2Mac 3:1 

Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the 

laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of Onias the 

high priest, and his hatred of wickedness, 

2Mac 3:2 

It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the 

place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts; 

2Mac 3:3 

Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all 

the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices. 

2Mac 3:4 

But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor 

of the temple, fell out with the high priest about disorder in 

the city. 

2Mac 3:5 

And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to 

Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of 

Celosyria and Phenice, 

2Mac 3:6 

And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of 

infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches, 

which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was 

innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the 

king's hand. 

2Mac 3:7 

Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of 

the money whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his 

treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the 

foresaid money. 

2Mac 3:8 

So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of 

visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to 

fulfil the king's purpose. 

2Mac 3:9 

And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously 

received of the high priest of the city, he told him what 

intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he 

came, and asked if these things were so indeed. 

2Mac 3:10 

Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid 

up for the relief of widows and fatherless children: 

2Mac 3:11 

And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man 

of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: 

the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and 

two hundred of gold: 

2Mac 3:12 

And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should 

be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the 

place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, 

honoured over all the world. 

2Mac 3:13 

But Heliodorus, because of the king's commandment given him, 

said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king's 

treasury. 

2Mac 3:14 

So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this 

matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole 

city. 

2Mac 3:15 

But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in 

their priests' vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made 

a law concerning things given to he kept, that they should 

safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept. 

2Mac 3:16 

Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would 

have wounded his heart: for his countenance and the changing of 

his colour declared the inward agony of his mind. 

2Mac 3:17 

For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the 

body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what 

sorrow he had now in his heart. 

2Mac 3:18 

Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general 

supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt. 

2Mac 3:19 

And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, 

abounded in the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ran, 

some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out 

of the windows. 

2Mac 3:20 

And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made 

supplication. 

2Mac 3:21 

Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of 

the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high priest 

being in such an agony. 

2Mac 3:22 

They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things 

committed of trust safe and sure for those that had committed 

them. 

2Mac 3:23 

Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed. 

2Mac 3:24 

Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the 

treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince of all power, 

caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in 

with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and 

were sore afraid. 

2Mac 3:25 

For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider 

upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran 

fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it 

seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of 

gold. 

2Mac 3:26 

Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in 

strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood 

by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave 

him many sore stripes. 

2Mac 3:27 

And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was 

compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him 

took him up, and put him into a litter. 

2Mac 3:28 

Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all 

his guard into the said treasury, they carried out, being unable 

to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they 

acknowledged the power of God. 

2Mac 3:29 

For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless 

without all hope of life. 

2Mac 3:30 

But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his 

own place: for the temple; which a little afore was full of fear 

and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with 

joy and gladness. 

2Mac 3:31 

Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed 

Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his 

life, who lay ready to give up the ghost. 

2Mac 3:32 

So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should 

misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by 

the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man. 

2Mac 3:33 

Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same 

young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside 

Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, 

insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life: 

2Mac 3:34 

And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare 

unto all men the mighty power of God. And when they had spoken 

these words, they appeared no more. 

2Mac 3:35 

So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, 

and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and 

saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king. 

2Mac 3:36 

Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, 

which he had seen with his eyes. 

2Mac 3:37 

And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be 

sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said, 

2Mac 3:38 

If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou 

shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for 

in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power of God. 

2Mac 3:39 

For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, 

and defendeth it; and he beateth and destroyeth them that come 

to hurt it. 

2Mac 3:40 

And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the 

treasury, fell out on this sort.