Lysias and Judas Negotiate Peace

Lysias, an important official for the king, was angry about what had happened before. He gathered a huge army, cavalry, and elephants, and marched against the Jews. He planned to make the city a home for Greeks, profit from the temple, and treat the high priesthood like something to be sold.

Lysias trusted in the size of his forces and did not take God’s power seriously. He came into Judea and pressed hard against Bethsuron, a strong place near Jerusalem. When Judas Maccabaeus and his men heard this, they joined the people in tears and prayer, asking the Lord to send help for Israel.

Judas was the first to take up weapons. He urged the others to risk themselves with him for their own people, and they went willingly. Near Jerusalem, a horseman in white appeared at their head, brandishing golden weapons. They praised God together and took fresh courage.

The army advanced believing that heaven fought on their side, because the Lord had mercy on them. They struck the enemy fiercely and won a great victory. Eleven thousand infantry and one thousand six hundred cavalry were killed, and the rest fled. Lysias himself escaped in a shameful retreat.

Lysias then thought carefully about the defeat. He recognised that the Hebrews could not be overcome while Almighty God fought for them. So he sent to make terms, promising that their rights would be acknowledged and that he would speak to the king for them. Judas agreed, seeking the good of the people, and the king accepted the requests sent through Lysias.