[76] Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa. [77] Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain. because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust.
[78] Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies joined battle. [79] Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush. [80] And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning till evening.
[81] But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and so the enemies’ horses were tired. [82] Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and fled. [83] The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol’s temple, for safety.
[84] But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burned with fire. [85] Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight thousand men. [86] And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great pomp. [87] After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having any spoils.
[88] Now when king Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan yet more. [89] And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king’s blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession.
Chapter 11
[1] And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get Alexander’s kingdom, and join it to his own. [2] Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his brother in law.
[3] Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it. [4] And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass. [5] Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.
[6] Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they saluted one another, and lodged. [7] Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.
[8] King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander. [9] Whereupon he sent ambassadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father’s kingdom: [10] For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me. [11] Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.
[12] Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known. [13] Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
[14] In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him. [15] But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight.
[16] So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king Ptolemee was exalted: [17] For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it unto Ptolemee.
[18] King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another. [19] By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year.
[20] At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it. [21] Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower, [22] Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste.
[23] Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests, and put himself in peril; [24] And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.
[25] And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him, [26] Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends, [27] And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.
[28] Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents. [29] So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner:
[30] King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting: [31] We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.
[32] King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting: [33] We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us. [34] Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.
[35] And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief. [36] And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.
[37] Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.
[38] After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
[39] Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander’s part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander, [40] And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father’s stead: he told him therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.
[41] In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel. [42] So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve. [43] Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.
[44] Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming. [45] Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the c
ity, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king. [46] Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.
[47] Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand. [48] Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king.
[49] So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying, [50] Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city. [51] With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.
[52] So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him. [53] Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.
[54] After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned. [55] Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled. [56] Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.
[57] At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king’s friends. [58] Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle. [59] His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.
[60] Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.
[61] From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them. [62] Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.
[63] Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country, [64] He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country. [65] Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long season, and shut it up: [66] But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.
[67] As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor. [68] And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.
[69] So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan’s side fled; [70] Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.
[71] Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed. [72] Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away. [73] Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they camped.
[74] So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
Chapter 12
[1] Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them. [2] He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.
[3] So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time. [4] Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably. [5] And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:
[6] Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:
[7] There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify. [8] At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.
[9] Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us, [10] Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.
[11] We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren: [12] And we are right glad of your honour.
[13] As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us. [14] Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars: [15] For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot. [16] For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater he son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league. [17] We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood. [18] Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
[19] And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent. [20] Areus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:
[21] It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham: [22] Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity. [23] We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are our’s, and our’s are your’s We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.
[24] Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore, [25] He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
[26] He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season. [27] Wherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth sentinels round about the host.
[28] But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp. [29] Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning. [30] Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus. [31] Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils. [32] And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country,
[33] Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence
he turned aside to Joppa, and won it. [34] For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius’ part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it. [35] After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea, [36] And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it. [37] Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha. [38] Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.
[39] Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head. [40] Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.
[41] Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.
[42] Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him; [43] But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.
[44] Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us? [45] Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.
[46] So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea. [47] And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.
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