9
Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind to do far worse to the Jews, than had been done in his father's time.
10
Which things when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that if ever at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:
11
And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the blasphemous nations.
12
So when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.
13
And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.
14
So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by Modin:
15
And having given the watchword to them that were about him, Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with all that were upon him.
16
And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and departed with good success.
17
This was done in the break of the day, because the protection of the Lord did help him.
18
Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,
19
And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed, and lost of his men: