Old Testament

New Testament

1 Maccabees 11:32-48 World English Bible (WEB)

32. King Demetrius to Lasthenes his father, greeting:

33. We have determined to do good to the nation of the Jews, who are our friends, and observe what is just toward us, because of their good will toward us.

34. We have confirmed therefore to them the borders of Judaea, and also the three governments of Aphaerema and Lydda and Ramathaim (these were added to Judaea from the country of Samaria), and all things appertaining to them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the king’s dues which the king received of them yearly aforetime from the produce of the earth and the fruits of trees.

35. And as for the other things that pertain to us from henceforth, of the tenths and the tolls that pertain to us, and the saltpits, and the crowns that pertain to us, all these we will bestow upon them.

36. And not one of these things shall be annulled from this time forth and for ever.

37. Now therefore be careful to make a copy of these things, and let it be given to Jonathan, and let it be set up on the holy mount in a meet and conspicuous place.

38. And king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made to him, and he sent away all his forces, each man to his own place, except the foreign forces, which he had raised from the isles of the Gentiles: and all the forces of his fathers hated him.

39. Now Tryphon was of those who aforetime had been of Alexander’s part, and he saw that all the forces murmured against Demetrius, and he went to Imalcue the Arabian, who was nourishing up Antiochus the young child of Alexander,

40. and pressed sore upon him that he should deliver him to him, that he might reign in his father’s stead: and he told him all that Demetrius had done, and the hatred wherewith his forces hated him; and he abode there many days.

41. And Jonathan sent to king Demetrius, that he should cast out of Jerusalem them of the citadel, and them that were in the strongholds; for they fought against Israel continually.

42. And Demetrius sent to Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for you and your nation, but I will greatly honor you and your nation, if I find fair occasion.

43. Now therefore you shall do well, if you send me men who shall fight for me; for all my forces are revolted.

44. And Jonathan sent him three thousand valiant men to Antioch: and they came to the king, and the king was glad at their coming.

45. And they of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of a hundred and twenty thousand men, and they were minded to kill the king.

46. And the king fled into the court of the palace, and they of the city seized the passages of the city, and began to fight.

47. And the king called the Jews to help him, and they were gathered together to him all at once, and they dispersed themselves in the city, and killed that day to the number of a hundred thousand.

48. And they set the city on fire, and got many spoils that day, and saved the king.

Read complete chapter 1 Maccabees 11