18
For their concern was less for their wives, and children, and for their brethren, and kinsfolks: but their greatest and principal fear was for the holiness of the temple.
19
And they also that were in the city, had no little concern for them that were to be engaged in battle.
20
And now when all expected what judgment would be given, and the enemies were at hand, and the army was set in array, the beasts and the horsemen ranged in convenient places,
21
Machabeus considering the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretching out his hands to heaven, called upon the Lord, that worketh wonders, who giveth victory to them that are worthy, not according to the power of their arms, but according as it seemeth good to him.
22
And in his prayer he said after this manner: Thou, O Lord, who didst send thy angel in the time of Ezechias king of Juda, and didst kill a hundred and eighty-five thousand of the army of Sennacherib:
23
Send now also, 0 Lord of heaven, thy good angel before us, for the fear and dread of the greatness of thy arm,
24
That they may be afraid, who come with blasphemy against thy holy people. And thus he concluded his prayer.
25
But Nicanor, and they that were with him came forward, with trumpets and songs.
26
But Judas, and they that were with him, encountered them, calling upon God by prayers:
27
So fighting with their hands, but praying to the Lord with their hearts, they slew no less than five and thirty thousand, being greatly cheered with the presence of God.
28
And when the battle was over, and they were returning with joy, they understood that Nicanor was slain in his armour.