erusalem, and attempted to make war.

The Jews, etc... He speaks of them that had fallen from their religion,
and were enemies of their country, who joining with the Idumeans or
Edomites, kept possession of the strong holds, and from thence annoyed
their countrymen.

10:16. Then they that were with Machabeus, beseeching the Lord by
prayers to be their helper, made a strong attack upon the strong holds
of the Idumeans:

10:17. And assaulting them with great force, won the holds, killed them
that came in the way, and slew altogether no fewer than twenty thousand.

10:18. And whereas some were fled into very strong towers, having all
manner of provision to sustain a siege,

10:19. Machabeus left Simon and Joseph, and Zacheus, and them that were
with them, in sufficient number to besiege them, and departed to those
expeditions which urged more.

10:20. Now they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were
persuaded for the sake of money by some that were in the towers: and
taking seventy thousand didrachmas, let some of them escape.

10:21. But when it was told Machabeus what was done, he assembled the
rulers of the people, and accused those men that they had sold their
brethren for money, having let their adversaries escape. 10:22. So he
put these traitors to death, and forthwith took the two towers.

10:23. And having good success in arms, and all things he took in hand,
he slew more than twenty thousand in the two holds.

10:24. But Timotheus, who before had been overcome by the Jews, having
called together a multitude of foreign troops, and assembled horsemen
out of Asia, came as though he would take Judea by force of arms.

10:26. But Machabeus, and they that were with him, when he drew near,
prayed to the Lord, sprinkling earth upon their heads, and girding their
loins with haircloth,

10:26. And lying prostrate at the foot of the altar, besought him to be
merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary
to their adversaries, as the law saith.

10:27. And so after prayer taking their arms, they went forth further
from the city, and when they were come very near the enemies they
rested.

10:28. But as soon as the sun was risen both sides joined battle: the
one part having, with their valour, the Lord for a surety of victory,
and success: but the other side making their rage their leader in
battle.

10:29. But when they were in the heat of the engagement, there appeare