17
For the man was so encompassed with fear and horror of body, that it was manifest to those who looked upon him what sorrow he had now in his heart.
18
Others ran flocking out of their houses to make general supplication, because the place was likely to come into contempt.
19
And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets; and the virgins who were kept in ran, some to the gates and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.
20
And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made supplication.
21
Then it would have moved a man to pity to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts and the fear of the high priest being in such an agony.
22
They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed in trust safe and secure for those who had committed them.
23
Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.
24
Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of our fathers and the Prince of all power caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and became faint and were sore afraid.
25
For there appeared unto them a horse with a terrible rider upon him and adorned with a very fair covering; and he ran fiercely and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet. And it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete armor of gold.
26
Moreover, two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side, and scourged him continually and gave him many sore stripes.
27
And Heliodorus fell suddenly onto the ground, and was encompassed by great darkness; but those who were with him took him up and put him onto a litter.
28
Thus he, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, was carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons. And they manifestly acknowledged the power of God.
29
For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.
30
But they praised the Lord, who had miraculously honored His own place; for the temple, which a little before was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.
31
Then straightway certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed Onias that he would call upon the Most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.
32
So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.
33
Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, "Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life.
34
And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God." And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.
35
So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord and made great vows unto Him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.
36
Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.
37
And when the king asked Heliodorus who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,
38
"If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life; for in that place no doubt there is a special power of God.
39
For He that dwelleth in heaven hath His eye on that place and defendeth it, and He beateth and destroyeth those who come to hurt it."
40
And the things concerning Heliodorus and the keeping of the treasury turned out in this manner.