2Mac 11:1 

Not long after the, Lysias the king's protector and cousin, 

who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the 

things that were done. 

2Mac 11:2 

And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all 

the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the 

city an habitation of the Gentiles, 

2Mac 11:3 

And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of 

the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year: 

2Mac 11:4 

Not at all considering the power of God but puffed up with 

his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and 

his fourscore elephants. 

2Mac 11:5 

So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethsura, which was a 

strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and 

he laid sore siege unto it. 

2Mac 11:6 

Now when they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged 

the holds, they and all the people with lamentation and tears 

besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver 

Israel. 

2Mac 11:7 

Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting 

the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him 

to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a 

willing mind. 

2Mac 11:8 

And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on 

horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold. 

2Mac 11:9 

Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took 

heart, insomuch that they were ready not only to fight with men, 

but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron. 

2Mac 11:10 

Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper 

from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them 

2Mac 11:11 

And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew 

eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put 

all the other to flight. 

2Mac 11:12 

Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lysias 

himself fled away shamefully, and so escaped. 

2Mac 11:13 

Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself 

what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not 

be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto 

them, 

2Mac 11:14 

And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and 

promised that he would persuade the king that he must needs be a 

friend unto them. 

2Mac 11:15 

Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lysias desired, being 

careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto 

Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted it. 

2Mac 11:16 

For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lysias to 

this effect: Lysias unto the people of the Jews sendeth 

greeting: 

2Mac 11:17 

John and Absolom, who were sent from you, delivered me the 

petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the 

contents thereof. 

2Mac 11:18 

Therefore what things soever were meet to be reported to the 

king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might 

be. 

2Mac 11:19 

And if then ye will keep yourselves loyal to the state, 

hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good. 

2Mac 11:20 

But of the particulars I have given order both to these and 

the other that came from me, to commune with you. 

2Mac 11:21 

Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the 

four and twentieth day of the month Dioscorinthius. 

2Mac 11:22 

Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus 

unto his brother Lysias sendeth greeting: 

2Mac 11:23 

Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, 

that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may 

attend upon his own affairs. 

2Mac 11:24 

We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our 

father, for to be brought unto the custom of the Gentiles, but 

had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause 

they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after 

their own laws. 

2Mac 11:25 

Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and 

we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may 

live according to the customs of their forefathers. 

2Mac 11:26 

Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant 

them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may 

be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own 

affairs. 

2Mac 11:27 

And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was 

after this manner: King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the 

council, and the rest of the Jews: 

2Mac 11:28 

If ye fare well, we have our desire; we are also in good 

health. 

2Mac 11:29 

Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return 

home, and to follow your own business: 

2Mac 11:30 

Wherefore they that will depart shall have safe conduct till 

the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security. 

2Mac 11:31 

And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats and laws, as 

before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested 

for things ignorantly done. 

2Mac 11:32 

I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you. 

2Mac 11:33 

Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the 

fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus. 

2Mac 11:34 

The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these 

words: Quintus Memmius and Titus Manlius, ambassadors of the 

Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews. 

2Mac 11:35 

Whatsoever Lysias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith 

we also are well pleased. 

2Mac 11:36 

But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the 

king, after ye have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we 

may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to 

Antioch. 

2Mac 11:37 

Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your 

mind. 

2Mac 11:38 

Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the 

fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.