Old Testament

New Testament

2 Maccabees 12:21-32 Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

21. But when Timothy learned of the arrival of Judas, he sent ahead the women, and the children, and the remainder of the preparations, into a fortress, which is called Carnion. For it was impregnable and difficult to access because of the narrowness of the places.

22. And when the first cohort of Judas had appeared, the enemies were struck with fear by the presence of God, who beholds all things, and they were turned to flight, one over another, to such an extent that they were being knocked over by one another and were being wounded with the strokes of their own swords.

23. But Judas pursued them vehemently, punishing the profane and striking down thirty thousand of their men.

24. In truth, Timothy himself fell to the group under Dositheus and Sosipater. And with much begging, he pleaded with them to release him alive, because he held the parents and brothers of many of the Jews, who, at his death, might happen to be mistreated.

25. And when he had given his faith that he would restore them according to the agreement, they released him unharmed, for the sake of their brothers' well-being.

26. Then Judas departed to Carnion, where he slew twenty-five thousand.

27. After having put to flight or killed these, he moved his army to Ephron, a fortified city, in which there lived a multitude of diverse peoples. And hardy young men, standing upon the walls, put up a strong fight. Moreover, in this place, there were many machines of war, and equipment for casting darts.

28. But when they had called upon the Almighty, who with his power breaks the strength of enemies, they seized the city. And they struck down twenty-five thousand of those who were inside.

29. From there, they went to the city of Scythia, which was six hundred stadia away from Jerusalem.

30. But the Jews, those who were among the Scythians, testified that they were treated kindly by them, and that, even in the times of unhappiness, they had treated them mildly.

31. They gave thanks to them, exhorting them to be kind to their people, now and at other times. And they went to Jerusalem, as the solemn days of the seven weeks were underway.

32. And, after Pentecost, they marched against Gorgias, the foremost leader over Idumea.

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