1 Maccabees 3 - Revised Version with Apocrypha 1885, 1895(RV1895)

1 out of the land, and heaven it is all one, to save by many or by few;

19the hundred and forty and seventh year; and he passed over the river Euphrates, and went through fetters, and came into the camp to take the children of Israel for servants: and there were added unto them the forces of Syria and of Philistines.

42And Judas and his brethren saw that evils were multiplied, and that the forces were encamping in their borders; and they took knowledge of the king's words which he had commanded, to destroy the people and make an end of them;

43And they said each man to his neighbour, Let us raise up the ruin of our people, and let us fight for our people and the holy place.

44And the congregation was gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask for mercy and compassion.

45ch. 1.38,39 & 4.38.And Jerusalem was without inhabitant as a wilderness, there was none of her offspring that went in or went out; and the sanctuary was trodden down, and See ch. 1.33-36.the sons of strangers were in the citadel, the Gentiles lodged therein; and joy was taken away from Jacob, and the pipe and the harp ceased.

46And they gathered themselves together, and came to Mizpeh, over against Jerusalem; for Judg. 20.1. 1 Sam. 7.5 & 10.17.in Mizpeh was there a place of prayer aforetime for Israel.

47And they fasted that day, and ch. 2.14. See 2 Sam. 3.31.put on sackcloth, and ch. 4.39 & 11.71.2 Mac. 10.25 & 14.15. put ashes upon their heads, and See Gen. 37.29.rent their clothes,

48And laid open the book of the law, concerning which the Gentiles were wont to inquire, seeking the likenesses of their idols.

49And they brought Cp. Ex. 28.4.the priests' garments, See Neh. 10.35.and the firstfruits, and See Lev. 27.30.the tithes: and they stirred up Num. 6.2,13.the Nazirites, who had accomplished their days.

50And they cried aloud Cp. ver. 18.toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these men, and whither shall we carry them away?

51And ch. 1.39 & 4.38.thy holy place is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness and brought low.

52And, behold, the Gentiles are assembled together against us to destroy us: thou knowest what things they imagine against us.

53How shall we be able to stand before them, except thou be our help?

54ch. 4.13 & 5.33 & 9.13 & 16.8. Cp. Num. 10.9.And they sounded with the trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.

55And after this Judas appointed leaders of the people, ch. 16.19.captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens.

56And he said to them See Deut. 20.5-8.that were building houses, and were betrothing wives, and were planting vineyards, and Cp. Judg. 7.3.were fearful, that they should return, each man to his own house, See Deut. 20.5-8.according to the law.

57And the army removed, and encamped upon the south side of See ver. 40.Emmaus.

58And Judas said, Gird yourselves, and 2 Sam. 10.12.be valiant men, and be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight with these Gentiles, that are assembled together against us to destroy us, and our holy place:

59For it is better for us to die in battle, than to look upon the evils of our nation and the holy place.

602 Sam. 10.12.Nevertheless, as may be the will Cp. ver. 18.in heaven, so shall he do.