that this would make them more fierce in the fight. These beasts were distributed throughout the army and to each beast was assigned 1000 well armed foot soldiers and 500 cavalry. Each elephant's back had a wooden room that carried 32 soldiers plus the Indian to steer them. Their armour made such a glorious show that the neighbouring hills glittered from the reflection of the sun on their shields of gold and brass. /APC 1Ma 6:33-41
3472. Judas and his army engaged the enemy and killed 600 men of the king's party. At which time, Eleazar, surnamed Savaran, (or Avaran, Judas' brother /APC 1Ma 2:5) saw an elephant in royal harness and taller than any of the others. He thought the king was on his back riding it and he went for it and slaughtered his enemies on both sides. He crept under its belly and slew the beast. He was killed when the beast fell on him. When the Jews saw the vast forces of the king and their strength, they retired from battle. /APC 1Ma 6:42-47
3473. When the king returned to besiege Bethsura, he was sometimes driven off by Judas in skirmishes and sometimes Judas retreated with losses. However, Judas tried to relieve the besieged and sent them the things they needed. Rhodius, one in the Jewish army, told this to the enemy. Thereupon when the Jews made an inquiry about this, he was seized, put on the rack and kept in prison. Then the king talked a second time with the men of Bethsura and persuaded them to surrender to him. /APC 2Ma 13:19-22 After the peace was concluded between them, the Jews all marched out of the city and were forced to surrender for lack of provisions to sustain the siege. That year was the sabbatical year in which it was not lawful to sow their land. After the king had taken Bethsura, he placed a garrison in it to keep it. /APC 1Ma 6:49,50
(Since this was a sabbatical year, it verifies Ussher's calculations that a jubilee was every 49 not every 50 years. Otherwise this would not have been a sabbatical year. This also confirms the date for the first sabbatical year. See notes on 2560a AM <<333>> and 2609a AM. <<343>> Editor.)
3474. From there the king's army went up to Jerusalem and camped against Mount Sion and the sanctuary for many days. They used their artillery with engines and instruments to cast fire and stones and pieces to hurl darts and slings. Thereupon the besieged also made engines to thwart the enemies' weapons. They held them off for a long time but supplies began to grow scarce with both of them because this was the seventh year. Those in Judea who were delivered from the Gentiles had eaten up the supply of their store. Very little was left in the sanctuary because the famine was so severe among them. They were forced to disperse into various places. (/APC 1Ma 6:51-54 Josephus. l. 11. c. 14.)
3475. In the meantime, Philip, whom Antiochus Epiphanes had by his last will and testament named guardian of his son Eupator and under him was appointed ruler over the whole kingdom had already returned from Egypt. He came from Media and Persia with the forces which Epiphanes had left there /APC 1Ma 3:37 and planned to recover by force his rights which Lysias had usurped. /APC 1Ma 6:55,56 2Ma 13:23
3476. When Lysias hear of this, he persuaded the king and the commanders of the army to make peace with the whole country of the Jews and to permit them to enjoy their own laws as in former times. He said that their army grew weaker every day, the provisions for the camp failed, the place which they besieged was well fortified and the affairs of their own kingdom were more urgent and important. /APC 1Ma 6:57-59
3477. The king and his nobles agreed with Lysias and sent to the besieged about terms of peace. The conditions were accepted and the covenants confirmed with an oath. Thereupon the besieged marched out of the garrison and the king entered Mount Sion offered sacrifice, honoured the temple and dealt kindly with the place. A little later when he had considered the strength of the place, he broke his oath and ordered the walls to be pulled down. /APC 1Ma 6:60-62 2Ma 13:23
3478. The king appointed Maccabeus (or as the Greek context bears it, and my Syriac version has it) Higemonides rather, governor from Ptolomais to the Gerrhenians /APC 2Ma 13:24 or as far as Egypt. Its boundary is the mountain Gerur according to Ptolemy's account.
3479. While the king was coming to Ptolemais, the Ptolemaians, who always hated the Jews, /APC 1Ma 12:48 were quite upset by the peace made with Judas. In a rage they wanted to void the covenant. However, Lysias went up to the judgment seat and defended the matter. He appeased the tumult and pacified the citizens. /APC 2Ma 13:25,26 Josephus, in the close of the 14th book of his Antiquities, says that the rule of the Hasmoneans lasted 126 years to the taking of Jerusalem by Herod and the slaying of Antigonus. In Josephus (Antiqu. l. 17. c. 8) has this time as 125 years. However this happened on the 126th year from this time, so that the start of this rule was from the time of the peace agreed on between Antiochus and Maccabeus.
3842a AM, 4551 JP, 163 BC
3480. From autumn began the year of accounts of the contracts, 150 which the writer of the second book of the Maccabees uses.
3481. Antiochus Eupator with Lysias his guardian, hurried to Antioch, /APC 1Ma 6:63 2Ma 13:26 and brought along with him as prisoner, Menelaus the high priest. (Josephus, l. 12. c. 15.) Lysias had accused him as the sole cause of the whole Jewish war and the first instigator of all their evils. Thereupon, by orders from the king, he was sent to Berhea in Syria, where he was let down into a tower filled with ashes and so died a death worthy of his life. /APC 2Ma 13:4-8
3482. This wretched Menelaus was killed in the 10th year after he first usurped the priesthood at Berhea. This is correctly written in Josephus, p. 421. and not as in p. 700 where it erroneously says at Beryticen. The king substituted another in his place one who was just as wicked called, Alcimus or Jacimus. He was descended from Aaron but not of the high priest's blood. Lysias persuaded the king to transfer that honour to another family. (Joseph. Antiq. l. 12. c. 15. & l. 20. c. 8.)
3483. When Onias, son of Onias the third, high priest, saw the high priesthood was given to Alcimus, he went into Egypt. After he had ingratiated himself to Ptolemy Philometor and his wife, Cleopatra, he obtained permission to build a temple of God in the city of Heliopolis similar to the one at Jerusalem. They would also appoint him the high priest there. Thus Josephus writes in his Jewish Antiquities which contradicts what he formerly wrote in his work of the Jewish wars. (l. 1. c. 1. & l. 7. c 37. or 30.) There he says that Onias' flight and his building of the temple in Egypt happened while Antiochus Epiphanes was still living.
3484. About this time, Ptolemy Philometor and his younger brother Ptolemy Euergetes the 2nd had a falling out. The senate of Rome wrote letters to their ambassadors, Cn. Octavius, Sp. Lucretius and L. Aurelius to do what they could to make peace. (Polib. Legat. 107.) For after they had jointly ruled six years together peacefully, the younger brother put out Philometor and ruled alone. (Porphyr. in Grac. Euseb. Scaliger. p. 54. & 225.)
3485. When the older Ptolemy of his kingdom, went to Rome for help. He had very few in his retinue and travelled in poor clothes. (Valer. Maxim. l. 5. c. 1.) As he was on his way to the city on foot, he was noticed by Demetrius, Seleucus' son. He was much troubled at this sight, shortly provided a royal robe, a diadem, and a horse, adorned with golden fittings. He went with his own servants and met Ptolemy 26 miles from the city. After a civil greeting, he advised him to put on these ornaments and to enter Rome more like a king lest he appear contemptible. Ptolemy thanked him very much for his goodwill toward him. He did not take these things for himself. Ptolemy desired rather to have permission to rest a while with Archias in one of those towns along the way. (Diod. Sic. in Excerpt. Vales. p. 322.)
3486. Finally he came to Rome and lodged at an Alexandrian painter's house. As soon as the senate heard of it, they sent for him and made a most exact apology for they had not according to the usual custom, sent the quaestor to wait upon him nor had they entertained him on the public account. They promised that those omissions were not to be imputed to any disrespect of theirs towards him but merely to his own coming so suddenly to them and so privately. Thereupon, they conducted him from the court to the house of public entertainment and persuaded him to put off those sordid clothes. They settled on a day for a meeting. They also took care that presents were sent to him daily by the treasurers. By their kind treatment of him, they restored Ptolemy from that low condition he was in to his former kingly eminence. This caused him to hope more for Rome's assistance than to fear his low estate. (Val. Max. l. 5. c. 1.)
3487. As soon as Cn. Octavius and Spurius Lucretius, the Roman delegates came to Ariarathes, king of the Cappadocians, they enquired into the fights between him and the Galatians. He, in a few words told them the whole matter. He added that he was willing to agree to use them as arbitrators. Most of his speech concerned Syria for he knew that Octavius was going there. He showed them also in what a weak condition that state was in and how great was the similarity between himself and Syria. He preferred also to attend them with his forces and to be ready on all occasions to help them until they were returned safely from Syria. The king's good will and desire to accommodate them was much resented by the delegates. They told him that at present they had no need of his company. However, in case of some future emergency, if the need arose, they would not hesitate to send to him. They said that they would after this always include him as a most sincere friend to the Romans. (Polyb. Legat. 108.)
3488. King Eupator with the help of his guardian Lysias, had quickly pacified the disturbances in Syria. When he returned to Antioch, he found Philip in command there. He fought him and took the city. /APC 1Ma 6:63 After he had captured Philip, he had him killed. (Josephus l. 12. c. 15.)
3842b AM, 4552 JP, 162 BC
3489. Octavius Lucretius and Aurelius the three Roman delegates followed their instructions from the senate when they came into Syria took care that the elephants should be slain and the navy burned. They managed all other things in the Roman interest. This grieved Leptines and therefore he stabbed Cn. Octavius, the head delegate at Laodicea, as he was anointing himself in the place of exercise. He testified that the deed was lawfully done and by the instigation of the gods. This Octavius was the first from that family with the consulship, from whom Caesar Augustus later descended. Lysias, Eupator's guardian, who was reputed the chief instigator of the people against the Romans, took care for the entertainment of Octavius. He immediately sent delegates in the king's name to Rome, who might excuse the act and testify to the king's innocence as not being an accessory to this in any way. (Polyb. Legat. 114. & 122. Cicero. Philippic. 9. Appian. Syriac. p. 117. Zonar. ex Dione.) Julius Obsequiens, in his book De Prodigus, confirms that the killing of Octavius happened when Marcius and Scipio were consuls.