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;