Heliodorus and the Temple Treasury

Jerusalem was living in peace, and the laws were being kept carefully under Onias the high priest. The temple was highly honoured. Kings sent fine gifts, and King Seleucus even paid the costs of the sacrifices. But Simon, who had quarrelled with Onias, reported that the temple treasury held great wealth that could be taken for the king.

So the king sent Heliodorus to remove the reported money. When he reached Jerusalem, Onias explained that the treasury held deposits entrusted for safety, including money for widows and orphans, and some belonging to Hyrcanus son of Tobias. He said this should not be taken. Heliodorus answered that the king had ordered it for the royal treasury.

A day was set, and the whole city was in distress. Priests fell before the altar and cried to heaven that the entrusted money would be kept safe. People rushed from their houses to pray. Women in sackcloth filled the streets, young women gathered at gates and walls, and everyone stretched out their hands toward heaven. Onias's deep anguish could be seen by all.

When Heliodorus came near the treasury with his guards, God caused a great manifestation. A frightening horse appeared with a fierce rider in golden armour, and it struck at Heliodorus. Two splendid young men stood on either side of him and beat him. He fell to the ground in darkness and helplessness, and his guards carried him away on a stretcher. Then the temple was filled with joy instead of fear.

Heliodorus's friends begged Onias to seek his recovery, so the high priest offered sacrifice, fearing the king might wrongly suspect the Jews. The same two young men appeared again and told Heliodorus to thank Onias, for through him the Lord had granted him life, and to proclaim God's majesty. Heliodorus offered sacrifice, returned to the king, and warned that anyone sent to harm that place would be struck by the power of God there.