41
"O Lord, when those who were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, Thine angel went out and smote a hundred fourscore and five thousand of them.
42
Even so destroy Thou this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against Thy sanctuary, and judge Thou him according to his wickedness."
43
So the thirteenth day of the month of Adar the hosts joined in battle; but Nicanor's host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in the battle.
44
Now when Nicanor's host saw that he was slain, they cast away their weapons and fled.
45
Then the Jews pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa unto Gazara, sounding an alarm after them with their trumpets.
46
Thereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round about and closed them in, so that they, turning back upon those who pursued them, were all slain with the sword, and not one of them was left.
47
Afterwards they took the spoils and the prey, and smote off Nicanor's head and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought them away and hung them up toward Jerusalem.
48
For this cause the people rejoiced greatly, and they kept that day as a day of great gladness.
49
Moreover, they ordained to keep yearly this day, being the thirteenth of Adar.
50
Thus the land of Judah was at rest a little while.