2 Maccabees

Expedition of Lysias

After a while, Lysias, the king’s tutor and relative who was in charge of the government, became very displeased with how things were unfolding

and gathered together about eighty thousand men and his entire cavalry. They advanced against the Jews, aiming to turn the city of Jerusalem into a Greek colony and

to convert the temple into a source of revenue, as they had done with other pagan sanctuaries, and to put the office of high priest up for sale each year.

He took God’s power for granted. He advanced with his infantry regiments, thousands of horsemen, and his eighty elephants.

He entered Judea, approached Beth-Zur, a strong city a few miles from Jerusalem, and laid siege to it.

When the men of Maccabeus learned that Lysias had begun laying siege to their strong cities, they prayed to the Lord and all the people, with tears and lamentations, that the Lord might send a good angel to save Israel.

Maccabeus was the first to take arms and encourage the rest to go with him to face the danger and help their brothers and sisters. They set out together, full of enthusiasm.

While they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman dressed in white with golden armor appeared and stood at the head of them.

So with one voice, everyone blessed the merciful God. They were strengthened and prepared not only to face men in battle but even the most savage beasts and walls of iron.

They advanced with the aid of this ally sent from heaven, for the Lord had compassion on them.

They charged like lions against the enemy, brought down eleven thousand foot soldiers and one thousand six hundred horsemen, and forced the rest to flee.

Most fled, wounded, and disarmed, until Lysias fled in disgrace to save himself.

Lysias, being an intelligent man, reflected on his defeat and understood that the Hebrews were invincible because the powerful God fought for them.

So he sent a messenger to convince them to accept peace with every kind of just condition. And he even promised to persuade the king to make peace with them, too.

Maccabeus, considering the overall good, accepted Lysias’s offer of peace. In fact, the king granted all the demands Maccabeus presented to Lysias in writing.

Lysias wrote to them as follows: “From Lysias to the Jewish people, Greetings:

John and Absalom, your envoys, have delivered your written petitions to us, asking for a response.

I had presented everything that required his attention before the king and granted everything within my authority.

Therefore, if you keep your goodwill toward the State, I will also try to work in your favor.

Regarding the details, I have instructed your envoys and my representatives to discuss these with you.

May everything go well with you. In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the twenty-fourth day of the month of the Corinthian God.”

The king’s letter was as follows: “King Antiochus greets his brother Lysias.

Since we ascended to our father’s throne, who has departed to the dwelling place of the gods, we have wished for all our subjects to live peacefully so that each person may dedicate himself to his work.

Learning that the Jews do not want to adopt Greek customs, as it was my father’s will, but prefer their way of life and ask to be allowed to live according to their laws.

and since we desire that this nation live in peace, we have decreed that the temple be restored to them and that they be allowed to live according to the laws and customs of their ancestors.

It would be wise to send envoys to negotiate a peace treaty with them. May they understand our steady goal, so they feel reassured and can happily dedicate themselves to their work.”

This was the king’s letter to the Jewish people: “King Antiochus to the Council of Elders and the Jewish people: Greetings!

If you enjoy good health, we are happy for you, and we are also well.

Menelaus has informed us that you wish to return to your homes and resume work.

Therefore, I have issued an amnesty decree for everyone planning to go home before the thirtieth day of the month of Xanthicus.

The Jews may now live according to their customs concerning food and be governed by their laws as before. No one is to bother them in any way for actions done involuntarily.

I have instructed Menelaus to reassure you of all this.

I wish you good health. In the year one hundred and forty-eight (year B.C.), the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus.”

The Romans also sent them a letter, which read as follows: “Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Romans, send their greetings to the Jewish people.

We also approve of everything that Lysias, the king’s relative, has granted you.

Regarding the matters Lysias deemed necessary to inform the king and discuss with him, we ask that you review them carefully and send someone to us immediately so we can explain everything to the king to your benefit, as we are now heading for Antioch.

So, send someone to us promptly so we can learn about your plans.

We wish you good health. On the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus in the year one hundred and forty-eight.”