17
For terror and bodily trembling had come over the man, which plainly showed to those who looked at him the pain lodged in his heart.
18
People also hurried out of their houses in crowds to make a general supplication because the holy place was about to be brought into dishonor.
19
Women, girded with sackcloth under their breasts, thronged the streets. Some of the young women who were kept indoors ran together to the gates, and some to the walls, while others peered out of the windows.
20
And holding up their hands to heaven, they all made supplication.
21
There was something pitiable in the prostration of the whole populace and the anxiety of the high priest in his great anguish.
22
While they were calling upon the Almighty Lord that he would keep what had been entrusted safe and secure for those who had entrusted it,
23
Heliodorus went on with what had been decided.
24
But when he arrived at the treasury with his bodyguard, then and there the Sovereign of spirits and of all authority caused so great a manifestation that all who had been so bold as to accompany him were astounded by the power of God, and became faint with terror.
25
For there appeared to them a magnificently caparisoned horse, with a rider of frightening mien; it rushed furiously at Heliodorus and struck at him with its front hoofs. Its rider was seen to have armor and weapons of gold.
26
Two young men also appeared to him, remarkably strong, gloriously beautiful and splendidly dressed, who stood on either side of him and flogged him continuously, inflicting many blows on him.
27
When he suddenly fell to the ground and deep darkness came over him, his men took him up, put him on a stretcher,