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13
This done, in like manner there appeared a man with gray hairs, and exceeding glorious, who
was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.
14
Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people,
and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.
15
Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving
it spake thus,
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Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.
17
Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir
them up to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch
camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the
city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.
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For the care that they took for their wives, and their children, their brethren, and folks, was
in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.
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Also they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.
20
And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come
near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in
wings,
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Maccabeus seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and
the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that
worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but even as it seemeth good to him,
he giveth it to such as are worthy:
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Therefore in his prayer he said after this manner; O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the
time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib an hundred fourscore and
five thousand:
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Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto
them;
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And through the might of thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against thy
holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.
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Then Nicanor and they that were with him came forward with trumpets and songs.
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But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.
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So that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they slew no less
than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.
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Now when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in
his harness.
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Then they made a great shout and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language.
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And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens both in body and mind, and who
continued his love toward his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and
his hand with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
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KJV Bible