23
Then Judas returned to loot the enemy camp; he took large amounts of gold and silver, blue and purple cloth, and other rich plunder.
24
When the Jews came back to their own camp, they sang a hymn: "The Lord is worthy of praise; his mercy endures forever."
25
That day brought a great victory to the people of Israel.
26
The Gentile troops that escaped went to Lysias and reported all that had happened.
27
When Lysias heard that his troops had lost the battle, he was shocked and disappointed that Israel had not been defeated as the king had commanded.
28
In the following year Lysias gathered an army of 60,000 well-trained infantry and 5,000 cavalry, intending to conquer the Jews.
29
They marched into Idumea and camped at Bethzur. Judas came to meet them with 10,000 men.
30
When Judas saw how strong the enemy's army was, he prayed, "We will praise you, Savior of Israel. You broke the attack of the giant by the hand of your servant David and you let Saul's son Jonathan and the young man who carried his weapons defeat the entire Philistine army.
1
31
Now in the same way let your people Israel defeat our enemy. Put them to shame, in spite of all their confidence in their infantry and cavalry.
32
Make them afraid; let their bold strength melt away; let them tremble at the prospect of defeat.
33
We love and worship you; so let us kill our enemies, that we may then sing your praises."