16
Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with which thou shalt wound the adversaries.
17
Thus being well-comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good and able to stir them up to valor and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city and the sanctuary and the temple were in danger.
18
For the care that they took for their wives and their children, their brethren and kinsfolk, was of least account with them; but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.
19
Also those who were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad.
20
And now, when all waited for what would be the trial, and the enemies had already come near, and the army was set in array and the beasts suitably placed, and the horsemen set in wings,
21
Maccabeus, seeing the coming of the multitude and the divers preparations of arms and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven and called upon the Lord who worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms but, even as it seemeth good to Him: He giveth it to such as are worthy.
22
Therefore in his prayer he said in this manner: O Lord, Thou didst send Thine angel in the time of Hezekiah king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib a hundred fourscore and five thousand.
23
Therefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us for a fear and dread unto them.
24
And by the might of Thine arm let those be stricken with terror, that come against Thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.
25
Then Nicanor and those who were with him came forward with trumpets and songs.
26
But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer,