8
But, uttering threats, Apollonius went on to the temple.
9
While the priests together with women and children were imploring God in the temple to shield the holy place that was being treated so contemptuously,
10
and while Apollonius was going up with his armed forces to seize the money, angels on horseback with lightning flashing from their weapons appeared from heaven, instilling in them great fear and trembling.
11
Then Apollonius fell down half dead in the temple area that was open to all, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and with tears besought the Hebrews to pray for him and propitiate the wrath of the heavenly army.
12
For he said that he had committed a sin deserving of death, and that if he were delivered he would praise the blessedness of the holy place before all people.
13
Moved by these words, Onias the high priest, although otherwise he had scruples about doing so, prayed for him lest King Seleucus suppose that Apollonius had been overcome by human treachery and not by divine justice.
14
So Apollonius, having been preserved beyond all expectations, went away to report to the king what had happened to him.
15
When King Seleucus died, his son Antiochus Epiphanes succeeded to the throne, an arrogant and terrible man,
16
who removed Onias from the priesthood and appointed Onias's brother Jason as high priest.
17
Jason agreed that if the office were conferred upon him he would pay the king three thousand six hundred and sixty talents annually.
18
So the king appointed him high priest and ruler of the nation.