13. After a private meeting with the elders, he decided that, before the king’s army could invade Judea and take possession of the city, the Jews should march out and settle the matter with God’s help.
14. Leaving the outcome to the Creator of the world, and exhorting his followers to fight nobly to death for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the government, he encamped near Modein.
15. Giving his troops the battle cry “God’s Victory,” he made a night attack on the king’s pavilion with a picked force of the bravest young men and killed about two thousand in the camp. He also stabbed the lead elephant and its rider.
16. Finally they withdrew in triumph, having filled the camp with terror and confusion.
17. Day was just breaking when this was accomplished with the help and protection of the Lord.
18. The king, having had a taste of the Jews’ boldness, tried to take their positions by a stratagem.
19. So he marched against Beth-zur, a strong fortress of the Jews; but he was driven back, checked, and defeated.