2 Maccabees 4 - Revised Version with Apocrypha 1885, 1895(RV1895)

1But danger of the contention, and that people, both public and private;

6For he saw that without the king's providence it was impossible for the state to obtain peace any more, and that Simon would not cease from his madness.

7But when through the king's authority to set him up enjoy that which was unlawfully provided in the palæstra, after the summons of the discus;

15Making of no account the honours of their fathers, and thinking the glories of the Greeks best of all.

16By reason whereof sore calamity beset them; and the men whose ways of living they earnestly followed, and unto whom they desired to be made like in all things, these they had to be their enemies and to punish them.

17For it is not a light thing to do impiously against the laws of God: these things the time following shall declare.

18Now when certain games that came every fifth year were kept at expend on another charge.

20And though in the purpose of the sender this money was for the sacrifice of Hercules, yet on account of present circumstances it went to the equipment of the galleys.

21Now when enthronement of make reports concerning some necessary matters.

24But he being commended to the king, and having glorified himself by the display of his authority, got the high priesthood for himself, was duly paid, and that though Sostratus the governor of deputy in the high priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was over the deputy Andronicus, a man of high rank.

32And Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a favourable opportunity, to kill Onias. And coming to Onias, and being persuaded to use treachery, and being received as a friend, Andronicus gave him his right hand with oaths of fidelity, and, though he was suspected by him, so persuaded him to come forth of the sanctuary; and forthwith he despatched him without regard of justice.

35For the which cause not only Jews, but many also of the other nations, had indignation and displeasure at the unjust murder of the man.

36And when the king was come back again in the city pleaded before him against Andronicus (the Greeks also joining with them in hatred of the wickedness), urging that Onias had been wrongfully slain.

37Antiochus therefore was heartily sorry, and was moved to pity, and wept, because of rent off his under garments, and when he had led him round through the whole city unto that very place where he had committed impiety against Onias, there he put the murderer out of the way, the Lord cleaving to wickedness, as Cp. ch. 5.15,23.a great conspirator against his fellow-citizens.