18
Their concern for wives and children, and also for brethren and relatives, lay upon them less heavily; their greatest and first fear was for the consecrated sanctuary.
19
And those who had to remain in the city were in no little distress, being anxious over the encounter in the open country.
20
When all were now looking forward to the coming decision, and the enemy was already close at hand with their army drawn up for battle, the elephants strategically stationed and the cavalry deployed on the flanks,
21
Maccabeus, perceiving the hosts that were before 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
And he called upon him in these words: "O Lord, thou didst send thy angel in the time of Hezekiah king of Judea, and he slew fully a hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of Sennacherib.
23
So now, O Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel to carry terror and trembling before us.
24
By the might of thy arm may these blasphemers who come against thy holy people be struck down." With these words he ended his prayer.
25
Nicanor and his men advanced with trumpets and battle songs;
26
and Judas and his men met the enemy in battle with invocation to God and prayers.
27
So, fighting with their hands and praying to God in their hearts, they laid low no less than thirty-five thousand men, and were greatly gladdened by God's manifestation.
28
When the action was over and they were returning with joy, they recognized Nicanor, lying dead, in full armor.