1 Maccabees 12
Commentary from 1 father
He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.
καὶ πρὸς Σπαρτιάτας καὶ τόπους ἑτέρους ἀπέστειλεν ἐπιστολὰς κατὰ τὰ αὐτά.
и҆ ко спартїа́тѡмъ и҆ ко и҆ны̑мъ мѣстѡ́мъ посла̀ є҆пїстѡ́лїи, по томꙋ́жде ѡ҆́бразꙋ.
So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews, sent us unto you, to the end ye should renew the friendship, which ye had with them, and league, as in former time.
καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς Ῥώμην καὶ εἰσῆλθον εἰς τὸ βουλευτήριον καὶ εἶπον· ᾿Ιωνάθαν ὁ ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ τὸ ἔθνος τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων ἀπέστειλεν ἡμᾶς ἀνανεώσασθαι τὴν φιλίαν αὐτοῖς καὶ τὴν συμμαχίαν κατὰ τὸ πρότερον.
И҆ и҆до́ша въ ри́мъ и҆ внидо́ша въ совѣ́тный до́мъ и҆ реко́ша: і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ а҆рхїере́й и҆ ꙗ҆зы́къ і҆ꙋде́йскїй посла́ша на́съ ѡ҆бнови́ти дрꙋ́жбꙋ съ ва́ми и҆ споборе́нїе по пре́жнемꙋ.
Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.
καὶ ἔδωκαν ἐπιστολὰς αὐτοῖς πρὸς αὐτοὺς κατὰ τόπον, ὅπως προπέμπωσιν αὐτοὺς εἰς γῆν ᾿Ιούδα μετ᾿ εἰρήνης.
И҆ да́ша є҆пїстѡ́лїи и҆̀мъ къ ни̑мъ по мѣ́стꙋ, да прово́дѧтъ и҆̀хъ въ зе́млю і҆ꙋ́динꙋ съ ми́ромъ.
And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:
Καὶ τοῦτο τὸ ἀντίγραφον τῶν ἐπιστολῶν ὧν ἔγραψεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν τοῖς Σπαρτιάταις·
И҆ сїѐ списа́нїе є҆пїсто́лїй, и҆̀хже писа̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ ко спартїа́тѡмъ:
Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation, and the priests, and the other of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:
«᾿Ιωνάθαν ἀρχιερεὺς καὶ ἡ γερουσία τοῦ ἔθνους καὶ οἱ ἱερεῖς καὶ ὁ λοιπὸς δῆμος τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων Σπαρτιάταις τοῖς ἀδελφοῖς χαίρειν.
і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ а҆рхїере́й и҆ старѣ̑йшины люді́й, и҆ жерцы̀ и҆ про́чїи лю́дїе і҆ꙋде́йстїи, спартїа́тѡмъ бра́тїи ра́доватисѧ:
There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that ye are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
ἔτι πρότερον ἀπεστάλησαν ἐπιστολαὶ πρὸς ᾿Ονίαν τὸν ἀρχιερέα παρὰ Δαρείου τοῦ βασιλεύοντος ἐν ὑμῖν ὅτι ἐστὲ ἀδελφοὶ ἡμῶν, ὡς τὸ ἀντίγραφον ὑπόκειται.
є҆щѐ пре́жде пѡ́сланы бѧ́хꙋ є҆пїстѡ́лїи ко ѻ҆ні́и а҆рхїере́ю ѿ да́рїа ца́рствовавшагѡ въ ва́съ, ꙗ҆́кѡ є҆стѐ бра́тїѧ на̑ша, ꙗ҆́коже списа́нїе содержи́тъ:
At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.
καὶ ἐπεδέξατο ᾿Ονίας τὸν ἄνδρα τὸν ἀπεσταλμένον ἐνδόξως καὶ ἔλαβε τὰς ἐπιστολάς, ἐν αἷς διεσαφεῖτο περὶ συμμαχίας καὶ φιλίας.
и҆ прїѧ̀ ѻ҆ні́а мꙋ́жа по́сланаго сла́внѡ и҆ прїѧ́тъ є҆пїстѡ́лїи, въ ни́хже завѣща́но ѡ҆ споборе́нїи и҆ дрꙋ́жбѣ:
Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,
καὶ ἡμεῖς οὖν ἀπροσδεεῖς τούτων ὄντες, παράκλησιν ἔχοντες τὰ βιβλία τὰ ἅγια τὰ ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν ἡμῶν,
и҆ мы̀ ᲂу҆̀бо не тре́бꙋюще си́хъ, ᲂу҆тѣше́нїе и҆мꙋ́ще ст҃ы̑ѧ кни̑ги, ꙗ҆̀же въ рꙋка́хъ на́шихъ,
Have nevertheless attempted to send unto you for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since ye sent unto us.
ἐπειράθημεν ἀποστεῖλαι τὴν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἀδελφότητα καὶ φιλίαν ἀνανεώσασθαι πρὸς τὸ μὴ ἐξαλλοτριωθῆναι ὑμῶν· πολλοὶ γὰρ καιροὶ διῆλθον ἀφ᾿ οὗ ἀπεστείλατε πρὸς ἡμᾶς.
покꙋси́хомсѧ посла́ти къ ва́мъ ѡ҆бнови́ти бра́тство и҆ дрꙋ́жбꙋ, є҆́же бы не ѿчꙋжди́тисѧ ва́съ: мнѡ́га бо времена̀ проидо́ша, ѿне́лѣже посла́сте къ на́мъ:
We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts, and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:
ἡμεῖς οὖν ἐν παντὶ καιρῷ ἀδιαλείπτως ἔν τε ταῖς ἑορταῖς καὶ ταῖς λοιπαῖς καθηκούσαις ἡμέραις μιμνησκόμεθα ὑμῶν ἐφ᾿ ὧν προσφέρομεν θυσιῶν καὶ ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς, ὡς δέον ἐστὶ καὶ πρέπον μνημονεύειν ἀδελφῶν·
мы̀ ᲂу҆̀бо во всѧ́ко вре́мѧ непреста́ннѡ и҆ въ пра́здники и҆ въ про́чихъ подоба́ющихъ дне́хъ воспомина́емъ ва́съ въ же́ртвахъ, ꙗ҆̀же прино́симъ, и҆ въ моли́твахъ, ꙗ҆́коже подоба́етъ и҆ лѣ́по є҆́сть воспомина́ти бра́тїю:
And we are right glad of your honour.
εὐφραινόμεθα δὲ ἐπὶ τῇ δόξῃ ὑμῶν.
весели́мсѧ ᲂу҆̀бо ѡ҆ сла́вѣ ва́шей:
As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forsomuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.
ἡμᾶς δὲ ἐκύκλωσαν πολλαὶ θλίψεις καὶ πόλεμοι πολλοί, καὶ ἐπολέμησαν ἡμᾶς οἱ βασιλεῖς οἱ κύκλῳ ἡμῶν.
на́съ же ѡ҆быдо́ша мнѡ́ги скѡ́рби и҆ мнѡ́ги бра̑ни, и҆ ра́товаша на́съ ца́рїе, и҆̀же ѡ҆́крестъ на́съ:
Howbeit we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:
καὶ οὐκ ἠβουλόμεθα οὖν παρενοχλεῖν ὑμῖν καὶ τοῖς λοιποῖς συμμάχοις καὶ φίλοις ἡμῶν ἐν τοῖς πολέμοις τούτοις·
не хотѣ́хомъ ᲂу҆̀бо стꙋжа́ти ва́мъ и҆ прѡ́чїимъ спобо́рникѡмъ и҆ дрꙋгѡ́мъ на́шымъ во бра́нехъ си́хъ,
For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.
ἔχομεν γὰρ τὴν ἐξ οὐρανοῦ βοήθειαν βοηθοῦσαν ἡμῖν καὶ ἐρρύσθημεν ἀπὸ τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐταπεινώθησαν οἱ ἐχθροὶ ἡμῶν.
и҆мѣ́емъ бо съ нб҃сѐ по́мощь помога́ющꙋю на́мъ, и҆ и҆зба́вихомсѧ ѿ вра̑гъ на́шихъ, и҆ смири́шасѧ вразѝ на́ши:
For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them, and the former league.
ἐπελέξαμεν οὖν Νουμήνιον ᾿Αντιόχου καὶ ᾿Αντίπατρον ᾿Ιάσωνος καὶ ἀπεστάλκαμεν πρὸς Ῥωμαίους ἀνανεώσασθαι τὴν πρὸς αὐτοὺς φιλίαν καὶ συμμαχίαν τὴν προτέραν.
и҆збра́хомъ ᲂу҆̀бо нꙋми́нїа а҆нтїо́хова сы́на и҆ а҆нтїпа́тра і҆асѡ́нова, и҆ посла́хомъ къ ри́млѧнѡмъ ѡ҆бнови́ти съ ни́ми дрꙋ́жбꙋ и҆ споборе́нїе пре́жнее:
We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.
ἐνετειλάμεθα οὖν αὐτοῖς καὶ πρὸς ὑμᾶς πορευθῆναι καὶ ἀσπάσασθαι ὑμᾶς καὶ ἀποδοῦναι ὑμῖν τὰς παρ᾿ ἡμῶν ἐπιστολὰς περὶ τῆς ἀνανεώσεως καὶ τῆς ἀδελφότητος ἡμῶν.
заповѣ́дахомъ ᲂу҆̀бо и҆̀мъ и҆ къ ва́мъ поитѝ и҆ поздра́вити ва́съ, и҆ да́ти ва́мъ ѿ на́съ пѡсла́нїѧ ѡ҆ ѡ҆бновле́нїи и҆ ѡ҆ бра́тствѣ на́шемъ:
Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
καὶ νῦν καλῶς ποιήσετε ἀντιφωνήσοντες ἡμῖν πρὸς ταῦτα».
и҆ нн҃ѣ добрѣ̀ сотворитѐ ѿвѣщава́юще на́мъ на сїѧ̑.
And this is the copy of the letters which Oniares sent.
Καὶ τοῦτο τὸ ἀντίγραφον τῶν ἐπιστολῶν, ὧν ἀπέστειλαν ᾿Ονίᾳ·
И҆ сїѐ списа́нїе посла́нїй, и҆̀хже посла̀ ѻ҆ні́и:
But how the Spartans were of the lineage of Abraham is not easily found: for it could have happened that Abraham had many sons, apart from Isaac whom Sarah bore to him, from Hagar namely and from Bethsura, as Scripture makes clear, so that from one of them the origin of the Spartans proceeded. But Josephus, making mention of this passage, does not seem, however, to wish to express a true kinship of the Spartans with the Jews, but rather some sort of alliance; he reports a letter written by the Lacedaemonians: "The king of the Lacedaemonians to Onias Jonathan the high priest, greetings. Reading the Scriptures, we sometimes found that from one [from one stock] the Jews and the Lacedaemonians came into being, and that they had fellowship with Abraham in a friendly manner: it is therefore just, since you are brothers, to send to you and ask for what you judge necessary for yourselves: and we will do the same, and we likewise regard your own possessions as common with ours. The bearer of the letters, Demotites, brings to you letters written on a square tablet, bearing a seal with an eagle carrying a dragon in its claws." The letter therefore sent by the king of the Lacedaemonians contained a text of this kind.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAreus king of the Lacedemonians to Onias the high priest, greeting:
«῎Αρειος βασιλεὺς Σπαρτιατῶν ᾿Ονίᾳ ἱερεῖ μεγάλῳ χαίρειν.
да́рїй ца́рь спартїа́тѡвъ ѻ҆ні́и свѧще́нникꙋ вели́комꙋ ра́доватисѧ:
It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:
εὑρέθη ἐν γραφῇ περί τε τῶν Σπαρτιατῶν καὶ ᾿Ιουδαίων, ὅτι εἰσὶν ἀδελφοὶ καὶ ὅτι εἰσὶν ἐκ γένους ῾Αβραάμ.
ѡ҆брѣ́тесѧ въ писа́нїихъ ѡ҆ спартїа́тѣхъ и҆ і҆ꙋде́ехъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ сꙋ́ть бра́тїѧ и҆ ꙗ҆́кѡ сꙋ́ть ѿ ро́да а҆враа́млѧ:
Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.
καὶ νῦν ἀφ᾿ οὗ ἔγνωμεν ταῦτα, καλῶς ποιήσετε γράφοντες ἡμῖν περὶ τῆς εἰρήνης ὑμῶν,
и҆ нн҃ѣ, ѿне́лѣже сїѧ̑ позна́хомъ, до́брѣ сотворитѐ пи́шꙋще на́мъ ѡ҆ ми́рѣ ва́шемъ:
We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are our’s, and our’s are your’s We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wise.
καὶ ἡμεῖς δὲ ἀντιγράφομεν ὑμῖν τὰ κτήνη ὑμῶν καὶ ἡ ὕπαρξις ὑμῶν ἡμῖν ἐστι, καὶ τὰ ἡμῶν ὑμῖν ἐστιν. ἐντελλόμεθα οὖν ὅπως ἀπαγγείλωσιν ὑμῖν κατὰ ταῦτα».
и҆ мы́ же восписа́хомъ ва́мъ: ско́ти ва́ши и҆ и҆мѣ́нїе ва́ше на̑ша сꙋ́ть, и҆ ꙗ҆̀же на̑ша ва̑ша сꙋ́ть: повелѣ́хомъ ᲂу҆̀бо, да возвѣстѧ́тъ ва́мъ сїѧ̑.
Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to fight against him with a greater host than afore,
Καὶ ἤκουσεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν ὅτι ἐπέστρεψαν οἱ ἄρχοντες Δημητρίου μετὰ δυνάμεως πολλῆς ὑπὲρ τὸ πρότερον τοῦ πολεμῆσαι πρὸς αὐτόν.
И҆ слы́ша і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ возврати́шасѧ нача̑льницы дими́трїєвы съ си́лою мно́гою, па́че не́же пре́жде, ра́товати на́нь,
What does it mean that Jonathan went out against the leaders of Demetrius, who had come out to fight against him, that he went up to Jerusalem and met them in the region of Amathis, if not that the sacred order of teachers is always ready to do battle against the persecutors of the Church, that is, Jews, pagans, and heretics, and to resist their deceit? He goes out from Jerusalem and meets them in the region of Amathis because, although by inward contemplation and the eye of the mind they gaze upon the loftiness of the Creator and the greatness of heavenly rewards, they nevertheless stand forth for a time to struggle with enemies, yet in no way do they turn aside from the straightness of the truth; for Amathi is interpreted "my truth." But whether they struggle in the clash of disagreement against their errors, or patiently endure their scourges and killings, they in no way abandon the truth of justice, nor do they grant them the opportunity to enter, by deceit, in any way into the territory of the Church. They strive with the greatest effort to crush at once, at the very beginning of their treachery, their wickedness, and to keep the camp of the Church unharmed.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesHe removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
καὶ ἀπῇρεν ἐξ ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ καὶ ἀπήντησεν αὐτοῖς εἰς τὴν ᾿Αμαθῖτιν χώραν· οὐ γὰρ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς ἀνοχὴν ἐμβατεῦσαι εἰς τὴν χώραν αὐτοῦ.
и҆ и҆зы́де и҆з̾ і҆ерⷭ҇ли́ма, и҆ срѣ́те и҆́хъ во а҆маѳі́тстѣй странѣ̀: не бо̀ дадѐ и҆̀мъ вре́мене, да вни́дꙋтъ во странꙋ̀ є҆гѡ̀:
He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again, and told him that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.
καὶ ἀπέστειλε κατασκόπους εἰς τὴν παρεμβολὴν αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐπέστρεψαν καὶ ἀπήγγειλαν αὐτῷ, ὅτι οὕτω τάσσονται ἐπιπεσεῖν ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς τὴν νύκτα.
и҆ посла̀ созира́тєли въ по́лкъ и҆́хъ: и҆ возврати́шасѧ и҆ возвѣсти́ша є҆мꙋ̀, ꙗ҆́кѡ си́це ᲂу҆строѧ́ютсѧ напа́сти на нѧ̀ но́щїю.
With scouts sent out, Jonathan explores the enemy camp, just as holy preachers, through diligent men, investigate the deceit of the enemies, so that, once their wicked plans are discovered, they may more easily guard against their trickery. And the scouts reported to them that they were planning to come upon them by night: for they prepare to come by night, those who, with a blind heart, devise works of darkness to perform. In opposition, Jonathan orders his men to keep watch and to be armed and ready for battle all night long: for it is the proper role of chosen teachers to instruct their subjects to be ever vigilant and cautious during the entire time of this life, in which, living in uncertainty, they strive toward a certain end. And when the adversaries heard that Jonathan was ready with his men for war, they were greatly afraid and lit fires in the camp and plotted flight: Jonathan pursued them, yet did not overtake them, because he found them already positioned beyond the river. The adversaries fear when the ministers of the Church prepare themselves for spiritual battle; and when they light fires in their camp, that is, they fake the strength of war among their ranks. But in the morning of shining faith, spiritual Jonathan pursues his enemies, yet does not overtake them, that is, he does not bring them to belief, because, seeing them seething in love for the changeable world, he judged them to be beyond recall.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWherefore so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth sentinels round about the host.
ὡς δὲ ἔδυ ὁ ἥλιος, ἐπέταξεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν τοῖς παρ᾿ αὐτοῦ γρηγορεῖν καὶ εἶναι ἐπὶ τοῖς ὅπλοις καὶ ἑτοιμάζεσθαι εἰς πόλεμον δι᾿ ὅλης τῆς νυκτὸς καὶ ἐξέβαλε προφύλακας κύκλῳ τῆς παρεμβολῆς.
Є҆гда́ же за́йде со́лнце, заповѣ́да і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ свои̑мъ бдѣ́ти и҆ бы́ти во ѻ҆рꙋ́жїи и҆ гото́витисѧ на бра́нь всю̀ но́щь, и҆ поста́ви стра́жы ѡ҆́крестъ полка̀.
But when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.
καὶ ἤκουσαν οἱ ὑπεναντίοι ὅτι ἡτοίμασται ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ οἱ παρ᾿ αὐτοῦ εἰς πόλεμον, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν καὶ ἔπτηξαν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀνέκαυσαν πυρὰς ἐν τῇ παρεμβολῇ αὐτῶν.
И҆ слы́шаша сꙋпоста́ти, ꙗ҆́кѡ гото́въ є҆́сть і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ со свои́ми на бра́нь, и҆ ᲂу҆боѧ́шасѧ и҆ ᲂу҆жасо́шасѧ се́рдцемъ свои́мъ, и҆ возжго́ша ѻ҆гни̑ въ полцѣ̀ свое́мъ и҆ ѿидо́ша.
Howbeit Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.
᾿Ιωνάθαν δὲ καὶ οἱ παρ᾿ αὐτοῦ οὐκ ἔγνωσαν ἕως πρωΐ, ἔβλεπον γὰρ τὰ φῶτα καιόμενα.
І҆ѡнаѳа́нъ же и҆ и҆̀же съ ни́мъ бѣ́ша, не позна́ша да́же до ᲂу҆́тра: ви́дѧхꙋ бо ѻ҆гни̑ горѧ́щыѧ.
Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.
καὶ κατεδίωξεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν ὀπίσω αὐτῶν καὶ οὐ κατέλαβεν αὐτούς, διέβησαν γὰρ τὸν ᾿Ελεύθερον ποταμόν.
И҆ погна̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ в̾слѣ́дъ и҆́хъ и҆ не дости́же и҆́хъ, преидо́ша бо є҆леѵѳе́рꙋ рѣкꙋ̀.
Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.
καὶ ἐξέκλινεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν ἐπὶ τοὺς ῎Αραβας τοὺς καλουμένους Ζαβαδαίους καὶ ἐπάταξεν αὐτοὺς καὶ ἔλαβε τὰ σκῦλα αὐτῶν.
И҆ ѡ҆брати́сѧ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ на а҆ра́вы, и҆̀же нарица́хꙋсѧ заведе́є, и҆ поразѝ и҆̀хъ, и҆ взѧ̀ кѡры́сти и҆́хъ.
And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country,
καὶ ἀναζεύξας ἦλθεν εἰς Δαμασκὸν καὶ διώδευσεν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ χώρᾳ.
И҆ воста́въ и҆́де въ дама́скъ и҆ прохожда́ше всю̀ странꙋ̀ тꙋ̀.
Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside to Joppa, and won it.
καὶ Σίμων ἐξῆλθε καὶ διώδευσεν ἕως ᾿Ασκάλωνος καὶ τῶν πλησίον ὀχυρωμάτων, καὶ ἐξέκλινεν εἰς ᾿Ιόππην καὶ προκατελάβετο αὐτήν·
Сі́мѡнъ же и҆зы́де и҆ прїи́де да́же до а҆скалѡ́на и҆ бли́жнихъ тверды́нь, и҆ ᲂу҆клони́сѧ во і҆ѻппі́ю и҆ взѧ̀ ю҆̀.
For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius’ part; wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.
ἤκουσεν γὰρ ὅτι βούλονται τὸ ὀχύρωμα παραδοῦναι τοῖς παρὰ Δημητρίου· καὶ ἔθετο ἐκεῖ φρουράν, ὅπως φυλάσσωσιν αὐτήν.
Слы́ша бо, ꙗ҆́кѡ совѣща́шасѧ тверды́ню преда́ти странѣ̀ дими́трїевѣ, и҆ поста́ви та́мѡ стра́жꙋ, да стрегꙋ́тъ ю҆̀.
After this came Jonathan home again, and calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,
καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ ἐξεκκλησίασε τοὺς πρεσβυτέρους τοῦ λαοῦ καὶ ἐβουλεύσατο μετ᾿ αὐτῶν τοῦ οἰκοδομῆσαι ὀχυρώματα ἐν τῇ ᾿Ιουδαίᾳ
И҆ возврати́сѧ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ, и҆ собра̀ старѣ̑йшины людскі̑ѧ, и҆ совѣща́сѧ съ ни́ми созида́ти тверды̑ни во і҆ꙋде́и
That Jonathan, having returned, set about rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and, after taking counsel with the elders of the people, strengthened the garrisons and built a great height between the middle of the citadel and the city, so as to separate it from the city, signifies the holy teachers who, after having for a time been occupied with wars outside, then inwardly concern themselves, together with spiritual men, with the fortification of the Church, lest it be harmed by internal enemies.
Therefore, those who were from the city of Marche and were lying in wait for the citizens of Jerusalem signify the heretics who, established on the stronghold of their pride, never cease plotting against the Church. Jonathan in his mystical sense cuts them off with spiritual protection, so that they are isolated and neither buy nor sell, having been cast out from the unity of the Church by a most forceful excommunication; neither are their sects to be received, nor is ecclesiastical teaching in any way to be entrusted to them, as to swine most filthy and defiled by every kind of foulness, for the purpose of defiling it. This is expressly contradicted and forbidden by the Lord and Savior in the Gospel, where he says: Do not give what is holy to dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine, lest perhaps they trample them underfoot and, turning, tear you to pieces (Matt. 7:6). Therefore, the Mutus who fell upon the torrent from the rising of the sun, whom Jonathan also restored, signifies those who seemed in the Church to exercise some guardianship of the flock entrusted to them, but, relying on brief things and serving worldly ambition, have slipped into the pleasures of this life and fallen from their proper state. These must necessarily be restored by the zeal of the saints, who strive to bring them back to their former stability by strengthening them with ecclesiastical doctrine.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAnd making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.
καὶ προσυψῶσαι τὰ τείχη ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ καὶ ὑψῶσαι ὕψος μέγα ἀνὰ μέσον τῆς ἄκρας καὶ τῆς πόλεως εἰς τὸ διαχωρίζειν αὐτὴν τῆς πόλεως, ἵνα ᾖ αὕτη κατὰ μόνας, ὅπως μήτε ἀγοράζωσι μήτε πωλῶσι.
и҆ возвы́сити стѣ́ны і҆ерⷭ҇ли̑мскїѧ и҆ воздви́гнꙋти высотꙋ̀ ве́лїю междꙋ̀ краегра́дїемъ и҆ гра́домъ, є҆́же бы ѿлꙋчи́ти ѻ҆́ное ѿ гра́да, да бꙋ́детъ сїѐ на ᲂу҆едине́нїи, ꙗ҆́кѡ да ни кꙋпꙋ́ютъ, нижѐ продаю́тъ.
Upon this they came together to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.
καὶ συνήχθησαν τοῦ οἰκοδομεῖν τὴν πόλιν καὶ ἤγγισε τοῦ τείχους τοῦ χειμάρρου τοῦ ἐξ ἀπηλιώτου, καὶ ἐπεσκεύασαν τὸ καλούμενον Χαφεναθά.
И҆ собра́шасѧ созида́ти гра́дъ, паде́ бо стѣна̀ пото́ка, ꙗ҆́же ѿ восто́ка, и҆ ᲂу҆гото́ваша нарица́емое хафенаѳа̀.
Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.
καὶ Σίμων ᾠκοδόμησε τὴν ᾿Αδιδὰ ἐν τῇ Σεφήλᾳ καὶ ὠχύρωσεν αὐτὴν καὶ ἐπέστησε θύρας καὶ μοχλούς.
И҆ сі́мѡнъ созда̀ а҆дїдꙋ̀ въ сефи́лѣ и҆ ᲂу҆твердѝ врата̀ и҆ завѡ́ры.
Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.
Καὶ ἐζήτησε Τρύφων βασιλεῦσαι τῆς ᾿Ασίας καὶ περιθέσθαι τὸ διάδημα καὶ ἐκτεῖναι χεῖρα ἐπὶ ᾿Αντίοχον τὸν βασιλέα.
И҆ взыска̀ трѵ́фѡнъ ца́рствовати во а҆сі́и и҆ возложи́ти дїади́мꙋ и҆ простре́ти рꙋ́кꙋ на а҆нтїо́ха царѧ̀,
This Tryphon represents the figure of hypocrites and heretics, who act in one way and speak in another, and who undertake something different in their intention. Against him Jonathan went out with forty thousand men, because against such people the doctrine of the Gospel and the observance of God's commandments are necessary: for whoever, according to the teachings of the Gospel, keeps the precepts of the Law, will safely break through the wedges of the enemy.
But the fact that Tryphon by deceit persuaded Jonathan to dismiss the army from himself and to receive him peacefully, and therefore, having deceived him, captured him and killed those who were travelling with him, signifies the ruin of those who do not keep themselves properly, nor maintain watchfulness in the alertness of the heart and the conduct of the body. For these, because they do not heed that teaching of the Gospel in which the Savior commanded His disciples, saying: "Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation" (Matt. 26:41); and again: "Beware," He says, "of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves" (Matt. 7:15); therefore the army of such people is rightly overcome and destroyed, because the teaching of the heavenly master is not duly observed by them. Furthermore, in the place of Jonathan, his brother Simon exercises the priesthood and bears the leadership of the people, just as in the present Church, when some depart, others are appointed in their place to hold the office of governance and diligently train the soldiers of Christ in spiritual camps, so that they may be able to resist appropriately all enemies who wage war. But the typical Tryphon, in a similar way, attempts to deceive such people by the fabrications of his words, just as he had deceived his brother, because the ancient enemy never ceases, through himself and his ministers, to lay snares for the worshipers of Christ; yet whoever worthily carries out the office of Simon, that is, of one who is obedient and rightly complies with the divine commands, can, aided by heavenly help, avoid the snare of all enemies.
But Tryphon, together with Jonathan's sons, whom he had received as hostages, killed them, although he had promised that they would be kept safe along with their father, because the ancient enemy drives all whom he deceives into the death of sin. Indeed, the sons of these, that is, their works, although he previously pretended peace with flattering speech, he will in the end reveal as deserving eternal torment. Jonathan can also bear the figure of the simple ones who are in the Church, whom the cunning deceit of the crafty seems to capture for a time when it afflicts them with bodily losses, but whose souls, persevering in the truth of faith, after the death of the flesh will escape into everlasting light.
Therefore many of them after the end of this present life have deserved to have victorious signs near their tombs, just as it is read of Simon in what follows, that he established a memorial in the tombs of his father and mother and brothers. Moreover, the saints, whom the Savior strengthens as they remain in the simplicity of their innocence, saying: Do not fear those who kill the body and after this have nothing more that they can do to you, but rather fear him who, after he has killed, has power to cast into the hell of fire (Matt. 10:28); and again: Blessed are you, he says, when men curse you and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you, lying, because of me; rejoice in that day and exult, for your reward is great in heaven (Matt. 5:11); and again: Rejoice and exult, he says, because your names are written in heaven (Luke 11:20); of whom the Psalmist says: The just man will be in everlasting remembrance, he will not fear evil tidings (Ps. 112:6-7); these are believed, through death, to be stronger and to live more happily, since their King and Lord himself, Jesus Christ namely, is known to proclaim their triumphs throughout the whole world with shining signs and miracles, so that, near the memorial of their relics, sight is granted to the blind, hearing to the deaf, walking to the lame, and speech to the mute; healing remedy is provided for hidden illnesses through their prayers, and, on the contrary, in the same place the stubborn and hateful are assaulted by Demetriuses [demons], the shameful and unbelieving are punished, and the demons themselves are tormented with severe pains, in accordance with what they are forced to confess openly with roaring, being tortured.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesHowbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.
καὶ ἐφοβήθη μήποτε οὐκ ἐάσῃ αὐτὸν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ μήποτε πολεμήσῃ πρὸς αὐτόν, καὶ ἐζήτει πόρον τοῦ συλλαβεῖν τὸν ᾿Ιωνάθαν τοῦ ἀπολέσαι αὐτόν, καὶ ἀπάρας ἦλθεν εἰς Βαιθσάν.
и҆ ᲂу҆боѧ́сѧ, да не когда̀ не попꙋ́ститъ є҆мꙋ̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ ра́товати бꙋ́детъ на него̀, и҆ взыска̀ пꙋтѝ, є҆́же ꙗ҆́ти і҆ѡнаѳа́на и҆ ᲂу҆би́ти є҆го̀: и҆ воста́въ прїи́де въ веѳса́нъ.
Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.
καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν εἰς ἀπάντησιν αὐτῷ ἐν τεσσαράκοντα χιλιάσιν ἀνδρῶν ἐπιλελεγμέναις εἰς παράταξιν καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς Βαιθσάν.
И҆ и҆зы́де і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ во срѣ́тенїе є҆мꙋ̀ съ четы́редесѧтїю ты̑сѧщїю мꙋже́й и҆збра́нныхъ на ѡ҆полче́нїе и҆ прїи́де въ веѳса́нъ.
Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;
καὶ εἶδε Τρύφων ὅτι πάρεστιν ᾿Ιωνάθαν μετὰ δυνάμεως πολλῆς, καὶ ἐκτεῖναι χεῖρας ἐπ᾿ αὐτὸν εὐλαβήθη,
И҆ ви́дѣ трѵ́фѡнъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ прїи́де і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ съ вѡ́и мно́гими, и҆ простре́ти на́нь рꙋ́кꙋ ᲂу҆боѧ́сѧ:
But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.
καὶ ἐπεδέξατο αὐτὸν ἐνδόξως καὶ συνέστησεν αὐτὸν πᾶσι τοῖς φίλοις αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτῷ δόματα καὶ ἐπέταξε ταῖς δυνάμεσιν αὐτοῦ ὑπακούειν αὐτῷ ὡς ἑαυτῷ.
и҆ воспрїѧ́тъ є҆го̀ че́стнѡ, и҆ поста́ви є҆го̀ пред̾ всѣ́ми дрꙋ̑ги свои́ми, и҆ дадѐ є҆мꙋ̀ да́ры, и҆ заповѣ́да всѣ̑мъ си́ламъ свои̑мъ послꙋ́шати є҆гѡ̀ ꙗ҆́кѡ себє̀.
Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?
καὶ εἶπε τῷ ᾿Ιωνάθαν· ἱνατί ἔκοψας πάντα τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον, πολέμου μὴ ἐνεστηκότος ἡμῖν;
И҆ речѐ і҆ѡнаѳа́нꙋ: вскꙋ́ю ᲂу҆трꙋди́лъ є҆сѝ всѧ̑ лю́ди сїѧ̑, бра́ни не настоѧ́щей на́мъ;
Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.
καὶ νῦν ἀπόστειλον αὐτοὺς εἰς τοὺς οἴκους αὐτῶν, ἐπίλεξαι δὲ σεαυτῷ ἄνδρας ὀλίγους, οἵτινες ἔσονται μετὰ σοῦ, καὶ δεῦρο μετ᾿ ἐμοῦ εἰς Πτολεμαΐδα, καὶ παραδώσω σοι αὐτὴν καὶ τὰ λοιπὰ ὀχυρώματα καὶ τὰς δυνάμεις τὰς λοιπὰς καὶ πάντας τοὺς ἐπὶ τῶν χρειῶν, καὶ ἐπιστρέψας ἀπελεύσομαι· τούτου γὰρ χάριν πάρειμι.
и҆ нн҃ѣ ѿпꙋстѝ и҆̀хъ въ до́мы своѧ̑, и҆збери́ же себѣ̀ мꙋже́й ма́лѡ, и҆̀же бꙋ́дꙋтъ съ тобо́ю, и҆ прїидѝ со мно́ю во птолемаі́дꙋ, и҆ преда́мъ тебѣ̀ ю҆̀ и҆ про́чыѧ твєрды́ни и҆ си̑лы про́чыѧ, и҆ всѣ́хъ и҆̀же над̾ потре́бами, и҆ возвра́щьсѧ ѿидꙋ̀: сегѡ́ бо ра́ди прїидо́хъ.
So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.
καὶ ἐμπιστεύσας αὐτῷ ἐποίησε καθὼς εἶπε, καὶ ἐξαπέστειλε τὰς δυνάμεις, καὶ ἀπῆλθον εἰς γῆν ᾿Ιούδα.
И҆ вѣ́ровавъ є҆мꙋ̀, сотворѝ, ꙗ҆́коже речѐ, и҆ ѿпꙋстѝ си̑лы, и҆ ѿидо́ша въ зе́млю і҆ꙋ́динꙋ.
And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.
κατέλιπε δὲ μεθ᾿ ἑαυτοῦ ἄνδρας τρισχιλίους, ὧν δισχιλίους ἀφῆκεν ἐν τῇ Γαλιλαίᾳ, χίλιοι δὲ συνῆλθον αὐτῷ.
Ѡ҆ста́ви же съ собо́ю трѝ ты́сѧщы мꙋже́й, и҆́хже двѣ̀ ты́сѧщы ѡ҆ста́ви въ галїле́и, ты́сѧща же и҆до́ша съ ни́мъ.
Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.
ὡς δὲ εἰσῆλθεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν εἰς Πτολεμαΐδα, ἀπέκλεισαν οἱ Πτολεμαεῖς τὰς πύλας καὶ συνέλαβον αὐτόν, καὶ πάντας τοὺς εἰσελθόντας μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἀπέκτειναν ἐν ῥομφαίᾳ.
Є҆гда́ же вни́де і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ во птолемаі́дꙋ, заключи́ша врата̀ гра̑дскаѧ во птолемаі́дѣ, и҆ ꙗ҆́ша є҆го̀, и҆ всѣ́хъ вше́дшихъ съ ни́мъ ᲂу҆би́ша мече́мъ.
Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan’s company.
καὶ ἀπέστειλε Τρύφων δυνάμεις καὶ ἵππον εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν καὶ τὸ πεδίον τὸ μέγα τοῦ ἀπολέσαι πάντας τοὺς παρὰ ᾿Ιωνάθαν.
И҆ посла̀ трѵ́фѡнъ вѡ́и и҆ ко́нники въ галїле́ю и҆ на по́ле вели́кое, є҆́же погꙋби́ти всѣ́хъ дрꙋгѡ́въ і҆ѡнаѳа́новыхъ.
But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared to fight.
καὶ ἐπέγνωσαν ὅτι συνελήφθη ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ ἀπόλωλε καὶ οἱ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ, καὶ παρεκάλεσαν ἑαυτοὺς καὶ ἐπορεύοντο συνεστραμμένοι ἕτοιμοι εἰς πόλεμον.
И҆ позна́ша, ꙗ҆́кѡ ꙗ҆́тъ бы́сть і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ ᲂу҆бїе́нъ и҆ всѝ и҆̀же съ ни́мъ, и҆ ᲂу҆вѣща́ша са́ми себѐ и҆ и҆до́ша ᲂу҆гото́вани на бра́нь.
They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.
καὶ εἶδον οἱ διώκοντες ὅτι περὶ ψυχῆς αὐτοῖς ἐστι, καὶ ἐπέστρεψαν.
И҆ ви́дѣша гонѧ́щїи, ꙗ҆́кѡ ѡ҆ дꙋшѝ и҆̀мъ є҆́сть, и҆ возврати́шасѧ.
Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.
καὶ ἦλθον πάντες μετ᾿ εἰρήνης εἰς γῆν ᾿Ιούδα καὶ ἐπένθησαν τὸν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ τοὺς μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα· καὶ ἐπένθησε πᾶς ᾿Ισραὴλ πένθος μέγα.
И҆ прїидо́ша всѝ съ ми́ромъ въ зе́млю і҆ꙋ́динꙋ, и҆ пла́кашасѧ і҆ѡнаѳа́на и҆ сꙋ́щихъ съ ни́мъ, и҆ ᲂу҆боѧ́шасѧ ѕѣлѡ̀, и҆ пла́каше ве́сь і҆и҃ль пла́чемъ ве́лїимъ.
Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.
καὶ ἐζήτησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τὰ κύκλῳ αὐτῶν ἐκτρίψαι αὐτούς· εἶπαν γάρ· οὐκ ἔχουσιν ἄρχοντα καὶ βοηθοῦντα· νῦν οὖν πολεμήσωμεν αὐτοὺς καὶ ἐξάρωμεν ἐξ ἀνθρώπων τὸ μνημόσυνον αὐτῶν.
И҆ взыска́ша всѝ ꙗ҆зы́цы, и҆̀же ѡ҆́крестъ и҆́хъ, сокрꙋши́ти и҆̀хъ, рѣ́ша бо:
Now when Jonathan saw that time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.
ΚΑΙ εἶδεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν ὅτι ὁ καιρὸς αὐτῷ συνεργεῖ, καὶ ἐπέλεξεν ἄνδρας καὶ ἀπέστειλεν εἰς Ῥώμην στῆσαι καὶ ἀνανεώσασθαι τὴν πρὸς αὐτοὺς φιλίαν.
И҆ ви́дѣ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ вре́мѧ є҆мꙋ̀ споспѣшествꙋ́етъ, и҆ и҆збра̀ мꙋ́жы и҆ посла̀ и҆̀хъ въ ри́мъ соста́вити и҆ ѡ҆бнови́ти съ ни́ми дрꙋ́жбꙋ,
The fact that Jonathan sends letters to the Romans and to the Spartans, and to other places, so that they might renew the treaty and friendship with them which his brother Judas had previously of his own accord entered into, shows that holy preachers ought to have great concern to strive with all their efforts to renew and preserve everywhere the peace which Christ has offered in the world. For the very Son of God, who came to earth to reconcile in His flesh things heavenly and earthly (Col. 1:20), immediately at the beginning of His birth willed that it be sung by the angels: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will" (Luke 2:14). This same peace the mediator between God and men, now made man, praised to His disciples, saying: "Have peace among yourselves" (Matt. 10:34); and: "My peace I give you; my peace I leave with you" (Jn. 14:27). For by peace and harmony the whole body of Christ is united, governed, and made firm; but whoever does not wish to have peace with his neighbors has no fellowship in the body of Christ, nor can he now achieve to eternal rest, from which he has separated himself through conflict.
Commentary on 1 Maccabees