1 Maccabees 9
Commentary from 1 father
Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people.
καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν ὁδὸν τὴν εἰς Γάλγαλα καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ Μαισαλὼθ τὴν ἐν ᾿Αρβήλοις καὶ προκατελάβοντο αὐτὴν καὶ ἀπώλεσαν ψυχὰς ἀνθρώπων πολλάς.
И҆ и҆до́ша пꙋте́мъ, и҆́же (веде́тъ) въ галга̑лы, и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ на месалѡ́ѳъ, и҆́же є҆́сть во а҆рви́лѣхъ, и҆ взѧ́ша є҆го̀, и҆ поби́ша дꙋ́шъ человѣ́ческихъ мно́гѡ.
Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year they encamped before Jerusalem:
καὶ τοῦ μηνὸς τοῦ πρώτου ἔτους τοῦ δευτέρου καὶ πεντηκοστοῦ καὶ ἑκατοστοῦ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ ῾Ιερουσαλήμ·
И҆ въ мцⷭ҇ъ пе́рвый лѣ́та сто̀ пѧтьдесѧ́тъ втора́гѡ, пристꙋпи́ша во́ини ко і҆ерⷭ҇ли́мꙋ,
From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.
καὶ ἀπῇραν καὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς Βερέαν ἐν εἴκοσι χιλιάσιν ἀνδρῶν καὶ δισχιλίᾳ ἵππῳ.
и҆ воста́ша и҆ и҆до́ша въ вере́ю въ два́десѧти ты́сѧщахъ мꙋже́й и҆ двѣ̀ ты́сѧщы ко́нникѡвъ.
Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen men with him:
καὶ ᾿Ιούδας ἦν παρεμβεβληκὼς ἐν ᾿Ελασά, καὶ τρισχίλιοι ἄνδρες ἐκλεκτοὶ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ.
І҆ꙋ́да же бѣ̀ ѡ҆полче́нъ во є҆лаа́сѣ, и҆ трѝ ты́сѧщы мꙋже́й и҆збра́нныхъ съ ни́мъ.
Who seeing the multitude of the other army to he so great were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as abode of them no more but eight hundred men.
καὶ εἶδον τὸ πλῆθος τῶν δυνάμεων ὅτι πολλοί εἰσι, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν σφόδρα· καὶ ἐξερρύησαν πολλοὶ ἀπὸ τῆς παρεμβολῆς, οὐ κατελείφθησαν ἐξ αὐτῶν ἀλλ᾿ ἢ ὀκτακόσιοι ἄνδρες.
И҆ ви́дѣша мно́жество си́лъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ мнѡ́ги сꙋ́ть, и҆ ᲂу҆страши́шасѧ ѕѣлѡ̀: и҆ и҆збѣго́ша мно́зи ѿ полка̀, и҆ не ѡ҆ста́сѧ ѿ ни́хъ то́кмѡ ѻ҆́смь сѡ́тъ мꙋже́й.
For although many seem to remain in the confession of the Catholic faith, yet when persecution blazes up, it will appear who have been steadfast in the faith, and who only seemed outwardly to be in it. Therefore it is written in the Gospel parable (Matt. 13:6) that when the sun rose, the crops that were on rocky ground and did not have much soil were scorched; because those who do not hold firm roots of belief in their heart, believing for a time, fall away in a time of temptation. Therefore, of the three thousand, none remained with Judah except only eight hundred men; because when the depraved fall away from the fellowship of the Church, only the elect, who are predestined to receive eternal blessedness, will remain in the stability of sound faith, etc.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWhen Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.
καὶ εἶδεν ᾿Ιούδας ὅτι ἀπερρύη ἡ παρεμβολὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ ὁ πόλεμος ἔθλιβεν αὐτόν, καὶ συνετρίβη τῇ καρδίᾳ, ὅτι οὐκ εἶχε καιρὸν συναγαγεῖν αὐτούς,
И҆ ви́дѣ і҆ꙋ́да, ꙗ҆́кѡ расточи́сѧ по́лкъ є҆гѡ̀, и҆ бра́нь ѡ҆скорблѧ́ше є҆го̀: и҆ сокрꙋши́сѧ се́рдцемъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ не и҆мѣ́ѧше вре́мене собра́ти и҆̀хъ,
Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.
καὶ ἐξελύθη καὶ εἶπε τοῖς καταλειφθεῖσιν· ἀναστῶμεν καὶ ἀναβῶμεν ἐπὶ τοὺς ὑπεναντίους ἡμῶν, ἐὰν ἄρα δυνώμεθα πολεμῆσαι αὐτούς.
и҆ ѡ҆слабѣ̀ и҆ речѐ ѡ҆ста́вшымъ: воста́немъ и҆ взы́демъ на сꙋпоста́ты на́шѧ, а҆́ще мо́жемъ ра́товати проти́вꙋ и҆́хъ.
But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.
καὶ ἀπέστρεφον αὐτὸν λέγοντες· οὐ μὴ δυνώμεθα, ἀλλ᾿ ἢ σῴζωμεν τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχὰς τὸ νῦν καὶ ἐπιστρέψωμεν μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν καὶ πολεμήσωμεν πρὸς αὐτούς, ἡμεῖς δὲ ὀλίγοι.
И҆ ѿвраща́хꙋ є҆го̀ рекꙋ́ще: не мо́жемъ, но спасе́мъ то́кмѡ дꙋ́шы своѧ̑ нн҃ѣ, и҆ возврати́мсѧ со бра́тїею на́шею, и҆ ѡ҆полчи́мсѧ на ни́хъ: мы́ же ма́ли.
Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.
καὶ εἶπεν ᾿Ιούδας· μή μοι γένοιτο ποιῆσαι τὸ πρᾶγμα τοῦτο, φυγεῖν ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν, καὶ εἰ ἤγγικεν ὁ καιρὸς ἡμῶν, καὶ ἀποθάνωμεν ἐν ἀνδρείᾳ χάριν τῶν ἀδελφῶν ἡμῶν καὶ μὴ καταλίπωμεν αἰτίαν τῇ δόξῃ ἡμῶν.
И҆ речѐ і҆ꙋ́да: не бꙋ́ди мѝ сотвори́ти ве́щь сїю̀, є҆́же бѣжа́ти ѿ ни́хъ: и҆ а҆́ще прибли́жисѧ вре́мѧ на́ше, ᲂу҆́мремъ мꙋ́жественнѡ ра́ди бра́тїи на́шеѧ и҆ не ѡ҆ста́вимъ вины̀ сла́вѣ на́шей.
With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.
καὶ ἀπῇρεν ἡ δύναμις ἀπὸ τῆς παρεμβολῆς καὶ ἔστησαν εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτοῖς, καὶ ἐμερίσθη ἡ ἵππος εἰς δύο μέρη, καὶ οἱ σφενδονῆται καὶ οἱ τοξόται προεπορεύοντο τῆς δυνάμεως, καὶ οἱ πρωταγωνισταὶ πάντες οἱ δυνατοί·
И҆ воздви́жесѧ си́ла ѿ полка̀ и҆ ста̀ во срѣ́тенїе и҆̀мъ, и҆ разлꙋчи́шасѧ кѡ́нницы на двѣ̀ ча̑сти, и҆ пра́щницы и҆ стрѣльцы̀ пред̾идѧ́хꙋ си́лѣ, и҆ предподви́жницы всѝ си́льнїи.
What does it mean that, when the army advanced from the camp, the cavalry is said to have been divided into two parts, if not that among the proud and the arrogant unity and firm concord can never be preserved? As Scripture bears witness, which says: Among the proud there are always quarrels (Prov. 13:10).
What is meant by slingers and archers, if not those who, in order to entice human minds to idolatry or apostasy, either by flattering with empty promises of prosperity, like the whirling of a sling, strive to pervert the faithful, or by threatening them with torments, seek to deceive them by terrifying them, as though with the blows of arrows? And these are rightly described as going before the army, because it has always been the custom of persecutors to precede the infliction of tortures with such methods.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAs for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.
Βακχίδης δὲ ἦν ἐν τῷ δεξιῷ κέρατι. καὶ ἤγγισεν ἡ φάλαγξ ἐκ τῶν δύο μερῶν καὶ ἐφώνουν ταῖς σάλπιγξι,
Вакхі́дъ же бѣ̀ на деснѣ́мъ ро́зѣ, и҆ прибли́жисѧ по́лкъ ѿ двою̀ странꙋ̑, и҆ возглаша́хꙋ трꙋба́ми.
They also of Judas’ side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night.
καὶ ἐσάλπισαν οἱ παρὰ ᾿Ιούδᾳ καὶ αὐτοὶ ταῖς σάλπιγξι· καὶ ἐσαλεύθη ἡ γῆ ἀπὸ τῆς φωνῆς τῶν παρεμβολῶν, καὶ ἐγένετο ὁ πόλεμος συνημμένος ἀπὸ πρωΐθεν ἕως ἑσπέρας.
И҆ вострꙋби́ша, и҆̀же бѧ́хꙋ ѿ страны̀ і҆ꙋ́дины, и҆ ті́и трꙋба́ми: и҆ поколеба́сѧ землѧ̀ ѿ гла́са ѡ҆полче́нїй. и҆ бы́сть бра́нь сраже́на ѿ ᲂу҆́тра да́же до ве́чера.
And, he says, the earth was moved at the sound of the armies; that is, the hearts of the fleshly were shaken with fear of persecutions.
For from the rising of the dawning faith until the end of the world, the camp of the Devil does not cease to wage war against the Church of God, and by the adversity of tribulations it never stops trying to disturb the good. For, according to the judgment of Paul: All who wish to live piously in Christ suffer persecution (1 Tim. 3:12).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesNow when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,
καὶ εἶδεν ᾿Ιούδας ὅτι Βακχίδης καὶ τὸ στερέωμα τῆς παρεμβολῆς ἐν τοῖς δεξιοῖς, καὶ συνῆλθον αὐτῷ πάντες οἱ εὔψυχοι τῇ καρδίᾳ,
И҆ ви́дѣ і҆ꙋ́да, ꙗ҆́кѡ вакхі́дъ и҆ крѣ́пость полка̀ въ десны́хъ: и҆ собра́шасѧ къ немꙋ̀ всѝ крѣ́пцыи се́рдцемъ:
Having gathered to himself all those who were steadfast in heart, he crushed it, while, with fitting supports offered by the faithful, the holy teachers strive to repel the assault of the pagans by the word of faith and to lead them to the peacefulness of faith. For that part of theirs seemed stronger, because on the side of pagan error they burned against the Church through the savagery of tortures, more than those who, with invented friendships, deceitfully arranged snares for their brethren. But Judas pursued the army of Bacchides as far as Azotus, just as the preachers of the Gospel strive to turn the fury of the pagans into the flame of holy love. For Azotus is interpreted as "the fire of a paternal uncle." That love, which burned in the hearts of the patriarchs, can be so called, which the zeal of the teachers longs to shape in the minds of the children, so that what is written of Elijah may come to pass: "That he may turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the unbelieving to the wisdom of the Just, to prepare for the Lord a perfect people" (Luke 1:17).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWho discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus.
καὶ συνετρίβη τὸ δεξιὸν κέρας ἀπ᾿ αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐδίωκεν ὀπίσω αὐτῶν ἕως ᾿Αζώτου ὄρους.
и҆ сотре́сѧ десны́й ро́гъ ѿ ни́хъ, и҆ гна́ше в̾слѣ́дъ и҆́хъ да́же до горы̀ а҆зѡ́та.
But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind:
καὶ εἰς τὸ ἀριστερὸν κέρας εἶδον ὅτι συνετρίβη τὸ δεξιὸν κέρας, καὶ ἐπέστρεψαν κατὰ πόδας ᾿Ιούδα καὶ τῶν μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἐκ τῶν ὄπισθεν.
И҆ сꙋ́щїи въ лѣ́вѣмъ ро́зѣ ви́дѣша, ꙗ҆́кѡ сотре́сѧ десны́й ро́гъ, и҆ ѡ҆брати́шасѧ по стопа́мъ і҆ꙋ̑динымъ и҆ сꙋ́щихъ съ ни́мъ созадѝ.
When the right horn, which was stronger, fell, the left horn pursues Judah from behind; because, with the grave persecution of the pagans somewhat put to sleep, the heretics, with a misguided (left-sided) intention, by deceitfully plotting against the holy Church and secretly wounding it as if from behind, by no means cease to persecute it. Therefore it follows:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWhereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts.
καὶ ἐβαρύνθη ὁ πόλεμος, καὶ ἔπεσον τραυματίαι πολλοὶ ἐκ τούτων καὶ ἐκ τούτων.
И҆ ѡ҆тѧгчи́сѧ бра́нь, и҆ падо́ша ꙗ҆́звени мно́зи ѿ си́хъ и҆ ѿ тѣ́хъ:
The battle grows intense when the pagans, by open persecution, and the heretics, by deceitful seduction, assail the Church of Christ. And many fall wounded from both these and those, when the wicked, envying the good, fall stricken by the weapons of their own hatred in great numbers: they are forced by the torments inflicted by the wicked to blaspheme, which very often happens where the common people are left without the help of their teachers. Therefore it is added:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesJudas also was killed, and the remnant fled.
καὶ ᾿Ιούδας ἔπεσε, καὶ οἱ λοιποὶ ἔφυγον.
и҆ і҆ꙋ́да падѐ, про́чїи же бѣжа́ша.
For when the shepherds are slaughtered, the flocks are driven to flee in different directions, as it is written in the prophet Zechariah in the foretelling of the passion of Christ: "Strike," he says, "the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered" (Zech. 13:7). The evangelist brought this forward as testimony in the Lord's passion, where, when He Himself was arrested by the crowds, all the disciples, leaving Him, fled; (Matt. 26:56 and Mark 14:50) because what came first in the Head must necessarily be followed in the Body.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThen Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.
καὶ ᾖραν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ Σίμων ᾿Ιούδαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτῶν καὶ ἔθαψαν αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ τάφῳ τῶν πατέρων αὐτοῦ ἐν Μωδεΐν.
И҆ взѧ́ста і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ сі́мѡнъ і҆ꙋ́дꙋ бра́та своего̀ и҆ погребо́ста є҆го̀ во гро́бѣ ѻ҆тє́цъ є҆гѡ̀ въ мѡди́нѣ.
The fall of death's historical ruin in good teachers cannot pass without their disciples' sorrow: therefore it is said that all the people of Israel had wept for Judas with great weeping (9:20). Something similar to this is also found written in the passion of Stephen: Devout men took care of Stephen and made great weeping over him (Acts 8:2). But although the departure of their own touches the minds of the faithful with compassion, nonetheless they are not without the comfort they possess concerning the future rest of souls through sure hope. For the saints grieve in some manner in the pain of their body, but they rejoice at least in spirit over the reward assigned to them in the heavenly kingdom. Where the Savior, preaching in the Gospel to his disciples about the greatness of his passion and the certain reward of his triumph, says: Blessed are you when men shall insult you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely for my name's sake. Rejoice in that day and exult, for your reward is great in heaven (Matt. 5:11-12).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesMoreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,
καὶ ἔκλαυσαν αὐτὸν καὶ ἐκόψαντο αὐτὸν πᾶς ᾿Ισραὴλ κοπετὸν μέγαν καὶ ἐπένθουν ἡμέρας πολλὰς καὶ εἶπον·
И҆ пла́кашасѧ ѡ҆ не́мъ и҆ рыда́ше є҆го̀ ве́сь і҆и҃ль пла́чемъ ве́лїимъ, и҆ сѣ́товахꙋ дни̑ мнѡ́ги и҆ реко́ша:
How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!
πῶς ἔπεσε δυνατὸς σῴζων τὸν ᾿Ισραήλ;
ка́кѡ падѐ си́льный спаса́ѧй і҆и҃лѧ;
As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.
καὶ τὰ περισσὰ τῶν λόγων ᾿Ιούδα καὶ τῶν πολέμων καὶ τῶν ἀνδραγαθιῶν, ὧν ἐποίησε, καὶ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης αὐτῶν οὐ κατεγράφη, πολλὰ γὰρ ἦν σφόδρα.
Прѡ́чаѧ же слове́съ и҆ бра́ней і҆ꙋ́диныхъ и҆ благи́хъ мꙋ́жествъ, и҆̀хже сотворѝ, и҆ вели́чєства є҆гѡ̀, не сꙋ́ть пи̑сана: мнѡ́га бо бѧ́хꙋ ѕѣлѡ̀.
There are many wars and virtues which the saints accomplish, or rather the Lord in them, the knowledge of all of which no one can grasp, but they endure only in the recognition of their author. Therefore, concerning them the Lord says in the Gospel: My sheep hear my voice, and I, the Lord, know them (Jn. 10:27); and again: Rejoice and be glad, he says, because your names are written in heaven; for, he says, even the hairs of your head are all numbered, and not a hair of your head shall perish (Luke 10:30). Of this, it is also written elsewhere: The Lord knows those who are his (Matt. 10:33); and again: He alone knows the hearts of all the sons of Adam (Luke 21:34). Therefore in the psalm the Prophet says: Who counts the multitude of the stars and calls all of them by name (Ps. 147:4); and again: Wonderful, he says, is the Lord in his saints; he himself will give strength and power to his people (Ps. 68:35). Therefore it is necessary that each one may say, and all may say: Blessed be the Lord who alone has done great marvels, and blessed be the name of his majesty forever, and unto the age of ages (Ps. 72:18).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesNow after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.
Καὶ ἐγένετο, μετὰ τὴν τελευτὴν ᾿Ιούδα ἐξέκυψαν οἱ ἄνομοι ἐν πᾶσι τοῖς ὁρίοις ᾿Ισραήλ, καὶ ἀνέτειλαν πάντες οἱ ἐργαζόμενοι τὴν ἀδικίαν.
И҆ бы́сть по преставле́нїи і҆ꙋ́динѣ, пронико́ша беззако́ннїи во всѣ́хъ предѣ́лѣхъ і҆и҃левыхъ, и҆ прозѧбо́ша всѝ дѣ́лающїи беззако́нїе.
In the earlier passages, where the death of Mattathias is mentioned, it is found written that he died in the one hundred and forty-sixth year. In his place his son Judas arose and fought the battle of Israel. Likewise, in what follows it is written that Jonathan, after Judas his brother, took up the leadership. After him Alcimus, in the one hundred and fifty-third year, ordered the walls of the holy house and the works of the prophets to be destroyed, and he died at that time. Josephus, however, relates that after Alcimus, who is also Joachim, having held the leadership of the priesthood for four years, entered upon the priesthood, the people of Judah opposed him; and he says that after he had exercised the leadership of the priesthood for three years, he died. In all this it is understood that Judas, after the death of Mattathias his father, bore the leadership of the people for seven years; during which, for four years he expelled by battle the generals of Antiochus from Judea, and, cleansing the temple from the images of idols, he then restored the ancestral laws to his fellow citizens, in the one hundred and fourth [first] Olympiad, and therefore he received the leadership of the priesthood and completed three years in it. Therefore also in the Chronicles it is found that Jonathan, in the sixth year of Demetrius Soter, received the leadership of the Jews, which he held for nineteen years, that is, ten years after the death of his father Mattathias, in the one hundred and fifty-fifth Olympiad. Therefore that harassment by wicked men, which after the death of Judas troubled the sons of Israel, mystically signifies that, when good teachers are taken away, the faithful hearers experience no small loss, since, once the opportunity is seized, not only pagans but also heretics weary the Church of God with grievous persecutions. From this Paul, when he was about to go up to Jerusalem, having called together the elders of the Ephesians, among other things said: Now behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. Wherefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all. For I have not shrunk from declaring to you the whole counsel of God. Take notice to yourselves and to the whole flock, in which the Holy Spirit has placed you as bishops to rule the Church of God, which he acquired with his own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among yourselves will arise men speaking wicked things, in order to draw away disciples after them. Therefore be watchful, remembering that for three years I did not cease, night and day, with tears, to caution every one of you. And now I hand over you to God and to the word of his grace, who is able to build up and to give an inheritance among those who are sanctified (Acts 20:25-32).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesIn those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them.
ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἐγενήθη λιμὸς μέγας σφόδρα, καὶ ηὐτομόλησεν ἡ χώρα μετ᾿ αὐτῶν.
Во дни̑ ѡ҆́ны бы́сть гла́дъ вели́къ ѕѣлѡ̀, и҆ ѿстꙋпѝ страна̀ съ ни́ми.
When the famine arose, the whole region surrendered itself to Bacchides: because, with preachers failing on account of a famine of the word of God, from which souls ought to be nourished, for, according to the verdict of Truth: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4), some, forced by torments, and others enticed by empty persuasions, deliver themselves from the number of ministers over to the nations. These search out the friends of the true Judah, whom, as Scripture bears witness, all his brothers praise; and when they have found them, they mock them and inflict punishment on them. Everyone who reads ecclesiastical history knows that this interpretation came to pass in the earliest times among the worshipers of Christ in the Church. But also the spiritual forces of wickedness, which serve the will of the ancient enemy, when they see the souls of men lacking the bread of the word of God, strive to lead them into error and draw them into vices, so that from the friends of Judah they may make prey for Satan and turn the vessels of God into fuel for eternal fire.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThen Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country.
καὶ ἐξέλεξε Βακχίδης τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς ἄνδρας καὶ κατέστησεν αὐτοὺς κυρίους τῆς χώρας.
И҆ и҆збра̀ вакхі́дъ нечести́выхъ мꙋже́й и҆ поста́ви и҆̀хъ госпо́дїѧми страны̀.
And they made enquiry and search for Judas’ friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.
καὶ ἐξεζήτουν καὶ ἐξηρεύνων τοὺς φίλους ᾿Ιούδα καὶ ἦγον αὐτοὺς πρὸς Βακχίδην, καὶ ἐξεδίκει ἐν αὐτοῖς καὶ ἐνέπαιζεν αὐτοῖς.
И҆ и҆ска́хꙋ и҆ и҆спыта́хꙋ дрꙋгѡ́въ і҆ꙋ́диныхъ и҆ привожда́хꙋ тѣ́хъ къ вакхі́дꙋ: и҆ мстѧ́ше и҆̀мъ и҆ посмѣва́шесѧ и҆̀мъ.
So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.
καὶ ἐγένετο θλῖψις μεγάλη ἐν τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ, ἥτις οὐκ ἐγένετο ἀφ᾿ ἧς ἡμέρας οὐκ ὤφθη προφήτης ἐν αὐτοῖς.
И҆ бы́сть ско́рбь вели́ка во і҆и҃ли, ꙗ҆́же не бы́сть ѿ дні́й, въ ни́хже не ꙗ҆ви́сѧ прⷪ҇ро́къ во і҆и҃ли.
For after a prophet was no longer seen in Israel, great tribulation arose; because, when teaching ceases among the people, the scourge of sins is stirred up, and from there God's vengeance goes forth against them. Therefore it is necessary that the teachers of the Church be zealous in teaching those under them, and that the hearers be attentive in listening to the word of God. Therefore also it is said through Solomon: Good instruction will give grace (Prov. 13:25). The lips of the wise keep them. Where there are no oxen, the manger is empty; where there are many crops, there is evident strength (Prov. 14:4). For the good there will be abundance in every good work. Mercy and truth prepare good things (Prov. 14:22).
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesFor this cause all Judas’ friends came together, and said unto Jonathan,
καὶ ἠθροίσθησαν πάντες οἱ φίλοι ᾿Ιούδα καὶ εἶπον τῷ ᾿Ιωνάθαν·
И҆ собра́шасѧ всѝ дрꙋ́зи і҆ꙋ̑дины и҆ реко́ша і҆ѡнаѳа́нꙋ:
What does it mean that, after the death of Judas, Jonathan is read to have been chosen by the people to the priesthood, to fill the place of his brother, if not that, when the first teachers of the Church depart through martyrdom, their successors, by the governing grace of the Holy Spirit, are appointed in their place? The effectiveness of this governance is shown by the meaning of the name Jonathan: for it is interpreted "their dove," as has been shown above, bringing close the preachers of the word so that they may worthily bear the office of their leadership among the people of God and provide fitting defense to their subjects against their enemies. But just as against the earlier, so also against the later teachers of the people of God, cruel darts are hurled by unbelievers and heretics, and the savage hostility of enemies opposes them. Therefore it follows:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesSince thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.
ἀφ᾿ οὗ ὁ ἀδελφός σου ᾿Ιούδας τετελεύτηκε, καὶ ἀνὴρ ὅμοιος αὐτῷ οὐκ ἔστιν ἐξελθεῖν πρὸς τοὺς ἐχθροὺς καὶ Βακχίδην, καὶ ἐν τοῖς ἐχθραίνουσιν τοῦ ἔθνους ἡμῶν·
ѿне́лѣже бра́тъ тво́й і҆ꙋ́да сконча́сѧ, и҆ мꙋ́жъ подо́бенъ є҆мꙋ̀ нѣ́сть и҆зы́ти проти́вꙋ врагѡ́въ и҆ вакхі́да и҆ враждꙋ́ющихъ ꙗ҆зы́кꙋ на́шемꙋ:
Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.
νῦν οὖν σε ᾑρετισάμεθα σήμερον τοῦ εἶναι ἀντ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἡμῖν εἰς ἄρχοντα καὶ ἡγούμενον τοῦ πολεμῆσαι τὸν πόλεμον ἡμῶν.
нн҃ѣ ᲂу҆̀бо тебѐ дне́сь и҆збра́хомъ, є҆́же бы́ти вмѣ́стѡ є҆гѡ̀ на́мъ въ нача́льника и҆ вожда̀, є҆́же ра́товати во бра́ни на́шей.
Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.
καὶ ἐπεδέξατο ᾿Ιωνάθαν ἐν τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ τὴν ἥγησιν καὶ ἀνέστη ἀντὶ ᾿Ιούδα τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτοῦ.
И҆ прїѧ̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ во вре́мѧ ѻ҆́но нача́льство и҆ воста̀ вмѣ́стѡ і҆ꙋ́ды бра́та своегѡ̀.
Jonathan fled, as the battle was drawing near, into the desert of Tekoa, because, when the persecution of the enemies blazes up, holy teachers, together with their followers, by their prayers penetrate the secret court of heaven, so that by calling upon Almighty God there they may find help, whom with the full intention of their heart they ask to come to their aid. For Tekoa is interpreted as "trumpet" or "clang." But what is added:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesBut when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him
Καὶ ἔγνω Βακχίδης καὶ ἐζήτει αὐτὸν ἀποκτεῖναι.
И҆ позна̀ вакхі́дъ и҆ и҆ска́ше є҆го̀ ᲂу҆би́ти.
Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.
καὶ ἔγνω ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ Σίμων ὁ ἀδελφὸς αὐτοῦ· καὶ πάντες οἱ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔφυγον εἰς τὴν ἔρημον Θεκωὲ καὶ παρενέβαλον ἐπὶ τὸ ὕδωρ λάκκου ᾿Ασφάρ.
И҆ позна̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ сі́мѡнъ бра́тъ є҆гѡ̀ и҆ всѝ и҆̀же съ ни́мъ (бѧ́хꙋ), и҆ побѣго́ша въ пꙋсты́ню ѳекꙋ́е, и҆ ѡ҆полчи́шасѧ при водѣ̀ рва̀ а҆сфа́ра.
Signifies that they devote themselves to the tears of regret, so that they may more easily strive to obtain the support of Almighty God, when they seek refuge not elsewhere, but solely in His mercy. Therefore Asphar is interpreted as "he sat" or "ground," because when the heart is healed of vices and is pierced with regret, the moisture of tears is poured forth more abundantly from the eyes, to provoke the mercy of God.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWhich when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day.
καὶ ἔγνω Βακχίδης τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῶν σαββάτων καὶ ἦλθεν αὐτὸς καὶ πᾶν τὸ στράτευμα αὐτοῦ πέραν τοῦ ᾿Ιορδάνου.
И҆ позна̀ вакхі́дъ въ де́нь сꙋббѡ́тъ, и҆ пре́йде са́мъ и҆ всѝ вѡ́и є҆гѡ̀ ѡ҆б̾ ѻ҆нꙋ̀ странꙋ̀ і҆ѻрда́на.
What does it mean that Bacchides came with his army against the Jews on the sabbath day across the Jordan, if not that the persecutors of Christians, envying the peace and serenity of the Church, strive, by breaking in with tumult, to disturb the sacrament of baptism and to overturn the condition of the faith? For this purpose they call the Nabuthaeans, their friends, to their aid, because they associate heretics and ill-inclined men with themselves for the crushing of the faithful. For the Nabuthaeans, as some affirm, are interpreted as "profaners," according to the wickedness of their heart; and heretics can rightly be called profaners in this passage, for by their teaching they do not praise the truth of sound faith, but, according to the wickedness of their heart, they bring forth the falsity of error. Therefore also in the Law the prophets who dreamed vain things and prophesied lies were, according to the judgment of the Lord, condemned to death; and it is most certain that this happens to heretics, who through useless schisms and sects separate themselves from God and, through error and blasphemy, join themselves to the Devil.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesNow Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much.
καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ ἡγούμενον τοῦ ὄχλου καὶ παρεκάλεσε τοὺς Ναβαταίους φίλους αὐτοῦ παραθέσθαι αὐτοῖς τὴν ἀποσκευὴν αὐτῶν τὴν πολλήν.
И҆ посла̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ бра́та своего̀ вожда̀ наро́дꙋ и҆ молѝ навате́ѡвъ дрꙋгѡ́въ свои́хъ предста́вити и҆̀мъ приготовле́нїе и҆́хъ мно́гое.
But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with it.
καὶ ἐξῆλθον υἱοὶ ᾿Ιαμβρὶ ἐκ Μηδαβὰ καὶ συνέλαβον ᾿Ιωάννην καὶ πάντα, ὅσα εἶχε, καὶ ἀπῆλθον ἔχοντες.
И҆ и҆зыдо́ша сы́нове і҆амврі̑ины ѿ мида́вы, и҆ ꙗ҆́ша і҆ѡа́нна и҆ всѧ̑ є҆ли̑ка и҆мѣ̀, и҆ ѿидо́ша и҆мꙋ́ще та̑.
By the sons of Jambri, those who are devoted to the pleasures of this world are represented, who are said to go out from Madaba, that is, from the birth of the Lord, when they strive, without any change, to indulge the carnal desire which they have contracted originally on the side of the flesh. These therefore seize John and everything he had and went away possessing them, when they draw someone from the sons of the Church, washed in the water of baptism and reborn by the grace of God, over to themselves through unlawful desires, and by corrupting the good pursuits with which he served God, they pervert them to the allurements of pleasures. But Jonathan and Simon, desiring to avenge these things, overthrew and killed the bridegroom who had taken as wife the daughter of one of the great princes of Canaan in great ambition, together with all his display and his friends: when holy teachers rescue from their evil intention some of those whom they see with all their effort to be eagerly clinging to the pleasures of the world and inclined to luxury (for whom the prince of this age, to deceive them, also sets before them those who burn with carnal desire, drawing them into his fellowship), and in them they slay, with the sword of the divine word, that which was harmful and opposed to the divine commandments. For such a victory well suits those who have learned from the heavenly Master to love their enemies and to do good to those who hate them; to pray for those who persecute and slander them, to bless those who curse and not to curse in return. They receive their spoils when they convert all their efforts and activities to ecclesiastical use. Therefore it is rightly added:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAfter this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.
μετὰ δὲ τοὺς λόγους τούτους ἀπήγγειλαν τῷ ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ Σίμωνι τῷ ἀδελφῷ αὐτοῦ ὅτι οἱ υἱοὶ ᾿Ιαμβρὶ ποιοῦσι γάμον μέγαν καὶ ἄγουσι τὴν νύμφην ἀπὸ Ναδαβάθ, θυγατέρα ἑνὸς τῶν μεγάλων μεγιστάνων Χαναὰν μετὰ παραπομπῆς μεγάλης.
По словесѣ́хъ же си́хъ возвѣсти́ша і҆ѡнаѳа́нꙋ и҆ сі́мѡнꙋ бра́тꙋ є҆гѡ̀, ꙗ҆́кѡ сы́нове і҆амврі̑ины творѧ́тъ бра́къ вели́кїй и҆ ведꙋ́тъ невѣ́стꙋ ѿ надава́ѳа, дще́рь є҆ди́нагѡ ѿ вели́кихъ вельмо́жъ ханаа́нскихъ, съ го́рдостїю ве́лїею.
Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:
καὶ ἐμνήσθησαν ᾿Ιωάννου τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀνέβησαν καὶ ἐκρύβησαν ὑπὸ τὴν σκέπην τοῦ ὄρους.
И҆ помѧнꙋ́ша і҆ѡа́нна бра́та своего̀, и҆ взыдо́ша, и҆ скры́шасѧ под̾ сѣ́нїю горы̀:
Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons.
καὶ ᾖραν τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς αὐτῶν καὶ εἶδον καὶ ἰδοὺ θροῦς καὶ ἀποσκευὴ πολλή, καὶ ὁ νυμφίος ἐξῆλθε καὶ οἱ φίλοι αὐτοῦ καὶ οἱ ἀδελφοὶ αὐτοῦ εἰς συνάντησιν αὐτῶν μετὰ τυμπάνων καὶ μουσικῶν καὶ ὅπλων πολλῶν.
и҆ воздви́гнꙋша ѻ҆́чи своѝ и҆ ви́дѣша, и҆ сѐ, пли́щь и҆ ᲂу҆гото́ванїе мно́гое, и҆ жени́хъ и҆зы́де и҆ дрꙋ́зи є҆гѡ̀ и҆ бра́тїѧ є҆гѡ́ бо срѣ́тенїе и҆̀мъ съ тѷмпа̑ны и҆ мꙋсїкі́ами и҆ ѻ҆рꙋ̑жїи мно́гими:
Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.
καὶ ἐξανέστησαν ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς ἀπὸ τοῦ ἐνέδρου οἱ περὶ τὸν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ ἀπέκτειναν αὐτούς, καὶ ἔπεσον τραυματίαι πολλοί, καὶ οἱ ἐπίλοιποι ἔφυγον εἰς τὸ ὄρος· καὶ ἔλαβον πάντα τὰ σκῦλα αὐτῶν.
и҆ воста́ша на ни́хъ ѿ заса́ды и҆̀же при і҆ѡнаѳа́нѣ и҆ ᲂу҆би́ша и҆̀хъ, и҆ падо́ша ꙗ҆́звени мно́зи, про́чїи же бѣго́ша въ го́рꙋ: и҆ взѧ́ша всѧ̑ коры̑сти и҆́хъ.
Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation.
καὶ μετεστράφη ὁ γάμος εἰς πένθος καὶ ἡ φωνὴ μουσικῶν αὐτῶν εἰς θρῆνον.
И҆ ѡ҆брати́сѧ бра́къ въ сѣ́тованїе, и҆ гла́съ мꙋсїкі́и и҆́хъ въ пла́чь.
For the holy preachers teach them to change the empty joy of the world into the mourning of repentance, and vain jests and useless songs into divine psalmody with regret of tears, those whom they seize as a saving prey and utterly slay from a carnal life and from the deeds of the old man. And therefore they return to the bank of the Jordan, when they lead them to the condition of the Christian religion and to the reception of holy baptism, so that there the evangelical rite may be fulfilled, for the sake of which all this labor was undertaken.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesSo when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.
καὶ ἐξεδίκησαν τὴν ἐκδίκησιν αἵματος ἀδελφοῦ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀπέστρεψαν εἰς τὸ ἕλος τοῦ ᾿Ιορδάνου.
И҆ ѿмсти́ша ѿмще́нїе кро́ве бра́та своегѡ̀ и҆ возврати́шасѧ на бре́гъ і҆ѻрда́нскїй.
Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.
καὶ ἤκουσε Βακχίδης καὶ ἦλθε τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῶν σαββάτων ἕως τῶν κρηπίδων τοῦ ᾿Ιορδάνου ἐν δυνάμει πολλῇ.
И҆ слы́ша вакхі́дъ и҆ прїи́де въ де́нь сꙋббѡ́тный да́же до брегѡ́въ і҆ѻрда́нскихъ съ си́лою мно́гою.
When the persecutors of the faithful, on the spiritual sabbath, on which the worshipers of Christ themselves withdraw from earthly desires to hear the word of God and to sing praise to the Lord, stirred up by envy strive to disturb them, and attempt to profane the sacrament of baptism by secular power, the mystical Jonathan urges his followers to spiritual combat; that is, that by patience of mind and strength of faith they may fight in opposition against their enemies, not that by fighting or striking they might harm them, but that by patience and gentleness, enduring and repaying with benefits, they may conquer them more effectively, according to that saying of the Savior, who said to his disciples: You have heard that it was said to those of old: An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth; but I say to you not to resist evil; but if anyone strikes you on your right cheek, offer him the other also; and to him who wishes to struggle with you in court and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well (Matt. 5:38-42). And again: In your patience you shall possess your souls (Luke 21:29). Therefore Paul also says: If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for in doing this you will heap coals of fire upon his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good (Rom. 12:20-21). By such offerings God is propitiated, who grants victory to his servants and lays their enemies low beneath their feet. Therefore, it is written later that Jonathan made peace with Bacchides, and that Bacchides, having sworn that he would do him no harm all the days of his life, restored to him the captives he had previously taken from the land of Judah. (9:71-72)
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThen Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past:
καὶ εἶπεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν τοῖς παρ᾿ αὐτοῦ· ἀναστῶμεν νῦν καὶ πολεμήσωμεν ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν ἡμῶν, οὐ γάρ ἐστι σήμερον ὡς ἐχθὲς καὶ τρίτην ἡμέραν·
И҆ речѐ ко свои̑мъ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ: воста́немъ нн҃ѣ и҆ ѡ҆полчи́мсѧ за дꙋ́шы на́шѧ, нѣ́сть бо дне́сь ꙗ҆́коже вчера̀ и҆ тре́тїѧгѡ днѐ:
For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.
ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὁ πόλεμος ἐξεναντίας ἡμῶν καὶ ἐξόπισθεν ἡμῶν, τὸ δὲ ὕδωρ τοῦ ᾿Ιορδάνου ἔνθεν καὶ ἔνθεν καὶ ἕλος καὶ δρυμός, οὐκ ἔστι τόπος τοῦ ἐκκλῖναι·
се́ бо, бра́нь проти́вꙋ на́съ и҆ созадѝ на́съ: вода́ же і҆ѻрда́нскаѧ сю́дꙋ и҆ сю́дꙋ, и҆ бла́то и҆ лѣ́съ, и҆ нѣ́сть мѣ́ста, є҆́же ᲂу҆клони́тисѧ:
Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies.
νῦν οὖν κεκράξατε εἰς οὐρανόν, ὅπως διασωθῆτε ἐκ χειρὸς ἐχθρῶν ὑμῶν.
нн҃ѣ ᲂу҆̀бо возопі́йте на нб҃о, да и҆зба́витесѧ ѿ рꙋ́къ врагѡ́въ ва́шихъ. и҆ срази́сѧ бра́нь.
With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.
καὶ συνῆψεν ὁ πόλεμος· καὶ ἐξέτεινεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν τὴν χεῖρα αὐτοῦ πατάξαι τὸν Βακχίδην, καὶ ἐξέκλινεν ἀπ᾿ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω.
И҆ прострѐ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ рꙋ́кꙋ свою̀ ᲂу҆би́ти вакхі́да, и҆ ᲂу҆клони́сѧ от негѡ̀ вспѧ́ть.
Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them.
καὶ ἐνεπήδησεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ οἱ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ εἰς τὸν ᾿Ιορδάνην καὶ διεκολύμβησαν εἰς τὸ πέραν, καὶ οὐ διέβησαν ἐπ᾿ αὐτοὺς τὸν ᾿Ιορδάνην.
И҆ вскочѝ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ и҆̀же съ ни́мъ во і҆ѻрда́нъ, и҆ преплыва́хꙋ на ѡ҆б̾ ѻ҆нꙋ̀ странꙋ̀, и҆ не преидо́ша по ни́хъ і҆ѻрда́на.
So there were slain of Bacchides’ side that day about a thousand men.
καὶ διέπεσον παρὰ Βακχίδου τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ εἰς χιλίους ἄνδρας.
И҆ падо́ша ѿ страны̀ вакхі́дины днѐ ѻ҆́нагѡ ꙗ҆́кѡ ты́сѧща мꙋже́й.
Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars.
καὶ ἐπέστρεψεν εἰς ῾Ιερουσαλήμ, καὶ ᾠκοδόμησαν πόλεις ὀχυρὰς ἐν τῇ ᾿Ιουδαίᾳ, τὸ ὀχύρωμα τὸ ἐν ῾Ιεριχὼ καὶ τὴν ᾿Αμμαοὺς καὶ τὴν Βαιθωρὼν καὶ τὴν Βαιθὴλ καὶ τὴν Θαμναθὰ Φαραθωνὶ καὶ τὴν Τεφὼν ἐν τείχεσιν ὑψηλοῖς καὶ πύλαις καὶ μοχλοῖς·
И҆ возврати́сѧ во і҆ерⷭ҇ли́мъ и҆ созда̀ гра́ды твє́рды во і҆ꙋде́и, тверды́ню во і҆ерїхѡ́нѣ и҆ ꙗ҆́же во є҆ммаꙋ́мѣ и҆ веѳѡрѡ́нѣ, и҆ веѳи́ли и҆ ѳемна́ѳѣ, и҆ фараѳѡ́нѣ и҆ тефѡ́нѣ, со стѣна́ми высо́кими и҆ врата́ми и҆ заво́рами,
And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel.
καὶ ἔθετο φρουρὰν ἐν αὐτοῖς τοῦ ἐχθραίνειν τῷ ᾿Ισραήλ.
и҆ поста́ви стра́жꙋ въ ни́хъ, є҆́же враждова́ти і҆и҃лю:
He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.
καὶ ὠχύρωσε τὴν πόλιν τὴν ἐν Βαιθσούρᾳ καὶ τὴν Γάζαρα καὶ τὴν ἄκραν καὶ ἔθετο ἐν αὐταῖς δυνάμεις καὶ παραθέσεις βρωμάτων.
и҆ ᲂу҆твердѝ гра́дъ и҆́же въ веѳсꙋ́рѣ, и҆ газа́рꙋ, и҆ краегра́дїе, и҆ поста́ви въ ни́хъ си̑лы и҆ предложе́нїе бра́шенъ:
Besides, he took the chief men’s sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.
καὶ ἔλαβε τοὺς υἱοὺς τῶν ἡγουμένων τῆς χώρας ὅμηρα καὶ ἔθετο αὐτοὺς ἐν τῇ ἄκρᾳ ἐν ῾Ιερουσαλὴμ ἐν φυλακῇ.
и҆ взѧ̀ сы́ны вождѡ́въ страны̀ въ зало́гъ и҆ посадѝ и҆̀хъ въ краегра́дїи во і҆ерⷭ҇ли́мѣ под̾ стра́жею.
Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets
Καὶ ἐν ἔτει τρίτῳ καὶ πεντηκοστῷ καὶ ἑκατοστῷ μηνὶ τῷ δευτέρῳ ἐπέταξεν ῎Αλκιμος καθαιρεῖν τὸ τεῖχος τῆς αὐλῆς τῶν ἁγίων τῆς ἐσωτέρας· καὶ καθεῖλε τὰ ἔργα τῶν προφητῶν καὶ ἐνήρξατο τοῦ καθαιρεῖν.
И҆ въ лѣ́то сто̀ пѧтьдесѧ́тъ тре́тїе мцⷭа втора́гѡ, заповѣ́да а҆лкі́мъ разори́ти стѣ́нꙋ двора̀ ст҃ы́хъ внꙋ́треннѧгѡ, и҆ разорѝ дѣла̀ прⷪ҇ро́кѡвъ, и҆ нача̀ разорѧ́ти.
We have said above that Alcimus, a defiler of the law and a traitor to his country, signifies the heretics, who do not fear to profane the Testament of God with wicked sects and to disturb the Church of God; he now destroys the walls of the holy inner house and is said to demolish the works of the prophets, which can fittingly be applied to those same heretics, who not only corrupt the oracles of the prophets with empty traditions, but also strive, in whatever way they can, to violate and dispute the bulwark of faith (which is kept in the hearts of believers with a mind intent on the observance of the mystical law of God). But let us see what follows in common:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAnd as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprises hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.
ἐν τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ ἐπλήγη ῎Αλκιμος καὶ ἐνεποδίσθη τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀπεφράγη τὸ στόμα αὐτοῦ, καὶ παρελύθη καὶ οὐκ ἐδύνατο ἔτι λαλῆσαι λόγον καὶ ἐντείλασθαι περὶ τοῦ οἴκου αὐτοῦ.
Во вре́мѧ ѻ҆́но пораже́нъ бы́сть а҆лкі́мъ, и҆ воспѧти́шасѧ дѣла̀ є҆гѡ̀, и҆ загради́шасѧ ᲂу҆ста̀ є҆гѡ̀, и҆ разслабѣ̀ и҆ не можа́ше ктомꙋ̀ глаго́лати сло́ва и҆ заповѣ́дати ѡ҆ до́мѣ свое́мъ.
So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.
καὶ ἀπέθανεν ῎Αλκιμος ἐν τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ μετὰ βασάνου μεγάλης.
И҆ ᲂу҆́мре а҆лкі́мъ во вре́мѧ ѻ҆́но съ мꙋ́кою ве́лїею.
For although heretics may boast in empty pride, although for a time they may seem to prevail over the faithful through the support of the powerful of this world, yet by the judgment of Almighty God they will in the end be overthrown, and the strength of their perverse will shall be dissolved, when they are unable to bring to completion what they wish to accomplish. Nor is it even permitted that anything be ordered from their own house, that is, from their following manner of life, once the sentence of the heavenly Judge is already awaiting; instead, what is said through the Psalmist will be fulfilled: "May the Lord destroy all deceitful lips and the boastful tongue. Who have said: We will magnify our tongue; our lips are our own; who is Lord over us?" (Ps. 12:3-4).
For when heretics persist in their wickedness until the end of this present life, the second death follows, and they shall be sent, according to the sentence of the Apocalypse of John, into the lake of eternal fire, and they shall be tormented with fire and sulphur in the sight of the holy angels and in the sight of the Lamb, and the smoke of their torments shall rise for ever and ever, and they shall have no rest day or night, those who adored the beast and its image, and they gnaw their tongues for pain, and they blaspheme the Lord of heaven because of the pains of their wounds, and they did not do fruitful penance for their deeds, because they were unwilling, while it was permitted, to purge themselves beforehand from their errors. (Rev. 14:9-11)
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesNow when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.
καὶ εἶδε Βακχίδης ὅτι ἀπέθανεν ῎Αλκιμος, καὶ ἀπέστρεψε πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα. καὶ ἡσύχασεν ἡ γῆ ᾿Ιούδα ἔτη δύο.
И҆ ви́дѣ вакхі́дъ, ꙗ҆́кѡ ᲂу҆́мре а҆лкі́мъ, и҆ возврати́сѧ ко царю̀. и҆ ᲂу҆молча̀ землѧ̀ і҆ꙋ́дина лѣ̑та два̀.
From the persecution of the unbelievers and the harassment of the heretics, the Church had peace for a time, according to that which is read in the Acts of the Apostles: "The Church indeed throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being edified, walking in the fear of the Lord, and was filled with the comfort of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 9:31) But because peace and security in this present life will not be long-lasting and enduring, the following statement makes this clear, where it is written:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThen all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.
Καὶ ἐβουλεύσαντο πάντες οἱ ἄνομοι λέγοντες· ἰδοὺ ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ οἱ παρ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἐν ἡσυχίᾳ κατοικοῦσι πεποιθότες· νῦν οὖν ἄξομεν τὸν Βακχίδην, καὶ συλλήψεται αὐτοὺς πάντας ἐν νυκτὶ μιᾷ.
И҆ совѣща́ша всѝ беззакѡ́нницы рекꙋ́ще: сѐ, і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ и҆̀же съ ни́мъ въ поко́и ѡ҆бита́ютъ ᲂу҆пова́юще: нн҃ѣ ᲂу҆̀бо наведе́мъ вакхі́да, и҆ поима́етъ и҆̀хъ всѣ́хъ во є҆ди́нꙋ но́щь.
All the enemies envy the peace and quiet of the Church of God. Therefore, whatever arises with happy success for the good, they seek the help of the wicked in order to harm it. This is signified by the letter of Bacchides, secretly sent to his associates who were in Judea so that they might seize Jonathan and those who were with him in Judea; because the savage persecutors from without, when they cannot overthrow the confessors of Christ by tortures, construct snares from within through false brothers, who appear to remain in the Church, so that those whom the former could not destroy by the sword, the latter may deceive by trickery. Therefore the Apostle Paul also frequently complains in his Epistles (Gal. 2) of the deceit of false brothers, who slipped in and perverted the truth of the Gospel, but they could not prevail, because their plan became known; for a good teacher's diligence acts so that he may know how to provide for the people subject to him and to guard them against the cunning of the perverse.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesSo they went and consulted with him.
καὶ πορευθέντες συνεβουλεύσαντο αὐτῷ.
И҆ ше́дше совѣща́шасѧ съ ни́мъ.
Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them.
καὶ ἀπῇρε τοῦ ἐλθεῖν μετὰ δυνάμεως πολλῆς καὶ ἀπέστειλεν ἐπιστολὰς λάθρᾳ πᾶσι τοῖς συμμάχοις αὐτοῦ τοῖς ἐν τῇ ᾿Ιουδαίᾳ, ὅπως συλλάβωσι τὸν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ τοὺς μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ· καὶ οὐκ ἐδύναντο, ὅτι ἐγνώσθη αὐτοῖς ἡ βουλὴ αὐτῶν.
И҆ воста̀ и҆тѝ съ си́лою мно́гою и҆ посла̀ є҆пїстѡ́лїи та́й всѣ̑мъ спобори́телємъ є҆гѡ̀, и҆̀же во і҆ꙋде́и, да и҆́мꙋтъ і҆ѡнаѳа́на и҆ сꙋ́щихъ съ ни́мъ. и҆ не возмого́ша, ꙗ҆́кѡ позна́сѧ и҆̀мъ совѣ́тъ и҆́хъ.
Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.
καὶ συνέλαβον ἀπὸ τῶν ἀνδρῶν τῆς χώρας τῶν ἀρχηγῶν τῆς κακίας εἰς πεντήκοντα ἄνδρας καὶ ἀπέκτειναν αὐτούς.
И҆ ꙗ҆́ша ѿ мꙋже́й страны̀ нача́льникѡвъ ѕло́бы пѧтьдесѧ́тъ мꙋже́й и҆ ᲂу҆би́ша и҆̀хъ.
What else are these but those who, content with the surface of the legal letter, wish to observe the Pentateuch of the Law not spiritually but carnally, in circumcision and in words; whom the teacher of the Gentiles reproves when writing to the Galatians, where he says: O foolish Galatians! who has bewitched you? How is it that you are turning again to the weak and poor elements, to which you wish to be enslaved once more? You observe days, and months, and seasons, and years. I fear lest perhaps I have labored among you in vain. You were running well; who has hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion is not from him who calls you: for a little leaven corrupts the whole mass; I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will think nothing else; but whoever is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be. (Gal. 3:1-3 and parts of Gal. 5:9-10) But with such persons, having been destroyed by the deceit of the ancient enemy in the death of the soul, let us see what follows:
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAfterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.
καὶ ἐξεχώρησεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ Σίμων καὶ οἱ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ εἰς Βαιθβασὶ τὴν ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ καὶ ᾠκοδόμησε τὰ καθῃρημένα αὐτῆς, καὶ ἐστερέωσαν αὐτήν.
И҆ ѿи́де і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ сі́мѡнъ и҆ и҆̀же съ ни́ми въ веѳвасі́ю, ꙗ҆́же въ пꙋсты́ни, и҆ созда̀ разорє́наѧ є҆ѧ̀ и҆ ᲂу҆крѣпѝ ю҆̀.
What does it mean that Jonathan, when Bacchides caused an uproar, gathered himself with his men into Bethbessen, which is in the desert, and rebuilt its ruins, strengthening it, if not that holy preachers, when they see the power of persecutors prevailing so that they cannot go out openly with the word of preaching, for a time withdraw into hidden places, so that there they may devote themselves to fasting and prayers, and whatever, through carelessness while mingling with the crowds, had slipped back in the certainty of their own life, may, being set apart through diligent good study, be renewed again in full? For Bethbesse is interpreted "house of the flowering mouth." For the mouth blossoms when it resonates with prayers and psalmody and the hymns of God its companion. This also appears to be what the Lord commands the disciples in the Gospel, when he says: "When they persecute you in one city, flee into another" (Matt. 10:23). Therefore the Truth himself, when the Jews were plotting to kill him, no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went into a region near the desert, into a city called Ephraim, where he stayed with his disciples (Jn. 11:54); and elsewhere it is read that he went out to the mountain to pray, where he spent the night in the prayer of God (Luke 6:12). Therefore also Paul and Barnabas, when they were preaching the word of God in Iconium (Acts 14), and an assault was made by the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers, to mistreat them with insults and stones and to stone them, understanding this, fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the whole region round about, and there they preached the gospel. But the hatred of the ancient enemy allows no place in the world to become safe from ambushes. Therefore also Bacchides leads an army against Bethbessen to attack it, and does not allow the worshippers of God to live in peace.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesWhich thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.
καὶ ἔγνω Βακχίδης καὶ συνήγαγε πᾶν τὸ πλῆθος αὐτοῦ καὶ τοῖς ἐκ τῆς ᾿Ιουδαίας παρήγγειλε·
И҆ позна̀ вакхі́дъ, и҆ собра̀ всѐ мно́жество своѐ, и҆ сꙋ́щымъ ѿ і҆ꙋде́и возвѣстѝ.
Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season and made engines of war.
καὶ ἐλθὼν παρενέβαλεν ἐπὶ Βαιθβασὶ καὶ ἐπολέμησεν αὐτὴν ἡμέρας πολλὰς καὶ ἐποίησε μηχανάς.
И҆ ше́дъ ѡ҆полчи́сѧ на веѳвасі́ю, и҆ воева́ше ю҆̀ дни̑ мнѡ́ги, и҆ сотворѝ миха̑ны.
But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth.
καὶ ἀπέλιπεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν Σίμωνα τὸν ἀδελφὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν τῇ πόλει καὶ ἐξῆλθεν εἰς τὴν χώραν καὶ ἐξῆλθεν ἐν ἀριθμῷ.
И҆ ѡ҆ста́ви і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ сі́мѡна бра́та своего̀ во гра́дѣ, и҆ и҆зы́де во странꙋ̀, и҆ и҆зы́де въ числѣ̀.
What does it mean that Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city and himself went out into the region to pursue his adversaries, if not that holy teachers labor inwardly at the virtues, and yet outwardly do not cease to fight against enemies with the shield of faith and the sword of the Spirit? But these enemies of the Church are not uniform; rather, they are many through the various kinds of persecutions: Jews, pagans, heretics, and schismatics, as well as false Christians, who manufacture disasters to harm the good, as has been shown above. This is also not inappropriately set forth by the meanings of the names themselves in their interpretations. For Odaren means "his generation," and Phaseron means "confusion." Therefore, through Odaren and his brothers those can be indicated who, under the unity of Catholic confession, pretend that the same hidden mystery belongs to the good and the simple, yet by their evil deeds show themselves to be different from their company; of whom the Apostle says: "They profess that they know God, but in deeds they deny Him" (Titus 1:16). Through Phaseron, however, the others are designated who differ from the unity of the Church not only in religion but also in the profession of faith, and such people never cease to prepare schisms, quarrels, and calamities for true Christians, but their conspiracies and deceits are turned back upon themselves by spiritual leaders, and they do not allow the soldiers of Christ to be harmed by their frauds.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesAnd he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent.
καὶ ἐπάταξεν ῾Οδομηρὰ καὶ τοὺς ἀδελφοὺς αὐτοῦ καὶ τοὺς υἱοὺς Φασιρὼν ἐν τῷ σκηνώματι αὐτῶν, καὶ ἐξήρξατο τύπτειν καὶ ἀναβαίνειν ἐν ταῖς δυνάμεσι.
И҆ поразѝ ѻ҆доми́ра и҆ бра́тїю є҆гѡ̀ и҆ сынѡ́въ фасїрѡ́нихъ въ жили́щихъ и҆́хъ, и҆ нача̀ и҆збива́ти и҆ восходи́ти въ си́лахъ.
And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war,
καὶ Σίμων καὶ οἱ μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ ἐξῆλθον ἐκ τῆς πόλεως καὶ ἐνεπύρισαν τὰς μηχανάς·
Сі́мѡнъ же и҆ и҆̀же съ ни́мъ и҆зыдо́ша и҆з̾ гра́да и҆ пожго́ша миха̑ны,
And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain.
καὶ ἐπολέμησαν πρὸς τὸν Βακχίδην, καὶ συνετρίβη ὑπ᾿ αὐτῶν. καὶ ἔθλιβον αὐτὸν σφόδρα, ὅτι ἦν ἡ βουλὴ αὐτοῦ καὶ ἡ ἔφοδος αὐτοῦ κενή.
и҆ ра́товахꙋ проти́вꙋ вакхі́да, и҆ сотре́сѧ ѿ ни́хъ, и҆ ѡ҆ѕлоблѧ́хꙋ є҆го̀ ѕѣлѡ̀, ꙗ҆́кѡ бѣ̀ совѣ́тъ є҆гѡ̀ и҆ похо́дъ є҆гѡ̀ вотщѐ.
Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country.
καὶ ὠργίσθη θυμῷ τοῖς ἀνδράσι τοῖς ἀνόμοις τοῖς συμβουλεύσασιν αὐτῷ ἐλθεῖν εἰς τὴν χώραν καὶ ἀπέκτειναν ἐξ αὐτῶν πολλοὺς καὶ ἐβουλεύσατο τοῦ ἀπελθεῖν εἰς τὴν γῆν αὐτοῦ.
И҆ прогнѣ́васѧ ꙗ҆́ростїю на мꙋже́й беззако́нныхъ, совѣ́товавшихъ є҆мꙋ̀ прїитѝ во странꙋ̀, и҆ ᲂу҆бѝ ѿ ни́хъ мно́гихъ, и҆ совѣща́сѧ ѿитѝ въ зе́млю свою̀.
Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners.
καὶ ἐπέγνω ᾿Ιωνάθαν καὶ ἀπέστειλε πρὸς αὐτὸν πρέσβεις τοῦ συνθέσθαι πρὸς αὐτὸν εἰρήνην καὶ ἀποδοῦναι αὐτοῖς τὴν αἰχμαλωσίαν.
И҆ позна̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ и҆ посла̀ къ немꙋ̀ старѣ́йшинъ соста́вити ми́ръ съ ни́мъ и҆ ѿда́ти и҆̀мъ плѣ́нъ.
Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days of his life.
καὶ ἀπεδέξατο καὶ ἐποίησε κατὰ τοὺς λόγους αὐτοῦ καὶ ὤμοσεν αὐτῷ μὴ ἐκζητῆσαι αὐτῷ κακὸν πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας τῆς ζωῆς αὐτοῦ·
И҆ прїѧ̀, и҆ сотворѝ по словесє́мъ є҆гѡ̀, и҆ клѧ́тсѧ є҆мꙋ̀ не и҆ска́ти є҆мꙋ̀ ѕла̀ во всѧ̑ дни̑ живота̀ є҆гѡ̀.
When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders.
καὶ ἀπέδωκεν αὐτῷ τὴν αἰχμαλωσίαν, ἣν ᾐχμαλώτευσε τὸ πρότερον ἐκ γῆς ᾿Ιούδα, καὶ ἀποστρέψας ἀπῆλθεν εἰς τὴν γῆν αὐτοῦ καὶ οὐ προσέθετο ἔτι ἐλθεῖν εἰς τὰ ὅρια αὐτῶν.
И҆ ѿдадѐ є҆мꙋ̀ плѣ́нъ, є҆го́же пре́жде плѣнѝ ѿ землѝ і҆ꙋ́дины: и҆ возвра́щьсѧ ѿи́де въ зе́млю свою̀ и҆ не приложѝ ктомꙋ̀ прїитѝ въ предѣ́лы и҆́хъ.
With the storms of war ceasing, Jonathan goes out to Michmash, and dwelling there he judges the people and exterminates the wicked from Israel; because, when the wars of the wicked have been quieted, holy preachers strive to restore what previously, on account of the impending storms of battles, was proclaimed concerning the morality of their subjects, but they also in every way labor that, by good morals, they may render to their Creator the due of just service. For Michmash, historically, is a large village, which to this day is shown within the borders of Aelia, retaining its ancient name, and distant nine miles from it, near the village of Ramah. For Michmash is interpreted "village of the tribes" or "decree," by which, namely, the holy Church is designated, where God is diligently served every day, and where, according to the decrees of the law of God, just judgments are carefully carried out by learned members of the faithful, and the wickedness of the perverse is utterly exterminated from the true Israel.
Commentary on 1 MaccabeesThus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.
καὶ κατέπαυσε ῥομφαία ἐξ ᾿Ισραήλ· καὶ ᾤκησεν ᾿Ιωνάθαν ἐν Μαχμάς. καὶ ἤρξατο ᾿Ιωνάθαν κρίνειν τὸν λαὸν καὶ ἠφάνισε τοὺς ἀσεβεῖς ἐξ ᾿Ισραήλ.
И҆ преста̀ ме́чь ѿ і҆и҃лѧ. и҆ ѡ҆бита̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ въ махма́сѣ: и҆ нача̀ і҆ѡнаѳа́нъ сꙋди́ти лю́ди и҆ и҆стребѝ нечести́выхъ ѿ і҆и҃лѧ.
Furthermore, when Demetrius heard the Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength of his host:
ΚΑΙ ἤκουσε Δημήτριος ὅτι ἔπεσε Νικάνωρ καὶ αἱ δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ ἐν πολέμῳ, καὶ προσέθετο τὸν Βακχίδην καὶ τὸν ῎Αλκιμον ἐκ δευτέρου ἀποστεῖλαι εἰς γῆν ᾿Ιούδα καὶ τὸ δεξιὸν κέρας μετ᾿ αὐτῶν.
И҆ слы́ша дими́трїй, ꙗ҆́кѡ падѐ нїкано́ръ и҆ си̑лы є҆гѡ̀ во бра́ни, и҆ приложѝ вакхі́да и҆ а҆лкі́ма па́ки посла́ти во і҆ꙋде́ю, и҆ десны́й ро́гъ съ ни́ми.
Demetrius again renews the war through Bacchides and Alcimus against Judas, because through pagans and heretics who have relapsed from the faith of Christ, the prince of this world daily renews, with new tricks, his old plots to harm the Church; with whom he also sent the right wing, when for the perpetration of such a crime he entrusted a strong band of auxiliaries; against whom Judas goes with three thousand, because against all the enemies of the faith the assembly of teachers, together with the faithful, resolves to fight, so that through faith in the Holy Trinity he may lay low the host of enemies, who, in arrogant pride, dares to raise itself up against its own author. But let us see what is written next in this passage:
Commentary on 1 Maccabees