80
Jonathan learned that there was an ambush behind him, for they surrounded his army and shot arrows at his men from early morning until late afternoon.
81
But his men stood fast, as Jonathan had commanded, and the enemy's horses grew tired.
82
Then Simon brought forward his force and engaged the phalanx in battle (for the cavalry was exhausted); they were overwhelmed by him and fled,
83
and the cavalry was dispersed in the plain. They fled to Azotus and entered Beth-dagon, the temple of their idol, for safety.
84
But Jonathan burned Azotus and the surrounding towns and plundered them; and the temple of Dagon, and those who had taken refuge in it, he burned with fire.
85
The number of those who fell by the sword, with those burned alive, came to eight thousand.
86
Then Jonathan left there and encamped against Askalon, and the people of the city came out to meet him with great pomp.
87
He and those with him then returned to Jerusalem with a large amount of booty.
88
When King Alexander heard of these things, he honored Jonathan still more;
89
and he sent to him a golden buckle, such as it is the custom to give to the King's Kinsmen. He also gave him Ekron and all its environs as his possession.