2 Maccabees

Death of Antiochus Epiphanes

By that time, Antiochus had to return without glory from the regions of Persia.

When he entered a city called Persepolis and tried to plunder the temple and seize the city, its inhabitants rebelled and took up arms against him. This person threw Antiochus and his men out. They fled and returned, feeling very humiliated.

When Antiochus arrived at Ecbatana, he learned what had happened to the two generals—Nicanor and Timotheus—in Israel.

He was furious and resolved to punish the Jews for the insult he had just received in Persepolis when they forced him to flee. He ordered the chariot driver to speed up and not to stop until the journey was complete. But the judgment of God was coming upon him, for he proclaimed in his pride: “As soon as I arrive in Jerusalem, I will turn it into a Jewish cemetery.”

Then the Lord, who sees everything, the God of Israel, punished him with a severe internal illness that could not be cured.

He had hardly finished speaking when he felt an unbearable pain in his stomach and then began to feel pain all over his body. This was indeed just for one who had tortured others in the same way with countless new punishments.

But this did not lessen his arrogance. In his fury against the Jews, he ordered his troops to move even faster. However, because his chariot was moving too quickly, Antiochus fell, and his health deteriorated.

Not long ago, in his arrogance and sense of superiority, he thought he could command the sea and measure the heights of the mountains. Now, he lies down and must be carried on a stretcher, providing everyone with a clear testimony of God’s power.

Worms began to swarm in the body of the impious, and although he was still alive, his flesh tore apart into pieces, leaving him in excruciating pain. The smell of his decay was so unbearable that his entire army avoided him.

No one went near him who not long before believed he could reach the stars of heaven with his hand.

Only when the divine scourge beat him did he begin to shed his arrogance. His pains worsened, and he realized this was God’s punishment.

He could no longer tolerate his smell. He said: “It is correct to submit to God. Mortals should not attempt to be equal with Him.”

And the wretch made a vow to the Master who would no longer take pity on him.

He had marched to Jerusalem to turn it into a graveyard. But now he even promised to declare it a free city.

Moreover, he who had previously refused burial to the Jews and wanted to throw them and their children to the wild beasts now offered to make them equal with the Athenians. He had looted the temple and desecrated the Sacred Place;

but now he promised to decorate it lavishly, return many of the sacred vessels, and cover all the expenses of the sacrifices.

And he vowed to become a Jew and to proclaim the power of God in all the inhabited lands.

His pains, however, did not fade because the just judgment of God had fallen upon him. He lost hope of recovery and wrote this letter of supplication to the Jews:

“To the honorable Jews, our citizens, wishing you good health, prosperity, and all blessings from the king and general, Antiochus.

If you and your children are doing well and your wishes are fulfilled, we give thanks to Heaven, for we remember your act of kindness and affection.

On my return from Persia, I became very ill, and because of this, I thought it was important to ensure the safety of all of you.

I do not lose hope about my condition and am still optimistic about recovering.

But I thought about how my father would choose his successor whenever he went on a military campaign into the uplands,

so that his subjects wouldn’t be upset if something unexpected happened or if he faced any misfortune. Everyone would know who is in charge.

I know that the kings of all the neighboring countries are watching the situation and waiting for the right moment. So, I have appointed my son, Antiochus, as king. I already introduced and recommended him to most of you when I set out for the northern regions.

Now, I am writing this letter to him. I ask that you consider the favors each of you has received from me and extend the same kindness toward my son and me.

I am sure he shall live in good accord with you, following my policies of moderation and humanity.”

In this way, the blasphemer and murderer ended up suffering the terrible torments he had inflicted on others. He died miserably in the mountains of a foreign land.

His companion, Philip, brought his body and then withdrew to Egypt to the court of Ptolemy Philometor because he feared the son of Antiochus.