23
And having good success with his weapons in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty thousand.
24
Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.
25
But when he drew near, they that were with Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,
26
And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.
27
So after the prayer they took their weapons, and went on further from the city: and when they drew near to their enemies, they kept by themselves.
28
Now the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the one part having together with their virtue their refuge also unto the Lord for a pledge of their success and victory: the other side making their rage leader of their battle
29
But when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies from heaven five comely men upon horses, with bridles of gold, and two of them led the Jews,
30
And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings against the enemies: so that being confounded with blindness, and full of trouble, they were killed.
31
And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
32
As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gazara, where Chereas was governor.
33
But they that were with Maccabeus laid siege against the fortress courageously four days.