24
But Timotheus who before had been overcome by the Jews, having called together a multitude of foreign troops, and assembled horsemen out of Asia, came as though he would take Judea by force of arms.
25
But Machabeus and they that were with him, when he drew near, prayed to the Lord, sprinkling earth upon their heads and girding their loins with hair- cloth,
26
And lying prostrate at the foot of the altar, besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law saith.
27
And so after prayer taking their arms, they went forth further from the city, and when they were come very near the enemies they rested.
28
But as soon as the sun was risen both sides joined battle: the one part having with their valour the Lord for a surety o victory and success: but the other side making their rage their leader in battle.
29
But when they were in the heat of the engagement there appeared to the enemies from heaven five men upon horses, comely with golden bridles, con- ducting the Jews:
30
Two of whom took Machabeus between them, and covered him on every side with their arms, and kept him safe: but cast darts and fireballs against the enemy, so that they fell down, being both confounded with blindness, and filled with trouble.
31
And there were slain twenty thousand five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
32
But Timotheus fled into Gazara a strong hold, where Chereas was governor.
33
Then Machabeus, and they that were with him, cheerfully laid siege to the fortress four days.
34
But they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and cast forth abominable words.