26
Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnaim and to the temple of Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.
27
And after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city wherein Lysias abode, and a great multitude of divers nations. And the strong young men kept the walls and defended them mightily, wherein also was great provision of engines and darts.
28
But when Judas and his company had called upon Almighty God, who with His power breaketh the strength of His enemies, they won the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of those who were within.
29
From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth seventy-five miles from Jerusalem.
30
But when the Jews who dwelt there had testified that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them and treated them kindly in the time of their adversity,
31
they gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still toward them; and so they came to Jerusalem, the Feast of the Weeks approaching.
32
And after the feast called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgias, the governor of Idumea,
33
who came out with three thousand men on foot and four hundred horsemen.
34
And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the Jews were slain.
35
At that time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company who was on horseback and a strong man, silently crept up upon Gorgias and, taking hold of his coat, drew him by force; and when he would have taken that accursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia, coming upon him, smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled unto Marisa.
36
Now when those who were with Gorgias had fought long and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that He would show Himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.