21
Maccabeus, observing the masses that were in front of him and the varied supply of arms and the savagery of the elephants, stretched out his hands toward heaven and called upon the Lord who works wonders; for he knew that it is not by arms, but as the Lord decides, that he gains the victory for those who deserve it.
22
He called upon him in these words: "O Lord, you sent your angel in the time of King Hezekiah of Judea, and he killed fully one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of Sennacherib.
23
So now, O Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel to spread terror and trembling before us.
24
By the might of your arm may these blasphemers who come against your holy people be struck down." With these words he ended his prayer.
25
Nicanor and his troops advanced with trumpets and battle songs,
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.