2 Maccabees 14 - Revised Version with Apocrypha 1885, 1895(RV1895)

1Now after a space of three years tidings were brought to Judas and his company that hither;

8First for the unfeigned care I have for the things that concern the king, and secondly because I have regard also to mine own fellow-citizens: for, through the unadvised dealing of those of whom I spake before, our whole race is in no small misfortune.

9But do thou, O king, having informed thyself of these things severally, take thought both for our country and for our race, which is surrounded by foes, according to the gracious kindness with which thou receivest all.

10For as long as Judas remaineth alive, it is impossible that the state should find peace.

11And when he had spoken such words as these, at once the rest of the king's great temple.

14And those in Judæa that And when the leader had given his commands, he straightway setteth out from thence, and joineth battle with them at a village called Lessau.

17But yet not till late, having received a check by reason of the sudden consternation caused by his adversaries.

18NEVERTHELESS Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and their courage in fighting for their country, shrank from bringing the matter to the decision of the sword.

19Wherefore he sent Posidonius and Theodotus and Mattathias to give and receive pledges of friendship.

20So when these proposals had been long considered, and the leader had made the troops acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of like mind, they consented to the covenants.

21and having got possession of the covenants that had been made, came unto when he became aware that he had been bravely defeated by the stratagem of Judas, came to the great and holy temple, temple of God even with the ground, and will break down the altar, and I will erect here a temple unto O Lord habitation should be set among us;

36So now, O holy Lord of all hallowing, keep undefiled for ever this house as being a lover of his countrymen and a man of very good report, and one called troops were on the point of taking the tower and were forcing the door of the court, and bade bring fire and burn the doors, he being surrounded on every side fell upon his sword,

42Choosing rather to die nobly than to fall into the hands of the wicked wretches, and suffer outrage unworthy of his own nobleness:

43But since he missed his stroke through the excitement of the struggle, and the crowds were now rushing within the door, he ran bravely up to the wall and cast himself down manfully among the crowds.

44But as they quickly gave back, a space was made, and he fell on the middle of his side.

45And having yet breath within him, and being inflamed with passion, he rose up, and though his blood gushed out in streams and his wounds were grievous, he ran through the crowds, and standing upon a steep rock,

46When as his blood was now well nigh spent, he drew forth his bowels through the wound, and taking them in both his hands he shook them at the crowds; and calling upon him who is Lord of the life and the spirit these again, he thus died.