9
He was renowned to the ends of the earth; he gathered in those who were perishing.
10
Apollonius now gathered together Gentiles and a large force from Samaria to fight against Israel.
11
When Judas learned of it, he went out to meet him, and he defeated and killed him. Many were wounded and fell, and the rest fled.
12
Then they seized their spoils; and Judas took the sword of Apollonius, and used it in battle the rest of his life.
13
When Seron, the commander of the Syrian army, heard that Judas had gathered a large company, including a body of faithful soldiers who stayed with him and went out to battle,
14
he said, "I will make a name for myself and win honor in the kingdom. I will make war on Judas and his companions, who scorn the king's command."
15
Once again a strong army of godless men went up with him to help him, to take vengeance on the Israelites.
16
When he approached the ascent of Beth-horon, Judas went out to meet him with a small company.
17
But when they saw the army coming to meet them, they said to Judas, "How can we, few as we are, fight against so great and so strong a multitude? And we are faint, for we have eaten nothing today."
18
Judas replied, "It is easy for many to be hemmed in by few, for in the sight of Heaven there is no difference between saving by many or by few.
19
It is not on the size of the army that victory in battle depends, but strength comes from Heaven.