Lysias Attacks the Jews

1Lysias was a relative and the guardian of young King Antiochus Eupator. He was also running the government for the king.

Soon afterwards, when Lysias learned what had happened to Timothy, he became furious 2and got together his cavalry and almost 80,000 soldiers to attack our people. He planned to turn Jerusalem into a Greek city 3and to tax the temple, as he had done to the temples in other nations. He also wanted to sell the position of high priest to the highest bidder each year.

4Lysias took great pride in his army that had tens of thousands of soldiers, as well as thousands of cavalry troops and 80 elephants. But he completely forgot about the power of God. 5Lysias led this army into Judea, where he fiercely attacked the fortress at Beth-Zur, about 32 kilometers from Jerusalem.

6Meanwhile, Judas and his soldiers found out that Lysias was attacking the fortresses. So they and everyone else cried and begged God to send a good angel to rescue Israel. 7When they had finished praying, Judas was the first to reach for his weapons. Then he urged his troops to do the same. "Let's save our people, no matter what the cost!" he said.

They eagerly set out for the enemy camp. 8But no sooner had they left Jerusalem, than they noticed someone on horseback leading them. He was dressed in white and carrying weapons of gold. 9Together they thanked God for having pity on them and sending an angel. They felt brave enough to attack humans, or the most savage animals, or even fortresses of solid iron.

10Our troops marched in battle formation, led by the angel that their merciful Lord had sent. 11They attacked the enemy army like lions, killing 11,000 soldiers and 1,600 cavalry. The rest of the enemy soldiers ran for their lives, 12since most of them were wounded and without weapons. Lysias himself ran away like a coward.

Lysias and the Jews Make Peace

13Lysias was a smart man, and he kept thinking about the defeat he had just suffered. Finally, he realized he could never destroy the Jewish people. After all, God All-Powerful fought on our side. So he wrote a letter 14urging our people to sign a peace treaty that would be fair. Lysias also promised that he would persuade King Antiochus to be kind to our nation.

15Judas wanted to do what was best for everyone, so he agreed to do what Lysias had asked, since the king had always agreed to every request that he had made in writing to Lysias.

A Letter from Lysias to the Jews

16This is a copy of the letter that Lysias wrote:

Lysias sends greetings to the Jewish people.

17You sent your messengers John and Absalom to me with your official list of demands, and we have gone over them in detail.

18Some of the items on the list needed to be discussed with the king. So I did this, and he has agreed to do all he possibly can. 19Meanwhile, remain faithful to our government, and from now on I'll do everything I can to make your nation prosper. 20I have ordered John and Absalom, together with my own messengers, to discuss the details of this matter with you.

21Goodbye. The date of this letter is the twenty-fourth day of the month of Dioscorinthius in the year 148 of the Syrian Kingdom.

A Letter from King Antiochus to Lysias

22This is a copy of the letter that Antiochus wrote to Lysias:

King Antiochus sends greetings to his good friend Lysias.

23Now that my father is dead, I am letting everyone in my kingdom take charge of their own lives, without being bothered by anyone. 24I know the Jews refused to obey my father, who wanted them to live like Greeks. But they have their own customs and have asked permission to live according to their laws.

25I have decided the Jews are free to live the way they want, just like any other nation in my kingdom. So give them back their temple and let them follow the traditions of their ancestors.

26Send messengers to inform the Jews of my decision and to guarantee them that we are now on good terms. They will be glad to know that they can live in peace and do as they wish.

A Letter from the King to the Jews

27This is a copy of the letter from Antiochus to our nation:

King Antiochus sends greetings to the Jews and their council.

28I am in good health, and I hope you are too.

29Menelaus the high priest told me that you want to return home and live according to your traditions. 30I will let you do that, but you must leave by the thirtieth day of the month Xanthicus if you want to stay on good terms with me. 31I also give you permission to continue your food laws and other customs. None of you will be punished for what you have done in ignorance.

32I have sent Menelaus to encourage you.

33Goodbye. The date of this letter is the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus in the year 148 of the Syrian Kingdom.

A Letter from the Romans to the Jews

34This is a copy of the letter the Romans sent to the Jews:

Quintus Memmius and Titus Manius, messengers from Rome, send greetings to the Jews.

35Rome approves the terms of the peace treaty that you were given by Lysias, the relative of King Antiochus.

36We are now on the way to the city of Antioch, and we want you to study carefully the matters that Lysias discussed with the king. Then quickly send a messenger to us, and we will inform the king what is in your best interests.

37Do not delay. Send the messengers as soon as you can, because we need to know how you feel about these matters.

38Goodbye. The date of this letter is the fifteenth day of the month of Xanthicus in the year 148 of the Syrian Kingdom.