19. for victory in war does not depend upon the size of the army, but on strength that comes from Heaven.
20. With great presumption and lawlessness they come against us to destroy us and our wives and children and to despoil us;
21. but we are fighting for our lives and our laws.
22. He will crush them before us; so do not fear them.”
23. When he finished speaking, he rushed suddenly upon Seron and his army, who were crushed before him.
24. He pursued Seron down the descent of Beth-horon into the plain. About eight hundred of their men fell, and the rest fled to the land of the Philistines.
25. Then Judas and his brothers began to be feared, and dread fell upon the Gentiles about them.
26. His fame reached the king, and the Gentiles talked about the battles of Judas.
27. When King Antiochus heard these reports, he was filled with rage; so he ordered that all the forces of his kingdom be gathered, a very strong army.