1 Maccabees 11

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE	KING JAMES BIBLE
1 The king of Egypt gathered his forces, as numerous as the sands of the seashore, and many ships; and he sought by deceit to take Alexander's kingdom and add it to his own.	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 He entered Syria with peaceful words, and the people in the cities opened their gates to welcome him, as King Alexander had ordered them to do, since Ptolemy was his father-in-law.	2 Whereupon he took his journey into Spain 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 But when Ptolemy entered the cities, he stationed garrison troops in each one.	3 Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.
4 When he reached Azotus, he was shown the temple of Dagon destroyed by fire, Azotus and its suburbs demolished, corpses lying about, and the charred bodies of those burned by Jonathan in the war and stacked up along his route.	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 To prejudice the king against Jonathan, he was told what the latter had done; but the king said nothing.	5 Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.
6 Jonathan met the king with pomp at Joppa, and they greeted each other and spent the night there.	6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they saluted one another, and lodged.
7 Jonathan accompanied the king as far as the river called Eleutherus and then returned to Jerusalem.	7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.
8 Plotting evil against Alexander, King Ptolemy took possession of the cities along the seacoast as far as Seleucia-by-the-Sea.	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 He sent ambassadors to King Demetrius, saying: "Come, let us make a pact with each other; I will give you my daughter whom Alexander has married, and you shall reign over your father's kingdom.	9 Whereupon he sent ambasadors 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 I regret that I gave him my daughter, for he has sought to kill me."	10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me.
11 His real reason for accusing Alexander, however, was that he coveted Alexander's kingdom.	11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.
12 After taking his daughter away and giving her to Demetrius, Ptolemy broke with Alexander; their enmity became open.	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 Ptolemy entered Antioch and assumed the crown of Asia; he thus wore two crowns on his head, that of Egypt and that of Asia.	13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
14 King Alexander was in Cilicia at that time, because the people of that region had revolted.	14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.
15 When Alexander heard the news, he came to challenge Ptolemy in battle. Ptolemy marched out and met him with a strong force and put him to flight.	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 Alexander fled to Arabia to seek protection. King Ptolemy's triumph was complete	16 So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king Ptolemee was exalted:
17 when the Arab Zabdiel cut off Alexander's head and sent it to Ptolemy.	17 For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it unto Ptolemee.
18 But three days later King Ptolemy himself died, and his men in the fortified cities were killed by the inhabitants of the strongholds.	18 King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another.
19 Thus Demetrius became king in the year one hundred and sixty-seven.	19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year.
20 At that time Jonathan gathered together the men of Judea to attack the citadel in Jerusalem, and they set up many machines against it.	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 Some transgressors of the law, enemies of their own nation, went to the king and informed him that Jonathan was besieging the citadel.	21 Then came ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,
22 When Demetrius heard this, he was furious, and set out immediately for Ptolemais. He wrote to Jonathan to discontinue the siege and to meet him for a conference at Ptolemais as soon as possible.	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 On hearing this, Jonathan ordered the siege to continue. He selected some elders and priests of Israel and exposed himself to danger	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 by going to the king at Ptolemais. He brought with him silver, gold apparel, and many other presents, and found favor with the king.	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 Although some impious men of his own nation brought charges against him,	25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him,
26 the king treated him just as his predecessors had done and showed him great honor in the presence of all his Friends.	26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,
27 He confirmed him in the high priesthood and in all the honors he had previously held, and had him enrolled among his Chief 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 Jonathan asked the king to exempt Judea and the three districts of Samaria from tribute, promising him in return three hundred talents.	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 The king agreed and wrote the following letter to Jonathan about all these matters: Pact with Demetrius	29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner:
30 "King Demetrius sends greetings to his brother Jonathan and to the Jewish nation.	30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
31 We are sending you, for your information, a copy of the letter that we wrote to Lasthenes our kinsman concerning you.	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 sends greetings to his father Lasthenes.	32 King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:
33 Because of the good will they show us, we have decided to bestow benefits on the Jewish nation, who are our friends and who observe their obligations to us.	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 Therefore we confirm their possession, not only of the territory of Judea, but also of the three districts of Aphairema, Lydda, and Ramathaim. These districts, together with all their dependencies, were transferred from Samaria to Judea in favor of all those who offer sacrifices for us in Jerusalem instead of paying the royal taxes that formerly the king received from them each year from the produce of the soil and the fruit of the trees.	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 From this day on we grant them release from payment of all other things that would henceforth be due to us, that is, of tithes and tribute and of the tax on the salt pans and the crown tax.	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 Henceforth none of these provisions shall ever be revoked.	36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.
37 Be sure, therefore, to have a copy of these instructions made and given to Jonathan, that it may be displayed in a conspicuous place on the holy hill.'"	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 When King Demetrius saw that the land was peaceful under his rule and that he had no opposition, he dismissed his entire army, every man to his home, except the foreign troops which he had hired from the islands of the nations. So all the soldiers who had served under his predecessors hated him.	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 When a certain Trypho, who had previously belonged to Alexander's party, saw that all the troops were grumbling at Demetrius, he went to Imalkue the Arab, who was bringing up Alexander's young son Antiochus.	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 Trypho kept urging Imalkue to hand over the boy to him, that he might make him king in his father's place. During his stay there of many days, he told him of all that Demetrius had done and of the hatred that his soldiers had for him.	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 Meanwhile Jonathan sent the request to King Demetrius to withdraw his troops from the citadel of Jerusalem and from the other strongholds, for they were constantly hostile to Israel.	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 Demetrius, in turn, sent this word to Jonathan: "I will not only do this for you and your nation, but I will greatly honor you and your nation when I find the opportunity.	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 Do me the favor, therefore, of sending men to fight for me, because all my troops have revolted."	43 Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.
44 So Jonathan sent three thousand good fighting men to him at Antioch. When they came to the king, he was delighted over their arrival,	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 for the populace, one hundred and twenty thousand strong, had massed in the center of the city in an attempt to kill him.	45 Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.
46 But he took refuge in the palace, while the populace gained control of the main streets and began to fight.	46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.
47 So the king called the Jews to his aid. They all rallied around him and spread out through the city. On that day they killed about a hundred thousand men in the city,	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 which, at the same time, they set on fire and plundered on a large scale. Thus they saved the king's life.	48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king.
49 When the populace saw that the Jews held the city at their mercy, they lost courage and cried out to the king in supplication,	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 "Give us your terms and let the Jews stop attacking us and our city." So they threw down their arms and made peace.	50 Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.
51 The Jews thus gained glory in the eyes of the king and all his subjects, and they became renowned throughout his kingdom. Finally they returned to Jerusalem with much spoil.	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 But when King Demetrius was sure of his royal throne, and the land was peaceful under his rule,	52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him.
53 he broke all his promises and became estranged from Jonathan. Instead of rewarding Jonathan for all the favors he had received from him, he caused him much trouble.	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, Trypho returned and brought with him the young boy Antiochus, who became king and wore the royal crown.	54 After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.
55 All the soldiers whom Demetrius had discharged rallied around Antiochus and fought against Demetrius, who was routed and fled.	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 Trypho captured the elephants and occupied Antioch.	56 Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.
57 Then young Antiochus wrote to Jonathan: "I confirm you in the high priesthood and appoint you ruler over the four districts and wish you to be one of the King's Friends."	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 He also sent him gold dishes and a dinner service, gave him the right to drink from gold cups, to dress in royal purple, and to wear a gold buckle.	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 Likewise, he made Jonathan's brother Simon governor of the region from the Ladder of Tyre to the frontier of Egypt.	59 His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.
60 Jonathan set out and traveled through West-of-Euphrates and its cities, and all the forces of Syria espoused his cause as allies. When he arrived at Ashkalon, the citizens welcomed him with pomp.	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 But when he set out for Gaza, the people of Gaza locked their gates against him. So he besieged it and burned and plundered its suburbs.	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 Then the people of Gaza appealed to him for mercy, and he granted them peace. He took the sons of their chief men as hostages and sent them to Jerusalem. He then traveled on through the province as far as Damascus.	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 Jonathan heard that the generals of Demetrius had come with a strong force to Kadesh in Galilee, intending to remove him from office.	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 So he went to meet them, leaving his brother Simon in the province.	64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.
65 Simon besieged Beth-zur, attacked it for many days, and blockaded the inhabitants.	65 Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long season, and shut it up:
66 When they sued for peace, he granted it to them. He expelled them from the city, took possession of it, and put a garrison there.	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 Meanwhile, Jonathan and his army pitched their camp near the waters of Gennesaret, and at daybreak they went to the plain of Hazor.	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 There, in front of him on the plain, was the army of the foreigners. This army attacked him in the open, having first detached an ambush against him in the mountains.	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 Then the men in ambush rose out of their places and joined in the battle.	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 All of Jonathan's men fled; no one stayed except the army commanders Mattathias, son of Absalom, and Judas, son of Chalphi.	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 Jonathan tore his clothes, threw earth on his head, and prayed.	71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.
72 Then he went back to the combat and so overwhelmed the enemy that they took to flight.	72 Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.
73 Those of his men who were running away saw it and returned to him; and with him they pursued the enemy as far as their camp in Kadesh, where they pitched their own camp.	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 Three thousand of the foreign troops fell on that day. Then Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.	74 So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.