1 Maccabees 4
Commentary from 1 father
To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.
ὥστε ἐπιβαλεῖν ἐπὶ τὴν παρεμβολὴν τῶν ᾿Ιουδαίων καὶ πατάξαι αὐτοὺς ἄφνω· καὶ οἱ υἱοὶ τῆς ἄκρας ἦσαν αὐτῷ ὁδηγοί.
є҆́же напа́сти на по́лкъ і҆ꙋде́йскїй и҆ поби́ти и҆̀хъ внеза́пꙋ, и҆ сы́нове краегра́дїѧ бы́ша є҆мꙋ̀ вожде́ве.
This citadel does not signify the height of virtues, but the excellence of vain glory: for they offer leadership to sinners who dare to rise up in pride; and evil spirits can also be seen in these leaders, who belong to the one who said: I will ascend into heaven and set my throne in the north, and I will be like the Most High (Isa. 14:13). For these leaders of iniquity, agreeing among themselves, never cease to draw others into the pit and abyss of crimes.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesNow when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king’s army which was at Emmaus,
καὶ ἤκουσεν ᾿Ιούδας καὶ ἀπῇρεν αὐτὸς καὶ οἱ δυνατοὶ πατάξαι τὴν δύναμιν τοῦ βασιλέως τὴν ἐν ᾿Αμμαούς,
И҆ ᲂу҆слы́ша і҆ꙋ́да, и҆ воста̀ са́мъ и҆ си́льнїи, поби́ти си́лꙋ царе́вꙋ, ꙗ҆́же въ є҆ммаꙋ́мѣ:
Note, reader, that the opposing party which was joined to Gorgias arranges all its war preparations at night; and Judas and his followers do so during the day: for the workers of wickedness and executors of errors are always defiled, rulers of darkness hating the light of divine commandments and loving the obscurity of worldly pleasures. Therefore, as Paul says: Those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who are drunk, are drunk at night; but we, who are of the day, are not children of the night nor of darkness (1 Thess. 5:7-8). Truly Judas, that is, the confessor of God, arranges all the gear of war in the light of faith and the meditation on the law of God; therefore, he appears in the field with only three thousand men, namely with those who act confidently not in worldly power, but in the faith of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, striving with simplicity of mind to lead an honest life in this world.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWhile as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.
ἕως ἔτι αἱ δυνάμεις ἐσκορπισμέναι ἦσαν ἀπὸ τῆς παρεμβολῆς.
є҆ще́ бо си̑лы расточє́ны бы́ша ѿ полка̀.
In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us
καὶ ἦλθε Γοργίας εἰς τὴν παρεμβολὴν ᾿Ιούδα νυκτὸς καὶ οὐδένα εὗρε· καὶ ἐζήτει αὐτοὺς ἐν τοῖς ὄρεσιν, ὅτι εἶπε· φεύγουσιν οὗτοι ἀφ᾿ ἡμῶν.
И҆ прїи́де горгі́а въ по́лкъ і҆ꙋ́динъ но́щїю и҆ ни є҆ди́нагѡ ѡ҆брѣ́те: и҆ и҆ска́ше и҆̀хъ въ гора́хъ, поне́же речѐ: бѣжа́тъ сі́и ѿ на́съ.
But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.
καὶ ἅμα τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ὤφθη ᾿Ιούδας ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ ἐν τρισχιλίοις ἀνδράσι· πλὴν καλύμματα καὶ μαχαίρας οὐκ εἶχον καθὼς ἠβούλοντο.
И҆ вкꙋ́пѣ со дне́мъ ꙗ҆ви́сѧ і҆ꙋ́да на по́ли со тремѧ̀ ты́сѧщами мꙋже́й: ѻ҆ба́че щитѡ́въ и҆ мече́й не и҆мѧ́хꙋ, ꙗ҆́коже хотѧ́хꙋ.
And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.
καὶ εἶδον παρεμβολὴν ἐθνῶν ἰσχυρὰν τεθωρακισμένην καὶ ἵππον κυκλοῦσαν αὐτήν, καὶ οὗτοι διδακτοὶ πολέμου.
И҆ ви́дѣша по́лкъ ꙗ҆зы́ческїй крѣ́покъ воѡрꙋже́нъ и҆ ко́нники ѡ҆́крестъ є҆гѡ̀, и҆ сі́и наꙋче́ни бра́ни.
Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.
καὶ εἶπεν ᾿Ιούδας τοῖς ἀνδράσι τοῖς μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ· μὴ φοβεῖσθε τὸ πλῆθος αὐτῶν καὶ τὸ ὅρμημα αὐτῶν μὴ δειλωθῆτε·
И҆ речѐ і҆ꙋ́да мꙋжє́мъ, и҆̀же съ ни́мъ бѧ́хꙋ: не ᲂу҆бо́йтесѧ мно́жества и҆́хъ и҆ ᲂу҆стремле́нїѧ и҆́хъ не ᲂу҆жаса́йтесѧ:
Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.
μνήσθητε πῶς ἐσώθησαν οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν ἐν θαλάσσῃ ἐρυθρᾷ, ὅτι ἐδίωξεν αὐτοὺς Φαραὼ ἐν δυνάμει.
помѧни́те, ка́кѡ спасе́ни бы́ша ѻ҆тцы̀ на́ши въ мо́ри чермнѣ́мъ, є҆гда̀ гонѧ́ше и҆̀хъ фараѡ́нъ съ вѡ́и мно́гими:
Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:
καὶ νῦν βοήσωμεν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν, εἴ πως ἐλεήσει ἡμᾶς καὶ μνησθήσεται διαθήκης πατέρων ἡμῶν καὶ συντρίψει τὴν παρεμβολὴν ταύτην κατὰ πρόσωπον ἡμῶν σήμερον,
и҆ нн҃ѣ возопі́имъ на нб҃о, не́гли ка́кѡ ᲂу҆млⷭ҇рдитсѧ на ны̀ и҆ помѧне́тъ завѣ́тъ ѻ҆тцє́въ на́шихъ и҆ сокрꙋши́тъ по́лкъ се́й пред̾ лице́мъ на́шимъ дне́сь:
That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel.
καὶ γνώσεται πάντα τὰ ἔθνη ὅτι ἐστὶν ὁ λυτρούμενος καὶ σῴζων τὸν ᾿Ισραήλ.
и҆ ᲂу҆вѣ́дѧтъ всѝ ꙗ҆зы́цы, ꙗ҆́кѡ є҆́сть и҆збавлѧ́ѧй и҆ сп҃са́ѧй і҆и҃лѧ.
Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over against them.
καὶ ᾖραν οἱ ἀλλόφυλοι τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν καὶ εἶδον αὐτοὺς ἐρχομένους ἐξεναντίας
И҆ возведо́ша и҆ноплемє́нницы ѻ҆́чи своѝ и҆ ви́дѣша и҆̀хъ грѧдꙋ́щихъ сопроти́вꙋ,
As the enemies came from the opposite direction into battle, the allies of Judah sounded the trumpet, and the nations were crushed, because through the sound of the trumpet the voice of preaching is expressed; the soldiers of Judah sound the trumpet, when the preachers of Christ proclaim the Gospel throughout the whole world. Therefore the enemies are crushed, because the nations are subjected to the faith of Christ, and likewise the spiritual enemies are crushed by the power of Christ, and, slain by the sword of the Holy Spirit, are plunged into the depths of the abyss.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.
καὶ ἐξῆλθον ἐκ τῆς παρεμβολῆς εἰς πόλεμον· καὶ ἐσάλπισαν οἱ μετὰ ᾿Ιούδα
и҆ и҆зыдо́ша и҆з̾ полка̀ на бра́нь и҆ вострꙋби́ша и҆̀же со і҆ꙋ́дою.
So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain.
καὶ συνῆψαν καὶ συνετρίβησαν τὰ ἔθνη καὶ ἔφυγον εἰς τὸ πεδίον,
И҆ срази́шасѧ: и҆ сотре́ни бы́ша ꙗ҆зы́цы и҆ побѣго́ша въ по́ле,
Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.
οἱ δὲ ἔσχατοι πάντες ἔπεσον ἐν ῥομφαίᾳ. καὶ ἐδίωξαν αὐτοὺς ἕως Γαζηρὼν καὶ ἕως τῶν πεδίων τῆς ᾿Ιδουμαίας καὶ ᾿Αζώτου καὶ ᾿Ιαμνείας, καὶ ἔπεσον ἐξ αὐτῶν εἰς ἄνδρας τρισχιλίους.
послѣ́днїи же всѝ падо́ша мече́мъ: и҆ прогна́ша и҆̀хъ да́же до а҆ссарїмѡ́ѳа и҆ да́же до по́ль і҆дꙋме́йскихъ и҆ а҆зѡ́тскихъ и҆ і҆амні́йскихъ, и҆ падо́ша ѿ ни́хъ до трїе́хъ ты́сѧщъ мꙋже́й.
The names of the places up to which Judas pursued his enemies demonstrate the effectiveness of his virtue; for Gezeron is interpreted as "near my light"; Idumaea, "red" or "earthly"; Azotus, "paternal fire"; Jamnia, "sea" or "his right hand." And what is signified by Gezeron except the light of faith, and by Idumaea except the gentile nations? But what is signified by paternal fire except the ardor of love; and by Jamnia, except the depth of knowledge and the effect of good works? Therefore, the company of holy teachers pursues the gentile people so long, until it leads them from the error of paganism to the light of faith, kindles in them the fire of love, and urges them to the meditation on the divine law and the pursuit of good works. For this persecution is salutary, and the destruction is beneficial.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesFor just as there were three thousand of the companions of Judah who were being pursued, so also three thousand fell from the side of the enemies; they fell not so that they might be utterly destroyed, but so that, having been raised up after their fall, they might stand better: because, filled with faith in the Holy Trinity, they strove to attain the fellowship of those whom they recognized they had persecuted with a virtuous spirit.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThis done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them,
καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν ᾿Ιούδας καὶ ἡ δύναμις ἀπὸ τοῦ διώκειν ὄπισθεν αὐτῶν
И҆ возврати́сѧ і҆ꙋ́да и҆ вѡ́и є҆гѡ̀ ѿ гоне́нїѧ в̾слѣ́дъ и҆́хъ,
Likewise, the soldiers of Christ should by no means be quickly confident of victory when war is imminent, but ought to fight as long as necessary, until they are certain of the destruction of their spiritual enemies. For when, by pursuing sinners or unbelievers, they have converted them to repentance for their sins and to faith in Christ, which works through love to produce good deeds, then they must gather their spoils, that is, make use of their knowledge and share in the industry of their virtuous labor. For in gold we may understand knowledge, in silver eloquence, in hyacinth heavenly conduct, in purple the shedding of blood through martyrdom. Then indeed we gather these riches fruitfully, we find them acceptable in true faith, if, however, we transfer this victory to spiritual enemies. Then we ought to be secure, when after the end of this present life there is no longer any need to fear the snares of enemies. For then we gather the spoils profitably, when we receive from Christ the rewards worthy of our labor. Therefore it is rightly said that Judas exhorted his companions not to crave the spoils while the fierce wars of the enemies were still threatening; but when the enemies were utterly defeated, then he returned with his men to gather the spoils of the camps, because it is necessary for every preacher to warn his listeners to beware of the darts of enemies as long as it is a time of war. But when the time of peace comes, namely, that peace which the Savior promised to his disciples, saying: My peace I give to you (Jn. 14:27), then both superiors and subjects together will have eternal joy from the reward received, because they will no longer fear the pain of further labors and tears; then, because it is the time to sing praises to God their helper.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAnd said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us,
καὶ εἶπε πρὸς τὸν λαόν· μὴ ἐπιθυμήσητε τῶν σκύλων, ὅτι πόλεμος ἐξεναντίας ἡμῶν,
и҆ речѐ къ лю́демъ: не вожделѣ́йте коры́стей, поне́же бра́нь проти́вꙋ на́съ:
And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.
καὶ Γοργίας καὶ ἡ δύναμις ἐν τῷ ὄρει ἐγγὺς ἡμῶν· ἀλλὰ στῆτε νῦν ἐναντίον τῶν ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν καὶ πολεμήσατε αὐτούς, καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα λάβετε τὰ σκῦλα μετὰ παρρησίας.
и҆ горгі́а и҆ вѡ́и є҆гѡ̀ бли́з̾ на́съ на горѣ̀: но сто́йте нн҃ѣ проти́вꙋ врагѡ́въ на́шихъ и҆ побори́те и҆̀хъ, и҆ по си́хъ во́змете кѡры́сти без̾ боѧ́зни.
As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:
ἔτι λαλοῦντος ᾿Ιούδα ταῦτα, ὤφθη μέρος τι ἐκκύπτον ἐκ τοῦ ὄρους·
И҆ є҆щѐ глаго́лющꙋ і҆ꙋ́дѣ сїѧ̑, сѐ, ꙗ҆ви́сѧ ча́сть нѣ́каѧ приница́ющаѧ съ горы̀.
Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:
καὶ εἶδεν ὅτι τετρόπωνται, καὶ ἐμπυρίζουσι τὴν παρεμβολήν· ὁ γὰρ καπνὸς ὁ θεωρούμενος ἐνεφάνιζε τὸ γεγονός.
И҆ ви́дѣ, ꙗ҆́кѡ въ бѣ́гъ ѡ҆брати́шасѧ, и҆ зажго́ша по́лкъ, и҆̀же сꙋ́ть со і҆ꙋ́дою, ды́мъ бо зри́мый ꙗ҆влѧ́ше бы́вшее.
When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,
οἱ δὲ ταῦτα συνιδόντες ἐδειλώθησαν σφόδρα· συνιδόντες δὲ καὶ τὴν ᾿Ιούδα παρεμβολὴν ἐν τῷ πεδίῳ ἑτοίμην εἰς παράταξιν,
Смотрѧ́щїи же сїѧ̑ ᲂу҆боѧ́шасѧ ѕѣлѡ̀: ви́дѧще же ѡ҆полче́нїе і҆ꙋ́дино въ по́ли гото́во на бра́нь, бѣжа́ша всѝ въ зе́млю и҆ноплеме́нникѡвъ.
They fled every one into the land of strangers.
ἔφυγον πάντες εἰς γῆν ἀλλοφύλων.
И҆ ѡ҆брати́сѧ і҆ꙋ́да на кѡры́сти ѡ҆полче́нїѧ:
Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.
καὶ ἀνέστρεψεν ᾿Ιούδας ἐπὶ τὴν σκυλείαν τῆς παρεμβολῆς, καὶ ἔλαβον χρυσίον πολὺ καὶ ἀργύριον καὶ ὑάκινθον καὶ πορφύραν θαλασσίαν καὶ πλοῦτον μέγαν.
и҆ взѧ̀ зла́та мно́гѡ и҆ сребра̀, и҆ ѵ҆акі́нѳа и҆ порфѵ́ры морскі́ѧ, и҆ бога̑тства вели̑ка.
After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.
καὶ ἐπιστραφέντες ὕμνουν καὶ εὐλόγουν εἰς οὐρανὸν ὅτι καλόν, ὅτι εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα τὸ ἔλεος αὐτοῦ.
И҆ возвраща́ющесѧ пѣ́снь поѧ́хꙋ и҆ благословлѧ́хꙋ бг҃а нбⷭ҇наго, ꙗ҆́кѡ бл҃гъ є҆́сть, ꙗ҆́кѡ въ вѣ́къ млⷭ҇ть є҆гѡ̀.
There is great salvation in Israel when the number of believers in the Lord among the peoples increases, who recognize the Savior by faith, confess with their mouths, and glorify Him together in one work. Or otherwise, then there will be great salvation in Israel, when in the Church of Christ there will be no hardship. And it is notably added, on that day; on the day, indeed, of the resurrection, because the most noble bride will be joined to the bridegroom in the heavenly kingdom above, when all the saints in the sight of God will rejoice not only in the rest of their souls, but also in the immortality of their bodies.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThus Israel had a great deliverance that day.
καὶ ἐγένετο σωτηρία μεγάλη τῷ ᾿Ισραὴλ ἐν τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ.
И҆ бы́сть спⷭ҇нїе вели́ко і҆и҃лю въ де́нь ѡ҆́нъ.
Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what had happened:
῞Οσοι δὲ τῶν ἀλλοφύλων διεσώθησαν, παραγενηθέντες ἀπήγγειλαν τῷ Λυσίᾳ πάντα τὰ συμβεβηκότα.
Є҆ли́цы же ѿ и҆ноплеме́нникѡвъ ᲂу҆цѣлѣ́ша, прише́дше возвѣсти́ша лѷсі́и всѧ̑ слꙋчи̑вшаѧсѧ.
Finally, the foreigners who escaped announce to Lysias the victory of Judas, because some, not yet of the saints, are seized as most beneficial spoils for Christ through the ministries of the teachers, and, though unwilling, because compelled by the truth, they announce the glory of Christ to their instructors by whom they are nurtured unto death. For Lysias, which is interpreted as "generating," signifies the powerful of the world, who, although they are generated, have not yet deserved to be regenerated by the baptism of Christ. Therefore, these soldiers, hearing of Christ's victory, are discouraged and lose heart, because things did not turn out in Israel as they wished, nor as the king commanded. For their will was such that the preaching of the Gospel by the holy teachers would not prevail, nor would the multitude of those believing in the Lord increase; and they also knew that such things would please their rulers, that is, the unclean spirits; because in the blasphemous images of idols, venerated by men with divine worship, they persuaded them not to receive the faith of Christ, but they did not prevail, because the Father reveals the glory of His Son far and wide among all nations.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWho, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.
ὁ δὲ ἀκούσας συνεχύθη καὶ ἠθύμει, ὅτι οὐχ οἷα ἤθελε, τοιαῦτα γεγόνει τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ, καὶ οὐχ οἷα ἐνετείλατο αὐτῷ ὁ βασιλεύς, τοιαῦτα ἐξέβη.
Ѻ҆́нъ же слы́шавъ ᲂу҆ны̀ дꙋше́ю и҆ ѡ҆печа́лисѧ, ꙗ҆́кѡ не ꙗ҆̀же хотѧ́ше, такѡва̀ бы́ша і҆и҃лю, и҆ не какѡва̀ заповѣ́да є҆мꙋ̀ ца́рь, сицева̑ѧ сбы́шасѧ.
The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.
καὶ ἐν τῷ ἐχομένῳ ἐνιαυτῷ συνελόχισεν ὁ Λυσίας ἀνδρῶν ἐπιλέκτων ἑξήκοντα χιλιάδας καὶ πεντακισχιλίαν ἵππον, ὥστε ἐκπολεμῆσαι αὐτούς.
И҆ во грѧдꙋ́щее лѣ́то собра̀ лѷсі́а мꙋже́й и҆збра́нныхъ шестьдесѧ́тъ ты́сѧщъ и҆ ко́нникѡвъ пѧ́ть ты́сѧщъ, да побїе́тъ і҆ерⷭ҇ли́мъ.
And Lysias selected sixty thousand men and five thousand horsemen to wage war against Israel, with all the power of this world, which is divided into six ages; through the five bodily senses, the prince of this age, with the rulers of these present darknesses inciting, strives to overcome the soldiers of Christ by loosening them through various vices, and through evil men he plots the destruction of the good. But Judas confronted them with ten thousand men, because the army of our King is stronger than the others in this: that it strives in all things to obey the divine commandments, and by sending constant prayers to the Lord, it is strengthened by His hand, in whose power it especially trusts; and it persists in battle until its enemies and the opposing spiritual weapons are utterly slain by the sword.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesSo they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.
καὶ ἦλθον εἰς τὴν ᾿Ιδουμαίαν καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐν Βαιθσούροις, καὶ συνήντησεν αὐτοῖς ᾿Ιούδας ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν ἀνδρῶν.
И҆ прїидо́ша во і҆дꙋме́ю и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ во веѳсꙋ́рѣхъ, и҆ срѣ́те и҆̀хъ і҆ꙋ́да съ десѧтїю̀ ты́сѧщьми мꙋже́й.
And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer;
καὶ εἶδε τὴν παρεμβολὴν ἰσχυρὰν καὶ προσηύξατο καὶ εἶπεν· εὐλογητὸς εἶ ὁ σωτὴρ τοῦ ᾿Ισραὴλ ὁ συντρίψας τὸ ὅρμημα τοῦ δυνατοῦ ἐν χειρὶ τοῦ δούλου σου Δαυὶδ καὶ παρέδωκας τὴν παρεμβολὴν τῶν ἀλλοφύλων εἰς χεῖρας ᾿Ιωνάθαν υἱοῦ Σαοὺλ καὶ τοῦ αἴροντος τὰ σκεύη αὐτοῦ·
И҆ ви́дѣ по́лкъ крѣ́покъ, и҆ помоли́сѧ, и҆ речѐ: блгⷭ҇ве́нъ є҆сѝ, сп҃се і҆и҃левъ, сокрꙋши́вый стремле́нїе си́льнагѡ рꙋко́ю раба̀ твоегѡ̀ даві́да, и҆ пре́далъ є҆сѝ по́лкъ и҆ноплеме́нныхъ въ рꙋ́ки і҆ѡнаѳа́на сы́на саꙋ́лѧ и҆ носѧ́щагѡ ѻ҆рꙋ́жїе є҆гѡ̀:
Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:
οὕτω σύγκλεισον τὴν παρεμβολὴν ταύτην ἐν χειρὶ λαοῦ σου ᾿Ισραήλ, καὶ αἰσχυνθήτωσαν ἐπὶ τῇ δυνάμει καὶ τῇ ἵππῳ αὐτῶν·
заключѝ по́лкъ се́й рꙋко́ю люді́й твои́хъ і҆и҃лѧ, и҆ да постыдѧ́тсѧ ѡ҆ си́лѣ и҆ ко́нницѣ свое́й:
Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:
δὸς αὐτοῖς δειλίαν καὶ τῆξον θράσος ἰσχύος αὐτῶν, καὶ σαλευθήτωσαν τῇ συντριβῇ αὐτῶν·
да́ждь и҆̀мъ боѧ́знь и҆ раста́й де́рзость си́лы и҆́хъ, и҆ да поколе́блютсѧ сотре́нїемъ свои́мъ:
Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.
κατάβαλε αὐτοὺς ρομφαίᾳ ἀγαπώντων σε, καὶ αἰνεσάτωσάν σε πάντες οἱ εἰδότες τὸ ὄνομά σου ἐν ὕμνοις.
низложѝ и҆̀хъ мече́мъ лю́бѧщихъ тѧ̀, и҆ да восхва́лѧтъ тебѐ всѝ вѣ́дꙋщїи и҆́мѧ твоѐ въ пѣ́снехъ.
There are five books of the law of God, and, as we have previously said, there are five senses in the body. For whoever, according to the teaching of the law, restrains the lust of the flesh, turning away his eyes so that they do not look upon vanity, stopping his ears so that they do not hear a slanderous tongue (Ps. 119:37), and obscene songs against worldly things, by which, when frequently heard, the inner man is defiled; whoever restrains his sense of smell and taste so that he does not use them for the lure of pleasures; whoever keeps his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit, turns away from evil and does good, seeks peace and pursues it (Ps. 34:13-14), this person, overcoming his enemies, will gain the most beneficial victory and will rejoice in the greatest triumph. But spiritual Lysias, although once, twice, or even three times crushed and put to flight, nevertheless does not cease from the wickedness he has undertaken, but revived, he again renews the battles.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesSo they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.
καὶ συνέβαλον ἀλλήλοις, καὶ ἔπεσον ἐκ τῆς παρεμβολῆς Λυσίου εἰς πεντακισχιλίους ἄνδρας καὶ ἔπεσον ἐξ ἐναντίας αὐτῶν.
И҆ соста́виша бра́нь, и҆ падо́ша ѿ полка̀ лѷсі́и до пѧтѝ ты́сѧщъ мꙋже́й, и҆ падо́ша пред̾ ни́ми.
Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas’ soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.
ἰδὼν δὲ Λυσίας τὴν γενομένην τροπὴν τῆς αὐτοῦ συντάξεως, τῆς δὲ ᾿Ιούδα τὸ γεγενημένον θάρσος καὶ ὡς ἕτοιμοί εἰσιν ἢ ζῆν ἢ τεθνάναι γενναίως, ἀπῇρεν εἰς ᾿Αντιόχειαν καὶ ἐξενολόγει, καὶ πλεονάσας τὸν γενηθέντα στρατὸν ἐλογίζετο πάλιν παραγενέσθαι εἰς τὴν ᾿Ιουδαίαν.
Ви́дѧ же лѷсі́а своегѡ̀ ѡ҆полче́нїѧ бы́вшее бѣжа́нїе, а҆ і҆ꙋ́динꙋ бы́вшꙋю де́рзость, и҆ ꙗ҆́кѡ гото́ви сꙋ́ть и҆лѝ жи́ти, и҆лѝ ᲂу҆мре́ти хра́брѡ, ѿи́де во а҆нтїохі́ю и҆ собира́ше чꙋжди́хъ во́євъ: и҆ ᲂу҆мно́живъ бы́вшее во́инство, ᲂу҆мы́сли па́ки прїитѝ на і҆ꙋде́ю.
It is well said that Judas, after the enemies were crushed and the wars had been calmed for a time, urged his men to cleanse and renew the holy places, because the holy teachers are greatly concerned that, whenever the Church entrusted to them has been harmed by enemies, it should be restored again to its former state of holy conduct. According to the spiritual interpretation, it is necessary that every faithful person should cleanse his own mountain (which we may rightly understand as selected by the name Mount Zion, because Zion is interpreted as "watchtower," and blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God (Matt. 5:8), if anything in it has been defiled by the deceit of the enemy, with holy and watchful attention, until it is fully renewed. For there we can understand both the deserted sanctification, the profaned altar, and the burnt gates; because there the sacrifice of praise was offered to God on the altar of faith, and the entrance to heavenly life was contemplated. In the courts, however, weeds grow, when in human hearts a multitude of unnecessary thoughts is generated.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThen said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.
Εἶπε δὲ ᾿Ιούδας καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ· ἰδοὺ συνετρίβησαν οἱ ἐχθροὶ ἡμῶν, ἀναβῶμεν καθαρίσαι τὰ ἅγια καὶ ἐγκαινίσαι.
Рече́ же і҆ꙋ́да и҆ бра́тїѧ є҆гѡ̀: сѐ, сотре́ни сꙋ́ть вразѝ на́ши, взы́демъ нн҃ѣ ѡ҆чи́стити ст҃а̑ѧ и҆ ѡ҆бнови́ти.
Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Sion.
καὶ συνήχθη ἡ παρεμβολὴ πᾶσα καὶ ἀνέβησαν εἰς ὄρος Σιών.
И҆ собра́сѧ ве́сь по́лкъ и҆ взыдо́ша на го́рꙋ сїѡ́нъ:
And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests’ chambers pulled down;
καὶ εἶδον τὸ ἁγίασμα ἠρημωμένον καὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον βεβηλωμένον καὶ τὰς πύλας κατακεκαυμένας καὶ ἐν ταῖς αὐλαῖς φυτὰ πεφυκότα ὡς ἐν δρυμῷ ἢ ὡς ἑνὶ τῶν ὀρέων καὶ τὰ παστοφόρια καθῃρημένα.
и҆ ви́дѣша ст҃ы́ню ѡ҆пꙋстоше́нꙋ, и҆ же́ртвенникъ ѡ҆скверне́нъ, и҆ врата̀ сожжє́на, и҆ въ притво́рѣхъ возрасто́ша дре́вїе а҆́ки въ дꙋбра́вѣ, и҆лѝ а҆́ки во є҆ди́нѣй ѿ го́ръ, и҆ пастофѡ́рїа разбїє́на.
Pastophoria in Greek are called chambers, or rooms, in which the Levites kept watch in the courts of the house of the Lord, whose mention is made in the last vision of the prophet Ezekiel. Therefore, pastophoria are destroyed when the secrets of the mind are torn apart by illicit desires; but above all, it is necessary that all these things be most urgently purified through repentance for sins, amendment of conduct, and devout prayers to the Lord. Therefore, it is rightly written about the army of Judah that when they saw the sanctification deserted, they tore their garments and mourned with great weeping (4:39).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThey rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads,
καὶ διέρρηξαν τὰ ἱμάτια αὐτῶν καὶ ἐκόψαντο κοπετὸν μέγαν καὶ ἐπέθεντο σποδὸν ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτῶν
И҆ растерза́ша ри̑зы своѧ̑ и҆ пла́каша пла́чемъ ве́лїимъ, и҆ возложи́ша пе́пелъ на главы̑ своѧ̑,
And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.
καὶ ἔπεσον ἐπὶ πρόσωπον ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν καὶ ἐσάλπισαν ταῖς σάλπιγξι τῶν σημασιῶν καὶ ἐβόησαν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν.
и҆ падо́ша лице́мъ на зе́млю, и҆ вострꙋби́ша трꙋ́бнымъ зна́менїемъ, и҆ возопи́ша на нб҃о.
Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.
τότε ἐπέταξεν ᾿Ιούδας ἄνδρας πολεμεῖν τοὺς ἐν τῇ ἄκρᾳ, ἕως ἂν καθαρίσῃ τὰ ἅγια.
Тогда̀ повелѣ̀ і҆ꙋ́да мꙋжє́мъ ра́товати сꙋ́щихъ въ краегра́дїи, до́ндеже ѡ҆чи́ститъ ст҃а̑ѧ.
It is rightly said that Judas appointed men to fight against those who were in the citadel until the holy things were cleansed, because this is what our Redeemer ordains through his preachers: that his soldiers should fight diligently against those who dwell in the citadel of pride, that is, men puffed up with the spirit of arrogance, or swelling with pride like evil spirits, until they purge the hearts of the elect from every stain of iniquity. And they chose priests without blemish, having the will to follow the law of God, and they cleansed the holy things, because, after removing from ecclesiastical office those who bore the leprosy of error or the stain of crimes, they chose as ministers of the word those who were willing and morally upright in faith, so that the assemblies of the holy Church might be made free from every infection of error. Indeed, it is further stated that they took the stones of contamination to a clean place, because heretics who did not wish to become precious stones through a life of right faith and sound doctrine, having been struck with anathema and cast out, were shown to all to be reprobate.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesSo he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law:
καὶ ἐπέλεξεν ἱερεῖς ἀμώμους θελητὰς νόμου,
И҆ и҆збра̀ свѧще́нники непорѡ́чны воли́тєли зако́на бж҃їѧ:
Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place.
καὶ ἐκαθάρισαν τὰ ἅγια καὶ ᾖραν τοὺς λίθους τοῦ μιασμοῦ εἰς τόπον ἀκάθαρτον.
и҆ ѡ҆чи́стиша ст҃а̑ѧ и҆ ѿверго́ша ка́менїе ѡ҆скверне́нїѧ въ мѣ́сто нечи́сто:
And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned;
καὶ ἐβουλεύσαντο περὶ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου τῆς ὁλοκαυτώσεως τοῦ βεβηλωμένου, τί αὐτῷ ποιήσωσι·
и҆ совѣ́товаша ѡ҆ же́ртвенницѣ всесожже́нїѧ ѡ҆скверне́нѣмъ, что̀ є҆мꙋ̀ сотворѧ́тъ:
The altar of burnt offerings is pure faith, pure doctrine, and the pure conduct of the ministers of Christ. But this altar had been desecrated by heretical depravity or the horror of crimes; now it had to be destroyed, that is, removed from the dignity of the priesthood, lest perhaps it be a disgrace to the holy Church to have corrupt and criminal teachers who have been seduced by diabolical cunning. Therefore, the Lord says to the disciples in the Gospel: You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its flavor, with what shall it be salted? It is good for nothing anymore except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. (Matt. 5:13) Of this, too, Paul, writing to Titus, says: A man who is a heretic, after the first and second admonition, avoid, knowing that such a one is perverted and sins, being condemned by his own judgment. (Titus 3:10-11) Therefore also, to certain offenders he says: Because of you the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles. (Rom. 2:24) Therefore, after the mystical altar has been therefore removed, those mystical stones must be set aside on the mountain of the house in a suitable place, until the coming prophet responds, saying that those who sin must be brought under penance, until through holy teachers, a fitting sanctification is carried out for the crime committed. But in their place, whole stones according to the law must be substituted, so that a new altar may be made according to what was before, because men sound in the Catholic faith, filled with the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, holy in good morals, must be appointed in the place of those who have fallen from rule; according to the authorities of the divine law, so that without reproach in newness of life and the standard of righteousness, the ministry may be exhibited to God in the holy Church, which Christ acquired for himself as a bride at the price of his blood, and not having spot or wrinkle (Eph. 5:27).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThey thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,
καὶ ἐπέπεσεν αὐτοῖς βουλὴ ἀγαθὴ καθελεῖν αὐτό, μήποτε γένηται αὐτοῖς εἰς ὄνειδος, ὅτι ἐμίαναν τὰ ἔθνη αὐτό· καὶ καθεῖλον τὸ θυσιαστήριον.
и҆ нападѐ и҆̀мъ совѣ́тъ бла́гъ разори́ти є҆го̀, да не когда̀ бꙋ́детъ и҆̀мъ въ поноше́нїе, ꙗ҆́кѡ ѡ҆скверни́ша є҆го̀ ꙗ҆зы́цы. и҆ разори́ша же́ртвенникъ,
And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.
καὶ ἀπέθεντο τοὺς λίθους ἐν τῷ ὄρει τοῦ οἴκου ἐν τόπῳ ἐπιτηδείῳ μέχρι τοῦ παραγενηθῆναι προφήτην τοῦ ἀποκριθῆναι περὶ αὐτῶν.
и҆ положи́ша ка́менїе на горѣ̀ хра́ма на мѣ́стѣ прили́чнѣмъ, до́ндеже прїи́детъ прⷪ҇ро́къ ѿвѣща́ти ѡ҆ ни́хъ:
Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former;
καὶ ἔλαβον λίθους ὁλοκλήρους κατὰ τὸν νόμον καὶ ᾠκοδόμησαν τὸ θυσιαστήριον καινὸν κατὰ τὸ πρότερον.
и҆ взѧ́ша ка́менїе цѣ́ло по зако́нꙋ и҆ созда́ша же́ртвенникъ но́въ по пре́жнемꙋ.
And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.
καὶ ᾠκοδόμησαν τὰ ἅγια καὶ τὰ ἐντὸς τοῦ οἴκου καὶ τὰς αὐλὰς ἡγίασαν.
И҆ созда́ша ст҃а̑ѧ и҆ всѧ̑ ꙗ҆̀же внꙋ́трь хра́ма, и҆ притво́ры ѡ҆свѧти́ша,
Holy preachers build holy things within the house inside and the temple, when they adorn the subject people both inwardly with the knowledge of sound faith, and outwardly with upright conduct; they consecrate the courts when, by initiating those newly coming to the faith with divine rituals, they dedicate them. They make new holy vessels when they render the hearts of human beings suitable for receiving the word of God. They bring the lampstand, and the altar of incense, and the table into the temple when they awaken in the Church of God the light of spiritual teaching, the purity of holy prayer, and the meditation on the holy Scriptures. In the lampstand, therefore, in which lamps ought to shine, we can rightly discern the word of evangelical teaching, in which holy teachers, kindled by the fire of the Holy Spirit, ought to shine, so that those who enter may see the light.
Where Truth itself says in the Gospel: No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel, but on a lampstand, so that it may give light to all who are in the house (Matt. 5:15). By the altar of incense we can understand nothing better than the perfect life of the saints, from which there daily rises the fragrance of virtues and of holy prayer in the sight of the Most High. We therefore understand the table of the Lord as nothing other than Holy Scripture, in which the perfection of souls consists. But when it is said that they hung the veils and completed all the work that they had done, in the hanging of the veils is expressed the concealment of mysteries. For the mysteries of the divine law are not to be laid open to all in every respect, but according to the capacity of each person's understanding and the progress of knowledge and virtues. Therefore the Lord commanded the apostles, saying: Do not give what is holy to dogs, nor cast your pearls before swine (Matt. 7:6); and Paul says to his untrained disciples: I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able, nor indeed are you even now able (1 Cor. 3:2). Concerning the knowledge of the perfect, therefore, he says elsewhere: And we, with unveiled face, contemplate the glory of the Lord, being transformed into the same image, as by the Spirit of the Lord, etc. (2 Cor. 3:18)
Therefore, they bring to completion all the works that must be done in the house of God, they who, by faith, word, and deed, strive according to the proper order to fulfill all the commandments of the Lord; nor is anything lacking in perfection where the human will in all things obeys the divine will.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThey made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.
καὶ ἐποίησαν σκεύη ἅγια καινὰ καὶ εἰσήνεγκαν τὴν λυχνίαν καὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον τῶν θυμιαμάτων καὶ τὴν τράπεζαν εἰς τὸν ναόν.
и҆ сотвори́ша сосꙋ́ды ст҃ы̑ѧ нѡ́вы, и҆ внесо́ша свѣти́льникъ и҆ же́ртвенникъ всесожже́нїй и҆ ѳѷмїа́мѡвъ и҆ трапе́зꙋ во хра́мъ,
And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.
καὶ ἐθυμίασαν ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον καὶ ἐξῆψαν τοὺς λύχνους τοὺς ἐπὶ τῆς λυχνίας, καὶ ἐφαίνοσαν ἐν τῶ ναῷ.
и҆ кади́ша на же́ртвенницѣ, и҆ возжго́ша свѣти́льники, ꙗ҆̀же на подсвѣ́щницѣ, и҆ свѣтѧ́хꙋ во хра́мѣ,
Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make.
καὶ ἐπέθηκαν ἐπὶ τὴν τράπεζαν ἄρτους καὶ ἐξεπέτασαν τὰ καταπετάσματα καὶ ἐτέλεσαν πάντα τὰ ἔργα, ἃ ἐποίησαν.
и҆ положи́ша на трапе́зѣ хлѣ́бы и҆ простро́ша катапета̑смы, и҆ сконча́ша всѧ̑ дѣла̀, ꙗ҆̀же творѧ́хꙋ.
Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning,
καὶ ὤρθρισαν τὸ πρωΐ τῇ πέμπτῃ καὶ εἰκάδι τοῦ μηνὸς τοῦ ἐνάτου (οὗτος ὁ μὴν Χασελεῦ) τοῦ ὀγδόου καὶ τεσσαρακοστοῦ καὶ ἑκατοστοῦ ἔτους
И҆ ѕѣлѡ̀ ра́нѡ воста́ша въ пѧ́тый и҆ двадесѧ́тый де́нь мцⷭ҇а девѧ́тагѡ: се́й мцⷭ҇ъ хасле́ѵъ, сто̀ четы́редесѧть ѻ҆сма́гѡ лѣ́та.
Josephus narrates this renewal in this way, saying (Antiq. 12.10): "On the twenty-fifth day of the month Casleu, which the Macedonians call Appelleon, they lit the lamps on the lampstand and offered up the burnt sacrifices which they presented on the new altar." These things happened after three years, on the very day on which their religion had been changed to the profane practice of their idols. For the temple, destroyed by Antiochus, remained so for three years: for in the one hundred and fifteenth year the deed was done in the temple on the twenty-fifth day of the month Appelleon; in the one hundred and forty-eighth year, in the one hundred and fifty-fourth Olympiad. The desolation of the temple came to pass according to Daniel's preface, which he had foretold in the eighteenth year beforehand, through which he indicated that the Macedonians would destroy it. But Judas, together with his fellow-citizens, celebrated sacrifices for the renewal of the temple for eight days, omitting no kind of delight, feeding them with the most precious banquets. They glorified God with praises and psalms and took mutual joy in songs. For the renewal of the solemn observances, after the religion had been re-established for a long time, the guardians of the Law decreed that later generations should celebrate this renewal of the temple for eight days. And so from that time until now we celebrate this feast, calling it "Lights," because beyond our expectation this splendid light of the religion to be observed appeared to us; mystically, however, the renewal of the temple is the conversion of people to repentance for sins, who had been stained by certain errors and crimes. For then it is time for all the faithful to sing, rejoice, exult, shout for joy, and give praise, when they see their neighbors, by correcting their ways and meditating on the Law of God, restoring within themselves what previously they had destroyed through negligence.
And so the holy Gospel relates that the Savior said (Luke 15:7) that in heaven joy arises over one sinner who repents; if over one, how much more will there be rejoicing over many who are converted to the true worship of God. For, as it is written: In the multitude of the people is the glory of the prince (Prov. 14:28); namely of that prince who wills all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:4).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAnd offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.
καὶ ἀνήνεγκαν θυσίαν κατὰ τὸν νόμον ἐπὶ τὸ θυσιαστήριον τῶν ὁλοκαυτωμάτων τὸ καινόν, ὃ ἐποίησαν.
И҆ принесо́ша же́ртвꙋ по зако́нꙋ на ѻ҆лта́рь всесожже́нїй но́вый, є҆го́же сотвори́ша:
Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.
κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν καὶ κατὰ τὴν ἡμέραν, ἐν ᾗ ἐβεβήλωσαν αὐτὸ τὰ ἔθνη, ἐν ἐκείνῃ ἐνεκαινίσθη ἐν ᾠδαῖς καὶ κιθάραις καὶ κινύραις καὶ ἐν κυμβάλοις.
по вре́мени и҆ по днѝ, во́ньже ѡ҆скверни́ша є҆го̀ ꙗ҆зы́цы, во ѡ҆́нъ ѡ҆бнови́сѧ въ пѣ́снехъ и҆ гꙋ́слехъ и҆ кїнѵ́рѣхъ и҆ въ кѷмва́лѣхъ.
Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.
καὶ ἔπεσον πᾶς ὁ λαὸς ἐπὶ πρόσωπον καὶ προσεκύνησαν καὶ εὐλόγησαν εἰς οὐρανὸν τὸν εὐοδώσαντα αὐτοῖς.
И҆ падо́ша всѝ лю́дїе на лицѐ своѐ и҆ поклони́шасѧ, и҆ благослови́ша на нб҃о бл҃гопоспѣши́вшаго и҆̀мъ:
And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.
καὶ ἐποίησαν τὸν ἐγκαινισμὸν τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ καὶ προσήνεγκαν ὁλοκαυτώματα μετ᾿ εὐφροσύνης καὶ ἔθυσαν θυσίαν σωτηρίου καὶ αἰνέσεως.
и҆ сотвори́ша ѡ҆бновле́нїе ѻ҆лтарѧ̀ дні́й ѻ҆́смь, и҆ принесо́ша всесожжє́нїѧ съ весе́лїемъ, и҆ пожро́ша же́ртвꙋ спасе́нїѧ и҆ хвале́нїѧ,
They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.
καὶ κατεκόσμησαν τὸ κατὰ πρόσωπον τοῦ ναοῦ στεφάνοις χρυσοῖς καὶ ἀσπιδίσκαις καὶ ἐνεκαίνισαν τὰς πύλας καὶ τὰ παστοφόρια καὶ ἐθύρωσαν αὐτά.
и҆ ᲂу҆краси́ша сꙋ́щее пред̾ лице́мъ хра́ма вѣнцы̑ златы́ми и҆ щита́ми, и҆ ѡ҆бнови́ша врата̀ и҆ пастофѡ́рїа, и҆ поста́виша двє́ри.
Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.
καὶ ἐγενήθη εὐφροσύνη μεγάλη ἐν τῷ λαῷ σφόδρα, καὶ ἀπεστράφη ὄνειδος ἐθνῶν.
И҆ бы́сть весе́лїе въ лю́дехъ вели́ко ѕѣлѡ̀, и҆ ѿвраще́но бы́сть поноше́нїе ꙗ҆зы́кѡвъ.
Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.
καὶ ἔστησεν ᾿Ιούδας καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ πᾶσα ἡ ἐκκλησία ᾿Ισραήλ, ἵνα ἄγωνται αἱ ἡμέραι ἐγκαινισμοῦ τοῦ θυσιαστηρίου ἐν τοῖς καιροῖς αὐτῶν ἐνιαυτὸν κατ᾿ ἐνιαυτὸν ἡμέρας ὀκτώ, ἀπὸ τῆς πέμπτης καὶ εἰκάδος τοῦ μηνὸς Χασελεῦ, μετ᾿ εὐφροσύνης καὶ χαρᾶς.
И҆ ᲂу҆ста́ви і҆ꙋ́да и҆ бра́тїѧ є҆гѡ̀ и҆ ве́сь собо́ръ і҆и҃левъ, да пра́зднꙋютсѧ дні́е ѡ҆бновле́нїѧ ѻ҆лтарѧ̀ во времена̀ своѧ̑ на всѧ́ко лѣ́то дні́й ѻ҆́смь, ѿ два́десѧть пѧ́тагѡ днѐ мцⷭ҇а хасле́ѵъ съ весе́лїемъ и҆ ра́достїю.
This feast the Savior Himself is read in the Gospel to have honored by His preaching, where it is written: "The Feast of Dedication was held in Jerusalem; it was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the portico of Solomon," etc. (Jn. 10:22). From this it must be understood that this Feast of Dedication which we have learned about from the Gospel reading does not refer to the first dedication of the temple, but to the last; which is easily conditional from the fact that it is said to have taken place in winter. For its first dedication, by Solomon, took place in the autumn; the middle one, by Zerubbabel and the priest Jeshua, in the spring; but the last, by Judas Maccabeus, took place in the winter, when it is specifically read that it was decreed that this same dedication should be recalled every year in memory by solemn rites, as we understand from the above-mentioned passage of the Gospel that this was observed up to the time of the Lord's Incarnation. This was the reason for the second and third dedications. For Solomon completed in seven years the work of the temple which he built for the Lord, and in the eighth year, on the tenth day of the seventh month, which we call October, he dedicated it with great glory. But after four hundred and thirty years the Chaldeans went up against this temple, and having destroyed the city of Jerusalem, they led the people of Israel captive into Babylon; who, after seventy years, under the rule of the Persians, were sent back to their homeland. Then the temple was rebuilt over forty-six years, and on the third day of the twelfth month, which we call March, the work was fully brought to completion. At that time indeed there presided over the work the most heroic leaders of the people, as we have said, Zerubbabel of the royal line, and Jeshua, the high priest; and the prophets Haggai and Zechariah aided them, strengthening the hearts of the people against the plots of those who tried to hinder the work. Then, after about three hundred and fifty-six years, the most wicked king of the Greeks, Antiochus, having deceitfully seized Jerusalem, defiled that same temple with the filth of idols, taking away and breaking the golden altar of the Lord, the table of the showbread, the lampstand of light, and the other things mentioned above.
But Judas Maccabeus, since he was of priestly lineage, having gathered an army of the righteous and taking up arms against the generals of Antiochus, drove them out of Judea, put an end to the most cruel persecution, and, cleansing the temple from the images of idols, made new altars again and the other vessels and ornaments and placed them in the temple, and dedicated them together with the temple. He purified and renewed it on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, which among us is called December, and it is beyond doubt that it belongs to winter. And he established a decree, as we have said before, that every year the day of the Encaenia, that is, of the renewal and dedication of the temple, be celebrated with devout festivity, as this place now bears witness.
All these things indeed, as the Apostle teaches (1 Cor. 10:11), were done as a figure of us, and were of course written for our sake, and must therefore be examined by us more carefully according to a spiritual understanding. For King Solomon, whose name is interpreted "peaceful," typically signifies our Redeemer himself; of whom Isaiah says: "His dominion will be multiplied, and there will be no end of peace." (Isa. 9:7) The temple that he built is his Catholic Church, which he gathers together from all believers throughout the world, as though from living stones, into one structure compacted by his faith and love. That the temple was built in seven years signifies that throughout the whole duration of this age, which unfolds in seven days, the holy structure of the Church never ceases to grow. That it was dedicated in the eighth year, and that very famous and great earnestness was celebrated by King Solomon for all the sons of Israel at the time of the completed dedication, mystically suggests that, when the number of the elect is perfected at the end of the world, there will be the secure festivity of the long-desired immortality; and when the miracle of the universal resurrection has been accomplished, then all who belong to the kingdom of the true peaceful King, that is, of Solomon, will at once enter with him into the eternal joys of the heavenly homeland.
For since our Lord wished to rise from the dead on the eighth day, that is, after the seventh day of the sabbath, the number eight fittingly signifies also the future feast of our resurrection. The fact that the temple, once burned by enemies, is again rebuilt by the Lord's mercy; that, having been defiled by idolaters, it is once more cleansed by the aid of heavenly devotion, this suggests the various events of the holy Church, which is now oppressed by the persecution of unbelievers, and now, when the persecutors are removed and it is given greater freedom, serves more peacefully, under the Lord's guidance, in bondage as a handmaid: now in some of its members it is endangered by the snares of the ancient enemy, and now, through the diligence of faithful teachers, those whom it seemed for a time to be losing it receives back, already humiliated, through repentance.
But the fact that the second temple was built in forty-six years spiritually refers to the signification of the Lord's body, which He took from the Virgin; about which He Himself says to the Jews: "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (Jn. 2:19), because, indeed, when His body was destroyed by the Passion, He Himself raised it to life on the third day. Moreover, physicians report that the human body is formed on the forty-sixth day after the beginning of conception, in the differentiation of the limbs; and it was not done by chance, but providentially arranged by God, that the temple should be built in that number of years in which, by the same number of days, the body of the Lord, prefigured by the temple, had to be brought to completion in the virginal womb.
But the fact that it has been ordained that the Dedication be celebrated every year certainly reminds us that, always keeping in mind the remembrance of the Lord's resurrection, which we believe has already taken place, we should so conduct ourselves in hope of our own future resurrection that we may deserve to rise not for judgment, but, as the Lord has promised to those who have done good, to rise to life.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAt that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.
καὶ ᾠκοδόμησαν ἐν τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ τὸ ὄρος Σιών, κυκλόθεν τείχη ὑψηλὰ καὶ πύργους ὀχυρούς, μή ποτε παραγενηθέντα τὰ ἔθνη καταπατήσωσιν αὐτά, ὡς ἐποίησαν τὸ πρότερον.
И҆ созда́ша во вре́мѧ ѻ҆́но го́рꙋ сїѡ́нъ, ѡ҆́крестъ стѣ́ны высѡ́кїѧ и҆ пѵ́рги крѣ̑пки, да не когда̀ прише́дше ꙗ҆зы́цы поперꙋ́тъ ѧ҆̀, ꙗ҆́коже пре́жде сотвори́ша.
The holy teachers build the mountain Zion when, by word and example, they stir the holy Church to progress in virtues; they construct high walls all around when they strengthen it on every side with the summit of the Catholic faith and with the work of prayers; they raise strong towers when they command that all hope be placed in the goodness of God. So that the nations may not trample it as the former mountain; so that the wickedness of evil spirits or the hatred of perverse men may no longer be able to harm them.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAnd they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.
καὶ ἐπέταξεν ἐκεῖ δύναμιν τηρεῖν αὐτὸ καὶ ὠχύρωσαν αὐτὸ τηρεῖν τὴν Βαιθσούραν τοῦ ἔχειν τὸν λαὸν ὀχύρωμα κατὰ πρόσωπον τῆς ᾿Ιδουμαίας.
И҆ посадѝ тꙋ̀ во́євъ храни́ти ю҆̀, и҆ ᲂу҆тверди́ша ю҆̀ храни́ти веѳсꙋ́рꙋ, є҆́же и҆мѣ́ти лю́демъ въ тверды́ню проти́вꙋ лица̀ і҆дꙋме́и.
The army is placed on Zion to guard him, when the multitude of ministers, for the preservation of the law of God, is employed in the Church for the rite of heavenly sacraments. They fortify him to protect Bethzur, when by strong exhortations they stir up ecclesiastical persons to observe divine worship in an orderly way (for Bethzur is interpreted as "house of the strong"). So that the people may have fortification against the face of Idumaea. That is, so that it may preserve loyalty of faith against enemies and against the stubbornness of a raging world.
Commentary on 1 Maccabees
Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;
ΚΑΙ παρέλαβε Γοργίας πεντακισχιλίους ἄνδρας καὶ χιλίαν ἵππον ἐκλεκτήν, καὶ ἀπῇρεν ἡ παρεμβολὴ νυκτός,
И҆ взѧ̀ горгі́а пѧ́ть ты́сѧщъ мꙋже́й и҆ ты́сѧщꙋ кѡ́нникъ и҆збра́нныхъ, и҆ подвиго́ша по́лкъ но́щїю,
Gorgias took five thousand into his army, just as the Devil strives to gather to himself those who are given over to the five carnal senses of the body through the allurements of pleasure; he takes a thousand cavalry with him, as he intends to conduct all his warfare in pride and contempt of the commandments of God, so that he may overcome the ranks of the repentant party in this, when he persuades them to transgress the commandments of God: For the beginning of all sin is pride (Sirach 10:13); where the author of death finds ruin for himself and his followers. And it is rightly said that he moved his camp by night; because he desires to exercise all his wickedness through the blindness of mind in those subject to him, so that they may in no way foresee what kind of ruin threatens them from consenting to sin.
Commentary on 1 Maccabees