25
As he approached, the Maccabee's followers prayed to God for help. Sprinkling their heads with dust, wrapping themselves with mourning clothes,
26
and falling down opposite the foundation of the altar, they begged God to be gracious to them, to be hostile to those hostile to them, and to be an opponent of their opponents, just as the Law promises.
27
After praying, they took up arms and moved out some distance from the city. They drew near to their enemies and then halted.
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At dawn, each side attacked. As an assurance of success and victory, the Jews had their courage and their trust in the Lord, but the Greeks made rage the driving force of their struggles.
29
When the battle became fierce, five magnificent men from heaven appeared to the enemy, riding on horses with gold bridles and leading the Jews.