2 Maccabees 12

1 (For he heard that they designed to deliver the hold to them that took part with Demetrius) and he put a garrison there to keep it. 2 And Jonathan came back, and called together the ancients of the people; and he took a resolution with them to build fortresses in Judea, 3 And to build up walls in Jerusalem, and raise a mount between the castle and the city, to separate it from the city, that so it might have no communication, and that they might neither buy nor sell. 4 And they came together to build up the city: for the wall that was upon the brook, towards the east, was broken down, and he repaired that which is called Caphetetha: 5 And Simon built Adiada in Sephela, and fortified it, and set up gates and bars. 6 Now when Tryphon had conceived a design to make himself king of Asia and to take the crown, and to stretch out his hand against king Antiochus: 7 Fearing lest Jonathan would not suffer him, but would fight against him: he sought to seize upon him, and to kill him. So he rose up and came to Bethsan. 8 And Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for battle, and came to Bethsan. 9 Now when Tryphon saw that Jonathan came with a great army, he durst not stretch forth his hand against him. 10 But received him with honour, and commended him to all his friends, and gave him presents: and he commanded his troops to obey him, as himself. 11 And he said to Jonathan: Why hast thou troubled all the people, whereas we have no war? 12 Now, therefore, send them back to their own houses: and choose thee a few men that may be with thee, and come with me to Ptolemais, and I will deliver it to thee, and the rest of the strong holds, and the army, and all that have any charge, and I will return and go away: for this is the cause of my coming. 13 And Jonathan believed him, and did as he said: and sent away his army, and they departed into the land of Juda: 14 But he kept with him three thousand men: of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him. 15 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates of the city, and took him: and all them that came in with him they slew with the sword. 16 Then Tryphon sent an army and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company. 17 But they, when they understood that Jonathan, and all that were with him, were taken and slain, encouraged one another, and went out ready for battle. 18 Then they that had come after them, seeing that they stood for their lives, returned back. 19 Whereupon they all came peaceably into the land of Juda and they bewailed Jonathan, and them that had been with him, exceedingly: and Israel mourned with great lamentation. 20 Then all the heathens that were round about them, sought to destroy them. For they said: 21 They have no prince, nor any to help them: now therefore, let us make war upon them, and take away the memory of them from amongst men. 23 Now Simon heard that Tryphon was gathering together a very great army to invade the land of Juda, and to destroy it. 24 And seeing that the people was in dread and in fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and assembled the people, 25 And exhorted them, saying: You know what great battles I and my brethren, and the house of my father, have fought for the laws, and the sanctuary, and the distresses that we have seen: 26 By reason whereof all my brethren have lost their lives for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone. 27 And now far be it from me to spare my life in any time of trouble: for I am not better than my brethren. 28 I will avenge then my nation and the sanctuary, and our children, and wives: for all the heathens are gathered together to destroy us out of mere malice. 29 And the spirit of the people was enkindled as soon as they heard these words: 30 And they answered with a loud voice, saying: Thou art our leader in the place of Judas, and Jonathan, thy brother: 31 Fight thou our battles, and we will do whatsoever thou shalt say to us. 32 So gathering together all the men of war, he made haste to finish all the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about. 33 And he sent Jonathan, the son of Absalom, and with him a new army, into Joppe, and he cast out them that were in it, and himself remained there. 34 And Tryphon removed from Ptolemais with a great army, to invade the land of Juda, and Jonathan was with him in custody. 35 But Simon pitched in Addus, over against the plain. 36 And when Tryphon understood that Simon was risen up in the place of his brother, Jonathan, and that he meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers to him, 37 Saying: We have detained thy brother, Jonathan, for the money that he owed in the king’s account, by reason of the affairs which he had the management of. 38 But now send a hundred talents of silver, and his two sons for hostages, that when he is set at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will release him. 39 Now Simon knew that he spoke deceitfully to him; nevertheless, he ordered the money and the children to be sent, lest he should bring upon himself a great hatred of the people of Israel, who might have said: 40 Because he sent not the money and the children therefore is he lost. 41 So he sent the children and the hundred talents and he lied, and did not let Jonathan go. 42 And after this, Tryphon entered within the country, to destroy it: and they went about by the way that leadeth to Ador: and Simon and his army marched to every place whithersoever they went. 43 And they that were in the castle, sent messengers to Tryphon, that he should make haste to come through the desert, and send them victuals. 44 And Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night; but there fell a very great snow, and he came not into the country of Galaad. 45 And when he approached to Bascama, he slew Jonathan and his sons there.