931

THE DEUTEROCANONICAL BOOKS

The books which follow: Tobit, Judith, Baruch, Wisdom, Sirach are not in the
Hebrew Bible, nor in the Bibles of Protestants. This was also true for the books of the
Maccabees. This raises a very serious question: if there is disagreement about some
books, what were the criteria for accepting the other books? Should we not go beyond that
and admit there is no certainty for any book, but only a common opinion?
Here we should repeat that we have not always had the Bible. For centuries, God’s
Word was primarily what the priests and the prophets passed on orally. The very concept
of a Bible, a collection of sacred writings, appeared only little by little, after the return of
the Old Testament Jews from the Exile, starting especially with Ezra. The Bible originated
with the prophets and also with the believing community, Jewish at first, then Christian.
In Jesus’ days, everyone considered the books of Moses as Scripture. The Sadducees gave
the prophetic books a lower ranking even though all the other religious groups, including
the Pharisees themselves, considered them to be inspired. With time, however, other
books grouped under the name of Writings, or Wisdom Books, were added to the first
books without any particular sequence, and without clearly knowing what degree of
authority they should be given.
Some of these books were not written in Hebrew but in Greek, because most Jews were
living in Greek-speaking countries. Therefore these books were added in the Greek
translation of the Bible before appearing in Palestine where many people understood
Greek. As a result there were more books in the Greek Bible used abroad and often even
in the synagogues of Palestine.
It was only when the Romans destroyed their nation that the Pharisees called a council
in Jamnia in order to recognize the Jewish community (in the year 95). At this council they
established a list of inspired Scriptures and systematically excluded all the books written
in Greek: as they perceived, God could only have spoken in the language of the Jewish
people.
The early Christian church already had its own practice. The apostles used the Greek
Bible without differentiating between the various books, and their discussions were
focused in the newly written Christian books to determine which ones should be included
in the New Testament. In 384, a decree of Pope Damasus definitively established the
canon of the Christian Bible, already generally accepted. They kept some books from the
Greek Bible, books which the Jews had rejected in Jamnia. They are the so-called
deuterocanonical books, that is to say, the books of the second collection.
Twelve centuries later, when the Protestants broke away from the chruch, they did not
dispute the “canon,” namely the choice of the New Testament books. They did disagree,
though, about the deuterocanonical books. In the end, they thought it would be safer to
exclude them and called them “apocryphal,” that is to say, not authentic.
If we accept that God gradually taught his people all through the Old Testament times,
then we can understand the importance of these books which are products of the last three
centuries before Christ. They are the connecting links between the Hebraic books and the
New Testament books written in Greek. They witness the beginning of the belief in the
resurrection of the dead and the first insights that prepare the revelation of the Word and
the Spirit.
The discussions concerning the deuterocanonical books remind us that if there is not
a Church to determine safely which are the inspired books, no one will be able to say what
is word of God and what is not. For a Christian Bible to exist, there must first be a Church
which is the heir of the apostles.
 932

TOBIT

The good example of Tobit shearings of the sheep. 7 I gave these for the Num
altar, to the priests, sons of Aaron; I gave a 18:8,
• 1 This is the story of Tobit son of Tobiel, 12
1 son of Ananiel, son of Adonel, son of tithe of the corn, the wine, the olives, the
Gabael of the race of Asiel, of the tribe of pomegranates, the figs and the other fruits to
2K Naphtali. 2 In the days of Shalmaneser, king the Levites who officiated in Jerusalem. I sold
17:3
of Assyria, Tobit was deported from Thisbe, the second tithe every six years and went to
18:9
which is to the south of Kedesh of Naphtali in distribute the money in Jerusalem.
8
Galilee, above Asher. I gave the third tithe to the orphans and Dt
3 widows and to the pagan converts who had 14:28-
Dt I, Tobit, have walked in the ways of truth 29
10:12 and justice all the days of my life; I have given joined the Israelites. I gave them every three
many alms to my brethren and to those of years and we ate according to the rules which
my countrymen who were deported with me had been laid down on this matter in the Law
to Nineveh, a city in the country of the of Moses, and according to the recommenda-
Assyrians. tions made by Deborah, my father’s mother,
Dt 4
When I was a young man in my country, for my father had left me an orphan.
9
12:5 the land of Israel, all the tribe of my father When I reached manhood I married Anna
Naphtali broke away from the family of David of the race of our forefathers and she bore me
in Jerusalem. This was, however, the city a son, Tobias. 10 When I was taken to the city
chosen among all the tribes of Israel to be the of Nineveh as a prisoner, all my relatives and
place of sacrifice for all the tribes, and where those of our family ate the pagans’ food.
11
the Temple, the house of God the Most High, But I watched over myself so as not to eat
had been built and consecrated for all gen- it 12 because I remembered God with all my
erations forever. heart. 13 The Most High let me be esteemed by
1K 5
All the tribes which had separated, in- Shalmaneser and I became his purchaser. 14 I
12:26 cluding the tribe of Naphtali my father, sacri- used to go to Media to make purchases for
ficed to the calf Baal which Jeroboam, king of him until he died; one day I left on deposit with
Israel, had set up at Dan, in the hills of Galilee. Gabael, brother of Gabria, at Rages in Media,
Dt
6
I, alone, often went to Jerusalem for the a sack containing ten talents of silver.
16:16 feasts, as is ordered for all the people of Israel 15
When Shalmaneser died, his son Sen-
by an everlasting decree. I went with the first nacherib became king in his place. In his time
fruits and tithes of my crop, and with the first the highways of Media were in a state of

• 1.1 The Book of Tobit is a short story (see Even though the good he does brings him
introduction to the book of Esther). It is one of misfortune, he remains faithful to his God and
the Deuterocanonical books: see p. 887. faces up to difficult situations. In his poverty he
Who is Tobit? He is a Jew from the north of is concerned about his people.
Palestine, of the tribe of Naphtali, exiled to He is not overcome by the jokes of others, nor
Assyria. by his wife who reproaches him for the good he
Tobit Senior is a man tested by God but not does.
rejected by him. His perseverance in prayer
brings God’s blessings upon him. As we say His wife Anna copes with the situation by
today, “God may delay, but he does not forget.” working in Ahikar’s household, although they
When Tobit becomes the king’s administrator, were formerly rich.
he is not conceited nor does he look down on Tobit’s preoccupation about handing his reli-
others, but remains faithful to his poor, exiled gion down to his son and his concern for the
people. He is an example of solidarity for us. future of his son, show that he is a real father.
 933 TOBIT 3

insurrection so that I could no longer go to mourning. All your songs will be turned into
Mt Media. 16 In the days of Shalmaneser I gave lamentations,” 7 and I wept.
25:35 many alms to my kinsmen. 17 I gave my After sunset I went out and, after I had dug
bread to those who were hungry, my gar- a trench, I buried the man. 8 My neighbors
ments to those who were naked, and if I saw mocked me, saying: “He no longer fears to be
anyone of my tribe dead, and his body put to death for doing that; he had to flee but
thrown over the ramparts of Nineveh I would look he is again burying the dead.” 9 That
2K bury him. 18 I buried secretly those whom same night, after I had buried the body, I
19:35 King Sennacherib killed on returning from returned home. I washed myself and went out
Judea in the days when he was punished by into the courtyard to sleep against the wall;
the king of Heaven because of the blasphe- my face was uncovered because of the heat.
10
mies which he had uttered. In his anger he I did not see that there were sparrows on the Mk
slew a great number of Jews. The king wall of the courtyard and, as my eyes were 5:26
looked for their bodies but could not find open, the hot droppings from the sparrows
them. 19 One of the inhabitants of Nineveh fell into my eyes and formed a white film on
went and told the king that I had buried them, my eyes. I went to find doctors to attend to me
so I went into hiding. for medical treatment but the more ointments
Then I learned that they were looking for they smeared on my eyes, the more blind I
me to put me to death. I was afraid and fled to became because of the film. Finally I became
a distance. 20 All my goods were confiscated totally blind. I suffered from blindness for four
and nothing was left to me that was not taken years. All my brothers were burdened be-
for the royal treasury, except Anna my wife cause of me. Ahikar kept me for two years
and Tobias my son. before he departed for Elymiade.
21 11
2K But only forty days had passed when My wife Anna worked hard at a woman’s
19:37 Sennacherib was killed by his two sons. They task, weaving. 12 On the seventh day of the
fled to Mount Ararat and his son Esarhaddon month of March she cut the cloth and deliv-
became king in Sennacherib’s place. Esar- ered it to her employers. They paid her wages
haddon appointed Ahikar, the son of my and gave her, over and above, a young goat
brother Anael, over all the administration. for food. 13 When she returned home the kid Dt
22
Ahikar intervened on my behalf and I re- began to cry. I said to her, “Where does the 22:1

turned to Nineveh. My nephew Ahikar was little kid come from? Did you steal it? Return
head of the cup bearers, keeper of the seals, it to its owners for we are not allowed to eat
administrator and accountant. Esarhaddon anything that is stolen.”
14
made him second only to himself. But she said, “It is a gift which has been Job
given to me in addition to my wages.” “I don’t 2:9
1
When I returned to my house, my wife believe it. I tell you to return it to its owners.”
2 Anna and my son Tobias were given I was ashamed of her.
back to me. At the feast of Pentecost, the She replied, “What about your own alms-
sacred feast of the Seven Weeks, they pre- giving and your good deeds? I have to put up
pared a good meal for me and I sat down to with all this from you.”
eat. 2 I saw the many dishes and said to my
son: “Go and bring as many as you can find Prayer of Tobit
of our relatives who are in need and who • 1 Distressed, I wept and prayed and
remember the Lord. I will wait here for them.” 3 expressing my sorrow, I said, 2 “You are
3
When Tobias returned, he said: “Father, one just, O Lord; all your actions and all your
of ours has been strangled and thrown into ways are merciful and just; your judgments
the public square.” 4 Before I ate anything I are always true and just. 3 Remember me,
hurried out and carried this man into the Lord, and look on me. Do not punish me for
house and waited till sunset to bury him. my sins nor for the wrongs I have committed
5
When I returned home I washed myself and through ignorance. Pardon the sins which my
Am ate my food in sorrow. 6 I remembered the fathers have committed in your sight, 4 for
8:10 prophecy which Amos uttered against they disobeyed your commandments. You
Bethel: “Your feasts will be turned into have allowed us to suffer pillage, captivity

• 3.1 He has dedicated his life in faithfulness to suffer all this to enter into his glory?” (Lk
to God and now finds himself poor, blind and, 24:26).
even, insulted by his wife Anna. How does he He is in solidarity with his sinner people and
react? He presents his problem to God without finds it just to be punished, even though he asks
complaining about anyone, not even about his to be freed from this punishment.
wife. He feels incapable of fighting alone in life, and
In the Bible we repeatedly see that God tests us asks for death, but leaves everything in God’s
before granting us a special favor. We will really hands.
understand when we hear what Christ says to the His prayer is to ask for strength and the ability
disciples of Emmaus: “Did not the Messiah have to fulfill what God says and demands and not to
TOBIT 3 934

and death. You have allowed us to be mocked blessed is your holy and glorious Name
by all the pagan nations among whom we throughout the ages. May all your works Dn
have been dispersed. 5 Ah well! All your judg- praise you forever. 12 Lord I have turned my 6:11
ments are just when you choose to punish me eyes and my face towards you. 13 Command
for my sins and those of my fathers, because that I be set free from the earth and that I may
we have not accomplished your will, nor have hear no more insults. 14 You know, O Lord,
we sincerely obeyed your commands. We that I am pure of all contact with man; 15 that
have not walked before you in truth. I have not defiled my name, nor my father’s
6
Do with me as you will. Order my life name in the country of my captivity. I am my
taken from me, and turn me into dust, be- father’s only daughter. He has no other son or
cause I prefer death to life. In this way free me daughter who can inherit from him, neither
and let me return to dust. It is better for me to has he a close relative who can be given to me
die than to live, because these unjust re- as a husband. So, after my seven husbands
proaches have caused me great distress. are dead, I have no one to live for. If it does not
Command that I be now released from trials, seem good to you, O Lord, that I should die,
and let me enter my eternal dwelling place. command that people will respect me and
Do not turn your face away from me.” have pity on me and that I may hear no more
insults.”
Sara’s misfortune 16
The Lord in his glory heard the prayer of
• 7 That same day, at Ecbatana in Media, Tobit and of Sara 17 and he sent Raphael to
Sara, the daughter of Ragouel, was insulted in heal them both – to give back his sight to
a similar way by her father’s young maidser- Tobit and to give Sara, the daughter of
vants. 8 Sara had had seven husbands, but the Ragouel, to Tobit’s son Tobias, as his wife.
demon Asmodeus had killed each one of Also, Raphael would enchain the wicked de-
them before the marriage had been consum- mon Asmodeus so that Sara would be the
mated. The maidservants said, “It was you wife of Tobias.
who killed your husbands. You have had At the same time Tobit, who had gone for
seven husbands and you have not enjoyed a short walk, returned to the house; and Sara,
marital relationship with any of them. 9 Why the daughter of Ragouel, came down from the
do you punish us? Since they are dead, go upper room.
and join them. May we never see a son or
daughter of yours!” Tobit, now old, sends Tobias to a distant
10 land
That same day Sara was so distressed in
mind that she went to the upper room in her • 1 The same day Tobit remembered the
father’s house. She wished to hang herself. 4 money which he had deposited with
But she thought better of it and said: “If Gabael at Rages in Media, and he said to
people ever reproached my father and said to himself: 2 “I have asked for death, had I better
him: ‘You had an only daughter whom you not call Tobias and tell him about this money
cherished and she hanged herself because before I die?”
she was unhappy,’ I would cause my father in 3
He called Tobias and said to him: “My Sir
his old age to die of grief. It is better for me not son, when I die, see to my burial. Look after 7:27
to hang myself but to ask the Lord that I may your mother. Honor her all the days of your
die and not live to hear any more insults.” life. Do what pleases her and do not cause her
11
At that moment she stretched forth her any pain. 4 Remember, my son, that she
hands towards the window and prayed, say- suffered much pain on your account when
ing, “You are blessed, O Lord my God, and you were in her womb. When she dies, bury

present to God his own plan and ask him to everything because he is being criticized, without
realize it, as we often do when we pray. looking at all the good he would not accomplish
if he quit.
• 7. When we find ourselves in Sara’s situ-
ation, we immediately blame God. • 4.1 At the moment when the young Tobit
Sara thinks about her problem and, in think- sets out in his journey, his father transmits to him
ing, she sees that she must change her mind and all his wisdom. Honesty, of course, in all sectors
must not ask for death. When we look at one of life, knowing that God is just and that he never
isolated event in life, we can despair, but if we forgets to reward those who serve him – Tobit
look at the whole, we will always find some speaks from a long experience of life and an
reason to keep on struggling. awareness of the providence of God.
Sara’s reason to keep on living is her love for There follows an invitation to give “alms,” a
her father and her desire to give him heirs. word which seems old-fashioned but which sim-
Whenever there is despair it is because we look ply means sharing. However poor the Jewish
only at one aspect of life as, for example, the people may have been, giving the tenth part of
economic aspect. Oftentimes, someone who their incomes seemed quite normal.
fights for a cause, or a ruler, wants to give up Then comes the command of marrying a girl
 935 TOBIT 5

her next to me, in the same tomb. 5 Always make your plans and projects succeed be-
remember the Lord our God. Do not consent cause not every nation has true wisdom. It is
to sin or go against his commandments. Act the Lord who gives everything and he
justly all the days of your life, and do not walk humbles those whom he wishes. My son,
in the paths of wrongdoing, 6 for, if you act remember my advice and do not let it be
uprightly, you will be successful in all you do. erased from your heart.
20
Dt 7
Give alms from what you have to those I also wish to mention the ten talents of
15:10
who act justly and do good. Do not be grudg- silver which I placed on deposit with Gabael,
Pro
19:17 ing when you give alms. Do not turn away son of Gabria, at Rages in Media. 21 Do not
2Cor your face from anyone who is poor so that fear, my son, because we have become poor.
9:7 If you fear God, if you abstain from all sin and
God may not turn away his face from you.
8
Give alms in proportion to the amount you if you do what is pleasing in God’s sight – in
have; if you have little, do not be afraid to give this way you will have great wealth.”
alms according to the little you have.
9
Mt In this way you are storing up treasure 1
Tobias spoke to Tobit, “Father, I shall
6:20
1Tim
against the day of tribulation, because 5 do everything you have asked. 2 But how
10
6:19 almsgiving frees us from death and keeps can I get the money from this man. He does
us from wandering in the darkness. 11 For, in not know me and I do not know him. What
fact, almsgiving is, for the one who practices proof of identity shall I give him to make him
it, a precious treasure in the eyes of God. trust me and give me the money? Also, I do
12
Keep yourself, my son, from all unlawful not know the way to Media.”
sexual relations and, above all, take a wife 3
Tobit gave Tobias a receipt and said to
from the tribe of your fathers. Do not take a him, “My son, find a trustworthy man to go
foreign woman, one who does not belong to with you, and on your return I shall give him
the tribe of our fathers, because we are child- a salary until he dies. When you reach Rages,
ren of the prophets. Remember, my son, that collect the money from the man Gabael.”
in former times our fathers, Noah, Abraham,
Isaac and Jacob took wives from among their He needs a companion and is given an angel
relatives so that they might be blessed in their • 4 Tobias went to look for a man and he
children and that their race might possess the found Raphael. Raphael was an angel but
land. 13 Love your relatives and do not de- Tobias did not know it. 5 Tobias said to Ra- Heb
spise the sons and daughters of your people phael, “Can you go with me to Rages in 13:2
to the point where you would take a foreign Media? Do you know the place?” 6 The angel
woman as your wife. Pride brings about ruin said to Tobias, “I will go with you. I know the
and your complete downfall; in laziness are way and I have even spent a night with your
found extreme humiliation and indigence; kinsman, Gabael.”
laziness is the mother of want, hunger, fam- 7
Tobias said to Raphael, “Wait for me. I
ine. am going to speak to my father. I want you to
14
Lev Do not keep back overnight the wages come with me to Media and I will pay you.”
19:13 of any man who has worked for you but give 8
Raphael said to Tobias, “Go, but do not
them as soon as possible. If you serve God, delay.” 9 Tobias went in and said to his father,
you will be rewarded. “I have found the man who will go with me.”
Take care in all your actions and behave His father said, “Bring this man to me. I want
Lk correctly in all you do. 15 Do not do to another to know the name of his tribe. I want to know
6:31
what you would hate done to yourself. Do not if I can trust him to go with you.” Tobias went
drink wine to the point of drunkenness; do not out and called Raphael. Tobias said to Ra-
let drunkenness be a life-long companion. phael, “Young man, my father wants to see
16
Give your bread to those who are hungry you.” 10 Raphael entered the house and ap-
and your clothes to those who are naked; give proached Tobit. 11 Tobit said to him, “Friend,
alms of everything you have over. 17 Scatter what is the name of your tribe and of your
your bread on the tombs of the just; do not family? Tell me.” 12 Raphael said to him, “Are
give it to those who are sinners. 18 Take you looking for a tribe and a family or for a
counsel of those who are wise and do not hired man to go with your son?” Tobit said to
despise any useful advice. him, “Friend, I want to know your tribe and
19
In all circumstances bless the Lord and your name.” 13 Raphael said, “I am Azarias,
ask him to make your ways upright; and to the son of Ananias the Great, one of your

of his race and his religion. Of course we find • 5.4 The journey of Tobias to Rages will
there the Jewish consciousness of being a race also be a spiritual experience. He meets an angel
which must stand apart from others by faithful- of God in human form and this friend, Azarias,
ness to its mission. For Christians also, marriage will help him with advice. He will lead him to
cannot only be the access to shared love but discover the will of God and in so doing Tobias
should always serve a mission. will be able to free Sara from her demon.
TOBIT 5 936

kinsmen.” 14 Tobit said to him, “Welcome, journey until they reached Media. Tobias said
my brother! Do not be angry with me because to Raphael, “Friend Azarias, what remedy is
I have tried to find out the name of your tribe there in the heart, the liver and the gall of the
and your family, for now I find that you are my fish?” 8 Raphael said to him, “If you burn the
kinsman, that you come from a noble and heart and the liver in the presence of a man or
good family. Indeed, I knew Ananias and a woman who is tormented by a devil or an
Nathan, sons of Semaiah the Great. We used evil spirit, their torments will cease. 9 As for
to travel together to worship in the city of the gall, if you smear it on a man whose eyes
Jerusalem and bring the firstborn of our are covered with a white film, his eyes will be
sheep, and a tithe of our produce. They did cured.”
10
not adopt pagan practices when other When they had entered Media and were
countrymen went astray. My friend, you already approaching Ecbatana, 11 Raphael
come of good stock. 15 But tell me what salary said to Tobias, “Friend, we shall spend the
should I give you, a drachma a day, and night at the house of Ragouel. He is a relative
whatever is necessary for you as well as for of yours. He has no son, just an only daughter
my son? 16 I shall give you something over called Sara. 12 I will speak to him and ask that
and above if you return in safety.” They he give her to you as your wife. 13 You are the
settled on that. one who is nearest of kin and free to marry
Raphael said to Tobit, “I will go with him. her. You alone are of her tribe and you should
Do not be afraid. We shall set out in safety and inherit her father’s goods. The girl is wise,
return to you in safety, because I am sure of good, courageous and very beautiful and her
the way.” 17 Then Tobit called his son Tobias father is a good man. So listen, friend, tonight
and said to him, “My child, prepare what is we will marry you to her. When we return from
necessary for the journey and set out with Rages, we shall take her with us and intro-
your friend. May the God of Heaven protect duce her into your home. She belongs to you
you on your way and may he bring you back rather than to any other man according to the
to me in safety. May his angel go with you on Law of Moses, and any trespasser would die.
the way.” Then Tobias prepared to leave. He So I know that Ragouel will not give her to any
kissed his father and mother and Tobit said to other man.
Tobias, “Safe journey!”
18 An obedient son
The two companions were setting off
14
and Tobias’ dog followed him when Anna, the Then Tobias said to Raphael, “Friend
mother of Tobias, burst into tears and said to Azarias, I have heard that this girl has been
Tobit, “Why have you sent away our child? Is given in marriage to seven husbands and
he not our support as he comes and goes?” they all died in the bridal chamber. I am my
19
Anna said, “What use is it to add money father’s only son and I fear that once I have
to money? Better we save our son’s life. 20 Is entered the room I shall die, like all those
not what God has provided for us enough to before me, because a demon loves her, and
live on?” he harms those who approach her. 15 Well, I
21
Tobit said to her, “Don’t get upset, my fear death. I also fear causing my father and
sister. He will return in safety. You will see him mother to die of grief on my account, for they
again. 22 Indeed a good angel will go with him; have no other son to bury them.” 16 The angel
he will have a successful journey and he will said to Tobias, “Do you not remember your
return in safety.” father’s advice to marry a woman of your own
tribe? Well, listen to me, my friend. She will be
The fish in the Tigris your wife. Do not worry about the demon as
1
Anna then stopped crying. 2 Raphael this very night she will become your wife.
6 and Tobias continued their journey and 17
“When you enter the wedding chamber
that evening they reached the River Tigris. you will take some glowing embers of in-
They spent the night there. cense, and you will put on top of them part of
3
As Tobias went to wash his feet, a big fish the heart and liver of the fish. 18 As soon as the Gen
fire begins to smoke, the demon will smell it 24:14
rose out of the river and tried to swallow
Tobias’ foot. 4 Raphael said to Tobias, “Catch and flee never to return. And when you go to
that fish!” Tobias seized the fish and drew it to Sara, stand up together and call on the all-
land. 5 Raphael then said to Tobias, “Open merciful God. He will keep you safe because
the fish. Take out its heart, liver and gall and he has compassion. Do not be afraid, be-
put them away carefully. Throw away the cause from all eternity Sara has been des-
intestines. The gall, the heart and the liver of tined to be your wife. You will save her, and
this fish are useful remedies.” 6 Tobias did as she will go with us. And I am sure that she will
the angel told him. He opened up the fish, bear you children.”
kept the gall, the heart and the liver; then they 19
When Tobias heard Raphael’s words, he Gen
cooked the fish and ate it. loved Sara and his heart became strongly 24:67
7
Then the two of them continued their attached to her.
 937 TOBIT 8
1
When they arrived in Ecbatana Tobias to the Law of Moses and you have to under-
7 said to Raphael, “Friend Azarias, take stand that God himself gives her to you.
me straightaway to our friend Ragouel.” So Receive your kinswoman, from now on you
Raphael led Tobias to Ragouel’s house and are her brother and she is your sister. She is
they found Ragouel sitting by the door of the yours from today and forever. Now God will
courtyard. bless you this night and may he give you both
2
Ragouel said to his wife, Edna, “This his mercy and peace.”
12
young man is very like my cousin Tobit!” He called his daughter Sara and taking
3
Gen Edna questioned them, “Where have you her by the hand, he gave her to Tobias as his
29:4- come from, my friends?” They replied, “We wife. He said, “According to Moses’ Law, take
6
are of the sons of Naphtali who live as exiles her now and bring her to your father’s house.”
in Nineveh.” 4 She asked them, “Do you know And he blessed them. 13 Ragouel then called
my kinsman, Tobit?” 5 They said, “Yes, we Edna his wife; taking a sheet of parchment,
know him.” She continued, “Is he in good he wrote down a matrimonial contract and
health?” Then Tobias said, “Tobit is my fa- they both affixed their seals. 14 Then they all
ther.” began to eat. 15 Ragouel called his wife and
6
Ragouel ran towards him and covered said to her “My sister, prepare the other room
him with kisses, then in tears he blessed and take Sara there.” 16 Edna did as Ragouel
Tobias and said to him, “Blessings on you, told her and she took Sara to this room and
you are the son of a good and worthy man!” Sara began to cry. Edna dried her daughter’s
7
When he learned that Tobit had lost his sight tears and said, 17 “Have courage, my child,
he grieved and wept. “What a misfortune that the God of heaven and earth will change your
a man who is so just and generous should sorrow into joy. Have confidence, my daugh-
become blind!” 8 His wife Edna and his ter!”
daughter Sara wept also and they received
1
Tobias and Raphael with great kindness. When they had finished eating and
9
They killed a sheep and served them numer- 8 drinking they wished to go to bed, so they
ous dishes. escorted Tobias to the bedroom where Sara
was. 2 Tobias remembered Raphael’s words.
How God’s children marry He took the liver and the heart of the fish
• After they had bathed and washed, as which he had in a bas.ket and put them on the Mt
they were relaxing before the meal, Tobias hot coals of incense. 3 The smell of the fish 12:22-
said to Raphael, “Friend Azarias, tell Ragouel made the devil flee to the upper regions of 30
43-
to give me Sara my kinswoman. Talk about Egypt where Raphael chained him up. 45
4
what you were saying during our journey, that When Sara’s parents had left the room
the matter may come about and be accom- and closed the door, Tobias got up from the
plished.” 10 Ragouel overheard the conversa- bed and said to Sara, “Get up, my sister, and
tion and he said to Tobias, “Eat, drink and be let us ask the Lord to have mercy on us and
merry tonight. You are the man who has most save us.” 5 She got up and they began to pray,
right to take Sara my daughter because you asking that they be given life. Tobias began
are my kinsman. Indeed it is impossible for like this,
me to give her to any other man but you, “May you be blessed, O Lord God of our
because you are my closest relative. But, my fathers, and may your holy and glorious
Gen son, I must tell you the whole story. 11 I gave Name be blessed forever. May the heavens
24:35 her to seven husbands from among our kins- and all creatures bless you. 6 You created Gen
men. They each died on the wedding night. Adam and you gave him Eve, his wife, as a 2:18
Sir
But, for the moment, my son, eat and drink helper and companion, so that from these 36:24
and the Lord will arrange things for you.” two the human race might be born.
Tobias said, “I shall eat nothing if you do You said: ‘It is not good that man should be
not stop now and bring this matter to a alone, let us give him a companion who is like
conclusion.” Ragouel said to Tobias, “Take himself.’ 7 Now, Lord, I take my sister to
her from now on; I give her to you according myself in sincerity and love, not merely seek-

• 7.9 This way of celebrating marriage be- ourselves in the great crisis of the twentieth
longs, first of all, to family religion. Such has century: the family, why? In some ancient coun-
been the custom in a great number of countries tries, the suicidal option was considered normal:
and religions. It is difficult to say what was added a couple without children or with one or two; in
to this family liturgy when Christians of the other words, the death of a nation in a more or
primitive Church wanted their marriage to be less brief span of time.
recognized. It is the family which traditionally See the call to the law of Moses: the official
feels it has a duty to perpetuate itself through celebration of marriage helps husband and wife
marriage. to understand that they are really committing
Only in the last centuries was the priority of their lives: they will not find themselves unless it
mutual love affirmed; and before long we found be in fulfilling a common mission.
 TOBIT 8 938

ing pleasure. Have mercy on us and grant us stayed the night in Gabael’s house. Raphael
a long life together.” 8 Together they said, presented him with the receipt, and Gabael
“Amen,” 9 and returned to bed for the night. brought out the sealed bags of money and
Ragouel got up early and called his ser- gave them to him. 6 The next morning they
vants and told them to dig a grave. 10 For he arose early and set off to the wedding. When
said to himself, “What if this man should also they entered Ragouel’s house, they found
die and we become an object of scorn and Tobias at the table. Gabael went to him and
reproach.” 11 Then Ragouel entered the embraced him. He wept and blessed Tobias
house and said to his wife, 12 Edna, “Send one saying, “Good and worthy man, son of a good
of the maidservants to see if Tobias is alive. and honest father, a man who is just and
If he has died, we will bury him without compassionate, may the Lord of Heaven
anyone knowing.” bless you and your wife. May he also bless the
13
The maidservant opened the door and father and mother of your wife. Blessed be
saw them asleep. 14 She then went to tell them God because I have seen Tobias, my cousin,
that Tobias was alive. 15 Ragouel blessed the who is so like his father.”
Lord saying, “May you be blessed, O Lord,
1
with all pure and holy blessings. May the Each morning Tobit counted how
saints and all your creatures bless you. May 10 many days it would be before Tobias
all the angels and the elect bless you forever. would return from his journey. When the time
16
May you be blessed for having filled me was up and his son, Tobias, and his compan-
with joy. What I feared has not happened, but ion, Raphael, had not yet returned, 2 he
you have treated us with great kindness thought, “Maybe he has received a refusal, or
17
and have had mercy on these two who are perhaps Gabael is dead and there is no one to
only children. Have mercy on them, Lord, hand over the money.” 3 He became very sad.
4
and give them your grace and protection so Anna his wife said, “My son is dead or he
that they may be blessed with good health would not delay so long.” She began to
and great joy all their lives. May they always lament over him saying, 5“Why did I let you
live in your grace.” go, light of my eyes!” 6 Tobit said to her,
18
Then he sent his servants to fill in the “Calm yourself, my sister. Do not worry. He is
grave before daybreak. well.” 7 She replied, “Keep quiet, do not try to Gen
deceive me, my child is dead.” Every day she 45:26
Ragouel organized for Tobias and Sara a
wedding feast which was to last fourteen went out along the road which her son had
Gen days. 19 He told his wife to bake a batch of taken. By day, she took no food; by night, she
18:6 bread. He went to the stable, brought out two never ceased crying, unable to sleep.
oxen and four sheep and ordered that they be When the fourteen days of festivities were
killed and prepared. 20 He then called Tobias over during which Ragouel had sworn that
and said to him, “You will stay here for Tobias should stay with him, Tobias went to
fourteen days, eating and drinking in my Ragouel and said, “Let me return home be-
house, and you will bring joy to my daughter, cause my parents will certainly be despairing
who has suffered so much.” Ragouel swore that they will never see me again.” 8 Ragouel
an oath and told Tobias that he should not set replied, “Stay with me and I will send messen-
out before the fourteen days of the wedding gers to your father to give him news of you.”
festivities were over. And he said, “You will go 9
Tobias said, “No, let me go to them.” 10 Then
home to your father in safety. 21 You will take Ragouel handed over to him his wife Sara and
with you half of my possessions; the other half of all his goods: servants, oxen, sheep,
half will be yours when I and Edna die. Have donkeys, camels, clothes, silver and various
confidence, my son, I am now your father and other things. Ragouel blessed them and al-
Edna is your mother. From now on we shall lowed them to set out. 11 Bidding farewell to
be close to you and your wife. Have confi- Tobias he said to him, “Goodbye, my son,
dence!” safe journey! May the Lord of Heaven bless
you and make you fruitful and may I see your
1
Tobias called Raphael and said to him, children before I die.”
9 2
“Brother Azarias, please take with you 12
To his daughter, Sara, he said, “Honor
a manservant and two camels and go to your parents-in-law, since from now on they
Rages in Media. 3 Call on Gabael, give him the are your parents just as we are who gave you
receipt and recover the money. Then invite life. Go in peace, my daughter, and may we
Gabael to the wedding feast. You saw that always hear good things of you.” He em-
Ragouel made me swear an oath, so I may not braced her and let them depart. Edna, in her
depart from this house without breaking the turn, said to Tobias, “My dear son, may the
oath. 4 Yet you know that my father is count- Lord bring you back one day so that I may see
ing the days and if I delay longer than neces- your children and be happy before the Lord.
sary he will be worried. I entrust my daughter to your care. Do not
5
Raphael set out for Rages in Media and cause her any sadness.”
 939 TOBIT 12
13
After that Tobias left Ragouel’s house. Nineveh. All those who saw him, walking
He praised God who had brought his journey alone and unaided, were amazed that he
to such a happy conclusion, and he blessed could see. 17 Tobit proclaimed to them that
Ragouel and his wife, Edna. God had taken pity on him and cured him.
Then he went to Sara and blessed her saying,
Tobias returns to his father’s house “Welcome, daughter! May God be blessed for
1
When they arrived near Kaserin which having brought you to us and may your father
11 faces the city of Nineveh, 2 Raphael and mother also be blessed.”
said to Tobias, “You know in what state your It was a day of great rejoicing for all Tobit’s
father Tobit was when we left him; 3 let us go relatives who lived in Nineveh. 18 Ahikar,
ahead to prepare the house before your wife Tobit’s nephew and Nabad arrived (from
Sara arrives. 4 Bring with you the gall of the Elymiade) and the wedding celebrations
fish.” The dog also went with them, walking lasted for a week.
behind them.
5
Now Anna was sitting there, scanning the It is fitting to discover and praise the works
road along which her son should return. 6 She of God
saw Tobias and Raphael coming in the dis- • 1 When the wedding feast was over,
tance and said to the father of Tobias, “Your 12 Tobit called Tobias, his son, and said
son is coming with the man who accompa- to him, “Be sure you give the wages to the
nied him.” man who accompanied you, and we should
7
While Tobias and Raphael were still go- add something extra.” 2 Tobias said, “What
ing along the road, Raphael said to Tobias, “I shall I give him? It would not be too much if I
am sure that your father will regain his sight. were to give him half of what I have brought
8
Rub his eyes with the fish gall and when he back since 3 he has brought me home again
feels his eyes itching, he will rub them and the safe and sound. He has taken care of my wife
film will come away like scales from his eyes. and he helped me to get back the money. He
He will regain his sight and see the light.” has also cured your blindness.” 4 The old man
Gen
9
Anna ran to meet Tobias and threw her said, “That amount would be well justified in
46:30 arms around his neck saying, “At last I have his case.”
seen you again, my child. Now I can die!” And 5
Then Tobias called the angel and said to
both of them began to cry. 10 Tobit also got up him, “Please take half of all that you have
and, stumbling, arrived at the door of the brought.” 6 The angel took Tobit and Tobias
courtyard. Tobias ran to him 11 with the fish to one side and said to them,
gall in his hand. He breathed on his father’s “Bless God, return thanks to him, pro-
eyes, embraced him and said, “Father, have claim his glory and render him thanks before
Lk confidence!” 12 Then he spread the fish gall on all the living for all he has done for you. It is
15:20 Tobit’s eyes. Tobias waited. 13 When his eyes good to praise God and to exalt his Name, by
began to itch, Tobit rubbed them and with making known in a worthy manner the story
both hands scaled off the film from the cor- of God’s deeds. Do not be slow in giving him
ners of his eyes. When Tobit saw his son he thanks. 7 It is good to hide the secrets of kings
threw his arms around Tobias’ neck 14 and but to make known publicly the works of God.
began to weep. He said, “Blessed be you, O Do the works of God. Do good, and evil will
God. Blessed be your Name forever. Blessed not harm you. 8 It is a good thing to accom-
be your holy angels. 15 You have punished pany prayer with fasting, almsgiving and
me, but you have taken pity on me, and now justice. It is better to do a little with honor than
I can see my son, Tobias.” much with injustice. It is better to give alms
Tobias was very happy. After entering the than to treasure up gold. 9 Almsgiving pre- Dn
house he told his father about the important serves from death; it purifies from all sin. 4:24
Sir
things that had happened in Media. He told Those people who give alms and act justly 3:30
his father about the successful outcome of his will have a long life, 10 but sinners only harm
journey, how he got the money, and how he themselves.
married Sara, daughter of Ragouel, who just 11
I will hide nothing from you. Yes, I have
then was approaching the gates of Nineveh. said that it is good to keep the secrets of kings
16
Tobit, happy and praising God, went out but to make known publicly the glorious
to meet his daughter-in-law at the gates of works of God. 12 Tobit, when you and your

• 12.1 Almsgiving – sharing – preserves themselves in difficulties for which they cannot
from death; it purifies from all sin. The words always blame “society”, we must also ask our-
used by Tobit are those of a society which in no selves if we have sufficiently shared with others,
way resembles our own. Sharing today takes thereby drawing God’s blessing. The Wisdom
many forms when nations begin to realize we Books will repeat it: the unjust borrow and never
are all one humanity. Sharing remains a basic repay, the just give generously and have what
law: if today many individuals and families find they need.
 TOBIT 12 940

daughter-in-law Sara prayed, I kept the re- and show his strength and greatness to my
membrance of your prayer before the Holy sinful people.
One; when you, Tobit, buried the dead, 13 I Be converted, you sinners, and live justly
was with you in the same way; and when you before him,
did not hesitate to rise up and leave your meal certain that he will be pleased with you and
in order to hide the dead man, your good deed show you mercy.
did not go unnoticed because I was with you. 9
I will praise my God the King of heaven;
14
Well, God sent me to cure you and also my soul, radiant with happiness, will pro-
Mt to cure Sara, your daughter-in-law. 15 I am claim his greatness.
18:10 Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who
Lk 10
1:19 present the prayers of holy people and who May all in Jerusalem give thanks to him.
11
Rev stand before the glory of God.” Jerusalem, holy city, God will punish 1Tim
8:2 1:17
16
They both trembled with fear. They you because of the sins of your children,
threw themselves face downwards on the but he will have pity once more on the
ground because they were seized with terror. children of the just.
17
But Raphael said to them, “Do not be afraid; Jerusalem, return thanks to the Lord in a
be at peace! Bless God always, 18 for I did not worthy manner
come on my own account but because God and bless the King of the ages,
willed it. Bless him forever. 19 All the time that in order that his Temple may be rebuilt in
I was visible to you I neither ate nor drank your midst with joy;
Jdg anything. I only appeared to do so. 20 Now 12
that, there, God will gladden your exiles
13:20 bless and give thanks to God, because I am
Jn and show love to the unfortunate.
20- returning to the One who sent me. Write down 13
Many nations will come from afar to
17 in a book all that has happened.” celebrate the Name of the Lord God.
Acts 21
1:10
Then he rose up and disappeared. Tobit They will carry gifts in their hands, gifts for
and Tobias got up, but Raphael was no the King of heaven.
longer visible. 22 They made known the great Generation after generation will manifest
and wonderful works of God and how an their joy,
angel of the Lord had appeared to them. and your name will be glorified forever.
The song of Tobit 14
Jerusalem, cursed be all who hate you.
1
Tobit, in an ecstasy of joy, composed Blessed forever be those who love you.
13 a prayer: “Blessed be God, living and 15
You will rejoice and be glad
reigning for all ages. because the children of the just will be
2
It is he who punishes and he who has gathered again to praise the Lord of all ages.
16
mercy; Blessed those who love you, Jerusalem,
who makes people go down to hell and and rejoice in your peace.
rise up again. Blessed also those who have sorrowed
No one can escape his hand. because of your calamities;
3
Give him thanks, people of Israel, before they will rejoice again on seeing your glory
all the nations. and they will share your happiness forever.
Though he has dispersed you among May my soul bless God, the great King,
them 4 he now shows you his greatness. 17
because Jerusalem will be rebuilt.
Is
Exalt him before all the living, Her gates will be built of sapphires and 54:11
because he is our God and Lord, emeralds, Rev
our Father forever. her walls of precious stones, her towers 21:18
5
He punishes us for our wrongdoing and ramparts of pure gold,
but again he will forgive us. her squares will be paved with mosaics of
He will bring us together again beryl, ruby, and stone of Ophir.
18
from amongst all the nations among All her streets will cry out with joy and
whom we have been dispersed. her inhabitants will shout, “Alleluia.”
Dt 6
If you turn back to him with all your heart They will praise God saying, “Blessed be
30:2
and soul, God who has glorified you forever.”
and live justly before him,
Last words of Tobit
then he will turn back to you
1
and will no longer hide his face from In this way Tobit ended his song of
you. 14 thanksgiving. Tobit died peacefully at
7
See what he has done for you the age of one hundred and twelve years, and
and return him thanks aloud. was buried with honor in Nineveh. 2 He was
Bless the Lord who alone is just sixty-two years old when he became blind.
and praise the King of ages. Eight years later he regained his sight. He
8
I, in the land of my captivity, lived happily, practiced almsgiving, and con-
will return him thanks tinued to praise God and to proclaim his great
 941 TOBIT 14

works. 3 When he was very old he called 9

Now, my children, I give you this advice:
Tobias and said to him, “My son, you see that serve God and do what is pleasing in his sight.
I have become old and that I am near death. Teach your children how to exercise justice
Take your children 4 and go to Media because and how to give alms. Teach them also to
I believe in the word of God which Nahum remember God and to bless his name sin-
prophesied about Nineveh. Everything that cerely at all times, with all their strength.
10
the prophets sent by God pronounced about The very day that you bury your mother
Assyria and Nineveh will happen. No word here beside me, do not stay overnight in this
will be forgotten but it will all come to pass in place. I know that the people here commit
due time. Nineveh will be destroyed. You will many injustices and practice great treachery
be safer in Media, where there will be peace and no one is ashamed of doing so. You see
for some time, because I am certain and I what Nadab did to Ahikar my nephew who
believe that all that God has said will be had brought him up. He buried him alive. But
fulfilled. God punished Nadab by exposing his injus-
Our brothers and sisters who live in the tice. He brought Ahikar into the light and sent
land of Israel will be dispersed and led away Nadab down into eternal darkness, because
into captivity. As a result the whole of the land he had tried to kill him. Because he gave
of Israel will be deserted. Jerusalem and alms, Ahikar was delivered from the death
Samaria will be desolate. The House of God planned for him by Nadab. Instead, Nadab
will be burned down and left in ruins for some fell into the trap and perished. 11 See how
time. 5 But God will again take pity on his almsgiving and uprightness can save you
people and they will return to their land. They and how wrongdoing leads to death. But I feel
will rebuild the Temple, though it will not be I am breathing my last.” They laid him on his
like the first one until better times come. bed and he died. He was given an honorable
When that time comes they will all return burial.
12
from captivity. They will rebuild Jerusalem in When Anna his mother died, Tobias
all its magnificence. In it they will rebuild the buried her next to his father. Then Tobias with
House of God in all its glory for all generations his wife and family made their way to Media
to come, just as the prophets have foretold. and settled in Ecbatana near Ragouel, his
6
Ezk People of all nations will be converted father-in-law. 13 He took great care of his
40 and know the true God. They will bury their parents-in-law in their old age and he buried
Ezk idols which led them into error 7 and they will them with honor in Ecbatana in Media.
33:24 praise the God of Justice. All the Israelites Tobias inherited Ragouel’s fortune as well as
Ps
104: saved at that time will remember the Lord in that of his father Tobit. 14 Tobias died at the
35 all truth. They will come together and go to age of one hundred and twenty-seven years
Jerusalem. They will live securely forever in at Echbatana in Media. 15 But before he died Nh
the land of Abraham which will be given back he saw the downfall of Nineveh which Nebu- 3:19

to them. Those who sincerely love God will chadnezzar destroyed. He saw the Ninevites
rejoice. But sinners and the unjust will disap- and the Assyrians reduced to slavery and
pear from the earth. taken to Media. Thus, before he died, he was
8
My son, leave Nineveh. Do not remain able to rejoice over the fate of Nineveh. He
here. blessed the Lord God forever.
 942

JUDITH

The Book of Judith is an edifying narrative (see introduction of Esther). It was inspired
by records and legends of the national resistance at the time of the Maccabees.
There was a promise made by God to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3); it is insisted upon
more clearly in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28. According to this promise, God would
defend his people when they were faithful to the Law, but would deliver them to their
enemies whenever they did not follow the Law.
The Book of Judith (Judith means the Jewess) attempts to demonstrate that God keeps
his promise.
God’s people returned from exile a short time before. They rebuilt the capital,
Jerusalem, restored the Temple and the worship of God, and were resettling in the entire
country. In short, they were living a period of faithfulness to God and, according to his
promise, God would protect them.

A power that destroys Samaria and its towns, and beyond the Jor-
1 dan as far as Jerusalem, Bethany, Chelous,
It was in the twelfth year of the reign of
1 Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Assyrians,
Kadesh, the River of Egypt, Tahpanhes,
Raamses, and all the country of Goshen 10 as
who ruled in the great city of Nineveh that, at far as the region beyond Tanis and Memphis,
the same time, Arphaxad, king of the Medes, and to all the inhabitants of Egypt as far as the
ruled at Ecbatana. 2 Arphaxad had built country of Ethiopia.
around Ecbatana ramparts of stone, with 11
But the inhabitants of all these regions
each stone cut to the size of one and a half took no notice of the order of Nebu-
meters wide and three meters long. The ram- chadnezzar, king of the Assyrians, and did
parts were thirty-five meters high and twenty- not join him in waging war. They no longer
five meters wide. 3 He built at the gates city feared him because they considered him just
towers which were fifty meters high and like any other man. They sent back his mes-
rested on foundations twenty meters wide. sengers empty-handed and shamefaced.
4
The gates themselves were thirty-five 12
Nebuchadnezzar was greatly enraged
meters high and twenty meters wide, wide against all these regions and swore by his
enough for his valiant warriors and foot sol- throne and by his kingdom to punish all the
diers to march through them in battle array. districts of Cilicia, Damascus and Syria, and
5
In those days, King Nebuchadnezzar made to put to the sword all who were in the lands
war on King Arphaxad in the Great Plain, that of Moab, Ammon, the whole of Judea, and all
is, the plain near the territory of the Ragae. those in Egypt as far as the coasts between
6
All the people who lived in the moun- the two seas. 13 In the seventeenth year,
tains, those who lived along the banks of the Nebuchadnezzar went to battle with his army
rivers Euphrates, Tigris and Hydaspes, those against King Arphaxad, and conquered him
on the plains of Arioch, king of the Elamites, in the campaign. He drove back the army of
and many other peoples joined the ranks of Arphaxad with all his cavalry and chariots.
the Chaldeans to fight against the sons of 14
Nebuchadnezzar occupied all the cities. 1Mac
Cheleoud. Finally, he reached Ecbatana where he de- 1:39
7
Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Assyrians, molished its towers, pillaged the streets of the
sent his messengers to all those living in city and reduced its splendor to ruins. 15 He
Persia and in the West, to the inhabitants of pursued Arphaxad into the mountains of the
Cilicia, Damascus, Lebanon and Anti-Leba- Ragae, pierced him through with arrows and
non, to those along the seacoast, 8 to the utterly destroyed him. 16 Then he returned to
people of Carmel, Gilead, Upper Galilee and Nineveh with a great crowd of followers and
the Great Plain of Esdraelon, 9 to those in a considerable multitude of soldiers. He and
 943 JUDITH 3

his entire army stayed there amusing them- abundant supply of gold and silver from the
selves and feasting for one hundred and king’s treasury.
19
twenty days. Then Holofernes set out on the march
with all his army, with their chariots, cavalry
• 1 On the twenty-second day of the and picked foot soldiers going ahead of King
2 first month in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar to cover all the lands to the
his reign, there was talk in the House of West with this army. 20 They were accompa-
Nebuchadnezzar, king of the Assyrians, of nied by a great crowd of people, so many
punishing all those who had disobeyed the were they that they were like locusts or the
king’s commands. 2 He called together his dust of the earth.
21
ministers and his noblemen, and told them After marching for three days from Nin-
his secret plan. 3 He proclaimed publicly the eveh, Holofernes and his men reached the
total destruction of the land and the punish- plain of Bectileth where they encamped be-
ment of all those who had disregarded his fore the city, near the mountains to the north
call. of Upper Cilicia. 22 Then Holofernes took all
4
As soon as Nebuchadnezzar, king of the his army, foot soldiers, cavalry and chariots,
Assyrians, had made this decision, he sum- and marched into the mountain region. 23 He
moned Holofernes, the chief general of his utterly destroyed Put and Lud, and plundered
army who was second in command, and said all the land of Rassis and of Ishmael on the
to him, 5 “So says the Great King, Lord of all border of the desert to the south of the coun-
the earth, you will set out from my presence, try of the Chaldeans. 24 Then he followed the
taking with you men of true courage, about Euphrates, crossed Mesopotamia and de-
one hundred and twenty thousand foot sol- stroyed all the cities high above the torrent of
diers and a great number of horses with about Abron until he reached the sea. 25 He took
twelve thousand cavalrymen. 6 You will go to possession of the land of Cilicia, and cut
all the countries in the West and punish all the down all who opposed him, and arrived at the
peoples, because they disregarded my or- land of Japheth in the south toward Arabia.
26
ders. 7 Tell them to submit themselves to me He surrounded all the children of Midian,
on land and water, lest in my anger I myself burned their tents and destroyed their live-
march against them. I will cover all the face of stock. 27 Then descending to the plain of
the earth with the footprints of my army, and Damascus at the time of the wheat harvest,
I will give them over to my men to be plun- he burned all their fields, scattered all their
dered by them. 8 The ravines will be filled with animals and killed the young ones, pillaged
their wounded, rivers and torrents will be full their villages, devastated their plains, and put
of their dead. 9 I will lead away their prisoners all their young men to the sword.
28
as captives to the uttermost parts of the earth. The fear and terror of him fell upon all
10
Go, then, and occupy in my name all their the inhabitants of the seacoast, those in Tyre
territories; if they surrender to you, keep and Sidon, in Sur, Ocina and Jamnia. The
them for me that I may punish them. 11 Show people of Azotus and Ascalon also feared
no pity to those who resist you. Hand them him.
over to be massacred and plundered
throughout all their lands. 12 For, as truly as I 1
They therefore sent messengers to
live and by the power of my kingdom, I will 3 Holofernes offering him terms of peace:
carry out with my own hands what I have said. 2
“See, we consider ourselves as servants of
13
And you, do not disobey the words of your Nebuchadnezzar, the great king, do with us
lord nor fail to carry them out exactly as I have as you will. 3 All our farms, our whole territory,
instructed you. Do not change any of them.” all our wheatfields, our oxen and our sheep-
14
Holofernes went out from the presence folds lie before you – use them as you please.
of his lord and called together all the chiefs of 4
See, our towns and all their inhabitants are
staff, the generals and commanders of the yours, deal with them as you wish.” 5 These
army of Assyria. 15 He gathered about a hun- men went to Holofernes and repeated these
dred and twenty thousand specially chosen words.
men for the army as his lord had ordered him, 6
Then Holofernes moved down to the sea-
1Mac and twelve thousand archers. 16 He arranged coast with his army. He stationed garrisons in
3:28 them in battle positions. 17 He took along the hill cities and took from them men whom
camels, donkeys and mules to carry the he chose as auxiliaries. 7 The people of these
baggage, and a great number of sheep, oxen, cities received him, as did all the people of the
and goats for their food. 18 He took a sufficient surrounding countryside, with garlands,
quantity of provisions for each man, and an singing and dancing to the music of tambou-

• 2.1 Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Nineveh, armies to force people to comply; he defeats the
passes a law demanding to be acknowledged as powerful king of the Medes, but the Jewish
the only god; people resist. The king sends his people, unlike the others, refuse to submit.
 JUDITH 3 944
13
2Mac rines. 8 Nevertheless, he still laid waste all The Lord heard their prayer and looked
6:7 their land, cut down their sacred woods and upon their anguish. The people throughout
destroyed all their gods, that all people of all the whole of Judea fasted for many days, and
languages and nations might worship Nebu- those in Jerusalem fasted before the Sanctu-
chadnezzar alone and proclaim him as god. ary of the Lord Almighty. 14 The high priest
9
Then he arrived opposite Esdraelon, Joakim, with all the priests and ministers,
near Dothan, facing the great chain of stood before the Lord dressed in sackcloth,
Judean hills. 10 He encamped between Geba and offered continual sacrifice, prayers and
Scythopolis, and remained there a month in the voluntary gifts of the people. 15 They put 2Mac
ashes on their turbans and cried out with all 10:25
order to reorganize the provisions of his
army. their strength to the Lord, asking him to
watch over the whole house of Israel.
1
The children of Israel in Judea learned
4 what had happened to the other nations 5
1
It was reported to Holofernes that the
at the hands of Holofernes, the chief general people of Israel were prepared for war,
of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of the that they had closed the mountain passes,
Assyrians, and how he had plundered the fortified the ramparts on the summits of all
neighboring villages and destroyed their the high mountains and placed blockades in
sanctuaries. 2 And they trembled with great the plains. 2 Seething with anger, Holofernes
fear because of him. They were anxious called the leaders of the Moabites, the gener-
about Jerusalem and the Temple of the Lord als of Ammon and all the governors of the
2Mac their God, 3 since they had only recently Seacoast, 3 and said to them, “Tell me, sons
3:16- returned from exile. The people of Judea had of Canaan, who are these people living in the
18 mountain region? Which towns do they in-
just come together and the new furnishings
of the Altar and the Sanctuary had just been habit? What is the strength of their army? In
consecrated after being profaned. 4 They what does their power and strength consist?
sent messengers to warn all the inhabitants Who has been placed at their head as com-
of the territory of Samaria, Kona, Beth- mander of their army? 4 Why have they not
horon, Belmain, Jericho, Choba and Aesora, appeared before me like everyone else in the
1Mac and the valley of Salem. 5 They occupied all West?”
14:33 the summits of the mountains, fortified the 5
Achior, commander of the Ammonites, Acts
ramparts of the towns and prepared stores of said to him, “May my Lord listen to the word 7
foodstuff and provisions for the war, since spoken by your servant, for I will tell you the
their field had just been harvested. truth about these people from the mountain
6
Joakim, the high priest, who was in region whom you now encounter. 6 These
Jerusalem in those days, wrote to the inhab- people descend from the Chaldeans. 7 They
itants of Bethulia and Betomesthaim oppo- settled first in Mesopotamia, for they did not
site Esdraelon, at the entrance to the plain of wish to worship any longer the gods of their
Dothan. 7 He told them to seize and fortify the ancestors who lived in Chaldea. 8 They aban-
mountain passes because it was by them that doned the religion of their ancestors, and
Holofernes would enter Judea. There it would worshiped the God of Heaven, a God whom
be easy to stop those who were advancing they had come to recognize. Because of this
since the narrow passes allowed no more their fathers drove them out and they fled to
than two men to go forward at a time. Mesopotamia where they dwelt for a long
8
The children of Israel obeyed the orders time. 9 Then their God told them to leave the
of Joakim and of the Council of the Elders country where they had settled and go to the
which assembled in Jerusalem. 9 All the peo- land of Canaan. They went to live there, and
ple of Israel called upon God with great fervor acquired an abundance of gold and silver and
and humbled themselves before him. 10 Men, numerous herds of cattle.
10
women and children, including the animals, There was famine throughout the land of
all the foreigners who resided among them, Canaan, so they went down into Egypt where
their laborers and slaves, all clothed them- they remained as long as there was food.
selves in sackcloth. 11 All the men of Israel in Then they became so numerous that their
Jerusalem, with their wives and children, race could not be counted. 11 But the king of
bowed before the Temple, sprinkled ashes on Egypt rose up against them and tricked them
their heads and held out their hands in suppli- into making bricks, and they were humiliated
cation before the Lord. 12 They covered the and made into slaves. 12 They called upon
Altar in sackcloth, and with one voice their God who punished the whole of Egypt
earnestly begged the God of Israel not to let with such incurable plagues that the Egyp-
their children be massacred, their wives tians drove them out. 13 Then God dried up
raped, their towns destroyed and their Sanc- the Red Sea in front of them 14 and he led them
tuary profaned, that they might not become along the route of Sinai and Kadesh Barnea.
the laughingstock of other nations. The Israelites drove all the inhabitants into
 945 JUDITH 6

the desert; 15 they inhabited the country of the dead. They will not be able to hold their
Amorites and wiped out the Heshbonites. ground before us. Most surely they will per-
Then, having crossed the Jordan, they took ish, as King Nebuchadnezzar, lord of all the
possession of all the hill country, 16 driving earth, had foretold. He said it and the words
out the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the he has uttered will not be in vain.
Jebusites, the Shechemites, and the Gerge- 5
But you, Achior, an Ammonite merce-
sites, and they lived there for a long time. nary who has today uttered these words to
17
As long as they did not offend God, they your shame, from now on you will not see my
prospered, because their God who hates face until I avenge myself on this race who
wrongdoing was on their side. 18 But when came from Egypt. 6 The sword of my soldiers
they strayed from the path he had set for and the lance of my officers will pierce your
them, they were completely annihilated in sides. When I return from battle, your body
many battles, and they were led off into will be with all the dead of Israel. 7 My servants
captivity in a country not their own. The will lead you into the mountain region and will
temple of their God was leveled to the ground deposit you in one of the towns which are on
and their cities were occupied by their en- the slopes, 8 so that you will share the same
emies. 19 Now that they have turned again to fate as the rest of them. 9 But if you believe
their God, they have returned from exile from that they will not be taken, then do not put on
the various places in which they had been such a long face. I have spoken and not one
scattered. They have retaken Jerusalem of my words will be without effect.”
where their Sanctuary is and they have 10
Holofernes ordered his guards who were
settled in the mountain region because it has standing in the tent to seize Achior, take him
remained deserted. 20 And now, Sovereign to Bethulia and hand him over into the hands
Lord, we must find out if there is any wrong- of the Israelites. 11 The servants seized him
2Mac doing in this people. 21 If they are sinning and took him outside the camp onto the
3:39 against their God, then we shall march plain; from the middle of the plain they took
against them and we shall conquer. But if him towards the mountain country and
there is no sinfulness in their nation, then, my reached the springs which were at the foot of
Lord, turn aside from them for fear that their Bethulia. 12 When the men of the town at the
Lord and God will cover them with his shield top of the mountain saw them coming, they
and the whole world will witness our down- took their weapons, went out of the town to
fall.” the summit of the mountain, and those who
22
Now it happened that when Achior had were armed with catapults tried to stop their
finished speaking, all the people standing in ascent by slinging stones at them. 13 The
a circle around the tent began criticizing and guards took shelter, tied up Achior and left
protesting. The officers of Holofernes and all him lying on the ground at the foot of the
the inhabitants of the seacoast and of Moab mountain. They then returned to their lord.
wanted to beat him black and blue. They said, 14
The Israelites descended from the town
23
“We are not afraid of the children of Israel. and went up to Achior, and having untied
Look, they are a people with no strength or him, they led him to Bethulia, and took him to
energy to sustain a violent conflict. 24 Let us the rulers of the town, 15 who in those days
go forth, and they will be like bread for your were Uzziah the son of Micah of the tribe of
whole army, O Lord Holofernes!” Simeon, Chabris the son of Gothoniel, and
Charmis the son of Melchiel. 16 As they called Jl
1 for a meeting of all the elders of the town, the 2:16
When the tumult among the men stand-
6 ing around the tent had died down, young people and the women also joined the
Holofernes, general in chief of the Assyrian assembly. They placed Achior in the midst of
army, said to Achior in the presence of all the the assembled people and Uzziah asked him
2K foreigners and all the people of Moab, 2 “Who what had happened. 17 In reply he told them
18:35 are you, Achior, you and all the people bribed about the council meeting of Holofernes and
by Israel to prophesy against us as you have all that he himself had said to the leaders of
done today? Why do you counsel us not to the Assyrians. He also told them of the threat-
make war on the race of Israel because their ening words of Holofernes against Israel.
18
God will cover them with a shield? Who is The people threw themselves down on
God, if not Nebuchadnezzar. He will send out the ground, worshiped God and called upon
his army and wipe them off the face of the his help saying, 19 “Lord God of Heaven, take 2K
earth and their God will not save them. 3 But into consideration the insolence of the 19:4

we, the king’s servants, will crush them as Assyrians and have pity on your humiliated
though they were just one man. They will not people. Look this day upon those who are
withstand the onslaught of our horses. 4 We consecrated to you.” 20 They encouraged
will burn the whole lot of them in their own Achior and congratulated him warmly.
21
homes. Their mountains will be soaked with Then Uzziah led him from the assembly into
their blood, their plains will be full of their his own house and gave a meal for the elders.
 JUDITH 6 946

All through the night the people called upon there that the people of Bethulia draw all their
the God of Israel, begging him to come to water. They will be dying of thirst and so they
their aid. will hand over their town. We and our people
will scale the summits of the neighboring
1
The next day Holofernes gave an order mountains and set up outposts to prevent
7 to the whole of his army and to those anyone from leaving the town. 14 The famine
people who had come to his help to move will destroy them; men, women and children
camp in the direction of Bethulia, to occupy will be lying dead in the streets of their town
the mountain slopes and to wage war against before ever the sword is raised against them.
15
the Israelites. 2 All his valiant warriors moved So you will have punished them severely
that day; the forces of fighting men numbered for having rebelled and for not having come
one hundred and seventy thousand foot sol- out to meet you with offers of peace.”
diers and twelve thousand cavalry, without 16
This advice pleased Holofernes and all
counting the baggage and the men who his officers, and he agreed to do what they
looked after it as well as the crowd of people said. 17 The Moabites, with five thousand
who accompanied them – a considerable Assyrians, moved camp; they encamped in
crowd. 3 They camped in the valley near the valley and cut off the springs and the
Bethulia, near the spring; they spread out the water supply from the Israelites. 18 The
whole width from Dothan to Belbain, and the Edomites and the Ammonites climbed up
length from Bethulia to Cyamon which faces and camped on the mountain near Dothan;
Esdraelon. they sent some of their men to the south and
4
Num When the Israelites saw how numerous to the east facing Egrebel, near Chusi, which
22:4 they were, they were extremely afraid and is on the torrent of Mochmur. The rest of the
said to one another, “Without doubt this Assyrian army encamped in the plain, cover-
crowd is going to devour all the country, ing the whole countryside. The camp site
neither the high mountains nor the ravines covered by their tents and their baggage
nor the hills will be able to put a stop to their spread out wide for they were an enormous
progress.” 5 Nonetheless each one seized his crowd.
fighting equipment; they lit fires on the tops of
the towers and kept watch all that night. The discouragement of the people
6
The second day, Holofernes lined up all
his cavalry in front of the Israelites in • 19 Disheartened, the people of Is-
Bethulia. 7 He observed the approaches to rael called upon the Lord their God
their town, discovered the sources supplying
water, seized them and stationed guards over because their enemies had encircled
them, then he returned to his army. 8 The them and had cut off all means of es-
leaders of the Edomites, the commanders of cape. 20 All the Assyrian army, its foot
the Moabites and the generals of the Sea-
coast approached Holofernes and said, 9 “Let soldiers, its chariots and horsemen sur-
our Master listen to us, and your army will not rounded them for thirty-four days.
21
suffer loss. 10 This people of Israel really do The inhabitants of Bethulia saw the
not put their trust in javelins but in the height water jars becoming empty and the
of the mountains which they inhabit, for it is
not easy to reach the summit of their moun- wells running dry so that drinking water
tains. 11 Master, if you wish to save the lives of had to be rationed every day. 22 The
your men, do not fight against them in battle small children became weak with thirst;
formation. 12 Remain in your camp and keep the women and the young collapsed in
all the men in your army safe but let us take
possession of the spring which flows at the the streets and gateways of the town.
23
foot of the mountain, 13 because it is from Then everyone – men, women,

• 7.19 When a community starts to look In their discouragement, they only see their
only at what is evil, its bad luck, it begins to lose need and do not measure the consequences of
faith in the future and forgets it has means for what they are doing. They do not think that to
getting out of the situation. surrender to Holofernes and to acknowledge
God has delivered us into the hands of these Nebuchadnezzar as God is to disown God. All
pagans. The people of Bethulia declare their they see is that it is better to live as slaves than to
defeat beforehand because they only see the die.
human side of the situation which is unpleasant, “I do not get anything by asking; God will not
and do not remember God’s promise (Lev 26 listen to me,” is what we usually hear disheart-
and Dt 28). They have prayed and have done ened people say, as the people of Bethulia did.
penance, but in spite of all that, God is deaf to This discouragement is especially contagious
their pleas. The conclusion is obvious: “We are when it comes from the father of the family.
lost.”
 947 JUDITH 8

young people and children – gathered was a great depression throughout the
and accused Uzziah and the leaders of town.
the town.
1
They called out with loud cries and The news of what had happened came
8 in those days to Judith, daughter of
said before all the elders, 24 “May God Merari, son of Joseph, of Oziel, of Elkiah, of
judge between you and us, for you are Ananias, of Gideon, of Raphain, of Ahitub, of
the cause of this misfortune by not en- Elijah, of Hilkiah, of Eliab, of Nathanael, of
gaging in peaceful negotiations with Salamiel, of Sarasadai, of Israel. 2 Her hus-
band was Manasseh, of the same tribe and
the Assyrians. 25 And now there is no family. He had died during the harvesting of
one who can bring us any help; God the barley 3 as he was supervising the reapers 2K
who were binding the sheaves on the plain; he 4:18
has delivered us into the hands of these
suffered sunstroke, took to his bed and died
pagans in such a way that we lie dying in Bethulia, his town. He was buried with his
before them from great thirst and mis- ancestors in the field which lies between
ery. 26 You must call on the Assyrians Dothan and Balamon.
and let the whole army of Holofernes
Judith: the Jewess who never wavered in
Ex pillage us. 27 It is better for us to become
14:12 her faith
their booty, for then we shall become
• 4 As a widow, Judith remained in
slaves, but at least we shall live and not
have to see our women, our older chil- her house for three years and four
dren and the little ones die before our months. 5 She had built a room on the
Ex eyes. 28 We urge you by heaven and rooftop of the house where she lived.
20:5 6
earth and by our God, the Lord of our She covered herself in sackcloth, put 1K
21:2
ancestors, who punishes us according on widow’s garments and fasted all the 2K
to our sins and the sins of our fathers: days of her widowhood with the excep- 4:1

make this decision this very day.” tion of the eves of the Sabbath, the
29
Altogether they raised a great lam- Sabbath day, the eves of the new
entation in the midst of the assembly, moons, the days of the new moons, and
and they cried out with a loud voice to all the celebrations of the people of
the Lord God. Israel. 7 She was exceedingly beautiful Es
2:7
30
Then Uzziah said to them, “Have and very pleasing to look at. Manasseh,
confidence, my brothers; hold out for her husband, had left her gold, silver,
five days more, during which time the servants, cattle and fields and she re-
Lord our God will show us his mercy, for mained the owner of all this estate. 8 No Dn
13:2
he will not abandon us forever. 31 If one could say anything evil of her be-
these days pass without his coming to cause she greatly feared God.
9
our help, then we shall do what you She heard of the threatening words
say.” 32 Then he dismissed the men, which the people had addressed to
each to his post, and they went towards their leaders because they were down-
the ramparts and the towers of the cast, suffering from lack of water.
town, and he sent the women and chil- Judith also heard all that Uzziah had
dren back to their homes. Now there promised in reply, how he had sworn to

• 8.4 The Lord achieves his plans through wanting to put time limits on God to fulfill their
the humble; he reveals his plans to the little ones human plans. Today many Christians do the
and the humble (Mt 11:25-30). We can observe same with their gifts, when they wish to force
the Lord’s way of doing things throughout the God to grant them a specific favor.
Bible: for example, his choosing David (1 S 16) If the enemies capture us… the whole of
and something similar in 1 Mac 3:18-22. In spite Judea will be taken. Those with problems must
of her wealth, Judith is an insignificant woman think not only of their own interest but also of
before Holofernes’ military power. other people’s. Judith forces them to think about
Who are you to put God to the test? Faithful- the rest of the nation and not only about their
ness to God stands out in Judith’s speech to the city, Bethulia. National solidarity compels them
leaders of the city. She reproaches them for to resist.
 JUDITH 8 948

hand over their city to the Assyrians at God, therefore let us hope that he will
the end of five days. 10 So she sent the not look with contempt on us or on any
maidservant who looked after her af- of our race.
fairs, to call Chabris and Charmis, two 21
If the enemies capture us, so in the
elders of the town, to come and see her. same way, the whole of Judea will be
11
They came to her house and she said taken; our Sanctuary will be pillaged
to them, “Listen to me, you elders of and we will answer for its profanation
Bethulia, for the words which you have with our blood. 22 God will bring upon
spoken in front of the people today are our heads the murder of our brothers,
not right. You did wrong to take an oath the bondage of our country and the
between God and yourselves, and to devastation of our heritage. Wherever
say that you would hand over the town among the nations we shall be slaves,
to our enemies if, within a certain num- we shall be maltreated by those to
ber of days, the Lord does not come to whom we belong. 23 Our enslavement
your help. 12 Who are you to put God to will not be changed in our favor, but the
the test and take God’s place when you Lord our God will turn it into dishonor.
answered the people? 13 That is not the 24
Now, my brothers, let us show our 1Mac
3:20
way to call for his mercy, but rather, one fellow countrymen that their lives de-
Is that leads to his wrath. 14 For if you pend on ours; that the safety of the
40:18
Ps cannot probe the depths of the human Sanctuary, the Temple and the Altar
139:
16-
heart nor know what a man is thinking, rests with us.
17 how can you understand the God who 25
Much more, let us thank the Lord
has made all things? Do you know our God who is putting us to the test
his mind or understand his thoughts? as he did our ancestors. 26 Remember
No, my brothers, do not annoy the what he did with Abraham, all the trials
Dn Lord our God. 15 For if he does not to which he subjected Isaac and all
3:17
wish to come to our help within these those that happened to Jacob in Me-
five days, he has the power to protect sopotamia of Syria where he looked
us for as many days as he wishes or after the sheep of Laban, his mother’s
else to annihilate us in front of our en- brother. 27 Is not God making us pass
emies. through fire as he did the others to
16
As for yourselves, do not chal- prove their hearts? The Lord is not
lenge the designs of the Lord our God, punishing us, but he scourges those
for God cannot give in to threats as who draw near to him in order to ad-
humans do, nor can any decision be monish them.”
imposed upon him as it can on a mere 28
Uzziah said to her, “All that you have
mortal. 17 That is why, while waiting pa- said has been said with wisdom and no one
tiently for him to save us, let us beg him can contradict your words. 29 In fact it is not
to come to our help. He will listen to our just today that your wisdom is evident, but
plea, if it pleases him. 18 For it has not ever since your early days all the people have
recognized your intelligence and the natural
happened in our generation nor is there goodness of your heart. 30 But the people
among us today any tribe or family or were suffering great thirst so they forced us to
people or city that worships gods made carry out what we have said, and they have
by human hands, as happened in days charged us with an oath which we cannot
break. 31 Since you are a devout woman, pray
past. 19 It was for that reason that our for us that the Lord will send rain to fill our
ancestors were handed over to be slain reservoirs and we shall no longer be ex-
by the sword and pillaged, and that hausted.”
32
they suffered great disaster at the Judith said to them, “Listen to me, I will
do something which will be handed down
hands of their enemies. 20 But we do not from generation to generation of the children
recognize any other god than the One of our race. 33 Tonight you will stand at the
 949 JUDITH 10

gate of the town and I will go out with my slave with his master and the master with his Jdg
4:9
maidservant and, by the end of the time servant; put an end to their arrogance by the
which has been fixed for you to hand over the hand of a woman.
town to our enemies, the Lord will visit Israel 11
Truly your strength is not in number nor
through my hand. 34 But do not try to find out your power in strong men for you are a God
what I shall do for I will not tell you, until I have of the humble, the defender of the little ones,
fulfilled what I will do.” the support of the weak, the protector of the
35
Then Uzziah and the leaders said to her, abandoned, the savior of those in despair.
“Go in peace and may the Lord our God go 12
Yes, God of my fathers and God of the
before you so that you may take vengeance heritage of Israel, Ruler of the heavens and
upon our enemies.” 36 Then, leaving Judith’s the earth, Creator of the waters, King of all
room, they went back to their posts. creation, listen to my prayer.
13
1
Give me tempting words to wound and
Dn Judith knelt and bowed her head to the
9:21 9 ground, put ashes on her head and un-
kill those who have conceived cruel designs
against your Covenant, your consecrated
covered the sackcloth with which she was House, Mount Zion and the House which
clothed. At precisely the same moment as belongs to your children.
incense was being offered in the House of 14
Make the nation and all the tribes know
God at Jerusalem, Judith invoked aloud the that you are God, all-powerful and strong,
Gen Lord God, she said, 2 “Lord, God of my father and that, apart from you, there is no other
34:25 Simeon, you placed a sword in his hand to protector for the people of Israel.”
punish the foreigners who did violence to a
young girl. For they had abused her, uncov- The exploits of Judith
ering her body to shame her and violating her 1
When Judith had finished her prayer
womb to dishonor her. They did this though 10 to the God of Israel, 2 she rose from the
you said: This shall not be done. 3 Because of ground, and after calling her maidservant,
this you handed over their leaders to be slain she went down into the house where she
and their bed, reddened because of their usually spent the sabbath days and the
deceit, was left red with their blood. You feasts. 3 She took off the sackcloth and her Gen
struck down the slaves with their leaders and widow’s clothes in which she was dressed. 38:14
the leaders themselves with their servants. She washed her whole body with water,
Ru
4 3:3
You handed over their women to rape, their anointed it with rich perfume, combed her
daughters to slavery and all their possessions hair and placed a jewelled band around it.
to be shared among your favored sons who She dressed herself in the beautiful garments
were filled with horror at this defilement of she had been accustomed to wear when her
their blood and invoked your help. husband, Manasseh, was living. 4 She put Is
5
O God, my God, listen to me, a widow! It sandals on her feet, put on her anklets, brace- 3:18
Es
is you who made all things past, what is lets and rings, her earrings and all her jewels. 15:1
present and what is yet to come. It is you who She made herself extremely beautiful in order
consider things present and to come. Those to attract the attention of the men who would
things which you decided have been realized. see her.
6
The things you have planned have pre- 5
She gave the servant a skin of wine and
sented themselves saying: Here we are. In a jar of oil, she filled a bag with flour made
truth, all your ways are prepared and your from barley and some small cakes made
decision is known from the beginning of time. from dried figs and fine flour. She wrapped up
7
Therefore see what a great multitude all these things and put the maid in charge of
these Assyrians make with their army, how them. 6 Then they set out in the direction of
they pride themselves on their horses and the gate of the town of Bethulia where they
their cavalrymen. They have placed great found stationed Uzziah and the elders of the
pride in the strength of their foot soldiers and town, Chabris and Charmis.
their trust in their shields, javelins, bows and 7
As soon as the men saw her, her face so
2Mac arrows. 8 But they do not recognize that you, transformed and her clothes so different, they
7:35- Lord, decide the outcome of wars. Lord is
36 were full of admiration for her beauty and said
your name; wipe out their force with your to her, 8 “May the God of our fathers grant that
power, and in your anger overthrow their you may find favor and that your undertak-
superiority; for they intend to profane your ings may be successful for the glory of the
Sanctuary, to defile your Tabernacle where sons of Israel and the exaltation of Jerusa-
your glorious Name resides, to overturn by lem.”
force the horn of your Altar. She adored God and said to them, 9 “Com-
9
Consider their pride, let your anger fall on mand that the gate of the town be opened for
their heads and give to my hands, the hands me and I will go forth in order to accomplish
of a widow, the strength necessary for what I what you have just said.” They ordered the
have decided. 10 By my lying lips punish the young men to open the gate as she had
 JUDITH 10 950

asked. 10 They carried out the command and should not have raised my sword against
Judith went out with her maidservant. them; but they have brought this upon them-
The townsmen watched her until she selves. 3 Now, tell me why you have fled from
reached the foot of the mountain and crossed their midst and have come to us. Are you
the valley, then they lost sight of her. 11 Judith doing this to save yourself? Have confidence,
and the maid walked straight through the your life is safe tonight and also in the future.
4
valley and a sentry for the Assyrians came to No one will harm you, you will be well-
meet them. 12 He stopped them and asked, treated as are all the servants of my lord, King
“Who are you? Where have you come from? Nebuchadnezzar.”
Where are you going?” She replied, “I am a 5
Judith replied, “Listen to the words of
daughter of the Hebrews; I am fleeing far from your servant, so that I may speak freely in
them because they are on the point of hand- your presence and I will not lie to my lord
ing themselves over to be despoiled by you. tonight. 6 And if you follow the advice of your
13
I have come to present myself to Holo- servant, everything will be accomplished by
fernes, the general-in-chief of your army, to the hand of God and my lord will not fail in his
speak to him in all sincerity. I will show him a undertakings. 7 For just as truly as Nebu- Dn
way by which he can advance and become chadnezzar is king of all the earth and his 2:38
master of the whole mountain without losing presence is felt, and he has sent you for the
a single man either from injury or loss of life.” correction of others, it is thanks to your power
14
As soon as the men had heard her words that not only do men serve him but also wild
and noticed her face (for she was strikingly beasts, animals and the birds of the air live for
beautiful) they said to her, 15 “You have saved Nebuchadnezzar and all his house.
your life by hurrying to present yourself be- 8
We have heard of your wisdom and pru- Wis
fore our lord. Approach his tent; certain men dence of mind and it is said throughout the 8:15
from among us will accompany you until they world that you alone are the bravest man in
have handed you over safely into his hands. the kingdom, powerful because of your
16
When you stand before him, do not have knowledge and outstanding in military strat-
any fear in your heart, but tell him what you egy. 9 We have heard about the discourse
have to say and he will treat you well.” delivered in your council by Achior, and of its
17
They chose one hundred men from their terms, because the men of Bethulia took him
number; these men accompanied Judith and in and he reported to them all that he had said
the maid and led them to the tent of Holo- in your presence. 10 Now all-powerful lord, do Lev
fernes. 18 In the whole camp the news of her not dismiss what he said but keep it in mind 26:6
2Mac
arrival spread from tent to tent, and through- because it is true. Our nation will never be 8:36
out the whole camp men came running. They punished nor the sword used against it unless
made a circle round her as she stood waiting its people sin against their God. 11 Yet my lord
outside Holofernes’ tent while someone in- will not be driven back and fail. Death will
formed him of her arrival. 19 They were capti- overtake them, for they have fallen into the
vated by her beauty and, on seeing her, they sin that arouses the anger of God every time
praised the sons of Israel and said to one they commit it. 12 As a result of the shortage
another, “Who can look down on the people of food and water, they have decided to lay
who have such women? It would be a mistake hands on their animals. They have resolved
to leave one man alive; they would be able to to eat those things which God in his laws
deceive the whole world.” forbade them to eat, including the first fruits
20
Those who were sleeping near Holof- of the harvest and the tithes of wine and oil
ernes and all his officers came out and led her which, after their consecration, had been put
into the tent. 21 Holofernes was lying on his aside for the priests who minister before the
bed under hangings of purple and gold set face of our God in Jerusalem. 13 They have Lev
with emerald and precious stones. 22 Having 22:10
decided to consume these things completely,
been informed about her, he moved towards although it is not lawful for any of the people
the entrance of the tent, with silver lamps even to touch them with their hands. 14 They
carried before him. 23 As Judith came before have sent messengers to Jerusalem – for
him and his officers, they all admired the those who dwell there have also done this –
beauty of her face. Throwing herself face and they have charged these men to bring
downwards to the ground, she bowed before back this permission from the Council of the
him; the servants of Holofernes raised her up. Elders. 15 Now it will come to pass that when
this permission arrives and the people will
1
Ru Holofernes said to Judith, “Have con- have acted upon it, on that same day they will
3:11 11 fidence, woman, have no fear in your be delivered over to you for their destruction.
16
heart, I do not harm any person who has That is why I, your servant, having under-
chosen to serve Nebuchadnezzar, king of all stood all this, have fled far from them. God
the earth. 2 And, if those of your people who has sent me to bring about, along with
dwell on the mountain had not ignored me, I you, deeds that will strike terror throughout
 951 JUDITH 12

the whole world and cause those who hear would guide her steps in the right path to
them to talk. 17 For your servant is a pious bring about the release of her people; 9 and
woman who serves God night and day. From now purified, once she had returned, she
now on I will remain near you, my lord. Each remained in the tent until she took her food
evening I will go out towards the ravine and I towards evening.
will pray to God and he will tell me when they
have fallen into sin. 18 Then I will report this to In the tent of Holofernes
you, so that you will go forth with your whole • 10 Then on the fourth day, Holof-
army and there will be no man able to with-
Num stand you. 19 Then I will lead you through ernes gave a banquet for his personal
27:17
1K
Judea until I arrive in Jerusalem where I will servants without sending invitations to
22:17 set up your tent. You will lead them like sheep any of his officers. 11 He said to the
without a shepherd and not one dog will growl
at you. I have been given a premonition of
eunuch Bagoas who looked after his
these things. It has been revealed to me, and affairs, “Go and persuade this Hebrew
I have been sent to make it known to you.” woman who is under your care to come
20
Her words pleased Holofernes and all his eat and drink with us, 12 for it would be a
officers. They admired her wisdom and said, disgrace if we allowed such a woman
21
“From one end of the earth to the other
there is no woman like her for the beauty of to depart without having enjoyed her
her face and the wisdom of her words.” company. If we are not able to allure
22
Holofernes said to her, “God has done well her, she will laugh at us.”
to send you ahead of this people to show 13
So Bagoas left Holofernes and en-
them that the power is in my hands and that
destruction is the fate of those who despised tered Judith’s tent, and said to her, “Will
Ru my lord. 23 You are beautiful to look at and this beautiful slave not hesitate to come
1:16 prudent in your words: if you do as you have to my lord’s tent to be honored in his
said, your God shall be my God and you will
live in the house of King Nebuchadnezzar,
presence, merrily to drink wine with us
and be famous throughout all the world.” and to become this very day like an
Assyrian woman who dwells in the
1
Then Holofernes had her brought into house of Nebuchadnezzar?” 14 Judith
12 the place where his silver dishes were
Es
5:1
laid out and commanded them to serve her said to him, “Who am I to go against the
from his food and to give her his wine to drink. wishes of my Lord? All that pleases him
2
Dn
1:8
But Judith said, “I will not eat it for fear that I will hasten to do and that will be for me
it might be the occasion of my downfall. What a joy until the day of my death.”
I have brought with me is sufficient.” 3 Holof- 15
ernes said to her, “When you have finished Then she arose; she dressed in her
the things that you have brought, where will beautiful garments and all the finery of
we be able to get the same kind of food to give a woman. Her servant went and spread
you, for there is no one of your race here?”
4
Judith said to him, “As your soul lives my
on the ground, in front of Holofernes,
lord, your servant will not have finished what the fleece which Judith had received
I have brought with me before the Lord will from Bagoas for her daily use so that
have carried out by my hand what he has she could recline on it while she ate.
decided to do.” 16
Ex
5
Then the officers of Holofernes led her to So Judith entered the tent and
14:24 the tent and she slept until midnight. She took her place. The heart of Holofernes
arose at the morning watch 6 and sent a was ravished by her beauty, his whole
message to Holofernes, “Will my lord com- being was captivated and he had a pas-
mand that his servant be allowed to go out to
pray.” 7 Holofernes ordered his bodyguards sionate desire to possess her. Ever
not to prevent her from doing so. since the first day he had seen her, he
She remained in the camp three days. had been waiting for an occasion to
Each night she went to the ravine of Bethulia seduce her. 17 Holofernes said to her:
and bathed herself in the spring which was in
the camp. 8 When she returned to the tent, she “Drink and share our happiness.”
18
prayed to the Lord, the God of Israel, that he Judith said, “I will drink then, my

• 12.10 In the dialogue between Judith and not lie, but she speaks in such a way that
Holofernes, note how Judith says “my Lord” Holofernes takes it for himself meanwhile Judith
giving these words a double meaning. She does means her Lord.
JUDITH 12 952
6
lord, because today my life has be- Then she moved towards the
come more precious to me than on any bedpost near Holofernes’ head and
other day since my birth.” 19 She took took down the sword and, 7approach-
what her servant had prepared for her ing the bed, she seized the hair of his
and ate and drank in front of him. head saying, “O Lord God of Israel, give
20
Holofernes was bewitched by her and me strength, this very moment!” 8 Then
he drank a great quantity of wine, much with all her strength she struck his neck
more than he had ever drunk on any twice and cut off his head. 9 She then
single day since his birth. rolled his body from the bed and took
off the hangings from the columns.
God works marvels Then she went out at once and gave the
• 1
When it was late, the servants head of Holofernes to her servant
13 hurried away. Bagoas dismissed
10
who put it in the bag in which she
from the presence of his master those carried the food. Then they went out
who were standing around, and closed together as they used to do for prayer.
the tent from the outside. All the men After they had crossed the camp, they
hurried to bed for they were tired from passed round the edge of the ravine,
having drunk too much. 2 So Judith was climbed the mountain to Bethulia and
left alone in the tent with Holofernes reached the gates of the town.
who, sodden with wine, had collapsed 11
Judith called from a distance to
onto the bed. 3 Judith told her servant those who were keeping guard at the
to stand outside the room and watch for gates, “Open, open the gates! God, our
her coming out because she would go God, is with us! Today he has once
out to pray, as she did each day. She again worked a miracle in Israel and
also spoke to Bagoas in much the same exerted his power against our en-
way. emies.” 12 As soon as the townsfolk
4
Everyone left the tent of Holo- heard her voice, they called the elders
fernes, not one – small or great – re- and hurried down to the gates of the
mained in the room. Judith, then, stood town. 13 They all ran together, from the
by Holofernes’ bed and prayed in her smallest to the greatest, for they were
heart, “Lord God all-powerful, help me waiting for her return. They opened the
now in what I will do for the glory of gates and welcomed the two women;
Jerusalem. 5 For now is the time to sup- then, having lighted a fire so as to see
port the cause of your people and to them, they gathered around the two.
14
ensure that my undertaking brings She said to them in a loud voice, Ps
66:20
about the ruin of the enemies who are “Praise God, praise him! Praise God
drawn up against us.” who has not withheld his mercy from

• 13.1 The whole account that follows em- miraculous intervention of God capable of over-
phasizes the vigilant love of God who intervenes turning all situations and crushing evil forever.
when it is necessary and who safely conducts our
enterprises, even those apparently doomed to Here it is easy to see a mixture of the human
failure when we risk everything to save our and the divine: limitless trust in God and the
brothers and sisters. In this sense it is true. We fabulous dreams of a child. Here once more the
shall note however, that the trickery of Judith cross of Jesus and his resurrection, so strong and
and the incredible rout of the Assyrians after the so discreet, will keep us within reality.
death of Holofernes are a dream of childish The account rings true however when the
powerlessness. The account was composed af- triumph of Judith makes little of the prestige and
ter the time of the Maccabees from the memo- venerability of men, elders or priests, who pass
ries of a crushed people, unable to resist the for the leaders of God’s people. It is an act of
oppressor; it originated in the migrant Jewish reparation in favor of women in a thoroughly
communities who had lost their taste and capa- macho society: God has no thought for these
bility for an armed struggle. The old dream of a alleged valiant or honored men; all they have to
magic resource rises again; here we have a do is applaud an untitled woman.
 953 JUDITH 14

the House of Israel. This very night he when dawn breaks and the sun rises over the
has crushed our enemies by my hand.” earth, let each of you take his weapons and
15 let all those able to fight go outside the town.
Jdg And, taking out the head of Holo- And under the command of a captain, pro-
4:9
2Mac fernes from the bag, she showed it to ceed as if you were about to go down into the
15:32 them saying, “Here is the head of plain in the direction of the Assyrian out-
posts, but you will not descend. 3 The Assyr- Ex
Holofernes, general-in-chief of the ian guards will seize their arms, and go to- 15:16
Assyrian army, and here are the hang- wards their camp to awaken the generals of
ings under which he was lying in his the Assyrian army. These officers will run to
drunkenness. The Lord has struck him the tent of Holofernes but will not find him;
fear will then come upon them and they will
down by the hand of a woman. 16 As flee from you. 4 Then you and all those who
truly as the Lord lives, it was my face dwell in the land of Israel will follow them and
that seduced him to his undoing, but strike them down as they go. 5 But, before you
the Lord has protected me. This man do this, call Achior the Ammonite so that he
may see and recognize the one who despised
could not sin with me to disgrace or the people of Israel, the man who sent him to
dishonor me.” 17 All the people were you as to his death.”
greatly amazed, so they bowed down 6
Achior was brought from the house of
and worshiped God, saying with one Uzziah. As soon as he arrived and saw the
head of Holofernes in the hand of one of the
voice, “Blessed are you, our God, who people, he fainted and fell face down on the
today have crushed the enemies of ground. 7 When they had lifted him up, he
your people.” threw himself at the feet of Judith, bowed
before her and said, “May you be blessed
Blessed are you among all women throughout Judea and among all the nations,
who on hearing your name will be amazed.
Gen
• 18 Uzziahsaid to her, “My daughter, 8
But now, tell me all that you did during these
14:19
may the Most High God bless you more days.”
Jdg
Standing in the midst of the people, Judith
5:24
Lk
than all women on earth. told him all that she had done from the day
1:42 And blessed be the Lord God, the she set out until the moment in which she was
Creator of heaven and earth, who has now speaking to them. 9 When she had fin-
led you to behead the leader of our ished talking, the people cried out with great
joy, and this was heard throughout the town.
enemies. 10
When Achior saw all that the God of Israel
19
Never will people forget the confi- had done, he immediately believed in him. He
dence you have shown; they will al- was circumcised and became a member of
the community of Israel down to this day.
ways remember the power of God. 11
20 When the sun had risen and they had
1Mac May God ensure your everlasting hung Holofernes’ head on the rampart, all the
13:5
Mt glory, and may he reward and bless you men took their arms and went out in groups
26:13
Lk
for you have risked your life when your to the mountain slopes. 12 As soon as the
1:48 race was humiliated. Assyrians saw them, they warned their com-
manders. These men, in turn, went to inform
You chose instead to do the best the generals, the captains and all their offi-
before God in order to prevent our cers. 13 Then they all went to the tent of
downfall.” Holofernes and said to the steward in charge
of his affairs, “Waken our Lord, for the slaves
And all the people said, “Amen! plan to come down and fight against us to
Amen!” their utter destruction. 14 So Bagoas drew
back the curtain and knocked, thinking that
1
2Mac Judith said to them, “Listen, my Holofernes was sleeping with Judith. 15 As no
15:33 14 brothers, take this head and hang it one answered, he entered the room, and
from the battlements of our rampart, 2 then found Holofernes lying across the wooden

• 18. May the Most High God bless you perfectly welcoming the Son of God and his
more than all women on earth. Luke will patient work to redeem the world from the
remember these words and will adapt them for Devil’s hands, as the Bible had announced
Mary (Lk 1:42). With Luke we easily see in (Gen 3:15). The hymn we refer to: You are the
Judith’s victory the image of another victory in glory of Israel speaks more truly of Mary than of
which Mary “crushed the head of the serpent” in Judith.
 JUDITH 14 954

footstool dead with his head cut off. 16 He this. You have done great things for
cried out with a loud voice and tore his Israel and God has blessed your work.
clothes. 17 He entered the tent where Judith
had stayed but did not find her. Then he May the almighty Lord bless you for-
rushed out to the troops, shouting, 18 “The ever.”
slaves have deceived us! One Hebrew And all the people said, “Amen!”
woman has put to shame the army of King
11
Nebuchadnezzar, for Holofernes lies dead on All the people pillaged the camp for
the ground. 19 When the officers of the thirty days. They gave Holofernes’ tent to
Assyrian army heard these words, they were Judith, with all his silver, his beds, his drink-
greatly distressed. They tore their garments ing vessels and all his furniture. She took
and cried out with a loud voice in their camp. them, and after harnessing her mule, she
prepared her chariots and piled up all these
1
When those who were in the camp goods in them.
15 heard the cries, they were astounded.
12
All the Israelite women also ran out to
2
Terror and fear fell on them, they no longer see her, they blessed her and a number of
controlled themselves but at the same mo- them formed a choir in her honor. She took
ment they all broke rank and fled by way of olive branches in her hand and gave some to
the roads across the plain and the mountain. the women who accompanied her. 13 She and
3
Those who were encamped in the moun- the women with her made crowns of olive
tains around Bethulia also began to flee. leaves. Then she went ahead of the people,
Then the men of Israel, all among them who leading the women in dance. All the Israelite
were capable of fighting, fell on them. men followed, clad in their armor, carrying
4
Uzziah sent messengers to Betomasthaim, crowns and loudly chanting hymns. 14 Then
Choba, Kona, and throughout the land of Judith intoned this hymn of thanksgiving and
Israel, to announce what had happened and the entire people of Israel echoed this praise.
to invite them all to fall upon the enemy and The song of Judith
destroy them. 5 When the men of Israel heard 1
this, they threw themselves on the enemy Judith said, “Sing a song to my God
and pursued them as far as Choba. Even
16 with tambourines,
those from Jerusalem came, as well as those sing in honor of God with cymbals.
from all the mountainous region, because Compose for him a psalm of praise.
they were told what had happened in the Exalt and bless his Name!
2
camp of their enemies. Those from Gilead The Lord is truly a God who crushes war,
and from Galilee caught them on the flank who encamps in the midst of his people
and struck great blows against them until for he has snatched me from the hand of
they reached Damascus and its surrounding those who pursued me.
3
2K territory. 6 As for the inhabitants of Bethulia The Assyrian came from the mountains
7:16 who remained behind, they rushed into the of the north.
1Mac He came with the myriads of his army,
7:46 Assyrian camp, pillaged it and thereby
greatly enriched themselves. 7 Once they re- his soldiers have filled the torrents
turned from the carnage, the Israelite men and his cavalry covered the hills.
4
took possession of what remained. Also the He wanted to burn my land,
people from the villages and farms in the to kill the young men by the sword,
mountains and on the plains seized great to destroy my children at the breast,
booty because there was plenty that they to hand over my little ones to slaughter
could get. and to rape my young maidens.
5
The Lord Almighty has driven them back
8
Then the high priest Joakim and by the hand of a woman.
6
the council of the Elders of Israel in Their hero has not been overcome by
Jerusalem came to hear the good young warriors;
he was not struck down by the sons of the
things which the Lord had done for Is- Titans,
rael, and to see Judith and congratulate or laid low by any great giants.
her. 9 As soon as they had approached But it is Judith, the daughter of Merari,
who by the beauty of her face has defeated
her they blessed her all together and him.
said, For the relief of the oppressed in Israel
7
“You are the pride and joy of Jerusa- she took off her widow’s robes,
lem! You are the glory of Israel. You are anointed her face with perfume,
8
put a jewelled band around her hair,
the honor of our people. and put on a linen dress in order to seduce
10
You alone have accomplished all him.
955 JUDITH 16
9 17
Her sandals delighted his eyes, Woe to the nations which rise up against
her beauty captivated his soul, my people:
and the scimitar cut through his neck. The Lord Almighty will punish them in the
10
day of judgment,
The Persians trembled with fear at her with fire and worms under their skin,
boldness, and they will keep on weeping, suffering
and the Medes were upset by her daring. forever.”
11
Then my oppressed people shouted for 18
When they arrived in Jerusalem, they
joy;
worshiped God and, when the people had
my weak ones cried out,
been purified, they presented their holo-
the enemy was terrified;
causts, freewill offerings and gifts. 19 Then
they raised their voices; the enemy took to
Judith offered all of Holofernes’ belongings
flight.
12 which the people had given her and she
The children of young women pierced dedicated to the Lord the hangings from his
them through and struck them down like room which she herself had taken. 20 So the
fugitives, people remained in Jerusalem, rejoicing be-
and so the enemy perished in a battle fore the Sanctuary for three months and
arranged by God. Judith stayed with them.
13
I will sing to my God a new song: 21
After these days were over, each one
Lord, you are great and glorious, returned to his own house. Judith returned to
wonderfully strong, invincible! Bethulia and devoted herself to her house-
14
May the whole of your creation serve hold. During her lifetime she was famous
you, throughout the land.
for you spoke and all things were, 22
Though many desired to marry her, she
you sent forth your spirit and all things had no relation with any man since the death
came into being: and burial of Manasseh, her husband.
No one can resist your voice. 23
She spent her old age in the house of her
15
For the mountains with the waters will be husband. And she set her maidservant free.
shaken to their foundations, She died in Bethulia at the age of a hundred
the rocks will melt like wax before you, and five and was buried in the grave of
but to those who fear you Manasseh, her husband. 24 All Israel
you will always show mercy. mourned for her for seven days. Before her
16
The fragrance of any sacrifice is little to death she had divided her property among
please you the relatives of her husband, Manasseh, and
and the holocausts of fatted animals those of her own family.
25
are as nothing before you, No one again threatened the people of
but he who fears the Lord is forever Israel while Judith lived, nor for a very long
great. time after her death.
 1108

The Book of Baruch was among the last books of the Scriptures to be written. It
was written during the last century before Christ, in one of the Jewish communities
outside of Palestine.
It includes several texts helpful to the dispersed Jews:
– a “prayer of the exiles” which intensified their longing for the Holy Land;
– a beautiful poem about wisdom (3:9–4:4);
– several texts inspired by the prophets of the exile;
– a “letter from Jeremiah” which is a controversial text against idols (Bar 6).
Because it included some paragraphs written in Jeremiah’s style, it was attributed
to Baruch, the prophet’s secretary (see Jer 36).

The prayer of exile day of the month of Sivan, the sacred ves-
1
These are the words of the book writ- sels which had been taken away from the
1 ten by Baruch, the son of Neriah, de- temple of the Lord. These were the silver
scended from Massiah, from Sedekiah, vessels made by Zedekiah, son of Josiah,
from Hasadiah, from Hilkiah. 2 They were king of Judah, 9 after Nebuchadnezzar, the
written in the fifth year, on the seventh day king of Babylon, had carried off Jeconiah,
of the month, at the time when the Chal- the artisans, the nobles and the people of
deans had taken Jerusalem and burned it. the land and had taken them captive to
2K
3
Baruch read the words of this book to Babylon.
23:2;
24:8-17 Jeconiah, the son of Joachim, the king of 10
The letter said: Look, we are send- Jer
17:26
Judah, in the presence of all the people ing you money; buy with it victims for the
who had come together to hear it read. holocaust and for sin offerings and incense;
4
He read it in the hearing of the nobles and prepare oblations and offer them on the
the king’s sons, of the elders and all the Altar of the Lord our God. 11 Pray for the
people, from the smallest to the greatest— life of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon,
that is, all those who were living in Baby- and of Balthasar, his son, so that they may
lon near the river Sudi. be successful in all that they do. 12 Thus
5
Then the people wept and fasted and the Lord will give strength and light to our
prayed before the Lord. 6 They also col- eyes. We will live under the protection of
lected money according to what each one Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and of
could afford 7 and this, they sent to Jerusa- his son, Balthasar. We shall have a long
lem, to the priest Jehoiakim, son of Hilki- life serving them and we shall find favor
ah, the son of Shallum, and to the other before them.
priests and people who dwelt in Jerusalem 13
Pray to the Lord our God for us also,
with him. 8 This same Baruch had under- for we have sinned against the Lord our
taken to carry back to Judea, on the tenth God; even to this day the anger of the Lord
 1109 BARUCH 2
and his fury have not been turned away cestors right down to this day. 7 All those
from us. 14 Finally, read this book which we evils which the Lord prophesied concern-
are sending to you, so that you can read it ing us have fallen upon us. 8 And we have
publicly in the house of the Lord on the day not begged the Lord to make each of us
of the Feast and on other suitable days. turn away from the thoughts of our evil
2:6;
15
You will say: May everyone recog- hearts. 9 Then the Lord kept watch over the
Dn 9:7-8;
Ezr 9:7 nize the justice of our God but, on this evils and allowed them to come upon us,
day, shame and confusion befit the men for the Lord is just in all that he has com-
of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusa- manded us to do. 10 We have not listened
lem—16 our kings and princes, our priests, to his voice nor followed the commands
our prophets, and our fathers, 17 because which the Lord has ordered us to keep.
we have sinned before the Lord. 18 We have 11
And now, Lord God of Israel, you who Dn 9:15
disobeyed him and have not listened to brought your people out of Egypt with a
the voice of the Lord our God, nor have strong hand, with miracles and wonders
we followed the commandments which the and great power, you who stretched out
Lord had put before us. 19 From the day your arm and made for yourself a name
that the Lord brought our ancestors out of such as you have today, 12 we have sinned.
the land of Egypt until this day, we have We have been godless and unjust, Lord,
disobeyed the Lord our God and we have careless about all your commands. 13 May
rebelled against him instead of listening to your fury be turned away from us, for there
his voice. are very few of us left among the nations in
Lev 26:
20
Because of this, from the day on which you have scattered us.
14-39
which the Lord brought our ancestors out 14
Hear our supplication and our prayer,
of the land of Egypt, so as to give them a O Lord, deliver us, for your own honor and
land flowing with milk and honey, the evils let us find favor with those who deported
and the curse which the Lord pronounced us. 15 Let all the earth know that you are
by Moses, his servant, have dogged our the Lord our God, because Israel and its
footsteps right down to the present day. people bear your name. 16 Lord, look down
21
We did not listen to the voice of the Lord from your holy dwelling place and think of

T-J-B
our God speaking through the words of the us; Lord, incline your ear and listen; 17 Lord,
prophets whom he sent to us, 22 but each open your eyes and consider: it is not the
one of us followed his perverted heart, dead, lying in the netherworld, who will
serving false gods and doing what dis- praise your glory and justice, 18 since their
pleases the Lord our God. spirit has been taken from their breast.
Grieving under his burden, and walk-
That is why the Lord our God has car-
1
ing bowed down and exhausted, the man
2 ried out the word which he spoke with eyes sore from weeping and who is
against us, against the judges who have hungry—these are they, who can give you
governed Israel, against our kings, our glory and justice, O Lord.
princes and the people of Israel and Ju- 19
For it is not on account of the mer- Dn 9:18;
dah. its of our ancestors and of our kings that Tit 3:5
2
No one under the sky has ever seen we pour out our cry for pity before you,
the like of what happened in Jerusalem, O Lord our God. 20 You have sent down
according to what is written in the Book of on us your fury and your anger as you
Moses. 3 For people among us came to eat announced through your servants, the
Tb 3:4 their son’s and daughter’s flesh. 4 And he prophets, saying, 21 “Thus says the Lord: Jer
27:11
handed them over into the power of all the Bend your shoulders and serve the king
surrounding kingdoms, so that they were of Babylon and you will dwell in the land
cursed and humiliated among the neigh- that I gave to your ancestors. 22 But if you
boring peoples among whom the Lord had do not listen to the voice of the Lord your
Dt 28:13 scattered them. 5 Submission and not com- God and serve the king of Babylon, 23 I will Jer 7:34
mand has been our lot, because we have bring to an end in the towns of Judah and
sinned against the Lord our God and have in Jerusalem the song of joy and gladness,
not listened to his voice. the song of the bridegroom and the bride,
1:15
6
Just is the Lord our God, whereas and the whole country will become a desert
shame and confusion befit us and our an- without inhabitants. 24 We did not listen to Jer 8:1
 BARUCH 2 1110
your invitation to serve the king of Babylon powerful God of Israel, listen, then, to the
and so you carried out what you had fore- prayers of the dead of Israel. We are the
told by your servants, the prophets, that sons of those who sinned against you, who
the bones of our kings and our ancestors did not listen to the voice of their God; and
would be taken from their graves. 25 See, this is why disgrace has come upon us.
they have been exposed to the heat of the 5
Do not remember any longer the wrong-
day and the cold of the night; they died in doing of our fathers, but remember at this
cruel sufferings, by famine, by the sword time your power and your name; 6 for you
and by plagues. 26 And you have reduced are the Lord, our God and we will praise
the nation which bears your name to the you, Lord. 7 That is why you have put your
state in which it is today because of the fear into our hearts and we call upon your
wickedness of the people of Judah. name. And we will praise you in our exile
27
However, you have acted towards us, for we have removed from our hearts all
O Lord our God, indulgently and with great the wrong of our fathers who sinned against
tenderness, 28 as you foretold by your ser- you. 8 We are here today, in our exile,
vant Moses, the day you ordered him to where you have scattered us, to be insult-
write down your law in the presence of the ed, cursed and condemned for the wrong-
Dt 4:27 children of Israel saying: 29 If you do not lis- doing of our fathers, who separated them-
ten to my voice, this great and vast mul- selves from the Lord our God.
titude will be reduced to a small remnant
among the nations where I shall scatter Who has found wisdom?
32:9 them; 30 for I know well that they will not lis- • 9 Listen, Israel, to the commands of
ten to me because they are a stiff-necked life, give ear so as to learn prudence,
people. But in the land of their exile their 10
Why, Israel! Why are you in the land
hearts will be converted 31 and they will of your foes? Why are you growing old in a
know that I am the Lord their God. 32 And foreign country, contaminated by pagans,
I will give them a heart and listening ears, 11
counted among those who go to the pit? Hos 9:4
that they may praise me in the land of their 12
You have abandoned the source of
exile and remember my name. 33 They will Wisdom.
repent of their stiff-necked obstinacy and 13
If you had walked in the way of God,
their evil deeds, because they will remem- peace would be your dwelling place for-
ber what happened to their ancestors who ever.
Dt 30:5 had sinned before the Lord. 34 And I will lead 14
Learn where is Wisdom, where is Pro 2:1;
Dt 4:6;
them into the land which I have promised Strength and Understanding, Pro 3:2
by oath to their ancestors, to Abraham, that you may know, at the same time,
Isaac and Jacob and they will take pos- where are length of days and life,
session of it. I will increase their number light of the eyes and Peace. Job
Jer and it will no longer diminish. 35 I will make 15
Who will find Wisdom’s dwelling? 28:12;
31:31 Sir 1:6;
with them an everlasting Covenant; I will Who will enter her storage rooms? Job
be their God and they shall be my people. 16
Where are the leaders of the nations, 28:20

I will no longer drive my people Israel from those who commanded the beasts of the Dn 2:38
the land which I have given them. earth,
17
who played with the birds of the heavens,
Almighty Lord, God of Israel, a soul in
1
who piled up silver and gold—in which
3 anguish and a discouraged spirit cries people put their trust—
out to you. 2 Listen, Lord, and have pity, for and who never tired of collecting it?
we have sinned against you; 3 for you reign 18
Amassing money was their only concern,
forever, while we perish forever. 4 Lord, all- their business beyond measure.

• 3.9 This poem is inspired by Chapter 28 sists in knowing what is God’s plan in creating
of Job. this world. What does God ask of humankind?
The author addresses believers who are very For Jewish believers, true wisdom was found
impressed by the culture and material wealth of in God’s words, in their “law.” In their turn,
the pagans among whom they live. He reminds Christians know that the wisdom ruling the uni-
them that authentic human wisdom is not mere verse is none other than the one known in the
technical knowledge, nor is it the art of making words and the person of Jesus.
money or pure human reflection. Wisdom con-
 1111 BARUCH 4
19
But they have disappeared, She herself is the book of the com-
1

they have gone down to the dead 4 mands of God, the law which endures
Sir
24:23

and others have risen in their place. forever.

20
A younger generation is there All who hold fast to her will have life
on the earth and enjoys the light, but those who abandon her will die.
but they have not known the ways of 2
Come back, Jacob, and embrace her, Sir 45:5
knowledge; walk towards brightness under her light.
they have not seen his tracks nor have 3
Do not give up what is your glory or
they met him, sell your privileges to any strange nation.
21
and their children after them did not 4
We are fortunate, O Israel, for we know
leave their paths. what pleases the Lord!
Jer 49:7
22
No one in Canaan has heard of Wis-
dom, no one has seen her in Teman. Consolation for Jerusalem
23
The sons of Agar, who seek knowl- 5
Take courage, my people, you who
edge of the earth, preserve the memory of Israel. 6 You have
the traders of Midian and Teman, been sold to the nations but not for your
the tellers of fables and philosophers, destruction; because you had aroused the
they have not known the path of Wisdom, anger of God, you were delivered to your
they have not discovered her ways. enemies. 7 For you displeased your Creator Dt 32:17
24
O Israel, how great is the house of in sacrificing to demons and not to God.
God, how vast his dominion! 8
You have forgotten the Eternal God, the
25
It is great and has no limits. one who nourished you. You have filled
It is lofty, wide and immeasurable. Jerusalem with sadness, she who brought
26
There were born the ancient and you up. 9 For she saw the anger of God fall
famous giants on you and she said, “Listen, you neigh-
of high stature and skillful in war. boring cities of Zion, God has sent me a
27
God did not choose them, great sorrow. 10 I have seen the captivity of
he did not teach them the ways of my sons and daughters, which the Eternal
Wisdom, one brought on them. 11 I had nurtured them

T-J-B
28
and they perished because of their in joy; with tears and sadness I saw them
folly, because they lacked knowledge. leave. 12 Let no one rejoice on seeing me
Dt 30:11
29
Who has ascended to Heaven that he a widow and abandoned by all. Because Is 49:21
may lay hold of her of the sins of my children I am now alone,
and bring her down from the clouds? because they have turned away from the
Sir 24:4
30
Who has crossed seas and found her, law of God.
and bought her with the purest of gold? 13
They have not remembered its pre-
31
There is no one who knows her path, cepts; nor have they walked in the ways of
no one who thinks of her way. his commandments, and followed the dis-
Job
32
But he who knows everything recog- cipline which leads to uprightness.
28:23
nizes her. 14
Let them come, the neighbors of Zion,
He has found her in his own intellect. and remember the captivity which the Eter-
He who created the earth, for all time, nal One laid on my sons and daughters.
and has filled it with four-footed beings. 15
For he caused a distant nation to Jer 5:15
33
He who sends the light, and it goes, come against them, a ruthless nation with
who recalls it, and trembling, it obeys. an unknown language.
Sir 43:9;
34
The stars shine, full of joy, to keep They had no respect for the old, and
Ps 147:4
their night watches. no pity for the infant; 16 they took away
He calls them and they answer, “Here the only son of the widow, as well as her
we are.” daughter, and left her alone.
They shine with joy for their Creator. 17
But as for myself, how can I help you?
35
It is he who is our God, no other can 18
He who caused these evils to come upon
be compared with him. you will deliver you from the hands of your
36
He has found the way of understand- enemies.
ing and has given her to Jacob his servant 19
Well, my children, go on your way; as
and to Israel his well-beloved. for me, I am left alone.
Pro 8:31
37
Then Wisdom was seen on earth and 20
I have taken off the garment of peace
lived among humans. and put on again the sackcloth of penance
 BARUCH 4 1112
and prayer. I will cry out to the Eternal One 36
Jerusalem, look towards the East,
all the rest of my days. and see the joy which is coming to you
21
Come, take courage, my children, cry from God.
out to God. He will deliver you from the 37
Look, your children who were scat- Is 43:5
violence of the enemy. tered are returning. They are assembling,
22
Because I hoped for your salvation coming together, from the East and from
from the Eternal One, joy has come to me the West, at the voice of the Holy One,
from the Holy One, because of the mercy rejoicing in the glory of God.
that will come to you soon from the Eter-
nal One, our Savior. Jerusalem, put off your garment of
1

23
In tears and mourning, I saw you 5 mourning and unhappiness, put on the
Is 52:1

leave, but in joy and gladness God will splendor and glory of God forever.
bring you back to me forever. 2
Wrap yourself in the mantle of holiness
24
As the neighbors of Zion have seen that comes from God, put on your head
your captivity so they will soon see your the crown of glory of the Eternal One.
salvation from God, when he manifests to 3
For God will show your splendor to Is 62:1
you the great glory and the splendor of the every being under heaven.
Eternal God. 4
He will call your name forever, “peace in
Ps 110:1
25
Children, bear patiently this punish- justice” and “glory in the fear of the Lord.”
ment which came on you from God. The 5
Rise up, Jerusalem, stand on the
enemy has persecuted you, but you will heights. Look towards the east and see
soon see his downfall and you will trample your children gathered together from the
him underfoot. setting of the sun to its rising, by the voice
26
My well-beloved children have walked of the Holy One, rejoicing because God
by difficult paths, carried off like a herd has remembered them.
stolen by enemies. 27 Take courage, my 6
They left you on foot, taken away by
children, cry out to God, for he who sent the enemy. God will lead them back, car-
you into exile will remember you. ried gloriously like royal princes.
28
Thus, as you distanced yourself from 7
For God has resolved to bring low Is 40:4
God, return to him and seek him ten times every high mountain and the everlasting
more earnestly. 29 For he who caused these hills, to fill up the valleys and level out the
evils to fall on you will bring you salvation ground, in order that Israel may walk in
and eternal joy. safety under the glory of God.
Is 40:1
30
Take courage, Jerusalem. He who has 8
Even the forests and the fragrant trees
named you will console you. will give shade to Israel at God’s com-
31
Cursed be those who did evil to you mand. 9 For God will lead Israel with joy by
and rejoiced in your downfall. 32 Cursed be the light of his glory, escorting them with
those cities in which your children were his mercy and justice.
slaves, cursed the nation in which they had
to live. The Letter of Jeremiah
33
Just as that nation rejoiced in your • A copy of the letter, which Jeremiah
downfall and took pleasure in your destruc- 6 sent to those who were to be taken
tion so will she be afflicted and destroyed. captive to Babylon by the king of the Bab-
34
I will take from her the joy of being a ylonians, to let them know what God had
numerous people; her pride will be turned ordered him.
into mourning. 1
“Because of the sins you have commit-
ted against God, you will be led captive to
• 35 A fire will descend on her from the Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar, king of the
Eternal One and burn for many days. She Babylonians. 2 After your arrival in Baby-
will be inhabited by demons for a long time. lon you will remain there for a number of

• 4.35 Following the laments of verses 5-35, and too much interest in religious images.
note the ending filled with hope and joy (4:36– In the midst of so many considerations which
5:9) which resembles Chapters 60–62 of Isaiah. may seem tedious to us, note the judgment
expressed in verses 27 and 37: a religion which
• 6.1 This discourse also serves as a warning shows no concern for orphans and widows is a
for us against exaggerated devotion to the saints false religion.
 1113 BARUCH 6
years—a long time, for seven generations; them. 22 This tells you they are not gods, so
but after that, I shall bring you home in have no fear of them.
peace. 23
If the rust on the gold that adorns
3
In Babylon you will see gods of silver, them is not removed, they cannot shine.
gold and wood, carried on men’s shoulders Yet what does it matter? Even when they
and filling the people with fear. 4 Take care were cast they felt nothing. 24 They may be
not to copy what foreigners do; and not to bought at a high price but there is not a
let yourselves be terrified by them 5 when breath of life in them. 25 As they are without
you see the crowds pressing in front and feet, they are carried on men’s shoulders,
23:20 behind to adore them. 6 Say rather to your- showing publicly their shame. What a con-
selves: ‘Master, it is you we are to adore.’ fusion for their worshipers if the god falls!
My angel is with you to take care of your They must lift him up. 26 Once he has been Sir
30:18
lives. stood up, he does not move. If tilted, he
Is 40:19;
7
Their tongues have been polished by is helpless to straighten up. So you make
Jer 10:4
a craftsman and even if they are of gold offerings to these gods as you make to
and silver, they are false and are unable dead people.
to speak. 8 As for a maiden conscious of 27
The priests collect what has been
her appearance, these pagans make gold- offered for sacrifice, selling it, while the
en crowns for their gods. 9 Yet at times the wives salt some of it but give nothing to the
priests steal the gold and silver from their poor and helpless. Do you think these are
gods for their own use and for the prosti- true offerings? Even women giving birth or
tutes in their temples. who are ritually unclean touch them. 28 See Lev
15:19
10
They give clothes to these gods as if that they are not gods and have no fear of
they were people, but they are only things them.
of gold, silver and wood, which cannot 29
How can they be called gods? Women
defend themselves from rust or wood- carry offerings to things made of silver,
worm. 11 So, after clothing them in purple, wood and gold. 30 The priests remain seat-
they wipe their faces because of the thick ed in the temple, their garments torn, head
dust of the temple that covers them. and beard shaved, and no covering on their

T-J-B
12
The god has a scepter like a governor heads. 31 They roar and cry in the presence
of a province, but he cannot destroy the of their gods as do certain people during
person who has wronged him. 13 He carries funeral meals. 32 With the garments taken
sword and ax in his right hand, but he is from the gods the priests clothe their wives
helpless both in war and against thieves. and their children. 33 Whether they are treat-
14
This clearly proves they are not gods; ed well or shabbily, the gods can make no
have no fear of them. return, neither can they make or unmake
15
A broken pot is useless for anyone. So a king. 34 They are incapable of bestowing
are those gods enshrined in their temples. riches or money. If someone fails to keep
16
Their eyes are full of the dust raised by a vow, he is not called to account. 35 They Wis
16:13
those who enter. 17 Just as doors are care- can neither save anyone from death nor
fully closed on a man who has offended rescue a helpless person from the clutch of
the king or on a convict sentenced to the powerful. 36 They cannot restore sight
death, in the same way the priests lock to the blind or save someone in distress.
and bolt the doors of the temple for fear
37
They will show no compassion to the Ps 146:7

of thieves. 18 They light lamps, far more widow nor do good to the orphan.
numerous than what they need for them- 38
These pieces of wood plated with gold
selves, and yet the god sees no one. 19 He and silver are no more worthy than rocks
is no more than any of the beams of the hewn out of a mountain and their worship-
temple and some whisper that the inner ers shall be humiliated. 39 How then can
part is gnawed by termites; worms out anyone believe they are gods? How can
of the ground devour both the god and they be called gods?
his clothes, but he feels nothing. 20 Their 40
The Chaldeans themselves have put
faces have become black because of the them to shame. If they see someone who
smoke of the temple. 21 Owls alight on their is dumb, unable to speak, they bring him
heads and shoulders, swallows and other before Bel, entreating him to make him
birds perch on them and cats prowl around speak, as if the god could hear them!
BARUCH 6 1114
41
And yet these thinking people are unable 57
These gods cannot escape either
to abandon gods that are completely de- from thieves or brigands. These are more
void of sense. 42 Women with cord round powerful and despoil them of their gold,
their waists sit in the street burning bran. their silver and their robes. Such gods are
43
When one of them has been picked up unable to defend themselves.
by a passerby and has slept with him, she 58
Better to be a king with a show of
taunts her companion for not having been power, or even a household pot that is of
so highly regarded as herself and for fail- some use to its owner than to be a false
ing to have her cord broken. 44 All that goes god; better even to be the door of a house
on anywhere near these gods is false. How that guards what is within, or a wooden
can they be considered or declared to be column in a royal palace than to be a false
gods? god. 59 The sun, moon and stars that shine Gen
1:14
45
They have been fashioned by crafts- and serve us are obedient to God; 60 like-
men and goldsmiths; they are noth- wise the lightning that is beautiful to see, Sir
43:17
ing more than what the artisans decided and the wind that blows over the country
they were to be. 46 Those who made them 61
and the clouds passing over the earth at
haven’t long to live; so how could the work God’s command, fire sent from on high
of their hands be gods? 47 What they leave to consume mountain and forest—all do
to their descendants is nothing more than what is commanded. 62 But these wooden
illusion and shame. objects can in no way compare with them,
48
For when war or other disasters come 63
that is why it must not be either believed
upon them, they discuss among them- or said that these are gods, since they are
selves where they, with their gods, will powerless to administer justice or benefit
hide. 49 How could anyone fail to be con- anyone in any way. 64 Since you know they
vinced that what cannot save from war are not gods, have no fear of them.
and disaster is not a god? 50 Later on, these 65
They can neither curse 66 nor bless
pieces of wood plated with silver and gold kings, nor bring about signs in the heav-
will be known to be false. It will be plain ens for the nations to see. They can nei-
to all kings and nations that they are not ther shine like the sun nor give light like
gods, but merely the work of human hands the moon. 67 Animals are of more worth,
and God does nothing through them. 51 Is since by taking cover they can look after
there anyone unconvinced that these are themselves. 68 So in no way whatever is it
not gods? evident to us that these are gods; for that
52
They are incapable of establishing reason have no fear of them.
a king in a country or of sending rain to 69
For like a scarecrow in a field of mel-
people. 53 They are unable to discern what ons, these gods plated with silver and gold
is just or to rescue a person who has been protect nothing. 70 Again these wooden
wronged. They are as helpless as crows gods may be compared to a thorn bush in
between the sky and the ground. 54 When a garden where any bird can perch, or to
fire breaks out in the temple of these a corpse thrown into a dark place. 71 You
wooden gods plated with silver and gold, know by the purple and scarlet robes rot-
the priests flee to safety but their gods are ting on them that they are not gods. They
burnt with the beams in the midst of the end up by being eaten away and become
flames. 55 They can neither resist a king nor a disgrace to the country. 72 Better then a
a hostile army. 56 How can it be admitted or just man who has no idols, he will not be
believed that they are gods? dishonored.
 962

WISDOM

In the last centuries before Christ, Greek culture, spread by Alexander, penetrated into
the countries of the Middle East (see introduction to Maccabees). The Greeks had a new
way of viewing the freedom of the individual and nobility of spirit. They promoted
scientific research and esteemed highly physical beauty, etc.
The Jews had to be open to this new way of thinking: when a people encloses itself
in its national culture, without looking beyond it, it ends up being asphyxiated. Their
culture was intimately linked to the words of God they had received for centuries, but the
revelation of God was not finished and could no longer enclose itself within the molds of
Hebraic culture.
The Book of Wisdom is the first important effort to express the faith and wisdom of
Israel, not only in Greek, but also in a form adapted to Greek culture.
It gives an answer to the crucial questions of evil, pain and death; it sketches a proof
of the existence of God that will inspire Paul and shows that God’s mercy extends to all
beings without exception.
Note especially the magnificent chapters 3–5 concerning the death of the just and hope
in eternal life and also the hymn to wisdom in chapter 7.
The Book of Wisdom was written in Egypt between 80 and 50 before Christ by one
of the many Jews who were living in the Greek world. It is one of the deuterocanonical
books: see p. 887.

Seek life; know God 6

Wisdom is a spirit, a friend to man, Pro
8:31
• 1 and will not leave the blasphemous un- Tit
Mt Love justice, you who rule over
6:33 1 the world. Think rightly of God,
punished, because God knows his in- 3:4

nermost feelings, truly sees his

Is seek him with simplicity of heart, 2 for
55:6 thoughts and hears what he says.
65:1 he reveals himself to those who do not 7
Jer For God’s spirit has filled the whole Jer
challenge him and is found by those 23:24
29:13
world and he who holds together all Ps
Pro who do not distrust him. 139:
8:17
3
things, knows each word that is spo- 7-12
Crooked thinking distances you ken. 8 So whoever speaks unjustly will
from God, and his Omnipotence, put not escape; the irrefutable sentence will
to the test, confounds the foolish. reach him. 9 The intentions of the un-
4
Rom Wisdom does not enter the wicked holy will be examined; what he has said
7:4
8:2 nor remain in a body that is enslaved to will reach the Lord and his wickedness
sin. 5 The Holy Spirit who instructs us will be confounded.
10
shuns deceit; it keeps aloof from fool- Remember that a jealous ear hears
ishness and is ill at ease when injustice everything; even whispers are re-
is done. corded.
 963 WISDOM 2
11 2
Ex Beware then, of empty complaints By chance we were born; when life Ps
15:24 102:4
Ps and keep your tongue from faultfind- is over, it will be as if we never existed.
78:19
ing, since your most secret word will The breath in our nostrils is like a puff
have consequences; a lying tongue of smoke, and thought is no more than
brings death to the soul. 12 Do not bring a spark resulting from the movement of
about your own death by your wrong the heart. 3 Put this out and the body
way of living. And do not let the work turns to ashes, the spirit melts away
of your hands destroy you. like idle air.
4
13
God did not make death, nor does In time our name will be forgotten,
he rejoice in the destruction of the liv- no one will remember what we did.
5
Ezk ing. 14 Since he has created everything, Life passes like the shadow of a cloud, Ecl
18:23, 6:12
32 all creatures of the universe are for our disappears like mist chased by the sun
good; there is no deadly poison in them and overpowered by its heat. Our days
and the netherworld has no dominion are like the passing of a shadow; from
over the earth, 15 because immortal is death there is no turning back, the seal
not submitted to death. is set: no one returns.
6 Is
Come then and enjoy all the good 22:13
The godless say there is no other life
things; let us use creation with the zest 1Cor
15:32
• 16 It
is the godless that consider of youth, 7 making the most of choicest
Is
28:15
Pro death a friend and call for it in every wines and perfumes and not passing by
8:36 way. They have made a pact with it and any flower of spring. 8 Let us crown
they shall justly belong to it. ourselves with rosebuds before they
fade.
9
Job
1
Led by mistaken reasons they Let everyone take part in our orgy;
14:1 2 think, “Life is short and sad and let us post everywhere the signs of our
there is no cure for death. It was never joy, for that is our due, the lot assigned Ex
heard that anyone came back from the to us. 22:21
10
netherworld. Let us oppress the upright man

• 1.1 God is more present to us than we are Let us see the truth of what he says. Because
to ourselves. We need not look very far for the godless are the friends of death, they neces-
authentic wisdom: it appears as spirit coming sarily come to persecute and even kill the good.
from God that becomes present to us interiorly For them it is like a game to prove to what extent
but is only revealed to the just. the righteous can remain firm, since they them-
How can we express the nearness of the selves believe in nothing. They need to destroy
inaccessible and holy God? Here the author others to convince themselves that they alone
speaks of Providence, Wisdom, Justice, the benefit from life.
Spirit of God. He speaks of them as if they were If the righteous is a son of God, God will
persons sent by God to look after us. In fact, it is defend him. The words in 2:16-20 reveal the
a way of presenting God himself who, though he situation of Jesus on the cross. Matthew, in
preserves his mystery, is close to people and to particular, will recall them in 27:43.
events.
God did not make death nor does he rejoice This is also verified in the lives of real believers,
in the destruction of the living. His creation is a scandal to a materialist who enjoys inflicting
good and at the service of humankind. Death suffering on those who make sacrifices for oth-
does not come from God as is explained in 2:23, ers. We have seen comfortable “Christians”
but rather from the envy of the devil. So, we are rejoicing over the death of those who speak of
asked to look confidently to the Lord: to think justice and who, by their involvement, disturb the
well of him is to deny all these false questions: conscience of the satisfied.
Why does God allow evil, death, earthquakes The mentality of the godless who do not
and tragedies? God wants only life. believe in the hereafter is, in some way, very
much like that of the society in which we live. Let
• 16. By chance we were born. The “impi- us set a trap for the righteous for he opposes
ous,” meaning those who have freed themselves our way of life. Secretly we all admire an upright
from the law of God and their conscience, are person, but in any institution, her presence
friends of death since they do not know true life. disturbs us – in the unions just as in the factories
For them wisdom consists in profiting from life: – because we cannot buy her conscience.
let us enjoy the good things now. He does not live like others and behaves
 WISDOM 2 964

who is poor, and have no thought for 21

This is the way they reason, but
the widow, or respect for the white hair they are mistaken, blinded by their
of old age. malice. 22 They do not know the mys-
Jer
11
Let our strength be our right, since teries of God nor do they hope for the
11:19 it is proved that weakness is useless. reward of a holy life; they do not believe
20:10
Mt
12
Let us set a trap for the righteous, for that the blameless will be recom-
26:3-
4 he annoys us and opposes our way of pensed. Gen
1:26
Jn
5:16,
life; he reproaches us for our breaches 23
Indeed God created man to be im- 2P
1:4
18 of the Law and accuses us of being mortal in the likeness of his own nature, Jn
Mt
11:27 false to our upbringing. 24
but the envy of the devil brought 8:44
Rom
Lk
22:70
13
He claims knowledge of God and death to the world, and those who take 5:12

calls himself son of the Lord. 14 He has his side shall experience death.
become a reproach to our way of think- Dt
The just will live with God
ing; even to meet him is burdensome to 33:3
Is
• 1
The souls of the just are in the
us. 15 He does not live like others and
Mt behaves strangely.
3 hands of God and no torment shall
51:16
Jn
10:28
5:11
Jn
16
According to him we have low touch them.
5:18 2
standards, so he keeps aloof from us as In the eyes of the unwise they ap-
if we were unclean. He emphasizes the pear to be dead. Their going is held as a
happy end of the righteous and boasts disaster; 3 it seems that they lose every-
of having God as father. thing by departing from us, but they are
Ps 17
Let us see the truth of what he says in peace.
22:9 4
Mt and find out what his end will be. 18 If the Though seemingly they have been
27:43
righteous is a son of God, God will punished, immortality was the soul of Rom
8:18
defend him and deliver him from his their hope. 5 After slight affliction will 2Cor
4:17
Is adversaries. come great blessings, for God has tried
53:7
Mt
19
Let us humble and torture him to them and found them worthy to be with Pro
17:3
26:67-
68 prove his self-control and test his pa- him; 6 after testing them as gold in the Ps
17:3
tience. 20 When we have condemned furnace, he has accepted them as a
Dn
him to a shameful death, we may test holocaust. 12:3
7 Mt
his words.” At the time of his coming they will 13:43

strangely. When this was written the Jews were means the breath of a person, that is to say, the
not well-thought-of by pagans because of all the life in him which disappears at death. Now, the
things in their lives that were different from the soul means the person who does not die when
pagan customs. The same is true now, as well; the body does.
even though believers try not to be distinct, their Their going is held as a disaster. Whether the
integrity and enthusiasm make them “strange.” just die in the hands of violent people, or natu-
Those who stand with death experience rally die as we all do, the end of their lives seems
death. Those who do evil begin to experience to contradict God’s goodness. It is a scandal that
death. There is a physical wearing down caused death can overcome the just. (We know that the
by vice (alcoholism, licentiousness), but there is just are those who fulfill the hopes that God
an even greater deterioration of enthusiasm, placed in them.) It is only the body which dies.
generosity and trust. “The person who sows for They are alive before God as Jesus will also state
the benefit of his own flesh shall reap corruption (Lk 20:38).
and death from the flesh” (Gal 6:8). See also But they are in peace. They will forever enjoy
Romans 6:21. what they hoped for here on earth. That is to say,
we only see one side of death: we shall never
The text considers what Jesus will do; that know how everyone experienced his departure,
behind a mass of evils that tear humanity, and even less how he awakened in God’s world.
behind our disbelief there is a presence of “the At the time of judgment we will see that the just
Enemy” (see Mt 13:39; Heb 2:14-15). are the only ones who have been truly alive. The
death of the friends of God brings peace to those
• 3.1 The souls of the just are in the hands who were at their side. Through their death the
of God. This is the great revelation in this book. martyrs bring the triumph of the cause for which
In the previous books of the Bible, the soul only they lived.
 965 WISDOM 4
Dn
7:27 shine like sparks that run in the stubble. die young and the offspring of an un-
Ps 8 They will govern nations and rule over lawful union disappear.
149:7
17
1Cor peoples, and the Lord will be their king If they live long, they count for
6:2
Rev forever. nothing and are finally despised in their
5:10 9
20:4 Those who trust in him will pen- old age. 18 If they die young, it is without
1Cor etrate the truth, those who are faithful hope, and they cannot comfort them-
13:12
1Jn will live with him in love, for his grace selves with thinking of the Judgment. Sir
3:2 16:4
and mercy are for his chosen ones. 19
Cruel is the fate of an evil race.
10
But the godless who have ignored Sir
16:3
the upright and deserted the Lord, will 1
Better to have no children and to be
meet the punishment their evil
4 virtuous. People like this are highly con-
sidered by God and by mortals. The memory
thoughts deserve. of their life will never end.
11
Unhappy are those who put no 2
When virtue is present we imitate it; when
value on wisdom and instruction, their it is absent we long for it; it is crowned in
Sir
hope is vain, their efforts useless, their eternity for having triumphed in the blame-
41:5 Sir
less struggle.
work without profit; 12 their wives are 3
The numerous progeny of the wicked will
23:25
40:15
foolish, their children evil, their poster- be of no use. Offspring of doubtful plants,
Ps
ity cursed. they will not have deep roots or lay solid 58:10
foundations. 4 For a time they may produce,
Is A truly fruitful life but their weak branches shaken by the wind
54:1
• 13 Happy will be uprooted by the storm. 5 Their twigs
the childless wife if she is will be broken off before grown, their fruit
blameless and has not been guilty of useless, unripe for eating and good for noth-
adultery; she will be found fruitful on ing. 6 Children born of unlawful intercourse
Is witness, when God examines them, to the
56:3-
the day of judgment. wrongdoing of their parents.
14
7 And happy the impotent man who
• 7 The
upright, even if he dies before
has done no evil or harbored resentful
thoughts against the Lord. His fidelity his time, will be at rest. 8 Honorable age
will be richly rewarded with a special does not depend on length of days, nor
place in the Lord’s heavenly sanctuary. is the number of years a true measure
15
The toil of the righteous bears of life.
9
choice fruit; and wise discernment is a A man’s gray hair is understanding,
Gen
tree that does not wither. and a spotless life is ripe old age. 5:24
16 10 Heb
But the children born of adultery The upright was pleasing to God, 11:5

• 13. Happy the childless wife if she is virginity to God and so, for Christians, she is the
blameless. In the Bible we always find praise of model of a virginity consecrated to God and with
the fruitful life, of a couple having several chil- its own form of fruitfulness.
dren and raising them to be fully human (see Ps
127 and 128). Here the question is revised: what • 4.7 “Why did God take him? My husband
is a fruitful life? In Israel, being without children was such a good man.” A word that is often
was seen as God’s punishment and the Law heard. No mortal accident can prevent God from
excluded eunuchs (or castrated men) from reli- giving all that he wished to each one. God has
gious worship. Yet one of the prophets took an given some of us the grace to grow more quickly
opposite view (see Is 56:4). and to reach in a few years the perfection that
Better to have no children and to be virtuous others only achieve after many years.
(4:1). Here we have the revelation of another The upright was pleasing to God who loved
way of being fruitful: seeking perfection. We him. The wife or the son whom God took did not
know of childless couples and of single women belong to us. A strong bond of love between
who channeled their capacity for love and sur- them and us developed with countless circum-
render toward others and succeeded in having stances and memories, but a stronger love united
spiritual children and family. A fruitful life is one them to the Lord who reserved them for himself.
spent for others or for God. When these lines Since he was living among sinners, God
were written, there were Jews going to the took him (see Gen 5:24). This is another answer
desert to form religious communities of single to the premature death of our children: Who
men, in order to pray and to hurry the coming of knows what they would have done with their
the Savior. Years later, Mary will dedicate her lives? God knows best what suits everyone.
 WISDOM 4 966

who loved him, and since he was living fulfilled early in youth condemns the
among sinners, he was taken up. 11 God endless days of the wicked.
17
removed him lest evil impair his under- They may see the death of the
standing and treachery seduce his wise, but they will not understand God’s
soul. 12 For the fascination of evil ob- design for him and why he has taken Pro
1:26
scures true values and restless desire him to safety. 18 They may see and Ps
37:13
undermines a simple heart. sneer at him, but the Lord will also
13
Though his life soon ended, he laugh at them 19 when they have be-
traveled far. 14 Because his soul was come a useless corpse, a loathsome
precious to the Lord, he was quickly and dead thing forever.
removed from the wickedness around The Lord will dash them to the
Is
57:1
him. ground, voiceless, shaking them from
15
People saw but did not under- their foundations; they will wither and
stand, and it did not occur to them that suffer anguish; even their memory will
God’s grace and mercy are with his fade.
20 Mt
chosen ones, his protection is for the They will come trembling for the
holy. reckoning of their sins and they will be
16
The righteous who dies will con- confounded when confronted with their
demn the ungodly who survives. A life wickedness.

Judgment on the just and on the godless

13:43
• 1
Then the just man will stand with confidence
Ps
5 facing those who oppressed him,
89:6
making light of his labors.
2
Seeing him they will be seized with a terrible fear,
amazed to find him unexpectedly saved.
Stricken with remorse
and distress, 3 they will groan and say,
4
“He is the one we mocked,
the one we reproached, fools that we were!
We considered his life foolishness,
and his death, the supreme humiliation,

• 5.1 The prophets spoke of God’s judg- and meanness. We will see ourselves in our
ment on many occasions, referring to a judg- nakedness and God the Father, the Lord and
ment on earth in which God would repay the Knower of all, will reward or punish us. Then the
sinner nations and groups, and redress human wicked will see clearly that their lives were
history. empty: scarcely born we have disappeared.
This paragraph now speaks to us of an indi- Before God convicts them, they will judge them-
vidual judgment after death. It insists especially selves: their own sins will accuse them (4:20).
on the case of martyrs: it must be said that during On the contrary, the upright will live forever;
this epoch the memory of believers persecuted the Most High has them in his care. We can
for their faith at the time of the Maccabees was compare this with the judgment parable in Mat-
still fresh. Let us not forget that if we can be at thew 25:31, with this difference that Jesus
the same time Christians and at peace, in many distinguishes between those who have looked
countries our brothers and sisters suffer and after their neighbors and those who have not,
often die, victims of persecutions about which whereas here the persecutors and the persec-
the media says little. uted face each other. They are facing one
How far have we wandered from the truth. another for judgment again after the wicked
On that day, we will not wear the mask we all triumphed over the just.
have on earth, a mask which hides our hypocrisy
967 WISDOM 5
5
but see: he is counted among the children of God Col
1:12
and is given his lot with the holy angels!
6
How far have we wandered from the truth! Is
58:8
The light of the upright did not enlighten us
nor did its sun rise for us.
7
We trod the paths of injustice and death,
traveling, more than enough,
through trackless deserts,
but we were unable to know the Lord’s ways.
8
What good has our pride been?
What profit in the wealth we boasted about? Job
9:25
9
All that has passed away like a shadow,
like a fleeting rumor.
10
Like a ship cutting the sea,
leaving no trace of its course,
and the mark of its keel – not seen in its wake;
11
like a bird flying across the sky
leaving no trace of its flight;
it beats the light air with its pinions,
cleaving a way by the force of its wings
but without a sign of its passing;
12
or like an arrow shot at a target,
with the displaced air closing in on itself
and no one knowing what way it passed.
13
It is the same for us; scarcely born we have disappeared.
What sign of virtue are we able to show,
spent as we are in our own wickedness?” Is
14 29:5
The hope of the godless is like chaff blown in the wind, Ps
1:4
like a light frost melted in the storm,
like smoke dispersed by the wind;
it fades like the memory of a guest of a single day. Is
15 62:11
But the upright live forever,
their reward is with the Lord,
and the Most High has them in his care. Is
16 28:5
This is why they receive, from the hands of the Lord,
a royal crown, a splendid diadem.
He will shelter them with his hand
and his arm will be their shield. Is
17 59:17
God’s jealous love will display his weapon;
he will arm all creation to punish his enemies.
18
He will put on justice as his breastplate Is
30:27
and right judgment as his helmet,
19
invincible holiness will be his shield,
20
implacable anger his sword,
and the universe will march with him against the foolish.
 WISDOM 5 968
21
Well-aimed bolts of lightning will strike the rivers engulf them without mercy. 23 A 64:1
the target; the clouds will be a curved bow powerful wind will rise against them and blow
shooting arrows. them away like straw. In this way, lawless-
22
The hailstones of his fury will rain on ness will bring the whole earth to ruin, and
them, the ocean will rage against them and evildoing topple the thrones of the mighty.

NO TRUE WISDOM WITHOUT RELIGIOUS TRUTH

• 1 Listen, O kings, and understand; rul- 17
The beginning of Wisdom is a sincere
Sir
33:19
6 ers of the most distant lands, take warn- desire for discipline; concern for discipline is
Ps ing. 2 Pay attention, you who rule multitudes love of her, 18 and loving her means keeping
2:10 and boast of the numerous subjects in your her laws; 19 the observance of her laws as-
Dn pagan nations. sures one of immortality, and immortality
2:21 3
Jn For authority was given you by the Lord, brings us close to God.
19:11 your kingship is from the Most High who will 20
In this way the desire for Wisdom leads
Rom
13:1
examine your works and scrutinize your in- to kingship.
tentions. 21
So then, sovereigns of nations, you who
4
If, as officials of his kingdom, you have are fond of thrones and scepters, honor Wis-
not judged justly or observed his law or dom if you wish to reign forever.
walked the way God pointed out, 5 he will 22
What Wisdom is and how she came to
oppose you swiftly and terribly; his sentence be, I will tell you. I shall hide nothing from you,
strikes the mighty suddenly. but trace her from the beginning and clearly
6
For the lowly there may be excuses and make her known.
pardon, but the great will be severely pun- 23
I will not mislead you and hide the truth,
Job
34:17- ished. for I am free of gnawing envy which has
7
19 For the Lord of all makes no distinc- nothing in common with Wisdom. Pro
tion, nor does he take account of greatness. 24
29:4
The multitude of the wise could bring
Both great and lowly are his work and he
about the salvation of the world and a sen-
watches over all, 8 but the powerful are to be
sible king makes for the stability of his
judged more strictly.
9 people; 25 so learn from what I say and profit
It is to you then, sovereigns, that I speak,
from it.
that you may learn Wisdom and not stumble. Job
10
For those who keep the holy laws in a 10:11
1 Ps
holy way will be acknowledged holy, and I, too, am a mortal man like others, a
those who accept the teaching will find in it
7 descendant of the first human being
139:
15
their defense. formed from clay. My flesh was molded in a
11
Welcome my words, desire them and mother’s womb; 2 her blood formed me for
they will instruct you. ten months from the seed of man, given in
12
Wisdom is luminous and never tar- pleasure, the companion of sleep.
3
nished; she willingly lets herself be seen by Once born, I breathed the air common to
Pro everyone; I fell on the earth, the same for all;
8:17 those who love her, and known by those who
Pro look for her. 13 She hastens to meet those who my first cry was like that of other infants.
4
1:21 long for her. 14 Seek her in the morning and I was nourished, cared for and wrapped in
Sir you will not be disappointed; you will find her swaddling clothes; 5 indeed, no other king
4:12
sitting at your door. began life differently. 6 For there is but one
15
To meditate on Wisdom is understand- way into life for all and one way out of it.
1Jn 1K
4:10
ing fully grown; whoever is on the watch for 3:4-
I prayed and wisdom was given to me
her will be free of anxiety. 16 She goes in 12
search of those who are worthy of her, gra- • 7 I prayed and understanding was given Sir
47:12-
ciously meets them on the way and is present to me; I asked earnestly and the spirit of 17
in their every thought. Wisdom came to me.

• 6.1 Here begins the “discourse to the kings ber that at this time sovereign rulers would
about wisdom.” As we said in the introduction of “espouse” such and such divinity which allowed
Ecclesiastes, it was common to attribute the them at times to take possession, in the name of
books of wisdom to Solomon. This can also be their spouse, of the treasures in its temple (2 Mac
seen in this book: the author pretends to be 1:14). Seeking the Wisdom of God is no different
Solomon and puts the words about wisdom on from what we do when we speak of union with
Solomon’s lips. Christ: we must not forget that he is uncreated
Wisdom. This communion is not a matter of
• 7.7 All this page is an invitation to seek something sentimental: it is the costly and never-
Wisdom as one would seek a spouse: we remem- ending search for the one who is the Truth.
 969 WISDOM 8
8
I preferred her to scepters and thrones In her is a spirit that is intelligent,
and I considered wealth as nothing compared saintly, unique, manifold, subtle, ac-
with her.
9
I preferred her to any jewel of inestimable tive, concise, pure and lucid. It cannot
value, since gold beside her is nothing but a corrupt, loves what is good and nothing Jas
3:17
few grains of sand, and silver but mud. 10 I can restrain it; 23 it is beneficent, loving
loved her more than wealth and beauty and
even preferred her to light, because her radi- humankind, steadfast, dependable,
ance never dies. calm though almighty. It sees every-
11
She brought with her all other good thing and penetrates all spirits, how-
things, untold riches in her hands. 12 I rejoiced ever intelligent, subtle and pure they
at all that came with Wisdom without know-
ing she was their mother. may be.
24
13
What I learned without self-interest I Wisdom, in fact, surpasses in mo-
Lk
12:33 share freely and with no desire to conceal her bility all that moves, and being so pure
value; 14 for she is an inexhaustible treasure pervades and permeates all things. Sir
for man and those who possess her have 25
24:3
gained the friendship of God, commended to She is a breath of the power of
him by the fruits of her discipline. God, a pure emanation of the glory of
15
May God grant me to speak with dis- the Almighty; nothing impure can enter Jn
1:9
cernment and reflect in a way worthy of the
Ps
gifts I have received, for he is the guide of her. 26 She is a reflection of eternal light, Col
1:15
31:6
Wisdom and the corrector of the wise. 16 For a spotless mirror of God’s action and an Heb
1:3
we are in God’s hands, we ourselves, our image of his goodness.
words, our understanding and technical 27
She is but one, yet Wisdom can do Ps
knowledge. 102:
17
He, in fact, has given me true knowledge all things and, herself unchanging, she 27
104:
of what is, of the world and the properties of renews all things. She enters holy 30
the elements; 18 the beginning, the end and souls, making them prophets and
the times in between; the alternation of the friends of God, 28 for God loves only
1K
4:33 solstices and the succession of the seasons;
19
the cycles of the year and the position of the those who live with Wisdom.
29
stars; 20 the natures of animal species and the She is indeed more beautiful than
ways of wild beasts; the power of spirits and the sun and surpasses all the constella- Jn
human reasoning; the varieties of plants and 1:5
medicinal properties of roots. tions; she outrivals light, 30 for light 16:33
gives way to night, but evil cannot pre-
The reflection of eternal light
vail against Wisdom.
Heb • 21 I
have come to know everything Sir
1:2-3 1
Wisdom displays her strength from one 15:2
we see and everything hidden, 22 be- 8 end of the earth to the other, ordering all
cause Wisdom, who designed them all, things rightly.
taught me. 2
I loved her and sought her from my

I preferred her to any jewel of inestimable could have been better, and it is good if in a
value. See Mt 13:44-45. concrete way nothing better could have been
accomplished.
• 21. See commentary of Proverbs 8:22: it is Evil cannot prevail against Wisdom. The
the same theme. Wisdom comes from God: it is Christian, rooted in God’s word, brings light
the same Wisdom that gives order to the universe where darkness ruled: he must be present and
and which is the presence of God in us – his active, without fear of such involvement, wher-
presence, as always, through his Son. ever problems of his country, his work, his daily
Nothing impure can enter her. Note the life are being decided. Light and justice will
optimism found in this description. Because she triumph and renew the face of the world.
is “holy and pure” the wisdom of God penetrates She enters holy souls, making them proph-
everything, even what is impure and imperfect, ets and friends of God. It was said in 2:24 that
enlightening our slow and limited spirit. The the devil corrupted creation by introducing
Jews of the time learned from the Law that they death. Now, the Wisdom of God overcomes the
had to remain “clean” and stay away from all that ravage of death.
is “unclean”: for example, when two people She is a pure emanation of the Glory of the
touched each other, the unclean person con- Almighty. For the Hebrews “glory“ was some-
taminated the other (see Lev 11:1; and Hg thing “heavy,” something that imposes itself and
2:11). Here, it is the wisdom of God that over- is not pure appearance. In the language of the
comes darkness and impurity (see Eph 5:13). Greeks, “glory” becomes what is radiant: the
Nothing is absolutely bad in itself: it is bad if it radiance of God in the universe, and still more
 WISDOM 8 970

youth; I strove to have her as my bride for I child and 20 was good-natured or rather, be-
had fallen in love with her beauty. ing good, I had entered an undefiled body.
21
3
Her nearness to God tells of her noble But knowing that I could only possess
birth. Because the Lord of all has loved her, Wisdom if she were given me by God – it was
4
she is instructed in God’s knowledge and a mark of intelligence to know who was the
chooses his works. donor – I turned to the Lord and implored him,
5
If we desire riches in life, what is richer saying with all my heart:
than Wisdom who is the active cause of
Give me your wisdom 1K
everything? 6 If the intellect shows itself in 3:6-9
action, still more does she who fashions • 1
God of our fathers and Lord of Sir
everything. 7 If you love righteousness, every 9 mercy, whose word has created
42:15

virtue is the fruit of her labor, for she teaches

temperance, prudence, justice, fortitude – all everything and 2 who in Wisdom formed Gen
1:28
that is most valuable in life. man to govern your creation, 3 to rule
8
If someone is eager for experience, she the world in holiness and justice, pass-
knows what took place in the past and fore- ing sentence with right judgment,
casts the future. She has the art of interpreta- 4
tion and knows how to solve riddles, she give me Wisdom that sits beside
foresees signs and wonders, the end of ages your throne and do not reject me from
and eras. among your children. Ps
9
This is why I decided to have her as 5
For I am your servant, son of your
116:
16
companion for life, knowing she would be a
wise counselor and encourage me in times of handmaid, a weak and mortal man with
1K
3:7
worry and distress. little understanding of judgment and
10
I thought: With her I shall have glory laws. 6 Even the most perfect among us
1K
3:16-
among the nations and, although young, counts for nothing, unless he has re-
28 honor among the elderly; 11 I shall be found
penetrating in judgment and be admired by ceived Wisdom that comes from you.
7
the powerful. You have chosen me as king for
12
If I am silent they will wait to hear me; if your people, as judge over your sons
I speak, they will pay attention; though I
speak at length they will put their hand on
and daughters. 2S
7:13
8
Sir
their lips. You have ordered me to build a
39:9
13
Thanks to her I shall win immortality, temple on your holy mountain and an
and to those who come after me I shall leave altar in the city where you live, in imita-
an everlasting memory.
14
tion of the holy Tent that was yours
I shall govern peoples, and nations will
be subject to me. 15 Terrible sovereigns will from the beginning.
9
cower when they hear of my name, but to my With you is Wisdom that knows
people I shall show myself kind; in battle, your works, that was present when you
courageous.
16 made the world and is aware of what is
When I come home I shall take my rest
with her, for there is nothing bitter in her pleasing in your eyes and what is right
company and no suffering in sharing life with according to your commandments.
her, only pleasure and joy. 10
Send her from the holy heavens,
17
Pondering over all this, I understood that dispatch her from your holy throne to
I would achieve immortality by being united
to Wisdom; 18 I would have pure delight work beside me so that I may know
through friendship with her, inexhaustible what is pleasing to you.
riches in what she does, understanding from 11
For she knows and understands
being in her company and renown from shar-
ing her conversation. Then I set out to seek
everything; she will direct my actions
and possess her. with prudence and protect me with her
19
I had a pleasant personality even as a power.
“on the face of Christ” (2 Cor 4:6). Wisdom, heart. To those who cooperate with him, God
mirror of God’s activity and image of his perfec- grants uprightness, prudence and even the au-
tion, is Christ, as Paul says in Col 1:5; Heb 1:3; thority to lead God’s people. Abraham and
John calls Christ “Word of God” (see Jn 1:1). Moses were called to do great things.
See also introduction to Ephesians. This prayer refers to the event related in 1
Kings 3:6: the dream in which Solomon asked
• 9.1 The necessary condition for acquiring God for wisdom.
wisdom consists in having a humble and simple
 971 WISDOM 10
12 16
Then my deeds will please you, We are barely able to know about
and I shall judge your people in justice the things of earth and it is a struggle to
and be worthy of the throne of my fa- understand what is close to us; who
Rom ther. then may hope to understand heavenly
11:34 13
1Cor Indeed, who can know the inten- things? Mt
2:16 17 11:27
tions of God? Who can discern the plan Who has ever known your will un-
of the Lord? less you first gave him Wisdom and
14
For human reasoning is timid, our sent down your holy spirit to him? Bar
4:4
18
notions misleading; 15 a perishable In this way you directed the human
Is body is a burden for the soul and our race on the right path; they learned
55:9
Jn
tent of clay weighs down the active what pleases you and were saved by
3:12 mind. Wisdom.

THE WISDOM OF GOD WORKS IN HISTORY

• 1
Wisdom protected the father land, a smoking waste, witnesses to 2P
10 of the world, the first man to be their perversity, for plants there bear 2:6-8

formed, who was created alone. 2 She unripe fruit and a pillar of salt stands
delivered him from his fault and gave as a monument to an unbelieving wo-
Gen him power to govern all things. man.
4:8- 8
13
3
When a violent man turning in an- For having ignored Wisdom, not
Gen ger strayed from Wisdom, he perished only were they kept from knowing what
7-8
in his fratricidal fury. 4 Because of the is good, but their ruins were left as a
violent man, the earth was submerged monument to their foolishness so that
by the flood, but Wisdom again saved it their failure might never be forgotten.
9
by piloting an upright man on a frail But Wisdom rescued her servants Gen
28:10-
Gen
12:1-
piece of wood. from their trials. 10 Along straight paths 22
5
3 Again when the nations, united in she led the upright man who fled from
22:1-
19 evil, had been thrown into confusion, it his brother’s anger. She showed him
was Wisdom who singled out a right- God’s kingdom and let him know the
eous man, keeping him blameless be- holy angels; she made him prosperous Gen
31:23-
fore God and steadfast, despite his pity and successful in his toil. 11 Wisdom 29,
32
Gen for his child. stood by him against the greed of op-
19 6
It was she who, when the godless pressors and made him rich. Gen
12 32:25
perished, saved the righteous man and She protected him from his ene-
let him flee from the fire pouring down mies and saved him from the traps they
on the Five Cities. 7 To this day the arid set for him; with Wisdom he triumphed

• 10.1 The Wisdom of God is at work in time. She taught them to live in the now and to
world history. When an event takes place, we do discover in the present moment the resources
not usually judge its global value: only time and joys that God wanted to give them.
enables us to appreciate it. When we look at the In spite of the fact that, many times, they did
history of a people like the Israelites, we see that not see beyond the path to be traveled that day,
God had a plan which developed step by step, and their daily struggle against their own lies
even though the people were free and some- seemed useless, wisdom prepared their paths
times departed from God. Many elements are beforehand. One day they will understand how
involved in the realization of God’s plan: sin, their labors were joined with the labors of many
punishment, penance and forgiveness. other brothers and sisters to build the Future
She made him prosperous and successful in City.
his toil. This points more directly to Jacob. In verse 3, the reference is to Cain; in v. 4 to
Divine Wisdom taught their children the works Noah; in v. 5 to Abraham; in v. 6 to Lot; in v.
which were to bear fruit and be lasting; she also 10 to Jacob; in v. 13 to Joseph and in v. 16 to
showed them the thousand ways which waste Moses.
 WISDOM 10 972

in an arduous struggle, learning in this from hard flint, from a rocky cliff, a welcome
Gen way that nothing is as strong as piety. relief for the parched.
5
37-
13
The same creatures you used to punish
39 She did not abandon the righteous their enemies were of benefit to them in their
man when he was sold; still more she trouble.
6 Ex
kept him free from sin. 14 She went down For their enemies an ever-flowing source 1:15-
of river water was polluted with blood – 7 a 16
into the cistern with him; she did not stern response to the decree ordering the
leave him in chains, but made him the slaughter of infants. But, against all hope,
ruler of a kingdom, giving him authority you gave your people water in abundance,
8 Dt
showing them by the thirst they suffered,
over his oppressors. She denounced as how you had punished their enemies. 9 Their
8:2-5

liars those who accused him falsely and trials were no more than merciful reproofs.
gave him everlasting honor. Through them, your people learned how se-
15
It was she who rescued an inno- verely the wicked were judged and punished.
10
cent and holy people from a nation of You tested them as does a father, while
you examined their enemies like a stern king.
oppressors. 11
Their enemies suffered at the time and
16
She entered the soul of God’s ser- also later. 12 When they remembered the
vant and through him withstood terrible past, theirs was a double grief and groaning.
13
Ex kings with signs and wonders. They came to see that it was the work of the
13:21
17
Lord when they realized that their punish-
To the holy people she gave the ment had benefited the others.
wages of their labor, leading them in a 14
Long before, they had exposed Moses;
wonderful way, giving them shade dur- they had rejected him in derision; but now
ing the day and the light of the stars at they admired him because of what had hap-
pened, and after they had suffered a thirst far
Ex night. different from that of the righteous. Rom
14:21- 18 1:21
29 She brought them across the Red 15
Their wickedness and foolish ideas led
Sea, but drowned their enemies 19 and them astray, even to worshiping snakes and
other repugnant animals; this is why you sent
later washed them ashore from the them hordes of similar creatures, 16 teaching
Ex depth of the abyss. them that punishment takes the same form
15
20
So the righteous looted the god- as the sin.
17
less, singing hymns, Lord, to your holy In fact, your almighty power that created
the world from formless matter did not lack
Ps Name, and one in heart, they gave means to unleash upon them bears and sav- Job
8:3 41:10-
Mt thanks for your saving hand. 21 Wisdom age lions, 18 or monsters freshly created, un- 13
21:16 known and full of fury, breathing fire or noisily
gives speech to the dumb and makes
spitting smoke or flashing fearful sparks from
infants speak clearly. their eyes, 19 creatures not only capable of
• 1 Wisdom gave success to their ac- destroying them at a single blow but whose
11 tions through a holy prophet; 2 they
mere appearance could make them die of
fright.
crossed an uninhabited wilderness and
Is
pitched camp in inaccessible places. How God corrects his children 40:12
Ex 3
17:1 They stood up to their enemies and • 20 Even Job
fought off the hostile. 4 When they were thirsty without this, they could 28:25
they called on you and you gave them water have dropped dead at a single breath if

• 11.1 God’s love for his people reveals itself mankind if used with wisdom. All this can turn
when the very forces of nature serve to punish against us, when it is used without considering
the Egyptians and save the Hebrews. This is the goal God established for the world.
shown with seven illustrations: animals, locusts The passage from 11:5 to 15:19 is a long
and snakes, hail and manna, darkness and light, parenthesis contrasting God’s ways, as a friend
the firstborn, the sea (vv. 16-19). All this is and master of humans with the foolishness in the
amplified beyond measure and is not the part of worship of idols.
the book that touches us most.
The same creatures you used to punish their • 20. You ordered all with measure, num-
enemies were of benefit to them in their ber and weight. Because God’s power is abso-
trouble. This can be a lesson concerning the lute, it is never a manifestation of violence:
forces ruling our world today. Organization, beauty, harmony and goodness are never lack-
speed, technology, science, emancipation: all ing in all that comes from God.
these are instrumental in the liberation of hu-
 973 WISDOM 12

pursued by your justice, or dispersed were in their ways, 11 for it was a cursed race
by the breath of your might; but you from the beginning.
In any case, it was not through fear of
ordered all with measure, number and anyone that you left their sins unpunished. Job
9:12
weight. 12
For who dares say to you, “What have you Rom
21 done?” Who would dare to reject your sen- 9:19-
You are able to show your power at 23
tence? Who could reproach you for destroy-
Is any moment and who can resist the ing the nations you formed? Who would dare
40:15
strength of your arm? 22 For the entire rise against you in defense of the guilty? Dt
32:39
world lies before you, just enough to tip 13
For there is no other god besides you,
the scales, a drop of morning dew fall- one who cares for everyone, who could ask
you to justify your judgments; 14 there is no
Sir ing on the ground. other king or sovereign who could confront
18:12
23
But because you are almighty, you you and support those you punish.
15
are merciful to all; you overlook sins You are just and you rule all with justice;
Ps and give your children time to repent. had you condemned those who should not be
145:9 24 punished, you would have misused your
You love everything that exists and power.
hate nothing that you have made; had 16
Your strength is the source of your jus-
you hated anything, you would not tice and because you are the Lord of all, you
have formed it. can be merciful to everyone.
17
25
To those who doubt your sovereign
How could anything endure if you power you show your strength and you con-
did not will it? And how could anything found the insolence of those who ignore it.
18
last that you had not willed? 26 You have But you, the Lord of strength, judge with
prudence and govern us with great patience,
compassion on all because all is yours, because you are able to do anything at the
O Lord, lover of life. time you want.
19
In this way you have taught your people
1
In fact your immortal spirit is in that a righteous person must love his human
12 all. fellows; you have also given your people
cause for hope by prompting them to repent
2
And so by degrees you correct of their sin.
20
those who sin, you admonish them, For if you have been careful and patient
reminding them how they have strayed in punishing the enemies of your people
when they deserved to die, and have given
so that turning away from evil they may them a time and a place to turn from their
trust in you, Lord. wickedness, 21 with what strict attention have
you not judged your people, you who bound
3
So it happened with those who once lived yourself to our ancestors with oaths and
in your holy land. 4 You hated them because Mt
covenants full of magnificent promises. 5:7
of their detestable practices, their sorcery 22
Yes, you punish us, but you punish our 7:2
and unholy worship. 5 They were used to the enemies far more severely to teach us when
pitiless slaughter of children at the feasts in we judge others to remember your kindness,
which they ate human flesh and blood and and when we are judged to count on your
even bowels, while they fulfilled secret ritu- mercy.
Dt als. 23
20:16- Those who lived foolishly and wickedly,
6
18 Because these parents murdered their you tormented with their own abominations.
defenseless children, you wished our ances- 24
For they had strayed into error to the point
tors to destroy them, 7 and the land dearest to of choosing vile and disgusting animals as
you became the home of God’s children who gods, allowing themselves to be deceived
Ps
78:39
were worthy of it. like infants.
8
But you even showed mercy to these 25
And, as to children with no sense, you
sinners because they were human beings. sent them a punishment to mock them; 26 but
You sent hornets ahead of your army to if they took no warning from these correc-
Gen gradually destroy them. tions, they were soon to receive a punishment
9:25 9
You could have given the wicked over to worthy of God. 27 In their suffering they be-
the righteous in battle, or destroyed them in came indignant at those animals they had
one blow by means of savage beasts or with taken as gods and who were now used to
a harsh command; 10 but in punishng them punish them. Then they saw clearly, and
gradually you gave them time to repent. acknowledged as God, him whom before
Nevertheless you were aware of their evil they had refused to know. That is why they
nature, their innate malice and how fixed they suffered the supreme punishment.
 WISDOM 13 974
Ex Against those who worship images 15
He then makes a suitable niche for it in Bar
3:14 6:25-
Sir • 1 the wall and fastens it in place with iron nails. 27,
The natural helplessness of
17:8
Rom
1:19-
13 humans is seen in their ignorance
16
The craftsman is careful to keep it from
falling, knowing that it is unable to help itself.
57

It needs help because it is no more than an Jer

20 of God. The experience of good things 2:27
did not lead them to the knowledge of image.
17
Even so, when it is a matter of his
Him who is. They were interested in his marriage, his children and his household, the
works, but they did not recognize the man is not ashamed to pray to this lifeless 15:15
Ps
Dt object. He prays for his health to something
4:19 author of them. 115:
Job 2 without strength; 18 for life he prays to what is 4-7
31:26- Fire, wind, air, the sphere of the dead, for help he implores something insen-
28 stars, rushing water and the lights in the sitive, for a successful journey he has re-
sky were held as the rulers of the world. course to what cannot walk, 19 for his profit,
3
his concerns and success in his craft he asks
If, charmed by such beauty, they help of something that has no skill whatever
took them for gods, let them know how in its hands.
far superior is their sovereign. 4 And if 1
Imagine someone who is about to set
they were impressed by their power 14 sail and cross the raging sea. He calls
and activity, let them understand from upon a piece of wood far more fragile than the
this how much mightier is he who boat that carries him.
2
formed them. 5 For the grandeur and In fact, this boat has been built with gain
in mind and proceeds from the wisdom of the
beauty of creatures lead us to ponder shipwright. 3 But it is your providence, Fa-
on their Author, greater and more mag- ther, that guides it, for you are the one who
nificent. prepares a path through the sea and a safe
way over the waves. 4 By this we understand
6
No doubt these people are not to be that you are able to save us from any danger, Ps
blamed severely, for possibly they strayed 107:
and even the unskilled are able to sail. 29-
though they searched for God and desired to 5
People are the work of your wisdom and 30
find him. 7 They pondered over the created you do not want them to remain idle. So they
things that surrounded them and were capti- trust their lives to a small plank of wood and Gen
vated by the sight of such beauty. 6:1-4
cross the sea safe and sound on a raft. Bar
8
Even so they are not to be excused, 9 for 6
At the beginning of time when proud 3:26-
28
Dt if they were able to explore the world, why did giants perished, the hope of the world took
4:25- they not discover first the world’s Sovereign? refuge on a raft and, led by your hand, left to
28
Acts
10
But unhappy, indeed, are those people the world the seed of a new race. 7 Blessed be
17:29 who give to man-made artifacts the title of the wood by which salvation was carried out!
8
gods! Cursed is their hope in dead things, But cursed be the idol and its maker, the
objects worked in gold and silver, likenesses idol made by human hands, this corruptible
Is of animals, and even useless stones carved thing that is called a god, and the craftsman
40:20 long ago! for having fashioned it.
9
11
Take a woodcutter – he fells a tree that They are hateful to God, both the godless
is easy to move, expertly strips off all the bark and the fruit of his godlessness; 10 the maker Is
2:18
and with the wood makes a utensil needed in will be punished together with his work.
daily life; 12 he uses the bits left over as fuel for 11
Therefore the idols of the nations will
cooking his food and he has a good meal. also be judged. They have come to be the
13
Then he picks up an utterly useless left- most abominable among the creatures of
over piece, all gnarled and knotted, and God. They are a stumbling block to the spirit
carves it in his leisure time, using his profes- of man, and the feet of the foolish are caught Ex
34:16
sional skill to give it the shape of a man or in the snare.
14
maybe of a worthless animal. He covers it 12
The invention of idols was the origin of
with ochre and paints the surface red, cover- licentiousness; when they were invented, life
ing all its blemishes. became corrupt. 13 For in the beginning they

• 13.1 Materialists ignore God. The proud mountains remind them of the Perfect Being
believe they can achieve everything on their who created them; even more do the riches they
own. They use things as their own, without discover in their loved ones. Human intelligence
giving them a deeper meaning and without is meant to discover God who fills everything and
seeing them as gifts from God. is the end of everything. Paul will say something
Simple and humble people see the hand of very similar in Romans 1:19.
God in everything. The water, the wind, the
 975 WISDOM 15

did not exist and they will not exist forever. thing with mercy. 2 Even when we sin we
14
Human vanity introduced them into the belong to you and acknowledge your power, Jn
world, and God has set a term for them. but aware that we belong to you, we shall not 17:3
15
Suppose a father, overwhelmed by grief sin.
3
for a child so swiftly taken from him, has an To know you is perfect righteousness
image made of him. From that time on a dead and to acknowledge your power is the root of
creature will be honored as a god, because immortality.
4
the father handed on to his dependents secret So we have not been led astray by a
rites and celebrations. 16 Time will consoli- deceptive invention of human act – the sterile
date this unholy practice and eventually it will labor of painters – these idols daubed with
be observed by law. colors, 5 the sight of which stirs yearning in
It has also happened that sculptured im- fools attached to the lifeless face of a dead
ages were venerated by order of sovereigns. image.
6
17
Those who lived far away and were unable Really, idol-makers and those who serve
to honor them personally had copies made, and worship them are looking for disgrace
that they might honor them as if present by and deserve to have false hope.
means of their image. 7
The potter, laboriously working the soft
18
The ambition of the artist helped the clay, fashions each object for our use, and
Dn veneration grow among those who did not from the same clay he shapes vessels, some
3:1-7 even know the sovereign. 19 As he wished to for food, and others for what is thrown away. Gen
please his master, he made the portrait more The potter makes vessels for both clean and 3:19
attractive than reality, 20 and the people, se- unclean uses and decides to what purpose
Ex duced by the perfection of art work, began to each one is shaped. 8 The same way and from
3:14 worship someone previously honored as a the same clay he fashions a helpless god;
man. cursed labor of a man recently formed from
21
In this way the image became a pitfall for clay, who will shortly return to clay when he
Rom the living, for people bent down, either by is called to give up his soul.
1:21, misfortune or tyranny, gave to stones and 9
He has no thought of dying soon, no
24-
32 wood the incommunicable Name. thought of the short duration of life. None at
22
But it was not enough for them to err in all. He competes with those who work on
their knowledge of God; in the great trouble to silver and gold and, like the smith, he feels Gen
which ignorance condemned them, they proud to make a counterfeit of God. 2:7
have called such an evil situation peace. 10
Ashes, that is what his heart is; his hope
23
With the sacrificial murder of children in cheaper than dust; 11 his life worth as much as
their initiations, with secret mysteries and clay, for he has not acknowledged his Maker,
wild ceremonial orgies, 24 they no longer keep who has breathed into him an active soul, a
their lives and marriages pure; they treach- living spirit. 12 He looks on life as a game and
erously murder one another or wound others its duration a market full of bargains, for as he
through adultery. says, “A man must make the most of life
25
Everywhere it is a welter of blood, mur- whether by fair means or foul.”
der, fraud and theft, corruption, treachery, 13
For these, more than others, know that
riots, perjury; 26 on all sides harassment of they sin in fashioning with the same clay,
good people, forgetfulness of favors, the pol- vessels and sculptured gods. Ps
lution of souls and sins against nature, wide- 14
But utterly foolish and more pitiable 115:
4-7
spread disorder in marriage, adultery, de- than the soul of a newborn infant were the
bauchery. enemies that oppressed your people. 15 They
27
Indeed the worship of gods which do not received as gods all the idols of the nations –
even deserve a name, is the beginning, cause idols that have no eyes to see, no nostrils to
and effect of every evil. breathe the air, no ears to hear, no fingers to
28
Others delight in raving or uttering false feel with, or feet that are able to walk. For Ps
prophecies; they live wickedly and casually these gods are the work of a man, a creature 104:
perjure themselves. 29 As they deal with life- 29-
of borrowed breath made them. 30
less images, they do not fear any punishment 16
Man cannot even make a god that re-
for their false oaths, 30 but a double punish- sembles himself; 17 a mortal’s unholy hands
ment awaits them: as idolators for their base produce a dead god. He is, in fact, superior to
concept of God, as frauds for taking false what he worships, since he at least lives, but
oaths in defiance of all that is holy. they will never live.
31
Though the idols by which they swore 18
People worship the most repulsive ani-
Ex are powerless, justice that pursues sinners
34:6-
mals, the most stupid of all who, unlike other
7 always overtakes the sin of the wicked. animals, are devoid of beauty; 19 these are
unattractive creatures who have missed the
1
But you, our God, are kind and true; blessing of God and are not fit to give him
15 you bear evil patiently and order every- praise.
 WISDOM 16 976

How God treats his people and the flame rose more fiercely than fire to destroy Ex
16
Egyptians differently the harvest of an unholy land. Ps
1 78:25
That is why this people received the
Ex
16:9 16 punishment they deserved through
• 20 But to your people you gave the food of 105:
40
Num
similar animals and hordes of tormenting angels and from heaven sent bread already
11:10 prepared and suiting all tastes, having every
insects. 2 But in contrast to this punishment
it was kindness you showed to your people flavor. 21 In this way you revealed your loving
by providing quails – a delicious food – for kindness to your children. 22 Satisfying all
them. needs, this bread provided what each one
3
As for the Egyptians, in spite of their wanted.
fierce hunger, they were restrained by disgust That food, having the appearance of snow
from eating because of the repulsive sight of and ice, resisted fire and did not melt; thus
the creatures sent against them. But the they understood how their enemy’s harvest
Israelites after being deprived for a time were was destroyed by fire in the midst of hail,
then given the finest food. while lightning flashed in the falling rain.
23
4
It was necessary for their oppressors to This same fire seemed to forget its own
Num
21:4 suffer severe want, but enough for your nature in order to spare the food of the
people to know how the enemy was pun- righteous.
24
Num ished. 5 Indeed when they experienced the Your creation is at your service for you
21:9 fury of wild animals and the bites of writhing are its Author. It works to punish the wicked
Jn
snakes, your anger did not endure. and withdraws for the benefit of those who put
3:14-
17
6
Their temporary affliction served as a their trust in you.
25
warning; then they were given a sign of In the service of your bounty which Dt
attends to everything, creation made itself 8:3
salvation to remind them of the prescriptions Mt
of your law. 7 For whoever turned towards it manifold and adjusted to the wish of every- 4:4
Ex was saved, not by the image he saw, but by one. 26 Then the children you love learned
8:16 you, Lord, the Savior of all. that it is not crops of whatever kind which Ex
10:4 8 nourish humankind, but your word that sus- 16:21
Rev In that way you taught our enemies that
9:3 it is you who deliver us from every evil. 9 They tains those who trust you.
27
were, in fact, killed by the sting of insects and That food which resisted fire, simply
flies for which there was no cure since they melted in the warmth of a fleeting sunbeam,
28
deserved punishment from these creatures. teaching us that we must rise before the sun
10
Your children instead were not overcome, to give thanks and pray to you at dawn. 29 The
even by the fangs of venomous serpents, for hope of the ungrateful will melt like winter
Ps your mercy intervened and healed them. frost and flow away like water that is not being Rom
107: 11
Bites quickly healed reminded them of used. 11:33-
20 36
your commands, lest they fall into deep obliv-
ion and forget your kindness. 12 No herb, no 1
How great are your purposes and how Ex
ointment healed them but your word, Lord, 17 difficult to explain! People who have 10:21-
23
that heals all. not learned about them have gone astray.
13
You are Lord of life and death; you bring 2
While the godless thought they had the
down to the gate of the netherworld and bring holy nation in their power, they themselves
back again. 14 Man in his wickedness is able were prisoners, captives of a long night, shut
Ex to kill but he cannot bring back the departed in under their own roofs, banished from eter-
9:24 spirit or rescue the snatched soul. 15 It is nal providence.
impossible to escape your hand. 3
Although they counted on their sins re-
16
The godless, refusing to acknowledge maining hidden under the veil of forgetful-
you, were scourged by the strength of your ness, they were scattered and at the same
arm, lashed by relentless downpours, hail, time dismayed and terrified by visions. 4 The
and pitiless storms, and consumed by fire. dark places where they sheltered could not
17
But this was the most astounding: water, protect them from fear, they heard horrific
powerful to quench, made fire burn more noises and were confronted with ghastly and Ex
13:21-
fiercely. For the elements fight on the side of mournful apparitions. 5 No fire could give 22
the righteous. them light, while the sparkling radiance of the
18
At times the flame abated to spare the stars dared not shine on that horrible night.
6
insects thrust against the wicked, that they All that shone for them was an inextinguish-
might know they were pursued by God’s able and terrifying fire and, in their terror,
sentence. when this vision ended, they imagined their
19
At other times, in the midst of water the situation to be worse than it was.

• 16.20 What an amplification of the way of seeing things prepared for what Jesus
manna that God gave the Hebrews in the desert! would say in John 6.
Such rhetoric scarcely moves us, yet this Jewish
 977 WISDOM 18
7
Their magic arts failed and their pretence their sons who perished together in the raging
to intelligence was utterly confounded; sea.
8 6
those who claimed to eliminate the fear and That night had been foretold to our an-
disturbance of the sick mind were themselves cestors, and knowing in what promise they
afflicted with a ridiculous fear. trusted, they could rejoice in all surety.
7
9
Although there was nothing to cause this Your people waited for both the salvation
fear, they were terrified by the buzz of insects of the just and the downfall of their enemies,
8
and the hiss of snakes; 10 they died convulsed for the very punishment of our enemies
with fear, refusing to look even at the air from brought glory to the people you have called –
which no one may escape. 11 Wickedness is that is, to us.
9
cowardly and is condemned by itself; pur- The holy race secretly offered the Pass-
sued by conscience it always assumes the over sacrifice and really agreed on this wor-
worst. 12 For fear is no more than giving up the thy pact: that they would share alike both Ex
help that reason is able to give. 13 Inasmuch blessings and dangers. And forthwith they 11:6
as this help is lacking interiorly, the unknown began to sing the hymns of their fathers.
cause of one’s torments seems greater. 10
Then came discordant echoes from
14
So all that night, a night issued from the their enemies: plaintive voices mourning
powerless netherworld that took hold of them their children.
11
while they slept and made everyone power- The same sentence struck slave and
less, 15 they were either pursued by mon- master alike; the common man and the king
strous ghosts or paralyzed by a sudden, un- endured equal suffering. 12 They mourned
expected fear. 16 Whoever had fallen lay together for innumerable victims, all stricken
there, shut in a prison not made of iron. with the same kind of death.
17
Whether plowman or shepherd or some- The living were not enough to bury them,
one working by himself, he had to submit to for the flower of their race had perished in an
an inevitable fate; 18 all were bound by the instant.
13
same chain of darkness. Although sorcery had turned them into
Everything held them paralyzed by fear: unbelievers, after the death of their firstborn
the sighing of the wind and the tuneful song of they acknowledged that your people were the Rev
the birds in spreading branches, the continu- children of God. 19:11-
14 13
ous noise of rushing water 19 and the terrible While all was in quiet silence and the
crash of falling rocks, the swift, invisible night was in the middle of its course, 15 your
bounding of animals and the terrifying roar of almighty Word leapt down from the Royal
wild beasts, the echo rebounding from the Throne – a stern warrior to a doomed world.
16
mountains – all was a cause of fear. Carrying your fearful command like a
20
The whole world shone in brilliant light sharpened sword and stretching from heaven
and continued its work without hindrance; to earth, he filled the universe with death.
17
21
they alone were covered in the darkness of Immediately they were overwhelmed
night, the image of night that would be their with terrible dreams and hallucinations and
lot. But even heavier than the darkness was assailed by sudden fears. 18 Thrown half-
the burden they were for themselves. dead, some here and some there, they made
known why they were dying, 19 for the dreams
1
Meanwhile, for your holy ones there that had troubled them had also instructed
18 was great light. The Egyptians heard them, lest they perish without knowing the
their voice without seeing them; they called reason for their misfortune.
20
them fortunate because they had not suf- Indeed the righteous, too, experienced
fered; 2 they also thanked them, for in spite of death when a scourge struck a great number
the injustice done to them they had not of them in the desert, but God’s anger was
retaliated, and asked their pardon for previ- short-lived.
21
ous wrongs. A blameless man hastened to their de-
Is 3
In contrast to this darkness, you gave fense. Using the weapons of his sacred office
2:3, your holy people a pillar of fire as a guide in – prayer and atonement incense – he con-
5
their unmapped journey, as a mild sun dur- fronted the divine Wrath, putting an end to
ing their glorious migration. 4 The enemy their affliction, and was thus recognized as
deserved to be without light and imprisoned your servant.
22
in darkness for having imprisoned your sons, He vanquished your Wrath, but not by
Ex the people through whom the imperishable physical strength or by the force of arms. He
1:22– light of your laws would be given to the won over the Punisher by reminding him of
2:10
14:26- world. the sworn promises and covenants made
28 5
They had intended to kill the infants of with our ancestors.
23
your holy people – and of those exposed only The dead were already piled up, one on
one child was saved. Because of that you top of the other, when he intervened, beating
retaliated by doing away with a multitude of back Wrath and cutting it off from the living.
 WISDOM 18 978
24
For the whole world was represented on his 11
Later your people were to see a new way 16:13

flowing robe, the glorious names of the fa- for birds to appear, for when they hungered
thers on the four rows of stones, and your for food, 12 quails came out of the sea to
majesty engraved on the diadem on his head. satisfy their need.
25 13
The Destroyer, afraid of these, recoiled; Punishment befell the sinners after they
a mere taste of Wrath had been sufficient. had been warned by violent thunder; de-
servedly they suffered for their own wicked-
1
Instead, a pitiless fury raged against ness, for they had given proof of a most cruel
19 the wicked to the very end, for God hatred towards strangers.
14
knew beforehand what they would do: 2 that Others had not welcomed unknown
after allowing them to leave and hastening strangers, but the Egyptians enslaved guests Gen
who had been good to them. 15 The former will 45:17
their departure, they would then pursue
them. be condemned for dealing badly with strang-
2Mac
3
While the Egyptians were still mourning ers; 16 worse still, the Egyptians who had
6:14 at the graves of their dead, they had the mad welcomed them with celebrations and Gen
treated them as equals, but later made them 19:11
idea of pursuing them as fugitives.
4
A well-deserved fate drove them to this suffer cruelly.
17
extreme, making them forget what had hap- For this they were afflicted with blind-
pened and completing their punishment with ness like the men of Sodom who came to the
further torment. 5 While your people would door of the righteous man Lot and found
experience a miraculous journey, their op- themselves in utter darkness, each one grop-
pressors would suffer an extraordinary death. ing around to find his own door.
18
6
All creation in its different forms was The elements interchanged their quali-
fashioned anew at your command, in order to ties as on a harp the notes change their tones
protect your people. 7 The cloud covered the while retaining their own pitch. Clearly this is
camp with its shadow, dry land emerged what happened as is shown by a scrutiny of
where water had been. A safe passage was events.
19
opened through the Red Sea, the tempestu- Creatures living on the land became
ous flood became a green plain 8 where the aquatic and those that swam emerged on dry
whole nation of those protected by your hand land. 20 Fire burned more fiercely in water
Is
63:13 passed across, witnessing your astounding when water ceased to quench. 21 On another
Mal
deeds. occasion flames did not burn frail animals
3:20 that passed through them nor did they melt
9
They were like horses led to pasture, or Is
Ex the heavenly food that normally would have 45:17,
like frolicking lambs, praising you, their Lord,
8:12- melted like frost. 25
15 who had delivered them. 10 For they still re-
membered what they had seen in their exile: • 22 For in every way, Lord, you have ex-
how the earth, in place of animals, had pro- alted and glorified your people, never dis-
duced mosquitoes, and rivers, instead of daining them, but standing by them always
providing fish, produced frogs. and everywhere.
Ex

• 19.22 The book concludes abruptly on this hope that the people of God will never be
abandoned.
979

SIRACH

Two centuries before Christ, Jesus, son of Sirach, wrote this book which is a synthesis
of the traditions and teachings of the “sages.”
He was well-off and well educated and appears to have been the head of an important
household with servants. He dealt with many people being involved with works and
business which turned out well. In the end, this sage confessed that it was the sacred books
which taught him the secret of success. In writing this book, he intended to share with
others what he learned in the sacred books, and verified through his own experience.
He wrote a few years before the religious crisis related in the book of Maccabees.
Many of his contemporaries to whom the Jewish religion seemed antiquated allowed
themselves to be attracted by Greek culture. The author tried to offer a new presentation
of the faith of Israel. In no other nation was there a wisdom superior to that of God’s
people, because it was there, by divine decree, that Wisdom came to dwell. This book
shows us how the Law of God leads people to a more human, more intelligent and more
responsible personal and social life.
This book consists of two main parts:
– Chapters 1–42 include seven series of maxims. Each one starts with the praise of
wisdom. The poem on wisdom in chapter 24 is particularly interesting.
– Chapters 43–51 begin by praising God whose wisdom shines in the order of the
universe and continue with a description of God’s wise activity through the great people
of the Old Testament.
This book is one of the deuterocanonical books: see p. 887.

Foreword by the translator from Hebrew to them, began himself to write something
Greek about their teachings and wisdom, in order
• The Law, the Prophets and the other that those people desiring to gain knowledge
Writings which came later have transmitted might take advantage of his writings and
to us so many and such great lessons that it make even greater progress in living accord-
seems fitting to praise Israel for its reputation ing to the Law.
in knowledge and wisdom. But it would not be You are therefore invited to read this book
enough to keep these truths for our own with kind consideration and attention, and to
instruction: those who love wisdom want to show indulgence where, in spite of my pains-
be helpful in what they say and write to those taking efforts in interpretation, I may appear
who are not so familiar with her teachings. to have badly conveyed the meaning. Those
My grandfather, Jesus, who devoted him- things, which in this book are written in
self constantly to the reading of the Law, the Hebrew, lose their force when they are trans-
Prophets and the later Writings of our fathers lated into another language. In fact, not only
and had acquired a thorough familiarity with this book but the Law itself, the Prophets and
 SIRACH 1 980

the other Writings differ considerably from home among people and she will remain
the original text. faithful to their descendants.
When I went to Egypt in the thirty-eighth 16
The fear of the Lord is the fullness of
year of King Euergetes and settled there, I wisdom. It will fill you with its fruits.
found an example of this important teaching 17
It will fill your whole house with desirable
and I judged it very necessary to exercise things.
great care and make serious efforts in trans- It will fill your houses with its riches.
lating this book. 18
The fear of the Lord is the crown of
I have therefore, during this time, devoted wisdom.
many sleepless nights and much study in 19
Wherever it is, peace and good health
order to finish this book and to publish it for flourish; knowledge and prudence rain down.
the use of those who, though they live outside Wisdom exalts those who possess her.
Palestine, wish to become lovers of wisdom 20
The fear of the Lord is the root of wis-
and to conform their manner of living to the dom. Its branches are long life.
Law. 22
Unjust violence cannot be justified, it will
Wisdom comes from God destroy itself by its own excesses.
23
• 1 All wisdom comes from the Lord and The patient man will hold out until the
1 endures with him forever.
appointed time; but finally joy will be given to
him.
2
The grains of sand, the drops of rain and 24
He will guard his words until the ap-
the days of eternity, who can count them? pointed time and in the end many will recog-
3
The height of heaven, the extent of the nize his worth.
earth and the depths of the abyss, who can 25
Proverbs rich in content are among wis-
measure them? dom’s treasures but the sinner does not want
4
24:8- Wisdom was created before all things to know about God.
9 and the prudent intellect before the beginning 26
Pro Do you desire wisdom? Keep the com-
8:22 of time. mandments and the Lord will give her to you
6
To whom was the source of Wisdom without measure; 27 for fear of the Lord is
revealed? Who has known her secret de- wisdom and learning; what pleases him is
signs? faithfulness and gentleness.
8
One alone is wise and greatly to be 28
Do not put aside fear of the Lord; ap-
feared. The One who is seated upon his proach him with a sincere heart. 29 Do not be
throne. a hypocrite before others; watch well your
9
The Lord himself created Wisdom. He words.
looked on her and knew her value. He poured 30
Do not praise yourself lest you fall and
her out over all his works; 10 upon all mortal bring dishonor on yourself. For the Lord will
beings, in accordance with his goodness. He reveal your secrets and throw you to one side
lavished her on those who love him. in the midst of the assembly, if you have no
11
The fear of the Lord is our glory and fear of the Lord and your heart is full of deceit.
honor, it is joy and a triumphant crown.
12
Job The fear of the Lord gladdens the heart; Fear God in time of trials
28:28 it gives joy, gaiety and long life.
Ps • 1
My son, if you have decided to
111:10
13
For the one who fears the Lord all will go
well at the end of his life, and he will be 2 serve the Lord, prepare yourself for
Jas
1:2-4
Rev
blessed on the day of his death. trials. 2 Keep your heart upright and 2:3,
14 10
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of remain resolute; do not be upset in the
wisdom; he put wisdom into the hearts of his
faithful ones before their birth. time of adversity.
3 Rev
15
Founded from eternity she has made her Hold fast to the Lord, do not separ- 3:21

• The Jews do not use the word “Bible.” They To fear God is to see him always present and
refer to the Bible as: “The Law, the Prophets and to take decisions in his presence. Whoever
the Writings,” these being the three major head- knows God is near fears to offend him because
ings of the sacred book. See a similar expression he is aware of his love and fidelity. To fear God
in Luke 24:44. signifies to respect him and to be mindful of him
before all else.
• 1.1 In this poem, the author professes his Fearing the Lord is the opposite of fearing
faith. To those who think they are more modern what others will say, fearing to be made fun of,
because they seek human wisdom and doctrine, or fear of failure. Those who fear the Lord give
he simply declares that true wisdom consists in more importance to what God says, what he
trusting God and fearing him. promises when he invites us to seek him and to
He often speaks of fearing the Lord just as the save others.
Psalms do. This is different from the fear of
pagans who imagine a resentful God. • 2.1 Those who want to serve God must
 981 SIRACH 3

ate yourself from him so that you may Duties towards parents
be successful to the end of your days. • 1
My children, it is your father who Ex
4
Accept all that happens to you, be 3 speaks, listen to me and follow my 20:12
Eph
1P patient when you are humbled, 5 for as advice and so be saved. 2 For the Lord 6:1-3
1:7
gold is tested in the fire, so those ac- established that children should re-
ceptable to God are tested in the cru- spect their father; he confirmed the
cible of humiliation. 6 Have confidence right of the mother over her children.
in him and he will take care of you; 3
Whoever honors his father atones
follow the right path and hope in him. for his sins; 4 he who gives glory to his
7
You who fear the Lord, wait for his mother prepares a treasure for himself.
5
mercy and do not turn away lest you Whoever honors his father will re-
fall. 8 You who fear the Lord, trust him ceive joy from his own children and will
and you will not lose your reward. 9 You be heard when he prays.
who fear the Lord, hope for all good 6
Whoever glorifies his father will
things; hope for eternal joy and mercy. have a long life. Whoever obeys the
Ps
10
Remember what happened to your Lord gives comfort to his mother. 7 He
22:5
ancestors. Who has ever trusted in the serves those who brought him to birth
Lord and been confounded? Who has as he would serve the Lord.
8
persevered in fear of the Lord and been Honor your father in word and deed
abandoned? Who has called upon him so that his blessing may come on you.
9
and not been heard? For a father’s blessing secures the fu- Gen
49:2-
Ex
11
For the Lord is compassion and ture of his children, but a mother’s 27
34:6
loving-kindness; he forgives our sins curse destroys them at their roots.
10
and saves us in time of distress. Do not rejoice at the humiliation
12
Woe to faint hearts and weak of your father because his dishonor is
hands, to the sinner who wavers be- no glory for you. 11 For a man’s glory Pro
19:26
tween two paths. comes from his father’s reputation; a
13 mother who is not respected is a dis-
Woe to the fainthearted who lack
grace to her children.
confidence, because of this they will 12
My child, take care of your father Mt
not be protected. 14 Woe to you who 15:4
in his old age, do not cause him sorrow
have lost patience! What will you do
as long as he lives.
when the Lord calls you to account? 13
15
Even if he has lost his mind, have
Jn Those who fear the Lord do not patience; do not be disrespectful to him
14:15,
23 disobey his commandments; those while you are in full health.
who love him faithfully keep his laws. 14
For kindness done to one’s father
16
Those who fear the Lord seek to will never be forgotten, it will serve as
please him; those who love him are reparation for your sins.
filled with his law. 15
In the day of adversity the Lord will
17
Those who fear the Lord keep their remember it to your advantage; for just
hearts ready and humble themselves in as ice melts in the heat, so will your sins
2S his presence saying, 18 “Let us fall into melt away. 16 The man who abandons Ex
24:14 21:17
the hands of the Lord and not into the his father is like a blasphemer; he who
hands of mortals, for great as his power annoys his mother is cursed by the
is his mercy.” Lord.

be ready to face trials and contradictions. • 3.1 This is the best commentary on Moses’
Authentic trust in God is demonstrated when commandment concerning children’s responsi-
things do not turn out well. Along with faith bilities toward their parents. To honor our par-
and perseverance, trust is the basic quality of ents means: to respect, to be understanding and
the believer. to offer material assistance in their difficulties.
 SIRACH 3 982

Humility 8
Listen to the poor man and reply to
17
My son, conduct your affairs with discre- him with kind words and with peace.
tion and you will be loved by those who are 9
Deliver the oppressed from the hands Job
Mt acceptable to God. 29:15-
20:26- 18
The greater you are, the more you of the oppressor. Do not be weak when 17
28
Phil should humble yourself and thus you will find you administer justice. 10 Be like a fa- Lk
favor with God. 20 For great is the power of the 6:35
2:5-8
Jas
ther towards orphans and like a hus- Jn
Lord and it is the humble who give him glory.
4:6
21
band towards their mothers. Then you 14:21
Zep Do not seek what is beyond your powers
2:3 nor search into what is beyond your ability. will be like a son of the Most High and
22
Reflect on what you are commanded to do; he will love you more than your own
there is no need for you to know things that mother.
are hidden.
23
Ps Do not tire yourself in resolving useless 11
Wisdom brings up her children and
131:1 questions since the knowledge you already takes care of those who look for her. 12 Who-
have goes beyond human understanding. ever loves her loves life. Those who rise early
24
For many have been led astray by their in the morning in search of her will be filled
personal theories and false pretension has with joy.
undermined reason. 13
Whoever possesses her will have glory
26
The obstinate man will eventually fall and wherever he goes blessings will follow.
into evil, and he who loves danger will perish 14
Those who serve her are ministers of the
therein. 27 The obstinate man will be weighed Holy One; those who love her are loved of the
down with sufferings; the sinner heaps up sin Lord. 15 He who listens to her will have good
upon sin. judgment. He who obeys her will rest in
28
For the sufferings of the proud man safety.
there is no remedy, the roots of evil are 16
Whoever trusts in her will possess her
implanted in him. 29 The wise man reflects on and his children after him will inherit her.
proverbs. What the wise man desires is an 17
For in the beginning she will lead him by Mt
attentive ear. rough paths, causing him to fear and be 7:14
terrified; she will plague him with her disci-
Almsgiving pline until she can count on him; and she will
29:8- 30
As water extinguishes the burning put him to the test by her demands.
13 18
Then she will lead him on a level path,
Dt flames, almsgiving obtains pardon for give him joy and reveal her secrets to him.
17:1-
11 sins. 31 The man who responds by doing 19
But if he wanders from the path, she will
Tb good prepares for the future, at the abandon him and allow him to be lost.
20
12:9
moment of his downfall he will find sup- In every situation weigh the pros and
1P
4:8
cons and avoid evil. A wrong kind of shame
port. could harm you. 21 There is a shame which
leads to sin and there is a shame which merits
1
My son, do not deny the poor his praise and respect. 22 Do not act against your
4 food and do not make the man who
better self to win favor from others. Do not let
this kind of shame lead you into sin.
looks at you with pleading eyes wait. 23
Do not remain silent when it is neces-
2
Do not sadden the hungry person sary to speak. Do not, through pride, hide
nor annoy anyone who is in need. 3 Do your wisdom. 24 It is in speech that wisdom is
recognized and learning in the spoken dis-
not exasperate an angry man nor with- course.
hold alms from the beggar. 25
Do not contradict the truth; rather con-
4
Do not drive away the beggar who fess your lack of knowledge.
26
is weighed down with afflictions, nor Have no shame in confessing your sins, Lev
do not swim against the tide. 5:5
turn away your face from the poor; 5 do 27
Do not cringe before a fool; do not be
Num
5:7
not snub the needy nor give anyone a influenced by the powerful. Jas
28 5:16
reason to curse you. Fight for the truth till death and the Lord
6 will fight for you.
Ex If someone curses you in the bitter- 29
Do not be daring in your speech, but lazy 1Jn
22:22
ness of his heart, the Creator will hear and negligent in works. 3:18
30
his prayer. Do not be like a lion in your household,
7
Make yourself acceptable to the finding fault with your servants and oppress-
ing those under you.
community; bow your head before the 31
Do not open your hand to receive and Acts
one in authority. keep it closed when you should give. 20:35
 983 SIRACH 6

11:24
Do not rely on wealth Friends
Lk • 1 Do not rely on your wealth. Do not say, •5A
12:15- 5 gentle word makes many 37:1-
“I am self-sufficient.” 2 Do not let your- 6
21
self be carried away by greed and violence; friends, an agreeable tongue calls forth
Ps
62:11 they would make you their slave. gracious replies. 6 Let your friends be 37:7-
15
Ps
3
Do not say, “Who can stop me?” For the many; but your counselors, one in a
12:4 Lord has power to punish you. 4 Do not say, “I thousand!
Rom have sinned and nothing has happened!” For 7
2:4
the Lord bides his time.
If you would gain a friend, begin by
3:25
5
Do not be so sure of pardon when you are
testing him and do not put your confi-
Ex heaping sin upon sin. 6 Do not say, “His dence in him too quickly. 8 For there is
20:5-
6
compassion is great! He will forgive the vast the friend who is such when it suits him
number of my sins!” For with him is mercy but but he does not remain faithful in the
also anger; his fury will be poured out on
sinners. time of your adversity.
9
Lk 7
Do not delay your return to the Lord, do There is the friend who becomes an
12:35-
40
not put it off from day to day. For suddenly the enemy and, to your confusion, makes
anger of the Lord will blaze forth and you will known why you quarreled.
perish on the day of reckoning. 10
8
There is the friend who shares your
Do not rely on riches wrongfully acquired
for they will be of no use to you on the day of table but does not remain faithful when
wrath. things go against you. 11 In times of
9
Do not be swayed by every wind nor try prosperity he will be like your shadow
to walk by every path, as does the sinner who and he will speak freely to those of your
Mt is accustomed to lie. 10 Remain firm in your household. 12 But if you are humiliated,
5:37 convictions, and be consistent in your
speech. 11 Be ready to listen, and know how to he will turn against you and will avoid
wait before giving your reply. meeting you.
13
12
If you know what you are saying, answer Distance yourself from your ene-
your neighbor; if not, it is better to say noth- mies and be careful about your friends.
ing. 13 Your words can bring you honor and 14
dishonor; a man’s tongue brings about his The faithful friend is a secure ref-
downfall. uge; whoever has found one has found
14
Do not let yourself be known as a scan- a treasure. 15 A faithful friend is beyond
dalmonger or a deceiver. For if shame is the all price; hold him as priceless. 16 A
lot of the robber, severe condemnation is the
lot of the liar.
faithful friend is a life-saving remedy,
15
Do not sin in big things nor in little and those who fear the Lord will find
things, and from being a friend do not turn one.
17
into an enemy. An evil reputation brings in its Whoever fears the Lord will make
train shame and disgrace; such is the lot of true friends for, as a man is, such will
the sinner who is accustomed to lying.
his friend be.
1 18
Just as the wicked man inherits confu- My son, dedicate yourself to learning
6 sion and shame so will the sinner accus- from your youth, and you will grow in wisdom
tomed to lying. 2 Do not give yourself over to until old age. 19 Work at it like the worker and
your passions; they will turn against you and, the sower, cultivate wisdom and wait for her
like a bull, tear you to pieces. 3 They will excellent fruits. For in cultivating her you will
devour the foliage and destroy the fruit, leav- have some trouble, but soon you will enjoy
ing you like a dry stump. 4 An evil passion will her fruits.
20
destroy the one who is held in its power; it will Wisdom is very severe with the ignorant.
make him the laughingstock of his enemies. Fools will not persevere. 21 She will be like a

• 5.1 5:6. At times, some Christians take but should also have this life-saving remedy
advantage of God’s infinite mercy to continue which a true friend is, a grace that God grants to
with their evil behavior. those who fear him. Also see 12:8-18 and
37:1-15.
• 6.5 Here, we have a text concerning true 6:18-37. We obtain wisdom through a disci-
friendship. Ben Sira invites us not to be naive or plined life.
off guard. 7:15. Ben Sira appreciates manual work,
We should reflect before confiding in a friend, specifically work in the fields.
 SIRACH 6 984

heavy weight or a difficult test which he will 11

Do not despise a man when he is down- 1S
2:7
quickly throw away. cast, for there is one who casts down and who Lk
22
For wisdom brings her own honor, she raises up. 1:52
does not reveal herself to everyone. 23 Listen, 12
Do not lie about your brother; likewise,
my son, and receive my teaching, do not do not lie about your friend.
Mt reject my counsel. 24 Put her constraints on 13
Do not allow yourself any kind of lie for
11:29 your feet and her yoke on your neck. 25 Put nothing good will come of it.
your shoulder to the burden and bear her 14
Do not gossip in front of the council of Mt
yoke; do not rebel against her chains. the elders, nor keep on repeating your words 6:7
26
Come to her with all your soul and with all in prayer.
your strength observe her ways. 27 Pursue her, 15
Do not hate hard work nor the tilling of Pro
search for her, she will make herself known to the land as instituted by the Most High. 24:27
you; when you have her, do not let her go. 16
Do not join the company of sinners,
28
For, in the end, you will find in her your remember that the wrath of God will not be
rest and she will become your joy. 29 Her delayed. 2Mac
constraints will strengthen your steps and her 17
Remain humble, because the godless 9:9
collar will be like a glorious garment. 30 Her are punished with fire and worms. Is
yoke will become an ornament of gold and 66:24
18
Do not exchange your friend for money,
her chains like precious girdles of hyacinth nor a real brother for the gold of Ophir.
blue. 31 You will adorn yourself as with a 19
Do not separate yourself from a wise
garment of glory and you will put her on like
and good woman, because a gracious wife is
a crown of jubilation.
32 worth more than gold.
If you wish, my son, you will be learned; 20
Do not maltreat the servant who works Dt
if you pay attention, you will become clever. 24:14-
33 honestly, nor the laborer who works dili-
If you love to listen, you will learn; if you 15
gently. 21 Love the intelligent slave as your-
really pay attention, you will become wise.
34 self and do not deprive him of his freedom.
Be on your guard in the assembly of the 22
elders and if there is a wise man there, attach Have you any cattle? Take care of them.
yourself to him. 35 Be willing to listen to all If they are profitable to you, keep them.
23
discourses on divine things, and do not let the Have you children? Educate them and
sayings of the wise escape you. teach them to obey from their childhood.
24
36
If you see an intelligent man, follow him Have you any daughters? Guard their
from daybreak and let your feet beat a path- virginity and do not be indulgent towards
way to his door. them.
25
37
Meditate on the precepts of the Lord and If you marry off your daughter you will
apply yourself unceasingly to his command- have accomplished something of impor-
ments. He will strengthen your heart and the tance, but give her to an intelligent man.
26
wisdom you desire will be given to you. Have you a wife who is according to your
liking? Do not send her away. As for the one
1 you dislike, do not trust her.
Do no evil and evil will not take hold of
7 you.
27
Honor your father with your whole heart
2 and do not be forgetful of the sufferings of
Keep away from wrongdoing and it will
your mother.
Job
leave you alone. 28
4:8
3
Do not sow in the furrows of injustice for Remember that they gave you birth. Tb
How can you repay them for what they have 4:4
Gal fear of reaping its harvest sevenfold.
6:7-8 4
Do not demand authority from the Lord done for you?
29
Pro
nor from the king a place of honor. Reverence the Lord with all your being
25:6-
7 5
Do not make yourself out to be a just man and respect the priests.
30
before the Lord nor a wise man in front of the Love your Creator with all your strength
king. and do not abandon his ministers.
31
Lev 6
Do not seek a position of responsibility Fear the Lord and honor the priest. Give
19:15 lest you not be powerful enough to root out him the share which has been commanded:
injustice and, overawed by a powerful man, the first harvest, the sin-offering, the shoul-
you lose your integrity. ders of the victims, the holy offerings and the
7
Do not offend the city’s assembly; do not first fruits of sacred things.
32
grovel before the people. Stretch out your hand to the poor and Dt
8 you will receive a blessing from the Lord. 14:29
Do not commit the same sin twice; once
33
is enough to bring punishment upon you. May your gifts benefit the living and do
Am 9
Do not say, “When I sacrifice to God, the not forget the dead.
5:21 34
Most High will take into account the number Do not turn away from those who weep, Rom
Jas of gifts and he will accept them.” 10 Pray with and grieve with those who are in sorrow. 12:15
1:6 a strong spirit and do not neglect to give 35
Do not neglect to visit the sick because Mt
alms. it is for such acts that you will be loved. 25:36
 985 SIRACH 10
36
In all your actions remember your last Man with women
end and you will never sin. • 1 Do not be jealous of your own wife;
Prudence and common sense
9 do not give her reason to disgrace you.
2
1
Do not put yourself into the power of any 33:21
Pro Do not argue with a powerful man lest woman to the point where she can dominate
10:15 8 you fall into his hands. you.
2
Do not quarrel with a rich man lest he 3
Do not go near a woman of ill-repute for
throw his weight into the scale against you. fear of falling into her nets.
3
Do not argue with a talkative person; do 4
Do not dally with a singing girl for fear of
not heap up wood on his fire. being caught in her snare.
4
Do not joke with an ignorant man for fear 5
Do not fix your gaze on a young girl for Job
your ancestors will be insulted. fear of being involved in her condemnation. 31:1
5 Mt
Mt Do not offend the man who repents of his 6
Do not deliver yourself into the power of 5:28
7:1-5
1Jn
sins, remember that we are all deserving prostitutes lest you lose your inheritance. Lk
1:8- punishment. 7
Do not glance about you in the streets of 15:13
6
10 Do not despise a man in his old age, the town; do not loiter in lonely places.
because we ourselves will grow old. 8
Turn your eyes away from a good-look- Pro
7
Do not rejoice at the death of any man, ing woman and do not stare at a beautiful 2:16
remember that we shall all die. foreigner. For the beauty of a woman has
8
Do not neglect the teaching of the wise, caused many to fall; in her presence love
apply yourself well to their precepts. Through blazes up like a fire.
them you will learn how to live and how to 9
Never sit near a married woman or drink
serve the great. wine with her, for fear that your feelings
9
Do not set aside the teachings of the towards her be roused and that in your pas-
elders for they also learnt it from their fore- sion you slide towards your downfall.
10
bears; they will open up your understanding Do not abandon an old friend, for a new
and enable you to reply at the right moment. one has not the same value.
10
Do nothing to arouse the sinner for fear New wine, new friend; let them mature,
of being burned by the flames of his fire. then you will enjoy them with pleasure.
11
11
Do not annoy the angry man for fear that Do not envy the success of the sinner, Ps
he will twist your words to his own advantage. you do not know what his end will be. 37
12 73
12
Do not lend to those more powerful than Do not take pleasure in what pleases the
yourself; if you have lent anything, consider godless, remember that they will be punished
it as lost. before they die.
13
13
Do not stand surety beyond your Keep well away from the man who has
means; if you have done so, be ready to pay. power to kill and you will not experience the
14 fear of death. But if you go with him avoid all
Do not go to law with a judge because, offense for fear that he will deprive you of life:
due to his position, judgment will be given in realize that you are passing through death-
his favor. traps and that you are walking on top of the
15
Do not travel with an adventurer lest he wall.
impose himself on you and, as he does what- 14
As far as you can, be sociable and take
ever he pleases, you both perish through his counsel with learned men.
folly. 15
Love to speak with intelligent men and
16
Do not quarrel with a bad-tempered let all your discourses be about the law of the
person nor get involved with him in a lonely Most High.
place; blood counts for little in his eyes and, 16
Let just men be your companions at
when he sees you defenseless, he will attack table; take pride in your fear of the Lord.
you. 17
An artisan is judged by his work and a
17
Do not take counsel with a fool because leader of the community, by the wisdom of
he will not be able to remain silent about what his words.
you have said. 18
A talkative man is dreaded in his town
18
Do nothing which should be secret be- and the gossip makes himself disliked.
fore a stranger because you do not know how
he will react. 1
The wise leader will teach his people;
19
Do not reveal your secrets to any man, 10 the government of the intelligent man
he will not be grateful to you for doing so. will be well-ordered.

• 9.1 Ben Sira lives in a society which holds sional love. Thus Ben Sira has many warnings
women in contempt. It is a society which had not against women’s seduction, but always as if they
yet discovered the rich quality of married love, so were in the first place culpable. See 23:12 and
there were great temptations for young and adult 42:12.
men who would easily be satisfied with occa-
 SIRACH 10 986
2
As the leader is, so will his ministers be; those who fear the Lord. 22 Whether they be
as the leader of the city is, so will be its rich, honored or poor, their pride should be in
inhabitants. fearing the Lord.
3 23
A king without wisdom will ruin his peo- It is not right to despise the poor man
ple; a city will prosper through the wisdom of who keeps the law; it is not fitting to honor the
its rulers. sinful man.
4 24
The government of the earth is in the The leader, the judge, and the powerful
hands of the Lord; in his own time he will raise man are worthy of honor, but no one is
up the right leader. greater than the man who fears the Lord.
5 25
Rom Human success is in the hands of the A prudent slave will have free men as
13:1 Lord and he clothes the rulers with his glory. servants, and the sensible man will not com-
plain.
Pride 26
Do not feel proud when you have only Lk
Lev • 6 Do not store up resentment against accomplished your work; do not put on airs 17:10
19:18 your neighbor, no matter what his offense; do when times are difficult for you.
nothing in a fit of anger. 27
Of greater worth is the man who works
7
Pride is odious to both God and man; and lives in abundance than the one who
injustice is abhorrent to both of them. shows off and yet has nothing to live on.
28
8
Sovereignty passes from one nation to My son, have a modest appreciation of 1Cor
another because of injustice, violence and yourself, estimate yourself at your true value. 1:31
29
wealth. Who will defend the man who makes an
9
How can there be such pride in someone attempt on his own life? Who will respect the
who is nothing but dust and ashes? Even man who despises himself?
30
while he is living, man’s bowels are full of The poor man will be honored for his
rottenness. wisdom and the rich man, for his riches.
10 31
Look: the illness lasts while the doctor Honored when poor – how much more
makes light of it; and one who is king today honored when rich!
will die tomorrow. Dishonored when rich – how much more
11
Once a man is dead, grubs, insects and dishonored when poor!
worms are his lot.
12
Dt The beginning of man’s pride is to sepa- 1
The poor man who is wise carries his
8:14 rate himself from the Lord and to rebel 11 head high and sits among the great.
against his Creator. 2
Do not praise a man because he is hand- 1S
13
The beginning of pride is sin. Whoever some and do not hold a man in contempt 16:7
2Cor
perseveres in sinnÉ g opens the floodgates to because of his appearance. 10:10
everything that is evil. For this the Lord has 3
The bee is one of the smallest winged
inflicted dire punishment on sinners; he has insects but she excels in the exquisite sweet-
reduced them to nothing. ness of her honey.
14
Lk The Lord has overturned the thrones of 4
Do not be proud because of the clothes
1:52
princes and set up the meek in their place. you wear; do not be proud when people honor
15
Dn The Lord has torn up the proud by the you. Do you know what the Lord is preparing
2:35 roots and has planted the humble in their in a mysterious way? 5 Many tyrants have Ecl
place. been overthrown and someone unknown has 4:14
16
The Lord has overturned the land of the 10:6-
Wis received the crown. 7
11:21 pagans and totally destroyed them. 6
Many powerful men have been com-
17
He has devastated several of them, de- pletely disgraced and famous men handed
stroyed them and removed all remembrance over into the power of others.
of them from the face of the earth. 7
Do not reprehend anyone unless you
18
Pride was not created for man nor vio- have first been fully informed, consider the
lent anger, for those born of woman. case first and thereafter make your reproach.
19
Which race is worthy of honor? The 8
Do not reply before you have listened; do Pro
human race. not interrupt the one who is speaking. 18:13
Which race is worthy of honor? Those who 9
Do not interfere in what is not your busi-
fear the Lord. ness; do not meddle in the disputes of sin-
Which race is despicable? The human ners.
race. 10
My child, do not undertake too many
Which race is despicable? Those who activities. If you keep adding to them, you will
break the commandments. not be without reproach; if you run after them,
20
The leader is worthy of respect in the you will not succeed nor will you ever be free,
midst of his brethren, but he has respect for although you try to escape.

• 10.6 A few words of simple philosophy about suitable modesty for everyone.
 987 SIRACH 12

Put your trust in God 33

Beware of the wicked man for he
• 11 There are those who exhaust them- is planning evil. He might dishonor you for-
selves, tire themselves out and become an- ever.
34
xious, yet in the end they are only the poorer. If you take a stranger into your house, he
12
There are those who are weak, needing will cause you trouble; he will estrange you
support, lacking goods and in great poverty, from your household.
yet the eyes of the Lord look on them with
1
favor. The Lord will redress their humiliation. If you do good, know to whom you are
13
He will raise their heads and many people
12 doing it and you will receive thanks for
will marvel on this account. your kindness.
2
Lk 14
Good and evil, life and death, poverty Do good to the godly man and you will
12:16- and riches, all come from the Lord. receive a reward, if not from the man himself,
21 17
The just can count on the generosity of at least from the Most High.
3
the Lord and his goodness will guide them Blessings are not for those who persist in
forever. evildoing, nor for those who refuse to show
18
A man may become rich through being compassion.
4
careful and miserly and this is his reward. Give to the godly man, do not help the
19
The day on which he thinks, “I have earned sinner; 5 do good to the humble, do not give to
my rest, now I can live on my possessions,” the ungodly; deny him bread, do not give it to
he does not know how long he is going to live. him lest he eventually dominate you. He will
He will have to die and leave his goods to repay you with a double evil for all the good
others. that you have done for him.
6
20
Remain faithful to your duty, give your For the Most High himself detests sinners Mt
5:45
life to it and grow old in your work. and carries out his vengeance on the un- Lk
Mt
21
Do not be disconcerted at the success of godly. 6:35
7
6:25- sinners but have confidence in God and per- Give to the good man but do not help the
26 sinner.
severe in your own efforts. It is easy for the
8
Lord in an instant to make the poor man rich. A friend does not become an enemy in
Lk
22
The blessing of the Lord is the just man’s the time of prosperity, nor does an enemy
12:16- reward and quickly, in an instant, his bene- remain hidden in the time of adversity.
21 9
diction will bear fruit. When a man is doing well, his enemies
Jn 23
Do not say, “What do I need? What more are sad; when he is suffering misfortune, even
16:21 could I have or desire?” his friends hasten to abandon him.
24 10 Pro
Do not say, “I have all that is necessary, Never trust an enemy, for his malice is 26:24-
what misfortune can harm me now?” like bronze covered in rust. 26
25
On good days, one forgets the bad; and 11
Even if he should act as a humble man
on bad days one forgets the good. and walk with head bowed down, watch your-
26
Even when the end draws near, it is easy self and be on your guard against him. Be-
for the Lord to reward a man according to the have towards him as a man who polishes a
way he has lived. bronze mirror. Know that the rust will not
27
The hour of adversity makes one forget remain until the end.
pleasure; at the end of a man’s life his deeds 12
Do not place him near you lest he over-
will be revealed. throw you and take your place. Do not make
28
Do not consider anyone as blessed be- him sit on your right hand lest he covet your
fore his death, for only then he will be known. seat. Let it not be that in the end you under-
29
Do not invite just anybody into your stand my words and regret not having lis-
house for many are clever deceivers. tened to my advice.
30
Like a partridge in its cage acting as a 13
Who will have pity on the snake-
decoy, so is the heart of the proud man; like charmer bitten by a snake or on those who go
a spy he watches out for your weaknesses. near wild beasts? 14 It is the same for the man
31
He changes good things into evil, he lays who joins company with a sinner and finds
his traps and criticizes even the best things. himself involved in his wrongdoing. 15 The
32
Just as a spark sets coals on fire, the sinner will remain quietly with you for an hour
wicked man prepares his snares in order to but when you are distracted he will throw
draw blood. away his mask.

• 11.11 These thoughts are not new in the dom of God instead of being preoccupied with
Bible which encourages us on every page to trust providing for the future.
in God. Ben Sira foretells what we will find on the Note the end of this text. The Book of Sirach,
lips of Jesus concerning wealth (see Lk 12:16). like certain parts of the Book of Job, affirms that
And he says: Love the Covenant, dedicate God may wait until death to give a reward; but he
your life to it. The Covenant means following the does not risk speaking of what will follow: faith
Law. Jesus, too, will speak of seeking the king- in the resurrection was as yet undeveloped.
 SIRACH 12 988
16
The enemy is all sweetness in his are pushed aside or so far back that
speech, but in his heart he is planning to you are overlooked.
throw you in the ditch. The enemy has tears
11
in his eyes but, if he finds an opportunity, he Do not try to talk to him as an
cannot have enough of your blood. equal or trust his many words. With all
17
If misfortune comes to you, you will find this verbiage he is only trying to test
him there before you; pretending to help you,
he will be scheming to get rid of you. 18 He will
you and, under pretense of kindness,
wag his head in mockery and clap his hands, he is weighing you up.
he will whisper unceasingly and will show his 12
He will repeat your words without
true face.
pity and will not spare you either blows
Beware of the great or chains. 13 Be wary and take great
• 1
He who touches tar will be care because you are walking with your
13 soiled; he who associates with an own stumbling block.
15
arrogant man will become like him. All that lives loves its own kind and
2
Do not carry too heavy a load; each person, his own neighbor.
16
do not make friends with someone Every animal relates to its own
stronger and richer than you. Why put species and man to his own kind.
17
the earthen pot near the iron one? One What has the wolf in common with
will bang the other and break it. the lamb? It is the same with the sinner
Pro
3
The rich man does wrong and is and the virtuous man. 18 What kind of
18:23
unconcerned; the poor man is insulted peace can exist between the hyena and
and apologizes. the dog? What peace between the rich
4
The rich man uses you as long as man and the poor man?
19
you are useful to him; when you have Wild donkeys are the prey of des-
nothing left he deserts you. ert lions; so, also, are the poor the prey
5
He will stay with you as long as you of the rich.
20
have something; he will drain you with- The proud man hates humility; so,
out a second thought. also, the poor man is detestable to the
6
If he really needs you he will de- rich.
ceive you, smile at you and raise your 21
When the rich man stumbles, his Pro
19:4,
hopes; he will speak smooth words and friends support him, but when the poor 7
say, “What would you like?” man falls, his friends desert him.
7
He will show his gratitude by enter- 22
When the rich man gets into Pro
taining you until he has taken all you trouble, there are many who come to 14:20

possess, and he will make fun of you in his rescue; if he speaks nonsense, they
the end. Afterwards, when he sees you, congratulate him. When the poor man
he will have nothing to do with you, makes a mistake, they criticize him; if
shaking his head when he meets you. he speaks sensibly, they pay no atten-
8
Take care not to be deceived and tion. 23 When the rich man speaks, all
humiliated through stupidity. are silent and they praise his words to
9
When an influential person invites the skies. The poor man speaks and
you, delay and he will call you all the people ask, “Who is this?” And if he
more. stumbles, they push him down.
10 24
Do not go so far forward that you Wealth is good if there is no sin in it

• 13.1 This long paragraph is an invitation – to be admitted into the friendship of the rich,
not to seek the company of those above us. we have to accept many humiliations and to
Often the rich, those above, are godless, without forget our own dignity;
conscience. The author points out the dangers: – contact with the rich will lead us to imitate
– those above take advantage of those who their faults.
seek to become familiar with them;
 989 SIRACH 15

and poverty is evil when it is the reward tions of flesh and blood: one dies and another
for godlessness. is born. 19 All finite things pass away and their Rev
maker with them. 14:13

Enjoy life without being greedy Happy the one seeking wisdom
25
Pro Man’s heart is reflected in his face, 20
Happy the one who is intent on
15:13
for better or for worse. wisdom and who can reply to those
26
Does he show a happy face? All is who question him; 21 who makes his
going well to him. Has he found words own the ways of wisdom and meditates
of wisdom? He has reflected on suffer- on her secrets; 22 who pursues her like a
ing. hunter, lies in wait by her paths,
23
1
Happy the one who has not sinned in peeps in at her windows and listens at
14 speech or who feels no remorse for his her doors; 24 he sets up camp near her
faults. house, fixing his stakes in her walls.
2
Happy is he whose own conscience does 25
not condemn him and who has not fallen from He places his tent in the hands of
his ideals. wisdom; he stays in a happy lodging.
3 26
Wealth does not befit the small-minded He places his sons beneath her pro-
man; why would you give the greedy man tection and finds shelter beneath her
Job riches? 4 He who hoards, depriving himself, is
27:16- hoarding for others: others will enjoy his branches. 27 He is shaded by her from
17
Lk goods. the heat and makes his camp in her
5
12:16- He who is mean to himself, with whom glory.
21
will he be good? He does not even enjoy his
own riches. 1
Such is the one who fears the Wis
6
There is nothing worse than one who is
mean to himself, this is how his evil repays
15 Lord; whoever embraces the Law 6:16
8:12
him. will obtain wisdom. 2 She will come out
7
If he does good, he does it without realiz- to meet him like a mother and greet
ing it but, in the end, his evil will be revealed.
8
Evil is the greedy-eyed man who does him like a virgin bride; 3 she will feed
not pay attention to persons and looks down him with the bread of understanding
on people. and give him the water of wisdom to
9
The ambitious man is not content with drink. 4 He will rely on her and will not
what he has, wicked injustice shrivels up the
heart. waver; he will lean on her and will not
10
The envious eye covets the food of oth- be let down.
ers; there will be misery and famine at his 5
Wisdom will make him greater than Wis
table. 8:10-
11
My son, use well whatever you have and his friends and he will be able to speak 15
give worthy offerings to the Lord. in the full assembly. 6 He will be
12
Remember that death will not delay and crowned with happiness and joy. He will
your time has not yet been revealed to you. inherit an everlasting name.
13
Be good to your friend before you die 7
and be generous to him in any way you can. The fool will never possess her, and
Ecl 14
Enjoy happiness and do not reject lawful sinners will never set eyes on her. 8 She
2:24 pleasure when it comes your way.
15
is far away from pride, and liars will
Will you not have to leave to another the know nothing of her.
fruit of your works? The fruit of your labor, will 9
it not be shared out by lot? Praise is not fitting on the lips of
16
Give, take and treat yourself well, for in sinners since it does not come from the
the netherworld there are no pleasures to Lord. 10 Praise must come from the wise
seek.
17
All living things grow old like clothing. man; so the Lord himself inspires it.
This is the eternal law: “You will die.”
18 God made us free and responsible
Like green leaves on a bushy tree: some
sprout and others fall off, so are the genera- • 11 Do not say, “It was God who made

• 15.11 This poem clearly declares that hu- paragraph. In Deuteronomy 30:15-20, Moses
man beings are free and responsible. In his letter already told his people: “Life and death are
(1:13), James will recall the first sentence of this before you; choose.”
 SIRACH 15 990

me sin.” God does not cause what he 10

In the same way, he dealt with the six
hates. hundred thousand men who, in the hardness
12
Jas Do not say, “He made me do wrong,” for of their hearts, had revolted.
1:13- he has nothing to do with a sinner. 13 The Lord 11
Had there been only one stubborn man Ex
14 34:6-
hates all evil and those who fear him hate it as it would have been amazing if he had escaped 7
well. unpunished, since mercy and anger belong
14
When he created man in the beginning, to the Lord who is powerful both in forgive-
he left him free to make his own decisions. 15 If ness and in punishment.
you wish, you can keep the commandments 12
His justice is as great as his mercy and
and it is in your power to remain faithful. he judges people by their deeds.
16
He has set fire and water before you; you 13
Just as the sinner will not escape with his
stretch out your hand to whichever you pre- booty, the patience of the upright man will not
fer. go unrewarded.
17
Dt Life and death are set before man: 14
God will reward every act of mercy; each
11:26 whichever a man prefers will be given him. person will be treated according to his deeds.
30:15- 18
20 How magnificent is the wisdom of the 17
Do not say, “I will hide from the Lord;
Lord! He is powerful and all-seeing. who will remember me up there? I will not be
19
His eyes are on those who fear him. He recognized in the midst of so many. What am
knows all the works of man. I in the immensity of creation?”
20
He has commanded no one to be god- 18
Look: the sky and the heavens above
less and has given no one permission to sin. the sky, the sea and the earth tremble when
he comes.
No happiness for the wicked 19
The mountains, together with the foun-
Pro 1
Do not long for a brood of worthless dations of the earth, are filled with dread
17:21
19:13
16 children, and take no joy in godless before his sight.
20
sons. But nobody thinks of such things: who is
2
However many you have, do not rejoice interested in the ways of God?
21
in them if they have no fear of God. Most of his works go unnoticed and man Rom
3 does not see where the storm originates. 11:33
Do not depend on their having a long life, 22
or trust in their number, because one is better “Who tells us of the interventions of
than a thousand and their death is preferable God? Who expects them? The Covenant is far
to their being godless. away.”
23
Wis
4
A city can arise from one man who is Such are the thoughts of the man of little
3:19 prudent. Yet, even though the wicked be- sense, the foolish, dissolute man who loves
come a great tribe, they will be destroyed. 5 I his illusions.
24
have seen such things with my own eyes and Listen to me, my sons; acquire knowl-
my ears have heard of still greater things. edge and apply your heart to my words. 25 I
6
Fire has come upon the meeting of sin- will expound the teaching step by step and
ners and God’s wrath is kindled against rebel- impart knowledge carefully.
Gen
lious people. God the Creator
7
6:1- God did not pardon the leaders of old who
• 26 God
created his works from the
7 rebelled in their pride of strength. 42:20-
Gen 8 25
19:1-
He did not spare the city where Lot lived; beginning and, as he made them, he
29 he detested their pride. assigned to each its place. 27 He ar-
9
He showed no pity on the people doomed
to destruction; they were annihilated for their ranged them for all time, their begin-
sins. ning and their unfolding. They do not

At times the Bible seems to say that God means conscience and intuitions of the spirit (see
pushes a person to sin in order to punish him Pro 4: 23) which lets us see the work of God.
later (see Ex 10:27; 2 S 24:1); yet there is no What is greatest in us is not reason which
doubt that humans are free. The Israelites were discusses and argues, but an intuition of the
so convinced that nothing is done without God, truth, which in a time seeks reasons to support
that they had trouble explaining how someone it. When we forget about this intuition which is
can sin without this being God’s will. Even in fact the dynamic of scientific research, we are
though they lacked the words to express it, they always capable of using reason in such a way that
always saw human beings as persons respon- denies the evidence of the divine presence in the
sible for their actions. universe. It is this divine capacity that leads us to
true wisdom.
• 16.26 Here we have an optimistic vision Then, God had to reveal himself to us, so that
of humankind. God gave them power over all this capacity to come to the truth would lead to
things on earth. This is why they must not give sound knowledge, decisive in terms of the direc-
themselves to evil. tion of our lives: in verses 11-14, the author refers
He put his own eye in their hearts (17:8): this to the gift of the Law to Israel through Moses.
 991 SIRACH 18
23
hunger or grow weary and they never One day he will rise and reward them; he
cease from their duties. 28 Not one has will place their prize on their heads.
24
He allows those who repent to return; he
collided with its neighbor; they will comforts those whose hopes are fading.
never disobey his commands. 25
Be converted to the Lord and give up
29
Afterwards, the Lord looked down your sins, plead with him to lessen your
offense.
on the earth and filled it with his riches. 26
Return to the Almighty, turn aside from
30
Ps He covered its surface with all kinds wrongdoing and totally detest evil.
104:
29 of living things which must return to it. 27
For who in the grave will praise the Ps
Almighty, if the living do not give him glory? 115:
Gen 28 17
1 The dead man is as if he did not exist and
2:7
The Lord created man from the
Ecl
3:20 17 earth and let him return to earth. cannot give praise; he who has life and health
can praise the Lord.
12:7 2
Gen He settled a fixed time for them and a 29
How great is the mercy of the Lord and
1:28 set number of days, giving them power his forgiveness for those who turn to him!
6:3 30
Man cannot have everything in his
Wis over everything on earth. 3 He endowed power since he is not immortal.
9:2-3
Gen
them with a strength like his own, mak- 31
What is brighter than the sun? Yet it
1:27 ing them in his own image. disappears. Man is no more than flesh and
4
He put the fear of them in all living blood, yet he thinks of doing evil. 32 While the
sun surveys the stars in the lofty sky, human
things, thus they had mastery over the beings remain dust and ashes.
animals and birds. 6 He endowed them
The greatness of God
with knowledge; he gave them tongue
1
and eyes, ears and a mind to think with. He who lives forever created all with-
7
18 out exception. 2 The Lord alone will be
He filled them with wisdom and found righteous.
knowledge; he taught them good and 4
He has made no one powerful enough to
Wis evil. 8 He put his own eye in their hearts proclaim his works; who then, will reveal his
13:1 marvels?
Rom so they would understand the greatness 5
Who can calculate the power of his maj-
1:19-
20
of his works. 10 They will praise his holy esty and relate his great goodness?
Name and 9 relate the magnificence of 6
Nothing can be added to him or taken
his creation. away; no one can fathom the wonders of the
11 Lord.
He gave them revealed knowledge 7
When man thinks he has finished, then he Ps
as well and handed over to them the is only beginning and when he stops he is 139:
17
Law of life. 12 He established an ever- puzzled by it all.
8
What is man? What is his purpose? What
lasting covenant with them and let is the good in him and what the bad?
them know his judgments. 9
Take the length of his life: a hundred Ps
13 years is long. 10 Like a drop of water from the 90:10
Dt Human eyes saw the splendor of
4:11-
the Glory of God; their ears heard the sea, a grain of sand, such are his few years
12
compared with eternity.
grandeur of his voice. 14 He said to 11
For this reason, the Lord has patience
them, “Keep yourselves from all with them and pours out his mercy on them.
12
wrongdoing,” and to each of them he He sees and realizes how miserable their
end is and so he heaps his forgiveness upon
gave commands regarding his neigh- them.
bor. 13
Man’s mercy is for his neighbor but the
15
compassion of the Lord reaches all people;
Their conduct is always before the Lord; he rebukes, corrects, teaches and brings
they cannot escape his sight. back his flock like a shepherd. 14 He takes pity
17
Dt He has placed a leader over each nation, on those who accept correction and eagerly
7:6 but Israel is the Lord’s own portion. seek his will.
19
Their deeds are as clear as the sun to 15
My son, do not mix your favors with
him, he always observes their ways. unkind remarks or your gifts with bitter words.
20
Their misdeeds cannot be hidden from 16
Does not dew temper the heat? So, too,
him, all their sins are before the Lord. a kind word is much better than a gift.
22 17
He holds a man’s almsgiving dear as a The gift is not as valuable as the words
priceless signet ring; he cherishes a good which accompany it, but a generous man
deed like the apple of his eye. brings both.
 SIRACH 18 992
18
The fool intends to please but insults, a 7
Never repeat what you are told and
grudging man’s gift makes the eyes smart. you will come to no harm.
19
Find out the facts before you speak; look 8
after yourself before you become ill. Report nothing to friend or foe and,
20
Examine yourself before judgment unless silence is sinful, reveal it to no
comes and, on the day of God’s visitation, one. 9 They will listen, distrust you and
you will be forgiven. you will end up being hated.
21
Humble yourself before you become ill 10
Have you heard something? Let it
and show repentance for your sins.
22
Let nothing prevent you from fulfilling die with you, remain calm; you will not
your vow on time; do not wait until death to burst with it.
put things in order. 11
A fool suffers like a woman in
23
Ecl Prepare yourself before praying and do childbirth over something he is told.
5:1-6
not be one of those who tempt the Lord. 12
24
Keep in mind the justice of the last days;
Like an arrow stuck in his thigh, such
God will turn his face from you on the day of is a secret inside a fool.
13
vengeance. Speak with your friend: perhaps he
25
When you experience abundance, re- has done nothing and, if he has, he will
member the days of famine; when you enjoy not do it again.
riches, think of poverty and misery. 14
26
Time slips by between morning and Speak with your friend: perhaps he
evening, all things pass quickly before the has not said anything and, if he has, he
Lord. will not say it again. 15 Speak with your
27
The prudent man is cautious in every- friend for there is much slander; do not
thing; when sin abounds he will keep away
from wrongdoing.
believe all that you hear. 16 Often, unin-
28
Every sensible man recognizes wisdom tentional slips are made; for who has
and respects those who obtain her. never sinned by evil tongues? 17 Speak
29
Those who speak sensibly are wise, and with your neighbor before you heap
marvelous sayings flow from them. accusations on him; then leave room
30
Do not let your passions rule you and
restrain your desires.
for the Law of the Almighty.
31
If you satisfy your lusts you will make 20
All wisdom is in the fear of the Lord; in all
yourself the laughingstock of your enemies. wisdom is the fulfillment of the Law.
32
Do not take pleasure in great luxury, lest 22
Knowledge of evil is not wisdom, and
you become impoverished by its expense. prudence is not found in the advice of sinners.
33
Do not impoverish yourself by feasting 23
There is a cleverness that is loathsome;
on credit when you have nothing in your it belongs to the evildoer who lacks wisdom.
pocket. 24
Better to lack sense and be full of the fear
of the Lord, than to be clever in violating the
1
A drunken worker will never be rich; Law.
19 he who is careless in small things will 25
There is an ingenious shrewdness which
soon fall. carries out injustice; it is the art of dissimu-
2
Wine and women corrupt the best of lating in order to do evil. 26 One pretends to be
men; whoever frequents prostitutes loses all grieving and weighed down with burdens but
sense of shame. 3 He will be the victim of in his heart there is only cunning; 27 he hides
grubs and worms and lose his life because of his face and pretends to be deaf, but as soon
his stupidity. as you are distracted, he will take advantage
of you.
When to speak and when to be silent 28
One does not sin when the means are
• 4 He lacking; at the first opportunity, he will do
who is too quick to trust others wrong.
reveals a shallow mind, whoever sins 29
You can tell a man by his appearance;
injures himself. the responsible man can be recognized by his
5
One who revels in pleasure will be face.
30
A man’s way of dressing reveals who he
condemned, 6 hating gossip will save is, as does his manner of laughing and walk-
one from evil. ing.

• 19.4 In many passages throughout the book of Sirach, as in Proverbs, the author shows that
controlling one’s tongue is a prerequisite for dominating our person and our destiny (James 3).
 993 SIRACH 21

The stupid and foolish a friend; he gets an enemy, in fact, for noth-
• 1 There are rebukes which are inop- ing.
20 portune; there is the silence of a sen-
24
Lying is a shameful defect in a man; Pro
fools are used to it. 13:5
sible man. 25
2
Better to rebuke than nurse a grudge. Better to be a thief than a liar, yet both
3
He who recognizes his fault diminishes its are heading for disaster.
26
consequences. Habitual lying is detestable; disgrace Pro
4 never leaves the liar. 12:22
Like a eunuch desiring to violate a girl, 27
such is he who uses force in pretending to be The wise man’s words advance his
just. cause; the shrewd man will gain favor with the
Pro 5
One keeps silent and is thought to be powerful.
28
17:28 wise, the other makes himself hated because He who tills the earth increases his pro-
of his gossiping. duce; he who pleases the great is forgiven his
6
One remains silent because he does not wickedness.
29
know how to reply; the other keeps quiet, Presents and gifts blind a wise man’s
waiting for the right moment. eyes; like a muzzle they silence the conscien-
7
The wise man keeps silent until the right tious.
30
moment; the chatterer and fool speak out of Concealed wisdom and hidden treasure:
turn. what good are these?
31
8
He who speaks too much makes himself The man who conceals his stupidity is
hated; he who wishes to impose himself stirs better than one who conceals his wisdom.
up ill will.
9
Man can turn his troubles to his advan- 1

tage; a lucky chance can turn to loss. 21 itHave you sinned, my son? Do not do
again and beg forgiveness for your
10
There is a type of generosity which will past sins.
not reward you and another which will repay 2
Escape from sin as you would from a
you double. snake; if you go near, it will bite you. Its teeth
11
Lk One is humiliated for having had hon- are like those of a lion and destroy human
1:52
ors; another is humiliated, and then lifts up lives.
his head. 3
All evil is like a double-edged sword Pro
12
One buys much with little money; an- which inflicts wounds past remedy. 5:4
other pays seven times its value. 4
Violence and pride bring down the rich;
13
The wise man makes himself lovable the arrogant man’s house will be brought low.
through his words alone, while the favors of 5
The poor man’s prayer reaches the ears
the fool are lost. of the Lord and his judgment will not delay.
14
The fool’s gift is not to your advantage; 6
Whoever hates correction goes the way
he gives with greedy eyes. 15 He gives little but of sinners; he who fears the Lord turns to him
puts on a great outward appearance and in his heart.
exclaims for all to hear; he lends today and 7
The chatterer is known everywhere, but
recovers the loan tomorrow; he is a despi- the discreet man recognizes his weakness.
cable man. 8
Building a house with borrowed money is
16
The fool says, “I have no friends, no one like collecting stones for your own tomb.
welcomes my favors. 17 Those who eat my 9
The meeting of sinners is like a pile of
bread have evil tongues.” How often they will rope which will go up in fire and flames.
mock him, and by how many! 10
The path of sinners is well paved but it Mt
18
Better to stumble on the ground than to ends in the fiery abyss. 7:13
make a slip with the tongue; this is how easily 11
He who keeps the Law is in control of his
the wicked fall. thoughts; the fear of the Lord brings wisdom.
19
The rough-mannered man is like an 12
The man who is not clever will never be
indiscreet story that ill-mannered people tell taught; but there is a cleverness which leads
out of time. to bitterness.
20
The proverb told by a fool will fail, since 13
The wise man’s knowledge spreads out
he does not speak it at an appropriate time. like a flood and his advice is like a spring.
21
One keeps himself from sin because he 14
The fool’s heart is like a broken glass
does not have the means to act; when he gets which cannot hold any teaching.
the chance, he will have no remorse. 15
If an educated man hears a wise saying
22
One loses his soul out of false shame; he he values it and adds another. If the good-for-
loses himself for fear of what a foolish man nothing hears it he is annoyed and tosses it
thinks. 23 Out of false shame he wants to win over his shoulder.

• 20.1 We must avoid two errors: correction with anger, because we fall into excesses, and being
resentful in silence, without letting off steam.
SIRACH 21 994
16
The fool’s talk weighs like a load while it is easier to awaken a man from deep sleep.
10
the wise man’s words give rest. Reasoning with a fool is like reasoning with
17
The assembly awaits the wise man’s a drowsy man; in the end, he will ask you,
words; each one takes to heart whatever he “What is it all about?”
says. 11
Weep for the dead man since the light
18
The fool’s wisdom is like a house in has deserted him, weep for the fool because
ruins, the knowledge of the fool amounts to understanding has deserted him.
nonsense. Cry less for the dead man; he has found his
rest but the fool’s life is worse than death.
The stupid and foolish 12
Mourning the dead lasts seven days, but
• 19 As far as the fool is concerned, it lasts a lifetime for the fool and godless man.
13
instruction is no more than handcuffs Do not waste words on the fool or go with
the stupid man; beware of him lest he bring
and fetters. 20 The idiot laughs aloud you trouble and his contact leave you con-
while the intelligent man merely smiles taminated. Stay away from him if you want
quietly. rest and do not want to be worn out by his
21 requests.
Instruction is like a golden orna- 14
What is heavier than lead? What is its
ment to the shrewd man, like a bracelet name but “Fool”?
on his right arm. 15
Sand, salt and a load of iron are easier to
22
The fool steps inside the house bear than a fool.
16
The wooden joint in a building is not
immediately, the experienced man dislodged by an earthquake; a determined
would not be so bold. 23 The fool looks heart, after careful reflection, will not be
in through the door, the polite man re- moved when crises come.
17
mains outside. 24 Listening outside A decision based on serious reflection
stands like plaster on a firm wall.
doors reveals a bad upbringing, the up- 18
Stakes set on a height do not resist the
right man would be ashamed of doing wind; the fool’s heart, frightened by his own
so. imaginings, cannot withstand fear.
19
25 Striking the eye brings tears; if you strike
Strangers speak thoughtlessly of the heart, lucidity will come forth.
everything, while wise men’s words are 20
Whoever throws stones at birds scares
carefully weighed. 26 The heart of fools them off; reproach a friend and you will kill
is in their mouth, but the mouth of the the friendship.
21
If you have drawn your sword against a
wise is in their heart. friend, do not despair, it can be put back; 22 if
27
When the godless man curses his you have spoken harshly to a friend, do not
opponent, the curse descends on him- fear, reconciliation is possible; but in the
event of insult, contempt, betrayal of a con-
self. 28 The slanderer taints himself and fidence or treacherous blow, any friend would
makes himself hated by all around him. desert you.
23
Win your neighbor’s confidence when
1
The idler is like a dirty stone, his he is poor so that you may enjoy his goods
22 disgrace is laughed at. with him when he grows rich; be loyal in his
2
The idler is like a heap of dung, all who hour of trouble and you will win, in the end, a
touch it shake it off their hands. share in his inheritance.
3
Badly brought up sons are the shame of 24
Smoke and fumes precede the fire; so,
their father, and daughters, a humiliation. too, insults herald the blows.
4
A sensible daughter is a treasure to her 25
I will not be ashamed of protecting a
husband, but the disgraceful one is a burden friend nor will I avoid him; 26 if evil comes to
to her father. me from him, all who hear of it will beware of
5
A shameless daughter brings disgrace him.
on her father as well as her husband; both
hate her. 27
Who will put a guard on my mouth Ps
6
The untimely word is like music at a and effectively lock up my lips to pre- 141:3
funeral but beating and correction guided by
wisdom are never out of place. vent me from sinning and my tongue
9
Teaching a fool is like gluing a broken jar, from hastening my ruin?

• 21.19 The politeness of well-educated good and noble conduct. As Saint Francis de
people shows their noble spirit. When we are Sales used to say: “Courtesy is the precious
truly wise, we instinctively discover the rules of flower of charity.”
 995 SIRACH 23
• 1
O Lord, Father and master of 13
Do not accustom your mouth to
23 my life, do not abandon me to foul language for it will be sinful talk.
14
the thoughtless words of my lips or Remember your father and mother
allow me to fall because of them. when you are sitting in the company of
2
Ps Who will deal out punishment to my the great, lest you forget yourself in
141:5
thoughts and apply the discipline of their presence and act like a fool. Then
wisdom to my heart? 3 Let them not be you would wish you had never been
indulgent at my sins or the mistakes of born, and curse the day of your birth.
my mind, lest my errors increase and 15
A man used to indecent talk will
sins multiply, and I fall into the hands of never be reformed in his lifetime.
my enemies, to the joy of my foes. 16
Two kinds of people multiply sins
4
Lord, Father and God of my life, do and a third attracts the Lord’s anger:
not allow me to become haughty; A blazing passion which burns like
5
keep greed far away from me. fire will not be extinguished until it
6
Do not let lust and lechery take burns itself up.
hold of me; do not deliver me to filthy A man who seeks pleasure from his
passions. own body, he will not give up until he
7
Children, learn how to control your lan-
catches fire; 17 to the indecent man, all
guage; if you are able to watch over it, you will food tastes sweet and he will not be
not be taken by surprise. satisfied until death.
8
The sinner will be caught in his own 18
The man unfaithful to the marriage
words, as happens to the proud man and to
him who curses. bed who thinks like this, “Who sees
Mt
9
Do not get used to swearing, taking the me? Darkness surrounds me, the walls
5:34
Jas
name of the Holy One. hide me; nobody can see me. Why
10
5:12 For, just as the slave who is constantly should I worry? The Almighty will not
watched will not escape without blows so
you, also, will not be found guiltless after take note of my faults.”
19
constantly calling upon his name. He fears the scrutiny of men and
11
The man who swears habitually will be does not realize that the Lord’s eyes are
found full of sins, and disgrace will not depart a thousand times brighter than the sun,
from his house. If he fails to keep his oath due
to carelessness, punishment will descend that they watch the conduct of all men
upon him; if he fails knowingly, his sin is and penetrate into the most secret cor-
double and if he has sworn falsely, he will not ners. 20 All things were present to him
be forgiven; in any case, his house will be
filled with disasters. before they were created and so will
they be after their end.
About impurity and adultery 21
This man will be punished in view
• 12 There
is a way of talking which of the whole city, he will be caught
deserves death; let it not be used by when he least expects it.
22
Jacob’s descendants. Virtuous people In the same way, the woman who is
keep far away from it and do not wallow unfaithful to her husband and gives him
in sin. an heir by another man will be pun-

• 23.1 Prayer of the youth who discovers his – In 23:12-15, he speaks of vulgar words and
weakness when faced with life’s temptations. malicious conversations. As Jesus says in Mat-
Prayer of the adult person who has experienced thew 12:34: the mouth speaks of what fills the
that evil is deeply-rooted in his heart. An invita- heart.
tion to parents to look after their children’s
training. – 23:16-21 refers to extramarital relation-
The sin of the tongue (or the lips) means, first ships.
of all, proud words and proud projects. This is – 23:22-23 deals with an adulterous woman,
always the beginning of all the other sins. though it can also be applied to the adulterous
man: 1) it is a sin against God; 2) it is a sin against
• 12. Ben Sira speaks of impurity in the the spouse; 3) it is a sin against the family’s
traditional sense: sin against chastity. honor.
 SIRACH 23 996

ished. 23 First, she has disobeyed the rest; in which territory would I set up
Law of the Almighty. Secondly, she has my abode?
sinned against her husband and thirdly, 8
Then the creator of the universe Pro
8:27
she is tainted with adultery, for she has commanded me, he who created me Ps
had children by another man. assigned the place of my rest, “Pitch 132:8
24
She will be taken before the as- your tent in Jacob; Israel will be your
sembly and questioned about her chil- homeland.”
dren. 25 The children will not be able to 9
He created me from the beginning,
take root; their branches will not bear before time began, and I will never
fruit. 26 She will leave behind a cursed cease to be, 10 I celebrate in his pres-
memory and her shame will never be ence the liturgy of his Holy Dwelling
blotted out. and this is why I settled in Zion.
27
People who have seen her will 11
The Lord let me rest in his beloved
know that nothing matters more than city and Jerusalem is the heart of my
the fear of the Lord and nothing is kingdom. 12 I took root in the people
sweeter than fulfilling his commands. God has favored, in the land of the
The hymn of wisdom Lord, in their inheritance.
Job
13
28 • 1
Listen to wisdom singing her I grew like a cedar in Lebanon, as
Pro
1:20
8
24 own praises and extolling herself the cypress on Mount Hermon.
14
9:1-6 in the midst of her people. 2 See, she I grew like the palm trees in Engedi
Bar
3:9 opens her mouth in the assembly of the and the rosebuds of Jericho; as a mag-
Most High, she glories in herself before nificent olive on the plains and like a
the Almighty. plane tree I grew tall.
15
3
I came out from the mouth of God I poured out my perfume like a
and covered the face of the earth like a fragrant flower, like exquisite myrrh I
Ex mist; although 4 my dwelling place is have given choice scent; like fragrant
13:21
in the highest heavens, my throne is plants and as the smoke of incense
within a pillar of cloud. which burns in the Sanctuary of God.
16
5
I alone have seen and understood I spread out my branches like a
the vault of the skies and strolled vine; these are Glory and Grace. 17 As a
through the depths of the abyss, 6 tak- vine I put out graceful shoots and my
ing possession of the raging sea and of blossoms are riches and glory.
19
the earth as well, with all its peoples Come to me, you who desire me Ps
19:11
and nations. and take your fill of my fruits. 20 To
7
In all of these, I looked for a place to experience me is sweeter than honey

• 24.1 This poem attributed to the Wisdom The Wisdom of God rules the universe and all
of God is similar to those in Proverbs 8 and the nations. It has inspired the sages and the
Wisdom 7. What is emphasized here is the religions of all countries and yet it came in a
presence of Wisdom in God’s people. special way to Israel, which is its dwelling and
Two events from sacred history help us under- inheritance. This prepares us for what John says
stand this presence of God himself through his in his Gospel 1:3 and 1:9: the Wisdom of God
Wisdom: is Christ, and the people through whom it will be
– the cloud which accompanied the Hebrews present is the Church.
in the desert (see Ex 13:21); Catholic liturgy has used this poem for the
– the Tent which served as sanctuary in the feasts of the Virgin Mary, because the words fit
desert (see Ex 25). the role that God gave her in the Church. On the
The first image teaches us that God’s glory so day of the Annunciation, she received the Wis-
surpasses us, that we can only know something dom in the name of all. This is why she has been
of God when he hides his glory in the cloud. The granted to be the first of God’s people and the
second image teaches us that the real dwelling of mother of all others.
God is not something material that we call The last verses return to practical things: the
“heaven”; God dwells in this world in a mysteri- Wisdom of God is found especially in the Law,
ous and provisional way, as in a tent. that is, in the book of his words.
 997 SIRACH 25
2
and to possess me sweeter than any There are three kinds of persons whom I
Jn honeycomb. 21 Those who eat me will detest and whose existence I cast away from
4:13 me: a poor man full of pride, a rich man who
6:35 hunger still; those who drink me will is a liar, and an adulterous old man who is a
thirst for more. 22 Those who obey me fool.
3
will not be put to shame; those who If you have saved nothing in your youth,
what will you have in old age?
serve me will not fall into sin. 4
What a great thing is old age with sound
23
Dt All this is in the Bible, the Testa- judgment, an old man who can counsel!
33:4 5
ment of the Most High God, the book of What a great thing is wisdom in those
the Law which Moses entrusted to us, who are old, or understanding and prudence
in the great.
the inheritance of the congregations of 6
Rich experience is the crown of the old,
Israel. their pride is the fear of the Lord.
7
25
This Law feeds the springs of wis- I think of nine things which I consider
happy and a tenth to which I will also refer: the
dom, like the Pishon or Tigris in the man who finds his happiness in his children;
Jos season of fruit. 26 Waters overflowing the man who sees the ruin of his enemies in
3:15
with understanding come from it, as his lifetime. 8 Happy the man who lives with a
from the Euphrates and Jordan at har- sensible wife; he who does not plow with a
donkey and ox; he who has done no wrong in
vest time; 27 the floods of instruction run speech; he who does not serve an unworthy
like the Nile or the Gihon in time of master. 9 Happy he who has acquired good
vintage. sense and is able to speak before an attentive
28
He who comes first is unable to audience! 10 Great is he who has gained wis-
dom, but no one surpasses the man who fears
grasp her fully and neither will the last the Lord.
exhaust her. 29 For her thoughts are 11
Since the fear of the Lord excels every-
wider than the sea and her designs, thing, who can compare with the one who
possesses it?
deeper than the abyss. 13
Any wound rather than the wound of
the heart; any wickedness rather than the
I have not worked for myself alone
wickedness of a woman; 14 any sadness
• 30 I,
for my part, went forth like a rather than that inflicted by an enemy; any
vengeance rather than the vengeance of a
brook from a river, a stream diverted foe.
Ezk into a delightful garden. 31 I thought, 15
There is no poison worse than a snake’s
47:1-
12 “Let me irrigate my orchard and water venom, there is no rage worse than an
my flowers.” But now my brook has enemy’s.
16
Better to live with a lion and a snake than Pro
grown into a river and the river, into a to share a house with a wicked woman. 21:9,
19
sea. 17
Wickedness disfigures a woman’s ap- 27:15
32
May my teaching shine forth like pearance, it saddens the face, making her
the dawn; may I carry its light to far- look like a bear.
18
When her husband dines with his neigh-
away places. 33 I will spread my teach- bor, he sighs bitterly, in spite of himself.
ing like a prophecy and leave it to fu- 19
All wickedness is nothing compared
ture generations. with a woman’s wickedness. Let her lot be
34
See, all of you, that I have not that of a sinner!
20
As a sandhill is to an old man’s feet, so
worked for myself alone but for all is the talkative woman to her quiet husband.
those who seek wisdom. 21
Do not be fooled by a woman’s beauty or
fall in love with her.
22
1
Three things delight me and are de- Expect anger, reproach and plenty of
25 lightful to God and people: agreement shame when the wife rules the husband.
23
between brothers, friendship between neigh- Dejected spirits, a sad face and unseen
bors, and perfect harmony between husband wounds, these are the work of a wicked
and wife. woman. Idle hands and unsteady knees are

• 30. Ben Sira is a sage. After years of fidelity that his work is of exceptional importance for
in his duty as father of a family, counselor and many believers in the future, and he gives thanks
businessman, he marvels at all that he has to God. The All-powerful has done great
received from divine Wisdom. He is well aware things for me (Lk 1:49).
 SIRACH 25 998

found when a wife brings her husband no 17

Like the light which shines from
happiness. the sacred lampstand, such is a beauti-
24
For sin began with woman and we all die
because of the inheritance of the congrega- ful face in a well-shaped body. 18 Like
tions of Israel. pillars of gold on a silver base, such are
25
1Tim Do not let water leak out or give free rein beautiful legs on sturdy feet. ( )
2:14 to a wicked woman. 26 If she does not do as
you tell her, get rid of her. 28
There are two things which grieve me
and a third which makes me angry: a warrior
• 1
Happy the husband of a good who suffers want; intelligent men who are
Pro
31:10 26 wife, the number of his days will treated contemptuously; a man who turns
from virtue to sin. The Lord singles this man
be doubled. 2 A woman of character is out to strike him down.
her husband’s joy, he will live in peace 29
The merchant can barely avoid greed;
all the years of his life. the shopkeeper cannot remain sinless.
3
A good wife is the best of gifts, 1
Many sin for love of gain, he who
reserved for those who fear the Lord; 27 desires riches silences his con-
4
rich or poor, he will have a serene science.
2
heart and a happy face. Just as the stake is settled between two
5
stones, so sin wedges itself between buying
Three things disturb me and a fourth and selling. 3 The house of him who does not
frightens me: neighborhood gossip, a rioting keep himself firmly in the fear of the Lord will
mob, a false accusation, all these are worse soon be knocked to the ground.
Mt than death. 6 But the woman jealous of an- 4
When a sieve is shaken the dirt falls
7:16 other woman brings heartbreak, her tongue through; so, too, the defects of a man are
lashes out at everyone. seen when he begins to speak.
7
A bad wife is like a badly fixed yoke; 5
The kiln tests the potter’s handiwork; a
taking her is like grasping a scorpion. man is tested by his conversation.
8
A drunken wife causes scandal; her dis- 6
A well-tended tree is shown by its fruits so
grace will not remain hidden. a man’s feelings can be detected in what he
9
A licentious woman is noticed by her says.
secretive looks and recognized by her lively 7
Praise no one before he has spoken,
eyes. 10 Keep a firm eye on a defiant daugh- since this is the acid test.
ter, so that she may not take advantage of 8
If you pursue righteousness, you will
some occasion. achieve it and wear it like a festive garment.
11
Guard against the provocative woman 9
Birds associate with their own kind,
and do not be surprised if she wishes to drag so, too, does truth greet those who are faith-
you into disgrace. ful.
12
She opens her mouth like a thirsty trav- 10
The lion lurks in wait for its prey; so, too,
eler to drink any water coming her way; she does sin lie in wait for those who do wrong.
sits by any pole and opens her quiver to every 11
The wise man’s conversation follows
arrow. wisdom all the time. In contrast, the fool
Ecl
13
A wife’s grace gladdens her hus- changes like the moon.
12
7:3-6 When among fools, be sparing with your
band and her prudence refreshes his time; among thoughtful people, be lavish
body. 14 A wife who knows how to be with it. 13 The conversation of fools is hateful,
silent is a gift from the Lord; the well- their laughter is coarse and raucous.
14
trained wife is invaluable. 15 A modest No one can bear those who swear all the
time. Their quarrels make you cover your
wife is a favor among favors; the chaste ears.
wife is priceless. 15
Blood is spilt when proud men quarrel
16
Like the sun rising over the moun- and their insults are painful to the ear.
16
tains of the Lord, such is the enchant- He who betrays a secret is no longer
trusted; he will no longer find reliable friends.
ment of a good wife in a well-kept 17
Love your friend and be loyal; if you have
house. revealed his secrets, go with him no longer.

• 26.1 Ben Sira praises the perfect woman It is true for both man and woman, even if the
from a moral and physical viewpoint. With latter does not know the slavery and endemic
regard to this it would be necessary to show how misery of Ben Sira’s time. Today’s cities offer an
the modern urban society is destructive of all immense field of action for Christian family
those who are not in an independent situation. groups.
 999 SIRACH 29
18
It is like having lost some of your relatives: covenant with the Most High and over-
his friendship to you has died. look the offense.
19
Like a bird, you have let your friend go,
8
you will not get him back. When you open Refrain from quarreling and you will
your hand, the bird flies off; 20 do not pursue avoid sin; the hot-headed man sparks off
him: he is far away and has fled like a gazelle disputes.
from the snare. 21 For a wound can be ban- 9
The sinner causes trouble between
daged and an insult forgiven, but if you betray friends, sowing discord among peaceful
a secret there is no hope. people.
10
22
The man who winks an eye is plotting Fire burns when fuel is thrown on it;
evil, no one can persuade him to change. stubbornness drags out the discussion.
23
He is all sweetness to your face, praising The more powerful the man, the greater
your words, but behind your back he speaks his rage; his anger will be in proportion to his
differently and twists your words. riches.
11
24
I hate many things but nothing more A sudden quarrel sparks off a fire; a
than this man; the Lord, also, hates and hasty dispute leads to bloodshed.
12
curses him. Blow on a spark and it ignites; spit on it
25 and it dies out: both come from your mouth.
When one tosses a stone in the air it falls 13
Cursed be the gossiper with his spiteful Jas
back on his head; whoever deals a treacher- tongue. He has destroyed many who lived 3:1-
ous blow, wounds himself. peacefully. 14 The vicious tongue has demol-
12
26
He who digs a pit will fall into it; he who ished many and hounded them from nation to
sets a snare will be caught in it. nation. It has ruined powerful cities and laid
27
If you do evil, evil will befall you and you low great households.
will not know from where it comes. 15
The vicious tongue has cast out wives
28
The proud man makes use of mockery who were beyond reproach, depriving them
and insults, but vengeance lies in wait for him of the fruit of their work. 16 Whoever listens to
like a lion. it will never find rest or be able to live in peace.
17
29
Those who gloat over the downfall of The whip leaves a mark but the lash of
good men will fall into the snare; suffering will the tongue shatters bones.
18
consume them before they die. Many have been felled by the sword but
30 many more have perished by the tongue.
Grudge and wrath, these also are 19
Happy he who has escaped it and has
abominations in which sinful people excel.
not been exposed to its fury, who has not
Don’t bear grudges been weighed down by its yoke or been tied
up in its chains.
1
He who demands revenge will 20
For it is a yoke of iron and its chains are
28 suffer the vengeance of the Lord bronze. 21 It brings a miserable death. Actual
death is better! 22 But it will not tyrannize
who keeps a strict account of his sins. those who keep faith, it will not consume their
2
Mt Forgive the mistakes of your neighbor soul.
5:23- 23
Those who desert the Lord will be its
24 and you may ask that your sins be
6:12
forgiven. victims, it will burn them without being burnt
3
up itself; it will lunge at them like a lion, and
If a man bears resentment against rip them apart like a leopard.
another, how can he ask God for heal- 24
Look, you put a fence around your prop-
Mt ing? 4 If he has no compassion on erty and protect your silver and gold. 25 In the
18:23- same way, make weights and scales for your
25 others, how can he pray for forgiveness words and put a bolted door at your mouth.
for his sins? 5 As long as he, mere flesh, 26
Beware of a slip of the tongue when you
is resentful, who will obtain his pardon? speak, lest you fall in front of those who lie in
6 wait for you.
Remember your end and give up
hatred; keep in mind your final corrup- • 1 Lending to your neighbor is an act
tion in the grave and keep the com-
29 of mercy, going to his aid fulfills the
mandments. 7 Remember the com- commandments.
Lev 2
19:17- Learn to lend to your neighbor when he is
18 mandments and do not bear grudges in need and, in turn, repay him any loan on
Ex
23:4-
against your neighbor. Remember the time.
5

• 29.1 29:2-6, this deals with those who ask others without charge is the best assurance
for loans and do not pay back. against misfortune. On this subject see Tobit 4:9
Alms and, in a broader sense, all that we do for and Luke 16:9.
 SIRACH 29 1000
3 22
Keep your word, remain faithful and you Better a poor man’s life in his wooden
will find what you need on every occasion. shack than lavish banquets in another man’s
4
Many think of a loan as a quick deal and house.
23
put those who help them in a fix. Be content with whatever you have, be it
5
The moment they receive it, they kiss the great or small; this is better than to go else-
hand of the moneylender and humble them- where and be reproached as an outsider.
24
selves in deference to his wealth. But on the It is hard to go from house to house;
25
day repayment is due, they prolong the time, when you are an outsider, do not risk open-
repay with reproaches and blame the current ing your mouth. You will eat and drink without
situation. much welcome and, on top of that, hear bitter
6
If they can repay, they pay barely half remarks: 26 “Come, stranger, set the table and
and the moneylender will be grateful for that whatever you have, give it to me to eat.”
27
much. They have robbed him of his money “Be off, stranger, make room for some-
and, moreover, he has gained enemies, for body more important; my brother is coming
they repay him with curses and insults and to see me, I need the house.”
28
reproaches instead of gratitude. It is hard for a good man to have hospi-
7
Tb Many a good person refuses to lend, not tality denied him and to be treated like a
12:8- for any malicious reason: he is afraid of being debtor.
9
Mt cheated without cause.
6:19- 8
Nevertheless, be kind to those who have Correct your child
21 •
fallen on hard times, do not keep them wait- 1
The man who loves his son
19:21
ing for your help.
9
30 makes use of the rod; later on he
For the commandments’ sake, help the
poor man; see his need and do not turn him will be proud of him. 2 The man who
away empty-handed. corrects his son will reap the benefit
10
Jas Better to spend your money on a brother and be proud of him among his ac-
5:3 or friend than to let it rust under a stone, to
your discredit. quaintances. 3 By instructing his son he
11
Use your money according to the com- makes his enemy envious; he will be
mandments of the Most High and you will find well pleased with him in the company
it more valuable than gold. of his friends.
12
Tb Fill your barns with good deeds and 4
4:9- these will rescue you from misfortune. If such a father dies it is as if he Tb
11 9:6
Lk
13
They will fight for you against your enemy had not died, for he leaves behind him
16:9 better than any strong shield and mighty another man like himself. 5 In life he had
spear. the joy of his company and he is not
14
A good man goes surety for his neigh-
bor; the scoundrel leaves him to his fate. sorrowful when death comes.
6
15
Do not forget the favors of your guaran- He leaves it to his family to take
tor: he has risked his life for you. revenge on his enemies and to return
16
The sinner wastes his guarantor’s
money; the ungrateful man forgets the one gifts to his friends.
7
who saved him. 17 Acting as guarantor has The man who coddles his son will
ruined many a good man and has tossed him be constantly bandaging his wounds; at
like the waves of the sea. 18 It has banished his every cry he will be troubled.
powerful men and forced them to wander 8
among foreign nations. Just as a badly broken-in horse
19
The sinner is anxious to be a guarantor cannot be mounted, so a spoiled son
but he will be condemned as a loan shark. becomes insolent. 9 Pamper your child
20
Help your neighbor as far as you can but
beware of falling into the same plight.
and later he will terrify you; play with
21
Some things you cannot live without: him and he will bring you sorrow.
10
water, bread, clothes and a house for shelter. Do not laugh at him lest you have
• 30.1 Here Ben Sira touches a point on When he is two years old, a child knows how to
which the destiny of a people depends. Everyone threaten, scream, have a tantrum, with the
complains that there are few responsible people. assurance that, in the end, his parents will give in:
We experience good intentions everywhere, but “What can we do? The child does not want it.”
where are the people who can persevere in doing Ben Sira knows that only children who are
good and carry out their good intentions? The subject to discipline and whose whims are not
major cause of a lack of maturity in willpower is satisfied by their parents, only they will come to
found in the total lack of parental authority. A real freedom, because they are able to persevere
three-month-old baby knows that if he keeps in doing good.
crying he will force the mother to pick him up. Christianity, of course, is not founded on the
 1001 SIRACH 31

to suffer and grind your teeth. 11 Do not eous; whoever runs after gain will be
let him be independent as a child, 12 but led astray. 6 Many have been ruined be-
rather bruise his ribs while he is still cause of gold; disgrace went to meet
young, lest he grow stubborn and re- them.
7
fuse to obey. Gold is a snare for those who are
13
Be strict with your son and perse- possessed by love of it. The senseless
vere in this, so as not to suffer because will be caught in it.
8
of his misconduct. Happy is the rich man who has not
14
sinned in this way and has not gone
Better a poor man healthy and fit, than
a rich man tormented in body. after gold! 9 Who is he? Let us say:
15
Health and vigor are worth more than Fortunate man! For he has given a
gold, a robust body, more than great wealth. wonderful example.
16
No riches are preferable to physical well- 10
Who has been tested in this and
being, and no joy is greater than a cheerful
heart. found perfect? He has reason to be
Job 17
Death is better than a wretched life and proud. Who could have sinned but re-
7:13 eternal rest preferable to lasting sickness.
18
sisted, who could have done wrong and
Dishes of food placed on an empty tomb
are like good things offered to one who can-
did not do it? 11 His fortune is firmly
not eat. established and the assembly will ac-
19
What good is a sacrifice offered to an knowledge his generosity.
idol? It can neither eat nor smell. So is it with
the one whom the Lord has stricken; 20 he Dinner parties
sees with his eyes and groans, like a eunuch • 12 Are you seated at a lavish banquet?
embracing a virgin and sighing. Don’t be over-ready to eat and don’t say,
21
Do not give yourself over to sadness or “What a feast!”
torment yourself with brooding. 13
Remember that a greedy eye is an evil
22
Joy of heart is life to a man; gladness thing. What is worse than such an eye? That
gives him length of days. is why it was condemned to weep.
23
Delight your soul and console your 14
Do not stretch out your hand to every-
heart; chase sorrow far away, for sorrow has thing you see or be quick in reaching for a
destroyed many and never did good to any- dish. 15 Judge the needs of your fellow guest
one. by your own and in all things act prudently.
24
Jealousy and anger shorten your life; 16
Eat what is set before you like an edu-
worry makes you old before the time. cated person and don’t be a glutton, lest you
25
Pro A cheerful and kindly person will have a be detested.
15:15 good appetite and enjoy his food. 17
Like a well-mannered man, be the first
1 to stop; don’t be voracious if you are to avoid
The sleeplessness that wealth brings
31 makes a man lose weight; his worries
difficulties. 18 If important people are present,
do not be the first to serve yourself.
drive sleep away. 19
2
The cares of the day prevent sleep; in the A little is sufficient for a well-bred per-
same way, serious illness makes rest impos- son; your breathing moreover will be easier
sible. when you go to bed. 20 Healthy sleeping is for
the moderate eater. He rises early and feels
Happy the one who doesn’t go after gold fit! Sleeplessness and stomach trouble attend
the overindulgent. 21 If you are obliged to eat
3
The rich man toils to increase his too much, go off and vomit and you will be at
wealth and then sits back and lives in ease.
22
luxury; 4 the poor man toils to survive Listen to me, my friend, and do not
neglect what I say; in the end you will see the
and is in want as soon as he leaves off. truth of it. Be moderate in all that you do and
5
He who loves gold cannot be right- you will be without illness.

observance of law. Yet, though every believer 104:15). Only those consecrated as nazirs ab-
may experience something of the “spirit,” we stain from wine. The New Testament will not
will have trouble reaping its fruits if we are not condemn wine either: such is the meaning of
disciplined. Jesus’ first miracle in Cana (Jn 2).
Nevertheless, the books of Wisdom have
• 31.12 The Bible does not condemn the many warnings against drunkenness. See what
use of wine: it was made for our delight (see Ps Paul has to say in Eph 5:18 and 1 Cor 5:11.
 SIRACH 31 1002
23 17
A generous host is appreciated: he is The sinner refuses correction and ex-
justly praised, 24 but everyone will complain cuses himself for doing what he wants.
18
about a stingy host and their complaints will A person of judgment reflects before-
be justified. hand; the stubborn and proud man goes
25
Do not try to show how much wine you ahead without worrying about anything.
19
can take, for wine has been the ruin of many. Never act without first reflecting, and
26
As the furnace tests the temper of steel, so you will have no regrets.
20
wine proves hearts and makes proud men Do not go along a rough road lest you
quarrel. stumble on stones. 21 And do not be too sure
1Tim 27
Wine is life for man if taken in modera- of your step on a smooth path. 22 Beware even
5:23 tion. What is life without wine? 28 Wine makes of your own children.
23
for a glad heart and a cheerful mind, if taken Be careful in whatever you do. In so
moderately and at the right time. 29 But if doing you keep the commandments.
24
taken to excess it brings bitterness of soul, Those who trust in the Law will keep the
excitement and a fumbling step. commandments and those who obey the
30
Drunkenness inflames the anger of a Lord will come to no harm.
stupid person to the point of scandal. It re- 1
Evil will not go to meet the one who
duces his strength and brings him blows.
31
Do not reproach a neighbor during a wine
33 fears the Lord; if he is in danger he will
feast, and don’t look down on him when he is be rescued.
2
merry; do not speak harshly to him or annoy The wise man never departs from the
him by asking him to settle a debt. Law; he who only pretends to keep it is like a
storm-tossed boat.
3
1
Have you been chosen to preside at An intelligent man has faith in the Law, 1S
32 a party? Don’t give yourself airs! Just which for him is as trustworthy as an oracle. 14:41
1Mac
4
be like everyone else in the group; see to their If you want people to listen to you, pre- 3:48
needs and then sit down. 2 When you have pare what you have to say; recall what you
done what you should, take your place and have learned before you give an answer. 5 A
enjoy yourself with the others. They will con- cart wheel! That is what the feelings of a fool
gratulate you for a job well done. are like. His mind resembles a turning axle.
6
3
If you are older, speak as befits your age, A mocking friend is like a wild horse,
but know what you are talking about and do neighing when anyone rides him.
7
not interrupt the music. Why is one day holier than another, when
4
If there is a concert, refrain from speak- the light of the sun shines on every day of the
ing; it is not the time for playing the wise man. year? 8 By the Lord’s decision they were
5
A musical concert at a wine banquet is like made different; he arranged the different sea-
a ruby set in gold. 6 As an emerald signet set sons and feasts.
9
in a work of gold, so is the music with good Some of these he chose to make holy,
wine. others he made ordinary days. 10 All human
7
If you are young, speak if you have to, but beings come from clay just as Adam himself
not more than twice and only if requested. was formed. 11 In the fullness of his wisdom
8
Keep to the point and say it all in a few the Lord made each one unique and diversi-
words. Show that you are well informed but fied his conditions. 1S
12 2:6-8
not over-anxious to speak. Some he made holy, keeping them near
Lk
9
Do not try to be the equal of eminent to himself. Others he cursed and humiliated, 1:51-
people and do not chat when someone else is removing them from where they were. 53
13
speaking. As clay in the hand of the potter to be Is
29:16
10
As lightning goes before thunder, the molded as he pleases, so are all in the hands Rom
reputation of a modest man goes before him. of the Creator to be dealt with as he sees fit. 9:21
14
11
Leave the party at the right time and do Good is the opposite of evil, and life, of
not be slow about it; no lingering, go straight death, and the sinner is the opposite of the
home! upright. 15 Consider all the works of the Most 42:24-
12 High and you will see how they go in pairs, by 25
There you may relax and do as you Ecl
please, but do not sin by bragging. opposites. 3:1-8
16
13
And thank your Creator for the enjoy- As for me I have been the last to keep
ment of all good things. watch, like a gleaner following the grape-
14
Whoever fears the Lord will accept his pickers. 17 By the blessing of the Lord I have
correction, and those who rise at dawn will taken the lead and like the grape-picker I
win his favor. have filled the winepress. 18 Note that not only
15
The man who follows his Law will be for myself have I toiled, but for all who seek
nourished by it, but the hypocrite will find it a instruction. 19 Hear me, rulers of the people,
stumbling block. leaders of the assembly hear!
16 20
Those who fear the Lord will please him Neither to son, wife, brother nor friend
and their good deeds will shine as a light. give power over yourself during your life. Do
 1003 SIRACH 34

not give your property to another in case you 8

Not so the Law, which never fails
regret it and have to beg them to return it. but comes true. Wisdom from the truth-
21
As long as you live and there is breath in
you, do not give power over yourself to any-
ful lips of God is the highest truth.
one. 22 It is preferable for your children to be 9
One who has traveled knows a great
dependent on you, than that you be obliged to deal, and a man of wide experience will talk
depend on them. 23 Be master of all that you soundly. 10 A person who has not had trials
do; let not others stain your reputation. knows very little. But the traveled man is
24
Wait until the end of your days, until competent in many ways. 11 I have made
death is near, to distribute your inheritance. many discoveries on my travels and under-
stood more than I can express. 12 I have often
Your slaves been in danger of death but have been saved
Pro 25
Fodder, stick and burdens are for the thanks to my experience.
13
26:3 donkey; bread, correction and work are for The spirit of those who fear the Lord will
the slave. live, for their hope is placed in the One who
26
Put your slave to work and you will have saves.
14
peace. Let him take it easy and he will want He who fears the Lord is in dread of
to be free. 27 Yoke and harness will bow the nothing. He will not be cowardly for he is his
neck. For a criminal slave there are torture hope. 15 He who fears the Lord is a happy
and the stocks. person. To whom does he turn? Who is his
28
Send him to work or he will be idle, and support?
16
idleness teaches much evil. 29 Give him work The eyes of the Lord are on those who Ps
33:18
that is appropriate for him; if he does not love him. For them he is powerful protection, 34:16
obey, put his feet in chains. strong support, shelter against scorching
30
But do not be over-demanding with any- wind and the midday sun. He is a safeguard
one and do nothing without discernment. against stumbling and assurance against a
31
You have a slave? Let him be like you; fall. 17 He lifts up the soul and gives a sparkle
for you bought him through blood. to the eyes; he gives healing, life and bless-
32
You have a slave? Treat him like a ing.
brother. You need him as you need yourself. Offerings pleasing to God
33
If you ill-treat him and he escapes, where
• 18 An offering to God from stolen
will you go to look for him?
goods is a stained offering, the sacri-
Dreams
fices of the wicked do not please God.
• 1
The foolish are deceived by 19
34 The Most High takes no pleasure in Is
vain and false hopes; dreams the offering of the godless. It is not the 1:11
Am
give them wings. number of victims that obtains pardon 5:21
Ps
2
To rely on dreams is like grasping a for sin. 50:8
shadow or chasing the wind. 3 What you 20
Offering to God from what belongs
see in dreams are only reflections: a to the poor is like slaughtering a son in
person sees his own image. the presence of his father.
4
Job What clean thing can come from 21
Bread is life to the poor; he who
14:4
what is unclean? What truth comes takes it from them is a murderer. 22 He Lev
19:13
Ecl from what is false? 5 Divinations, who deprives others of a livelihood kills Jer
5:5-6
omens and dreams are empty like the them, and whoever withdraws the sal- 22:13

fantasies of a woman in labor. ary of a worker is guilty of blood.

6
Unless they come as messengers of 23
If one builds and the other de-
the Most High, do not pay attention to stroys, what do they gain besides trou-
them. 7 For dreams have led many peo- ble? 24 If one prays and the other
ple astray. Those who hoped in them curses, whose voice will the Master lis-
have fallen. ten to?

• 34.1 Previously in Israel, dreams were Law (see commentary on Gen 37).
very important. Here we have a reaction against
dreams. Without denying that, in some cases, • 18. What infuriates the sacred author is
God can guide or warn the believer through a that after they have stripped the humble, the rich
dream, the author teaches that we must not be come to the Temple to offer their magnificent
guided by dreams: the sure way is to fulfill God’s presents.
 SIRACH 34 1004
25
If a man is cleansed after touching gifts he will not accept them; do not rely
a corpse and then touches it again, on offerings from dishonest gain.
12
what good was there in his cleansing? The Lord is judge and shows no Dt
10:17
26
If anyone fasts for his sins and then partiality. 13 He will not disadvantage
commits the same sins, who will hear the poor, he who hears the prayer of the
his prayer? What value is there in his oppressed. 14 He does not disdain the Ex
22:21
fasting? plea of the orphan, nor the complaint of Pro
the widow. 23:10-
11
1
Keeping the Law is worth many 15
When tears flow down her cheeks,
35 offerings. Being faithful to the is she not crying out against the one
commandments is like a peace offer- who caused her to weep?
ing. 16
The one who serves God whole-
2
Lev Returning kindness is an offering of heartedly will be heard; his petition will
2:1
fine flour; giving alms is a sacrifice of reach the clouds. 17 The prayer of the Job
16:18
praise. humble person pierces the clouds, and
3
Lev Renouncing sin pleases the Lord, he is not consoled until he has been
16:1
and shunning injustice is a sacrifice of heard. 18 His prayer will not cease until
atonement. the Most High has looked down, until
4
Do not appear before the Lord with justice has been done in favor of the
empty hands. The commandment re- righteous.
19
quires that you bring an offering. And the Lord will not delay, nor will
5
When the offering of the righteous he be patient with the wicked, 20 but he
is burned on the altar, the fat drips will crush the backbone of the merci-
down and a fragrant aroma rises to the less and have vengeance on the na-
Most High. tions, 21 until he has completely de-
Lev
6
The sacrifice of the just man stroyed the hordes of the violent and
2:1-
3 pleases God and will not be forgotten. broken the power of the wicked, 22 until
Dt
7
Honor the Lord with a generous heart he has repaid each one according to his
26:1
and do not be stingy with the first fruits deeds, 23 until he has judged his people
of your harvest. and made them rejoice because of his
Dt
8
Offer your gifts with a smiling face mercy.
14:22 24
2Cor and when you pay your tithes do it Blessed is his mercy in the time of
9:7 gladly. adversity! It is like rain clouds during a
drought!
The Lord will not delay
• 9 Give Prayer for the deliverance of Israel
to the Most High as he has
• 1
Have mercy on us, Master,
given to you; give generously to the
Lord according to what you have; 10 the 36 God of all, and look on us; make
Ps
79
Jer
Lord will repay, he will reward you every nation stand in fear of you. 10:25

sevenfold. 2
Take action against the pagan na-
11
If you attempt to bribe him with tions and let them see your power. 3 You

• 35.9 We must generously assist in the cost prophets: God will do justice and will gather
of worship as long as it is not a way of forgetting together the dispersed children of Israel.
our responsibilities concerning injustice in our This hope has always been the strength of the
world. The Lord is pleased with our sacrifices Jewish people. After Christ the Jews were dis-
but, above all, he hears the prayer of the orphan persed as the Gospel foretold. Counting on
and sees the tears of the widow. God’s promises and the certitude of their unique
vocation they were often able to resist dispersion
• 36.1 The author shares the ideas of his and assimilation.
contemporaries who think only of the salvation The New Testament shows us that all of
of the world through the salvation of the Jewish God’s promises to his people have been ful-
people. He believes in the promises of the filled in Jesus. It is on the basis of this certitude
 1005 SIRACH 37
Ezk 19
Just as the tongue can distinguish the
38:22- have shown them your holiness
23 through what happened to us, so now flavor of game, so does the alert mind detect
lies.
let us see your great power in acting 20
A crooked heart causes sorrow, but an
among them. experienced person knows how to get even
1K
4
Let them acknowledge, as we have with him.
21
8:43 A woman will accept any husband but Pro
Is acknowledged, that there is no God but some daughters are better than others. 5:15-
45:14 19
you, Lord. 22
Woman’s beauty rejoices people and is
5
Give new signs, do fresh wonders, beyond all that could be wished for.
23
stretch out your hand and be glorified in If she is kindly-spoken and gentle he is Pro
the most fortunate of men. 15:4
your strength. 24
When a man marries he acquires a for-
6
Kindle your fury and rouse your tune, someone who understands him and
anger, destroy your opponents, crush who will help and support him.
25
your enemy. When there is no hedge the property will
7
be destroyed; and when a man has no wife he
Hasten the day, remember your is a fretful wanderer.
covenant so that we may speak of your 26
Who would trust a clever robber flitting
great deeds. 8 Let the survivors be con- from town to town? 27 And who would trust a
man without a nest, who lodges wherever
sumed in fiery wrath, let those who nightfall finds him?
oppress send to perdition. 9 Crush the
Friends and counselors
heads of hostile rulers – those who say
1
they alone count. Every friend says, “I am your friend,
10
37 too,” but some friends are only friends
6:5-
17
Gather all the tribes of Jacob, give in name.
Pro
2:6
them back their inheritance as in the 2
Is it not a deadly grief when a companion
beginning. or friend turns into an enemy?
3
11 O evil intention! From where have you
Ex Have pity, Lord, on the people sprung, to cover the earth with deceit?
4:22
known by your Name, on Israel whom 4
One kind of comrade takes advantage of
you called your firstborn. his friend’s good fortune; in time of trouble he
2S
12
Show compassion to the holy city, turns against him. 5 Another kind shares his
5:9 friend’s suffering, for the sake of a meal; when
to Jerusalem where you rest. it comes to a fight, he thinks only of saving
13
Fill Zion with the fame of your himself.
6
wonders, and your people with your Do not neglect a friend or forget him once
you are wealthy.
glory. 7
All advisers give advice but some seek
14
Confirm the promises made to only their own gain.
8
your people long ago and fulfill the Distrust the person who offers advice,
promises made in your name. lest he take advantage of you; first of all, ask
15
yourself what he lacks, and what his own
Reward those who wait for you and interest suggests to him.
fulfill the words of your prophets. 9
Perhaps he says to you, “You are on the
Num
16
Hear the prayer of your servants, right road,” while he keeps his distance, to
6:22- see what happens to you.
27 Lord; hear your priests giving Aaron’s 10
Do not seek advice from one who looks
blessing to your people. at you suspiciously; hide your plans from
17
So that all on earth may acknowl- those who envy you.
11
Do not consult a woman about her rival,
edge that you are Lord and everlasting or a coward about war, or a merchant about
God. exchange rates, or a buyer about selling, or a
jealous man about gratitude, or a selfish
Choosing a wife
person about generosity, or an idler about
18
The stomach takes in all kinds of food any kind of work, or a casual worker about
but one food is better than another. finishing a job, or a lazy servant about an

that we must re-evaluate the words of God. At not so simple, and Jesus teaches his apostles that
first they all seemed centered on the gift to salvation history is a process of deaths and
Israel of material land within the limits of resurrections.
Palestine. The prophets show that things were
 SIRACH 37 1006

important task. Do not rely on these people herbs which grow on the earth, and
for any advice. these a sensible person will not de-
12
But go to a trustworthy man whom you
know to be a keeper of the commandments, spise.
5
whose soul reflects your own and who will Remember that he used a simple Ex
suffer with you, if you fail. 15:23-
13
wooden rod to purify water and so 25
In the end, keep to your own heart’s
advice, since no one deserves to be trusted
make known his power to everyone.
6
more than your heart. It is he who gives knowledge to
14
For a man’s soul often gives better ad- humans so that his power be glorified;
vice than seven watchmen placed on a 7
the doctor uses it to heal and comfort,
height.
Pro 15
Besides all this, implore the Almighty to the chemist to make his mixtures. 8 In
16:9 guide your steps in the truth. that way the Lord’s work never ceases
16
A plan must be at the beginning of all and well-being prevails on the earth.
work; reflection comes before every action. 9
17
When you decide, four ways are open My son, when you are sick do not
Pro before you: 18 good, evil, life and death. Your be anxious; pray to the Lord to heal
18:21 own decision makes the choice.
19
you. 10 Give up bad habits, keep your
A clever man may teach many but do no hands unsoiled, and purify your heart
good for himself.
20
A man may be wise, but if his words are from all sin.
11
rejected he will end up starving, Offer incense and a memorial gift
21
not having won the favor of the Lord and of fine flour and rich offerings accord-
being destitute of all wisdom. ing to your means. 12 Then consult the
22
Another man is wise for himself. He
himself takes advantage of his wisdom. doctor; remember that he was estab-
23
The truly wise man teaches his people, lished by the Lord, so do not disregard
and they benefit by his knowledge. him – you need him. 13 There are cases
24
The wise man is full of blessings; those when good health depends on doctors.
who see him call him happy. 14
25
Man’s days are numbered but Israel’s They, too, will pray to the Most High
days are countless. to grant them success in healing in
26
The wise man will win the confidence of order to save life.
his people; his name will live forever. 15
1Cor 27
My son, test yourself during the course
May he who sins before his Maker,
3:2 of your life; see what is harmful and avoid it. fall into the hands of the doctor!
6:12
28
Heb For everything does not suit everybody, Grieving
5:12 nor is everyone satisfied with all things. 16
29
Do not be insatiable in every pleasure, or My son, weep for the dead, lament to Jer
express your sorrow and bury the dead with 9:17
be excessive in what you eat; 30 for overeating Ezk
leads to sickness and gluttony brings indiges- fitting ceremony, and do not fail to honor his 24:15
tion. 31 Many have died because of gluttony; tomb. Mk
17 5:38
he who takes care prolongs his life. Weep bitterly, cry out with full voice, and
observe the period of mourning in accor-
The doctor dance with the merits of the deceased. Let it
• 1
be for one or two days, and so avoid criticism,
Give due honor to the doctor, and then be consoled in your grief.
38 for you need him and God him- 18
For sorrow may lead to death and a
self established him. dejected heart loses its vitality.
19
2 Let your affliction cease with the funeral;
Healing, in fact, comes from the a life of sorrow is intolerable.
Most High; the gift of healing comes 20
Do not let your heart give way to grief;
from the Sovereign. bear up and think of your own end.
21
3
The doctor’s expertise gives him Remember! There is no coming back,
prestige and wins for him the admira- you do the dead no good, but rather harm
yourself.
tion of the powerful. 22
Keep in mind my sentence which will be
4
The Lord created the medicinal yours as well: mine yesterday, yours today!

• 38.1 We must pray to be healed of a disease, but without neglecting the help of doctors as some
people do. This is clearly stated in the Bible.
 1007 SIRACH 39
23
When the dead person is at rest, let his foreign lands and has experience of both the
memory be one of peace; be comforted on his good and the evil in mankind.
5
account once his spirit has departed. Early in the morning his heart is set on
turning to the Lord, his Maker, and raising his
Craftsmen and wise men
being to the Most High. He opens his mouth
24
A law student acquires wisdom during in prayer and makes supplication because of
his leisure hours; free from business he is his sins.
6
capable of becoming wise. If such is the will of the great Lord he will Is
25 be filled with the spirit of discernment. He will 11:2
How can the man who guides a plow
become wise, he whose pride lies in snap- then speak words of wisdom and celebrate
ping a whip and driving a bullock, who works the Lord in prayer.
7
continually and talks of nothing but cattle? He will acquire just judgment and knowl-
26
His heart is set on plowing furrows and all edge and reflect on the Lord’s hidden myster-
his attention is given to fattening heifers. ies.
8
27
It is the same for all craftsmen and In his teaching he discloses what he has
skilled workers who toil day and night, pro- learned and glories in the law of the Lord’s
fessional engravers and designers of seals. covenant.
9
All are intent on creating different designs Many people praise his discernment and
and reproducing the model, and they work never will he be forgotten. His memory will
even at night in order to succeed. not fade and his name will live on from
28
So, too, is the smith standing beside the generation to generation.
10
anvil intent on forging iron; his face is Nations will proclaim his wisdom and
scorched by flames from the fire and he the assembly will celebrate his praise.
11
struggles in the heat of the furnace; the clang As long as he lives his name will be more
of the hammer is deafening; his eyes are fixed glorious than a thousand others, and when he
on the model to be copied, he makes every dies that fame will be enough.
effort to work well and spends time at night in All creation is good
bringing his task to perfection.
12
29
It is the same for the potter seated at his I wish to share still more of my reflec-
work, his foot turning the wheel, always con- tions; I am filled with them just as the moon
centrating on what he is molding, every is said to be full.
13
movement purposefully controlled. 30 His Hear me, devoted people, and grow as a
arm kneads the clay, his feet make it pliable. rose planted near a stream.
14
All his attention is needed in applying the Spread fragrance around you like in-
glaze and at night he sees to the cleaning of cense; blossom and perfume the air like a lily;
the furnace. sing a hymn and bless Yahweh for all his
31
All these craftsmen depend on their works.
15
hands for gaining skill in their different crafts. Magnify his Name and proclaim his
32
Without them a city could not be built; no praise with song and lyre, expressing this
settlers or travelers would come to it. with thanksgiving.
16
33
But they are not to be found in the How magnificent are the works of the
councils of people, nor do their words carry Lord! All his commands are appropriately
weight in an assembly. They do not occupy timed and satisfy every need.
the judge’s seat and they are not familiar with No one should say: “What is this? Why is
the Law. that?” All must be studied in its time.
17
34
They are not cultured people or skilled in At his word the waters ceased to flow
judgment and they are not found among and piled up, his voice caused the reservoir of
authors of proverbs. water to open; 18 at his order his every wish is Wis
fulfilled, and no one hinders his work of 1:7
They uphold creation and civilization, and
their prayer is in their life’s work. salvation.
19
The deeds of all are before him, nothing
Ps 1
Quite different is it with the person is hidden from his eyes; 20 he sees all from
1:2 39 who spends his life reflecting on the eternity to eternity and nothing surprises him.
21
Law of the Most High. He examines the wis- No one must say: “What is that? Why is
dom of the sages in times past and in his free it so?” for everything is created for a purpose.
time he studies prophecies. 22
His blessing covers all things and like a
2
He keeps in mind what people of renown river drenches the land as in a flood. 23 Simi- Gen
have said and penetrates the mystery of larly he may pour out his wrath on the na- 19:24
Ps
parables. 3 He searches for the inner meaning tions, just as he has turned fresh water into 107:
of proverbs and is interested in the secret of salt. 33
24
parables. If his ways are smooth for holy people
4
He is at the service of the great and is they are full of obstacles for the wicked.
25
seen in the company of leaders. He travels in From the beginning, good things have been
 SIRACH 39 1008
14
created for the good and likewise evil things A generous man has reason to rejoice,
for the wicked. whereas sinners go to their ruin.
26 15
Most necessary for man’s life are water, The children of the ungodly will not be
fire, iron and salt, wheaten flour, milk, honey, blessed with large families; they are like
the juice of the grape, oil and clothing. plants taking root on sheer rock, 16 like reeds
27
All these are good for those who are in water and along the river bank, withering
good, but for sinners they become evil. sooner than other plants.
17
28
Certain winds are created as a means of Kindness is like a garden of blessings
punishment and in their fury they are a and charity endures forever.
18
scourge, unleashing their violence in the time Life is pleasant both for an independent
of destruction and satisfying the wrath of their person and a self-reliant worker, but still
Creator. better off is the one who finds a treasure.
19
29
Fire, hail, famine and death have all The name of a man who has children or
been created for punishment. who has established a town will live on, but to
30
The fangs of wild beasts, scorpions, have found wisdom is a greater good.
vipers and the avenging sword for the de- Owning cattle and plantations brings
struction of the wicked, 31 all joyfully carry out fame, but a perfect wife is a richer blessing.
20
his commands, all are ready when need Wine and music gladden the heart, but
arises and at a given moment they will not fail better still is the love of wisdom.
21
to obey his word. The flute and harp make fine music, but
32
For that reason I reflected and from the even more appreciated is a pleasant voice.
22
beginning I decided to write: Gracefulness and beauty delight the
33
All the works of the Lord are good and he eye, but not as much as the fresh growth of
will satisfy every need in due time. fields.
23
34
You must not say: This is less good than It is always good for friends and com-
that, for in its time everything will serve a panions to meet, better still for husband and
purpose. wife.
24
35
So now, with all your heart and in full Brothers and protectors are useful in
voice, sing and bless the Name of the Lord. hard times, but it will be of greater help to
have been a giver of alms.
The misery of human life
25
1
Painful is the lot of all humans, a Gold and silver make for security
Job
7:1 40 heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam but good advice is better.
14:1-
2 from the day they leave their mother’s womb 26
Wealth and strength give confi-
to the day they return to the mother of us all.
2
What is on their mind, what they fear in dence, but good counsel is more es-
their heart, is the day of their death. 3 From the teemed than either.
king, glorious on his throne, robed in purple You cannot suffer loss when you fear
and wearing a crown, 4 to the lowliest person the Lord, with it you have all the sup-
sitting in dust and ashes and covered with
sackcloth, there is anger, envy, trouble and port you need.
Job 27
7:4 unrest, fear of death, rivalry and quarrels. The fear of the Lord is like a garden
Ecl
2:23
5
And at night when we lie down we have of blessings; it clothes a person better
8:16 fresh worries: 6 scarcely are we at rest and than any glory.
asleep when we are troubled by dreams as 28
vivid as if it were day and we were fleeing from My son, do not live the life of a
a battle. 7 When it is time to wake up, we feel beggar; it would be better to die than to
surprised to find that there is nothing to fear. beg.
8
This is the fate of every living creature, 29
When a man is always eyeing
man and beast, but for sinners it is seven times
worse, 9 in death, bloodshed, strife, sword, another’s table, it cannot be said that
misfortune, famine, affliction and calamity. he is really living, for he is defiling him-
10
All these were created for the wicked, self with another’s food; an intelligent
and the flood as well was sent on their ac- and educated man will avoid this.
count. 30
Ecl 11
Everything that comes from the earth That for which a shameless man
1:7 goes back to the earth, and what comes from begs may seem sweet to his mouth but
the waters returns to the sea. his inner being is burning.
12
All bribery, all injustice will disappear
but good faith will last forever. Death
13
The unjust riches will vanish like a 1
Death! What a bitter thought for
stream that dries up; they will crash like a
clap of thunder during a downpour. 41 someone who lives happily
 1009 SIRACH 42

among his possessions, a prosperous I say. It is not always fitting to feel shame, but
and successful man who is still able to this is not understood by everyone.
17
Be ashamed of licentiousness before
enjoy his food! your father and mother, and of a lie before a
2
Your sentence, Death, is welcome ruler or an important person.
18
to a needy person whose strength is Be ashamed of criminal behavior before
a judge, and of iniquity before an assembly of
failing, who is old, worn out, and full of people.
worries; to one who is angry and with- 19
Feel ashamed of dishonesty before your
out hope! partner or friend, and of a theft in the place
3
Do not be afraid of Death’s sen- where you live.
20
Be ashamed before the truth of God and
tence; think of those who have gone his covenant. Be ashamed of keeping the
before you and those who will follow. loaves for yourself, 21 of being unable to give
Ecl
4
The Lord has decreed it for every and to receive, of not returning a greeting,
22
6:6
living creature; why should you rebel of staring at a prostitute,
9:10 of rejecting a compatriot,
against the good pleasure of the Most 23
of depriving someone of what is his,
High? of gazing at another man’s wife,
24
Whether you live for ten, a hundred of being too familiar with your maid-
servant – keep away from her bed!
or a thousand years, no one in the 25
of insulting words to a friend –
netherworld is concerned. do not follow up a gift with a reproach!
5 26
Abominable people, such are the of repeating what you have heard and
children of sinners who gather in the betraying secrets.
27
On these occasions feel genuine shame
houses of the ungodly. and you will be respected by all.
6
The inheritance of sinners will per- 1
But do not let yourself be led astray
ish; their prosperity will be a lasting 42 by any of the things that follow. 2 Do
reproach. not be ashamed
7
An ungodly father will be insulted of the law of the Most High and his cove-
by his children, for they hold him re- nant,
of judging even the wicked fairly,
sponsible for their disgrace. 3
of keeping accounts with a traveling
8
Woe to you, wicked people who companion,
have forsaken the law of the Most High! and of sharing your inheritance with
9
At birth you are born to be cursed and friends,
4
of checking weights and scales, 5 of mak-
you will be cursed at death. ing a profit whether small or great,
10
All that comes from the earth returns to of bargaining with traders, and of being
the earth, and the ungodly go from curse to strict with children,
ruin. of severe corporal punishment for a ser-
11
People grieve because their bodies will vant who deserves it.
6
With a prying wife or when many people
perish, but even the evil names of sinners will
are around, it is wise to make use of seal and
be blotted out.
12
Have regard for your reputation, for it lock!
Ecl 7
7:1 For deposits it is essential to reckon by
will live on, of greater value than a thousand
number and weight and keep a written record
hoards of gold. 13 Few perhaps are the days of
the just man’s life but an honored name of what you give and receive.
8
Do not be ashamed of correcting some-
endures forever.
one who is foolish or stupid or an old man who
True and false shame has become childish.
20:30- 14 Doing that, you prove that you are a well-
31 My children, keep my teaching and live
educated person and you will be generally
Mt in peace. Of what use is hidden wisdom and
5:14- respected.
16
unseen treasure?
15
It is better for a man to hide his foolish- • 9 A daughter causes her father hidden Dt
ness than to hide his wisdom. 24:1
worries; anxiety on her account keeps him
16
Therefore, feel shame according to what awake:

• 42.9 Sirach’s original text, written in He- not be able to see the entrances to the house.”
brew, was much longer in verse 9 and said: “Her Such advice is one more proof of the male
room should have no windows and she should domination in Hebrew culture which the Greek
 SIRACH 42 1010

Is she young? She may not marry. Is she enemies, the talk of the town and a public
married? She may be disliked; disgrace.
12
10
Is she a virgin? She may be seduced and Do not be taken by human beauty and
become pregnant in her father’s house! do not sit down in the company of women;
13
for just as a moth comes out of a garment, Ecl
Is she married? She may be unfaithful or woman’s wickedness comes out of a woman. 7:26-
unable to have children! 14
Better a man’s wickedness than a wo- 28
11
Your daughter is unruly? Watch her well, man’s kindness; women bring shame and
or she may make you a laughingstock to your disgrace.

SECOND PART: GOD’S WISDOM IN HISTORY

Wonders of nature 1
The pride of the heights above is the
Gen • 15 Now I shall remind you of the works of
43 clear firmament. How glorious is the
Ps
19:1-
6
1:3 the Lord and relate what I have seen. spectacle of the heavens!
2
The Lord’s works depend on his word, and When the sun rises and appears, it pro- Ps
claims: “I am your marvelous work, Most 8:4
creation obeys his will.
16
The sun shines on everything and the High!”
3
work of the Lord is filled with his glory. At noon, it dries up the land; who can
17
Not even to his holy ones has the Lord bear its burning heat?
4
given full knowledge of all his marvelous You may stoke a furnace to produce
works. heat, but three times greater is the heat of the
The Lord, Master of the universe, has or- sun burning the mountains, and sending out
dained that all should stand firm in his glory. fiery vapors, blinding the eyes with its rays.
5
18
He penetrates both the depth of the How great is the Lord who made it and
abyss and the human heart and knows their whose word directs its rapid course!
6
secrets. He also made the moon, exact in mark-
For the Most High has full knowledge and ing the months and the passage of time.
7
ordains the signs of the heavens. With its full light gradually decreasing, the Gen
19 moon determines and rules over the feast 1:14-
He knows the past and foretells the 18
future and reveals the traces of the world’s days. 8 The month also takes its name from Ps
mysteries. the moon. How marvelously does it increase 89:38
Ps 20
No thought escapes him, no word is in its phases, providing a signal for the heav- 104:
19
139: hidden from him. enly hosts, brightly shining in the expanse of
1-4 21
He has ordered the marvelous works of the sky!
9
Ecl his wisdom, from ever and for ever. Nothing The bright radiance of the stars accounts
3:14 for the beauty of the sky. What a brilliant
can be added, nothing can be taken away and
he has no need of counsel. ornament they are for the heights of the Lord!
22
All his works are beautiful, even to the 10
At the command of the All Holy they Bar
smallest spark of light. stand as appointed and never fail to keep 3:35
23
All this lives and endures forever: all is watch.
useful and obedient to his will. 11
Look at the rainbow and praise the One Gen
Ecl
24
All things are in pairs, one opposite the who made it. How magnificent it is in splen- 9:13
3:1-8 Ezk
other, and nothing he makes is in any way dor! 1:28
deficient. 12
It forms a circle of glory in the sky, a bow
25
One thing emphasizes the excellence of that is bent by the hands of its Maker.
13
the other; who could ever weary of admiring At his order the snow falls and lightning Job
his glory? strikes according to his decrees. 38:22

translator did not dare show his readers who mysteries of the universe. In our cities, it is
were more liberal-minded. However inspired the increasingly more difficult for us to experience
authors of the Bible were, God did not miracu- the mystery and the beauty of the universe.
lously free them from the limitations of their God speaks to us through his creation as
culture. authentically as he does in the words of Christ.
The languages are different, in the same sense
• 15. Modern civilization separates people that music tells us something in a way that is
from nature. In their work, many people see different from words. Those who know how to
fluorescent lights more often than they see the see God in the universe are also able to discover
sun. Many do not know either the silence or the him in great human achievements: dams, elec-
sounds of nature, because noise has invaded tronic computers, buildings, new materials, etc.
everything. However, as soon as we know some- What emerges from human hands also belongs
thing about science, we think we know the to God’s creation.
 1011 SIRACH 44
14
The storerooms of heaven are opened remain, for we have only seen a fraction of his
and clouds fly away like birds. works.
15 33
It is his power that thickens the clouds, The Lord has created all things and to
making them freeze and break into hail- the godly he has given wisdom.
stones.
16a In praise of ancestors
He has only to look and the mountains 1Mac
• 1 Let us now glorify illustrious men, 2:51-
are shaken; 17a the voice of his thunder terri-
fies the earth. 44 the ancestors of our people.
64
Heb
16b
At his will the south wind blows, 17b as do 2
The Lord gave them great glory accord- 11

cyclones and hurricanes from the north. ing to his own greatness from the beginning.
18
The snow flutters down like birds and 3
Some ruled kingdoms and were re-
alights on the ground like locusts. nowned for their achievements, others were
The eye marvels at the beauty of its white- wise and able to counsel, or spoke as proph-
ness and the mind is amazed to see it fall. ets.
19
Ps He sprinkles frost on the earth like salt; 4
They led the people with their warnings
147: it freezes and becomes like thorny spikes. or with their knowledge of the popular writ-
16- 20
18 The cold north wind blows and turns the ings.
water into ice. 5
Some cultivated music and poetry, 6 oth-
Ice forms on all stagnant water giving it a ers were rich and powerful men living peace-
freezing coat of armor. fully in their homes.
21
He wears down the mountains and 7
All were highly respected in their days
scorches the desert, withering the green and honored by the people they lived with.
grass as if by fire. 8
The names of some lived on and people
22
A mist is a timely remedy, and dew after still praise them today; 9 others are not re-
the heat restores it all to life. membered and have disappeared as if they
23
Ps According to his plan he stilled the great never existed. It is the same for their children.
104: deep and planted islands in it. 10
But now consider the godly men whose
25 24
Those who cross the seas tell of its good deeds have not been forgotten. 11 Those
dangers, and we listen in astonishment to who came after them benefited from the rich
what they relate: legacy they left; 12 their race remained faithful
25
Ps It is all about strange and marvelous to the Covenant, their children followed their
104: adventures with marine animals and mon- example. 13 Their family will endure forever
25
107: sters of all kinds. and never will its glory be tarnished. 14 Their
26
23 Thanks be to God, all turns out well and bodies were buried in peace but their memory
everything is held together by his word. lives through generations. 15 People will
27
We shall not give further examples; one speak of their wisdom and the assembly will
last word: He is everything. celebrate their praise. Gen
28
Where shall we find the strength to glo- 16
Enoch pleased the Lord and was taken 5:24
Heb
rify him? For he is the Mighty One, greater up, calling future generations to repentance. 11:5
than all his works. 17
Noah was found to be perfectly just; at
29
The Lord is awesome and sovereignly Gen
the time of divine anger he was the ransom; 6:9
great, and admirable in his power. through him a remnant was left on earth after 9:9
30
Let your praise exalt the Lord as best the flood. 18 Eternal covenants were made 1P
3:20
you can, he is greater than you could even with him to ensure that never again would life 2P
express. be destroyed by flood. 2:5
Honor him with all your strength and do
Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
not tire, for you can never praise him enough. Gen
31
Who has seen him and can describe • 19 No one has been found to equal 12:2
Rom
what he has seen? Who can glorify him as he Abraham in glory, the great ancestor of many 4:1,
merits? nations. 20 He was faithful to the Law of the 13-
32
Many mysteries greater than these still Most High who made a covenant with him, a 18

• 44.1 After the hymn to God whose glory is Israel hold on to the promises of eternity. In this
revealed through his creation, the author will book there is still no sign of faith in a resurrection
present to us God’s work in his chosen people, of persons (except possibly in 48:11 and all hope
Israel. is fixed on the future of the chosen people).
In his poem of praise of the ancestors, we have
a glimpse of all the famous people of Israel: • 44.19 In what follows, Ben Sira remem-
kings, liberators, prophets, sages, poets. The bers the most prominent people of sacred his-
author notes that there are many courageous tory. He attributes to them according to the ideas
and just people who died and whose deeds and of his days. He was living in an age when priests
virtues will not be recorded after them. He knows had the most important role and the entire life of
that even if all the descendants of a famous man the Jews revolved around the Temple. So, he
disappear, as in the case of Moses, the people of gives the priority to the priests, to Aaron, Phine-
 SIRACH 44 1012

covenant that was marked on his flesh, and his consecration, a superb ornament, ex-
on the day he was tested he was found faith- pertly crafted and a delight to the eyes.
Gen ful. 21 That is why God promised by oath to 13
Such things had never been seen before
17:10 bless all the nations through his descendants, Aaron’s time; no outsider ever put them on or
Gen that he would make them as numerous as the ever will, only his children and descendants.
22:18 dust of the earth and exalt his posterity like 14
His sacrifices were to be completely
1Mac the stars. He promised that their land would
2:52 burned twice daily, in perpetuity.
Heb stretch from sea to sea, from the River to the 15
It was Moses who consecrated him and Lev
11:17 ends of the earth. anointed him with holy oil. It was for him an 8:1-
Gal 22
The Lord renewed his Covenant with 13
eternal covenant and for his descendants, for
3:8-9 Isaac for the sake of his father, Abraham.
23
as long as the heavens would last, to serve the
This Covenant and the blessing of human- Lord as his priests and bless the people in his
ity he made to rest on the head of Jacob. name. 16 He chose him from among all the Lev
He assured Jacob of his blessing, giving living to offer sacrifice to the Lord and sweet 16:1
him the land that would be his and determin- smelling incense as a memorial, to make
ing the portions to be shared among the atonement for the people.
twelve tribes. 17
The Lord gave him authority to interpret
Moses, Aaron his commandments and utter decisions, to
1
teach Jacob the divine words and enlighten
From Jacob’s descendants the Lord
45 brought forth an upright man who won
Israel with his Law. 18 Outsiders conspired
against him and were jealous of him in the
Num
16:1
the favor of everyone and was loved by God 17:15
desert – Dathan, Abiram and their followers
and men – Moses. Blessed be his memory! and the supporters of Korah, all violent men
2
The Lord gave him glory equal to his holy full of hate. 19 The Lord saw it and was angry;
angels and power that terrified his enemies. in his wrath he destroyed them. He wrought
3
Ex At Moses’ word he halted disaster; the Lord wonders against them, consuming them in
8:8 exalted him in the presence of kings. He gave
10:18 the flames of fire.
him commandments for his people and let 20
He increased Aaron’s glory by giving Num
him glimpse something of his glory. him a heritage. He allotted to him the first 18:12-
4 13
He chose him from among the living to fruits and to begin with, bread in abundance.
become holy by being faithful and humble. 21
For their food is the sacrifice offered to the
5
Ex God let him hear his voice and led him into Lord, which he gave to Aaron and his descen-
19:1 darkness, where face to face he gave him the
24:18 dants.
commandments, the law of life and knowl- 22
But he was to inherit no land as patri- Num
edge, to teach Jacob the covenant and make mony, no special portion was to be his own, 18:20
his decrees known to Israel. for the Lord himself is his portion and inher-
6
He raised up Aaron, the brother of Moses, itance.
a holy man like Moses, of the tribe of Levi.
7
He made an eternal covenant with him and Phinehas
conferred on him the priesthood of the 23
As for Phinehas, son of Eleazar, he is the Num
people. third in glory, for he was full of zeal in the fear 25:7
He honored him by giving him majesty of the Lord when he stood firm among a
and putting a glorious robe upon him. 8 His rebellious people with noble courage and
vestments and ornaments were splendid in made atonement for Israel.
their perfection – breeches, cloak and ephod. 24
Consequently, a covenant of peace was
9
Ex As a fringe to his vestment he gave him concluded with him, making him the leader of
28:31- pomegranates and many golden bells to
35,
the sanctuary and of his people. He and his
42 tinkle as he walked and to be heard in the descendants were to have the dignity of high
Temple as a reminder to his people. priesthood forever. 25 It is not like the cov-
10
Ex The Lord gave Aaron sacred vestments enant established with David, the son of
28:2 of gold, blue and purple, the work of artists, Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, for the kingship
the pectoral of judgment, the Urim and passes only from father to one of his sons, but
Thummim, scarlet yarn spun by a craftsman, the heritage of Aaron passes to all his descen-
11
Ex precious stones with engravings in a setting dants.
28:36 of gold, the work of a jeweler, to serve as a 26
May the Lord give them wisdom of heart
memorial with their graven inscriptions of the to judge his people with justice, so that their
tribes of Israel. 12 He gave him the turban with prosperity may not dwindle and their glory
a golden diadem engraved with the words of may live on in their descendants!

has and Simon II, whom he had known person- of the Messiah. For the Jews, Elijah was the man
ally. who raised the dead and who had been pre-
In 48:11, as in Malachi 3:23, we find the served from death by God. Ben Sira hopes to
Jewish belief that Elijah would return in the days regain life to see the happy days of salvation.
 1013 SIRACH 47
Joshua and the judges 20
Even after he died, he prophesied and 1S
1 revealed to the king his death. From the grave 28:6-
Joshua, son of Nun, was a valiant
46 warrior and as a prophet he was the he spoke as a prophet to blot out the wicked-
25

successor of Moses. He lived up to his name, ness of his people.

proving himself to be a savior of God’s cho- David
sen people, punishing the enemies that at- 1
After him the Lord raised Nathan to 2S
tacked them and leading Israel to claim their
land.
47 prophesy in the time of David. 7:1
2
2
How magnificent to see him, arm raised As fat is selected from the peace offering,
and with sword ready to attack the cities! so David was chosen from among the Israel-
3
Who before him had such staying power? ites.
3
Jos He was, indeed, Yahweh’s warrior. 4 Was it He played with lions and bears as if they
10:13 not he who held back the sun, making one were lambs or young goats.
4
day as long as two? 5 He called on the Most He was still young when he slew a giant 1S
to restore the honor of his people; with a sling 17:49
High when the enemy pressed on every side,
and the Mighty Lord responded with hail- he aimed a stone that killed the arrogant
stones of exceptional size. 6 He attacked the Goliath.
enemy nation and destroyed the assailants at 5
He invoked the Lord Most High, who gave
the pass of Beth-horan, so that the nations him strength to slay a mighty warrior, and so
might know the strength of Joshua and that exalt the power of his people.
they were fighting against the Lord. 6
So they glorified him for his ten thou- 1S
7
Num Joshua was loyal and devoted to the sands and praised him as a blessing from the 18:7
14:6- Almighty in the time of Moses, he and Caleb,
10 Lord when he was chosen king.
son of Jephunneh. They stood firm against 7
For he wiped out his enemies on all sides
the assembly and tried to keep them from and annihilated his adversaries, the Philis-
sinning by silencing their wicked murmuring. tines, crushing their power forever.
8
Because of this, they were the only two 8
In all that he did he gave thanks to the 2S
spared out of six hundred thousand people on 23:1
Most High, and showed his love for his Maker
foot. And they took possession of their inher-
by singing with all his heart.
itance in a land flowing with milk and honey. 9
Jos 9
The Lord gifted Caleb with strength; this He placed singers accompanied by
14:10- he enjoyed to the end of his days, and he went harps before the altar to make beautiful mu-
11
into the hill country that was given to his sic; 10 he gave splendor to feasts and even
children in heritage. 10 With this it was clear to greater magnificence to the more solemn
all Israel that it is good to follow the Lord. occasions, exalting the holy Name of the
11
After that came the judges. Although each Lord and having the sanctuary ring with his
of them won his own renown, all were men of praises from early morning.
11
faithful heart who did not turn away from the The Lord forgave David’s sins and es- 2S
tablished his power forever; he made a cov- 12:13
Lord. Blessed be their memory! 12 May their 24:25
bones spring to life from the tomb and the enant with him for the benefit of the kings and 7:1
names of these illustrious men live on in their gave him a glorious throne in Israel.
children! Solomon
Samuel 12
A wise son succeeded him and fared
1S 13
Samuel was a prophet and beloved of well because of him.
13
10:1 the Lord. He established the kingdom and Solomon reigned during times of peace, 1K
16:13 5:17-
anointed rulers to govern his people. and God gave him rest from war to enable 18
14
He judged the assembly according to him to build a house for his Name, a sanctu-
the Law of the Lord and the Lord protected ary that would stand forever.
14
Jacob. 15 He was accepted as prophet be- How wise you were in your youth, Solo-
cause of his faithfulness, and proved that his mon! as full of understanding as a river.
15
words were of a trustworthy seer. Your spirit covered the earth, you filled it
1S
16
He called on the Almighty Lord when the with proverbs and parables. 16 Your reputa-
7:9 enemy pressed from all directions and he tion reached distant islands and you were
offered a sucking lamb. loved for your peace. 17 Your songs, proverbs, 1K
17 parables and interpretation drew the admira- 10:1
Then with a mighty roar the Lord thun-
dered from heaven 18 and destroyed all the tion of the world.
18
enemy’s leaders and the tyrants of Philistia. In the name of the Lord God, called the
1S 19
Before his time came for eternal rest, God of Israel, you accumulated gold like tin
12:3 Samuel called men to witness before the Lord and gathered silver like lead.
19
and his anointed: “I have not taken anyone’s But you gave your body to women and
belongings, not even his sandals,” and there became the slave of your senses; 20 you
was no one to accuse him. stained your reputation and defiled your de-
 SIRACH 47 1014
16
scendants, bringing wrath and disaster The people were greatly reduced in
upon your children because of your foolish- number but they still had a ruler from the line
1K ness. of David. Some of them were upright people,
2K
12 21
So the nation was divided; from others became sinful. 20:20
17
Ephraim came a kingdom in revolt. Hezekiah fortified his city and brought 2Chr
22 water within its walls, tunneling the rock with 32:5
But God’s mercy never fails nor does he Is
forget his promises; he did not deprive his iron tools to construct cisterns. 22:11
18
chosen one of descendants nor destroy the During his reign Sennacherib began his 2K
race of the one he loved. So to Jacob he gave campaigns and sent off Rabshakeh, and in- 18:13
a remnant and allowed David’s family to solent and arrogant as he was, he raised his
survive. arm against Zion.
19
23
Solomon rested with his forefathers and Then their courage was shaken, their
left one of his sons to rule after him, the most hands trembled, they felt anguish like women
foolish of men and without intelligence; this in labor. 20 They stretched out their hands and
was Rehoboam who drove the people to called on the merciful Lord.
1K rebellion. From heaven the Holy One quickly heard
12:26 24
As for Jeroboam, son of Nebat, it was he them and saved them by the hand of Isaiah.
2K 21
17:21- who caused Israel to sin and taught Ephraim The Lord struck the Assyrian camp and his
23 the way of evil. angel wiped them out.
22
From then on their sins increased and later For Hezekiah did what was pleasing to
brought about their exile, 25 for they were the Lord and was firm in following the ways of
intent on doing every sort of evil until ven- David, his father, as the great and faithful
geance fell on them. prophet Isaiah ordered, a man of trustworthy
vision.
Elijah and Elisha 23
1K In his time the sun went back and he
17:1 48 1
Then came the prophet Elijah like a lengthened the life of the king. Is
fire, his words a burning torch. 24
In the power of the spirit he foresaw the 40:1
2
He brought a famine on the people and in last things and consoled the afflicted people
his zealous love had them reduced in num- of Zion. 25 He revealed what would happen
1K ber. until the end of time and made hidden events
18:36 3
Speaking in the name of the Lord he known before they occurred.
closed the heavens, and on three occasions
Other kings and prophets
called down fire.
4
How marvelous you were, Elijah, in your 49 1
The memory of Josiah is like blend-
1K wondrous deeds! Who could ever boast of ed incense carefully prepared by the
17:17 being your equal? 5 By the word of the Most perfumer; it is like delicious honey to every
High you brought a dead man back to life; mouth, like music during a banquet.
6
you brought kings to destruction and thrust 2
He followed the right way in converting
famous men from their beds. the people and removing the horror of idola-
7
You heard a rebuke at Sinai and sen- try. 3 He set his heart on the Lord and suc-
tences of punishment at Horeb; 8 you ceeded in having godliness prevail over wick-
anointed kings to be avengers and prophets edness.
2K to succeed you. 4
With the exception of David, Hezekiah
2:11 9
You were taken up by a whirlwind of and Josiah, the kings were very sinful men.
Mal flames in a chariot drawn by fiery horses. They abandoned the Law of the Most High
3:24 10
It was written that you should be the one bringing an end to the kings of Judah.
to calm God’s anger in the future before it 5
They surrendered their power and their
broke out in fury, to turn the hearts of fathers honor to foreign nations. 6 Their enemies set
to their sons and to restore the tribes of fire to the holy city, making its streets deso-
Jacob. late 7 as Jeremiah had foretold. Ezk
11
Happy are those who will see you and 8
It was Ezekiel who saw the vision of Glory 1-3
9-10
2K those who die in love, for we too shall live. when the Lord showed it to him above the
2:9 12
Such was Elijah, taken up in a whirlwind, chariot of the cherubim. 9 He also remem-
and Elisha was filled with his spirit. bered Job, the one who always followed the
During his life no leader could shake him, way of justice.
no one dominated him. 13 Nothing was too 10
As for the twelve prophets, may their
difficult for him and even in death his body bones spring to life from the tomb, for they
prophesied. 14 In life he worked wonders, in comforted the people of Jacob and saved
death his deeds were amazing. them with confident hope. Hg
15 11 2:23
Despite all this, the people were not Can we ever adequately praise Zerub-
converted and did not turn away from sin; not babel who was like a ring at the finger of God,
until they were deported far from their coun- and 12 likewise Joshua, son of Jozadak? They
try and scattered over the earth. were men who, in their days, built the Temple
 1015 SIRACH 50

to the Lord, a sanctuary destined for everlast- 12

There he would receive from the
ing glory. 13 Lasting too is the memory of hand of the priests the portions of the
Nehemiah, who rebuilt our ruined walls, pro-
44:16 vided gates and bars and rebuilt our homes. sacrifice, as he stood by the hearth of
14
No one on earth was created to equal the altar encircled by his brethren like a
Enoch for he was taken up from the earth. young cedar on Lebanon.
15
And never was there a man like Joseph, 13
the greatest among his brothers, the leader of It was as if he was surrounded by
his people; his bones were honored. palm trees when all the sons of Aaron in
• 16 Shem and Seth were exalted among their splendor, with the offerings to the
men, but Adam’s glory was greater than any Lord in their hands, stood before the
other living being. assembly of Israel.
14
Simon the priest When he had completed the serv-
50 1
The High Priest Simon, son of Onias, ice at the altar and presented with dig-
repaired the sanctuary and fortified nity the offering to the Almighty and
the Temple during his lifetime. Most High, 15 he took the cup in his
2
He laid the foundations for the high
double wall and for the fortifications sur- hand and poured out a libation of the
rounding the Temple. juice of the grape at the foot of the altar,
3
In his days a reservoir for water, a cistern a pleasing aroma to the Most High,
as great as a sea, was excavated. King of the world.
4 Num
Anxious lest his people might perish, he 10:2-
16
fortified the city against a siege. Then the sons of Aaron shouted; 10
Lev
• 5 How they blew their trumpets of solid silver,
16:13 magnificent he was when, making a great noise as a memorial
surrounded by his people, he emerged before the Most high.
from the inner sanctuary 6 like the 17
morning star amidst the clouds, like the Then suddenly all the people
full moon, 7 like the sun shining on the bowed down with their faces to the
Temple of the Most High or a rainbow in ground and adored the Lord, the Al-
a glory of clouds! mighty and most High God.
18
8
He was like a rose in spring, a lily The choir as well sang his praises,
beside a stream, a green shoot on a making beautiful music. 19 And the
summer day, 9 or incense burning in the people made supplication to the Most
censer. High and prayed to their merciful Lord,
He could be likened to a massive, until the ceremony was over and the
golden vase adorned with every kind of service of the Lord completed. Num
6:23-
precious stone, 10 to an olive tree heavy 20
The High Priest then came down 27
with fruit, or to a cypress rising to the and raised his hands towards the whole
clouds, 11 when, robed in ceremonial assembly of the people of Israel to give
garb and in perfect splendor, he went to them in a loud voice the blessing of the
the sacred altar filling the court of the Lord and to have the honor of pro-
sanctuary with glory. nouncing his name.
21
Then for a second time the people
• 49.16 Suddenly, before praising the high • 50.5 Let us underline this lengthy portrait
priest Simon, his contemporary, Ben Sira re- of Simon, the high priest. Ben Sira, who carried
members origins. In the beginning, the first out responsibilities and knew life, feels no shame
man. Surpassing the current ideas of the Jews in expressing his great admiration for the
who, until then, did not look much further than Temple rituals. As for any Jewish believer, the
their own history, Ben Sira thinks about the first sacred vestments, the music and the solemn
human, the father of all humanity. Adam repre- ceremonies reveal something to him about the
sents all sinful humanity, called to salvation. He world of God which is splendor, happiness,
is the first human also, who bears in himself the celebration and praise.
destiny of all the rest. In Romans 5:12-20, Paul The last paragraph serves as the conclusion of
will speak of Christ as the New Adam. Of him this part of the book (chaps. 44–50). Ben Sira
one can say: “Adam is above every living be- blesses his readers using the same words that
ing.” Simon addressed to the people on their knees.
 SIRACH 50 1016
4
bowed in worship to receive the bless- You rescued me from choking fire on
ing of the Most High: every side; you saved me from a fire I
22
“And now, bless the Lord of the had not kindled.
5
universe who everywhere does great You delivered me from the depths
things, who exalts our days from birth of the netherworld, from an impure
and is merciful to us. tongue and lying words, 6 from vicious
23
May he give us happiness and slander reported to the king. I was near
grant peace to Israel in our days and to death, I was already at the gates of
forever! the netherworld.
7
24
May he continue to give us his They surrounded me on every side
blessings and be a savior to us in our with no one to help me. I looked for
days.” human comfort and there was none.
8
25
Then, Lord, I remembered your
There are two nations I greatly dislike,
the third is not a nation: 26 they are the inhabi- mercy and your deeds from all eternity,
tants of Mount Seir, the Philistines and the knowing that you deliver those who
foolish people who live in Shechem. hope in you and save them from the
27
Instruction in understanding and knowl- hands of their enemies.
edge, that is what Jesus the son of Sira, the 9
son of Eleazar of Jerusalem, has written in I sent up my prayer from the earth,
this book as he poured out the wisdom of his begging to be delivered from death.
heart. 10
28
I called on the Lord, the Father of
Happy the one who pays attention to this my Lord: “Do not forsake me in the day
teaching and gains wisdom by taking it to
heart. of my affliction, when I am helpless
29
Doing that, he will be strong in all cir- against arrogant enemies; I will praise
cumstances, for the light of the Lord is his your name continually and sing to you
path.
my thanksgiving.”
Prayer of Jesus, son of Sirach 11
And my prayer was heard, you saved
• 1 me from destruction and delivered me from
Ex I will give thanks to you, O
15:2 51 Lord and King; I praise you, my
an evil plight.
12
That is why I will give you thanks and
God and Savior, I give thanks to your praise and bless the Name of the Lord.
13
Name. In my youth, before I set out on my 34:9-
travels, I openly sought wisdom in prayer; 12
2
For you are my protector and 14
before the Temple I asked for her and I will
Wis
8:2
helper, you have delivered my body pursue her to the end of my days.
15
from destruction, from the snare of the While she blossomed like a ripening
cluster, my heart was delighted in her; my
wicked tongue and from lips that speak feet followed the right path, because from my
lies. youth I searched for her.
16
In the presence of those who stood As soon as I began listening to her she
against me, you were my helper, my was given to me, and with her, much instruc-
tion.
deliverer. 17
With her help I made progress and I will
3
In the fullness of mercy and the glorify him who gives me wisdom, 18 for I
glory of your Name, you delivered me decided to put it into practice and ardently
seek what is good. I shall not regret it.
from the teeth of those ready to devour
19
me, from the hand of those wanting to My soul has struggled to possess
take my life and from my many trials. her. I have been attentive to observe

• 51.1 This thanksgiving for liberation is a This is used for the feasts of martyrs in the
complement to the book of Ben Sira. The listing liturgy of the Church. Their death (see Wis 3:1)
of the dangers from which God can free people, was liberation from evil. Like Jesus, martyrs did
recalls for us the heroes of the Old Testament: not escape from evil and death, but they con-
Daniel in the lions’ den, Daniel and his friends in quered both, overcoming natural fear and forgiv-
the furnace, Joseph imprisoned, Susanna, ing their enemies.
David.
 1017 SIRACH 51
25
the Law, and after my faults I have This is what I say: Buy this without
stretched out my hands to heaven and money; 26 put your neck under her yoke Is
55:11
lamented my ignorance of her. and let your minds receive instruction; Mt
20 11:29
My love of her increased and I it is very near and within your reach.
found her in repentance. It was through 27
See for yourselves: my toil has
her from the beginning that I learned to been slight and I found deep rest.
possess my heart. She will not forsake 28
Be instructed, whatever the cost, Mt
me. 13:44-
21 and you will gain what is better than 46
With my whole being I sought her;
gold.
that is why I won what is best.
29
22
In return for this, the Lord has Let your soul find joy in the mercy
given me words to praise him. of the Lord, and do not be ashamed to
23
Come near, you who are without praise him.
30
understanding and join her school. Do your work within the appointed
24
Am Why do you say you are deprived time, and the Lord in his time will give
8:11
of all this and that your souls are thirsty? you your reward.
517

After Ezra and Nehemiah the Judean

province, at the extreme end of the Persian
empire, lived on the fringes of history for
three centuries. Those with greater initia-
tive dedicated themselves to trading and
left their country to settle in all the urban
centers around the Mediterranean. Yet,
one hundred years after Nehemiah, in 333
B.C., Alexander the Great began to chart
the Middle East countries, defeating all the
enemy armies and overthrowing the kings.
Although he died when he was thirty years
old, his triumphs opened the way for the
spread of Greek culture with its longing for
growth, its confidence in human potential
and its open spirit which surpassed na-
tional individualism.

1
Alexander’s generals parceled out his
huge empire among themselves. The Ptol-
emies, who dominated Egypt and Pales-
tine, were understanding and did not dis-
turb the Jews for the sake of their religion
and customs. But when the Antiochians of
Syria defeated the Egyptians in 197 and

MACCABEES took Palestine away from them, they began

to impose their pagan religion on the Jews.
This fierce persecution caused the up-
rising of the Jews headed by the
Maccabean family. The first book of Maccabees – acknowledged as one of the most
perfect books of ancient history – relates the events in the war and the deeds of the five
Maccabean brothers, from the year 170 to 130 B.C.
Holy War, Liberation War
The book of Maccabees shows us a people who desire to live but for whom faith is
more valuable than even life itself. When all have become accustomed to living without
conflicts, persecution begins. Many are convinced they can do nothing against such a
great power and that the risks are too great to overcome. Then the Spirit of God engenders
new heroes through whom people recover their sense of dignity, fighting for those rights
that make them fully human and true believers.
The Jewish people found themselves alone against their oppressors, and their Roman
allies were not much help. They relied on their own strength and God helped them in their
efforts.
The Maccabean wars are models of holy wars. They also proved that holy wars do not
solve everything. Caught up in military problems and in political games, the Maccabees’
descendants soon became materialistic and were despised or opposed by true believers.
 1 MACCABEES 1 518
Alexander to retreat and was defeated, and many of his
• 1 Everything began with the conquests men died. 19 The victors seized the fortified
1 of Alexander the first, son of Philip, the cities of Egypt and plundered the land. 20 In
Macedonian. Setting out from Greece, he the year one hundred and forty-three (169
killed Darius, king of the Persians and the B.C.), when Antiochus returned after defeat-
Medes. Being already King of Greece, he took ing Egypt, he passed through Israel and went
the throne of Darius. 2 After fighting many up to Jerusalem with a strong army.
21
battles, conquering strongholds and putting He arrogantly broke into the sanctuary
to death the kings of those nations, 3 he and removed the golden altar, the lampstand
reached the ends of the earth and plundered for the light with all its accessories, 22 the table
several nations. And when the world became for the bread of offering, the libation vessels,
quiet and subject to his power, he became the cups, the golden censers, the curtains
proud. 4 He gathered a strong army, ruled and the crowns, and stripped away all the
over provinces and nations, and rulers paid decorations, the golden moldings that used
him taxes. 5 But he fell sick, and knowing he to cover the Temple entrance. 23 He also took 2Mac
was going to die, 6 he summoned his generals possession of the silver, gold, valuable ob- 5:21

and the noblemen who had been brought up jects and all the hidden treasures he could
with him from his youth; and while still alive, find. 24 He took everything with him and left
he divided his kingdom among them. for his country, after shedding much blood
7
Alexander had reigned for twelve years and making arrogant statements.
25
when he died. There was great mourning throughout
8
His generals assumed power, each one in the land of Israel: 26 The leaders and the elders
the region assigned to him. 9 And immedi- groaned, young men and maidens lost cour-
ately after Alexander’s death, they made age, and women grew pale; 27 bridegrooms
themselves kings and their sons after them, sang lamentations, and the young bride
filling the earth with evil for many years. wept in her marriage-bed. 28 The earth
2Mac
10
From their descendants there came a god- quaked, in sorrow for its inhabitants, and all
4:7 less offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes, son of the people of Jacob were humiliated.
29
King Antiochus, who had been held as hos- After two years, the king sent to the 2Mac
5:24-
tage in Rome. He became king in the one cities of Judah the chief tax collector and he 26
hundred and thirty-seventh year of the Greek came to Jerusalem with a strong army. 30 He
era (175 B.C.). spoke to the people with words of peace in
1:34
11
It was then that some rebels emerged order to deceive them. But when he had
10:61 from Israel, who succeeded in winning over gained their confidence, he suddenly fell on
many people. They said, “Let us renew con- the city and dealt it a terrible blow, killing
tact with the peoples around us for we had many Israelites. 31 He plundered the city,
endured many misfortunes since we sepa- burning and destroying the palaces and the
rated from them.” surrounding walls.
32
12
This proposal was well-received 13 and He took women and children captive
some eagerly went to the king. The king and seized the livestock. 33 Then they rebuilt
authorized them to adopt the customs of the the city of David with a high and solid wall
pagan nations. 14 With his permission, they protected by strong towers, and this became
built a gymnasium in Jerusalem in the pagan their fortress. 34 There they set evil men and
style. 15 And as they wanted to be like the apostates who defended it. 35 They stored up
1Cor weapons and provisions, and everything they
7:18
pagans in everything, they made artificial
foreskins for themselves and abandoned the looted in the city, posing a constant threat.
36
Holy Covenant, sinning as they pleased. It became an ambush for the sanctuary, a
grave and constant threat to Israel. 37 They
Antiochus despoils the Temple
2Mac shed innocent blood around the sanctuary
5:11 16
When Antiochus felt confident of his and defiled the sanctuary itself.
Dn 38
11:25- power, he decided to seize Egypt and rule The inhabitants of Jerusalem fled be-
28 over the two nations. 17 He entered Egypt with cause of them. She became a colony of
a strong army, with chariots of war, el- strangers, and was a stranger to her children
ephants, horses and a great fleet 18 and at- who abandoned her. 39 Her sanctuary be-
tacked Ptolemy, king of Egypt. Ptolemy had came empty as the desert, her feasts became

• 1.1 This first paragraph summarizes the – Art and the multiplicity of statues which,
period of history from Alexander until however beautiful they may have been, were
Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria. Note the used in pagan worship.
passage 1:11-15 where the beginning of the – Physical education: stadiums, sports, swim-
moral crisis in Judah is emphasized. ming pools. Sports were practiced in the nude,
Two things characterize the Greek civilization which scandalized the Jews. This explains why
of the Syrians: those who were ashamed to be known as Jews
 519 1 MACCABEES 1

days of mourning, her Sabbaths were ridi- change all their customs. 50 The decree
culed, and her fame became an object of finally declared: “Anyone who does not
contempt. 40 As her glory had been great, so
now was her dishonor, for her greatness was fulfill the king’s order shall die.”
51
turned into grief. The king published this obligation
throughout the province and inspectors
Religious persecution
appointed by him went around the land
2Mac • 41 Antiochus issued a decree to of Judea. They saw to it that sacrifices
6
his whole kingdom. 42 All the peoples of were offered in all cities. 52 Many Israel- Dn
11:30
his empire had to renounce their par- ites joined them, abandoned the Law 12:4
ticular customs and become one peo- and committed countless evils 53 oblig-
ple. 43 All the pagan nations obeyed and ing the true Israelites to find places of
respected the king’s decree, and even refuge to hide themselves.
54
in Israel many accepted the imposed On the fifteenth day of the month Dn
9:27
cult. They offered sacrifices to idols of Chislev, in the year one hundred and 11:31
and no longer respected the Sabbath. forty-five, Antiochus erected the 12:11
Mt
44
The King sent messengers to Jerusa- “abominable idol of the invaders” 24:15
lem and the cities of Judea to carry the on the altar of the temple. Pagan
decree which imposed strange cus- altars were built throughout the whole
toms. 45 In accordance with it, burnt land of Judea; 55 incense was offered at
offerings, sacrifices and other offerings the doors of their houses and in the
in the sanctuary were suppressed. It squares. 56 There wicked men tore up
also ordered that Sabbaths and sacred the books of the Law they found and
2Mac
feasts be like ordinary days. 46 The burned them. 57 They killed anyone
6:2 sanctuary and its ministers were no they caught in possession of the book
Dn
11:38 longer to be regarded sacred, 47 in- of the Covenant and who fulfilled the
stead, altars, sacred enclosures and precepts of the Law, as the royal de-
temples were to be dedicated to idols. cree had ordered. 58 And being men in
They were to offer pigs and unclean power, they pursued the Israelite rebels
animals in sacrifice, 48 and not perform they found month after month in the
on their sons the rite of circumcision. cities. 59 On the twenty-fifth day of ev-
To sum up, they were to defile them- ery month, they offered their sacrifices
selves by all kinds of impurity and pro- on the new altar they had built upon the
fanity 49 in order to forget the Law and altar of the Temple.

had to have their missing foreskins – after cir- changed their life style, but also abandoned their
cumcision – replaced through a surgical proce- religion. Think about what happens today when
dure. young people, educated in super-conservative
schools or parishes, discover revolutionary cur-
• 41. This chapter presents two aspects of rents which inspire them.
the crisis: 2) Then came organized persecution. The
1) A moral crisis. The Jews were in contact powerful kings wanted to unite all the groups
with a more advanced, though pagan, civiliza- within their empire. They said that religion was
tion. Could one adapt to and take advantage of divisive. Freedom of conscience seemed danger-
this culture without giving up one’s faith? ous to them. The kings struggled against those
At that time the Jews were about to pay for the who wanted to serve God and to follow their
error they had made in keeping apart from the consciences.
cultural progress of neighboring nations. For The people were worried: up to what point
three centuries they emphasized that all the laws can one endure the undermining and the making
and customs of Israel came directly from God fun of one’s religious practices?
and could not be revised. So, when modern
currents emerged, the most open among them In 1:54, there is mention of the “abominable
went through a conscience crisis: could they idol of the invaders,” which is also mentioned in
perhaps change the customs without betraying Daniel 9:27. This is the way they refer to a pagan
God? It was very difficult to open up to Greek altar built on the site of the ancient altar of the
civilization without being seen as a renegade, Temple. Jesus will give a new meaning to this
that those who wanted to be modern, not only expression in Mark 13:14.
 1 MACCABEES 1 520
2Mac 60
6:10 The women who, in defiance of dom that was hers, she has gone into
the decree, had the rite of circumci- slavery. 12 Our beautiful sanctuary that
sion performed on their children, were was our pride has been laid waste and
put to death with their babies hung profaned by pagans. 13 What is there to
around their necks. 61 Their families live for?”
14
and all who had taken part in the Mattathias and his sons tore their
circumcision were also put to death. clothes, put on sackcloth and went into
62
But in spite of all this, many Isra- deep mourning. 15 In the meantime, the
elites still remained firm and deter- king’s representatives, who were forc-
mined not to eat unclean food. 63 They ing the Jews to give up their religion
2Mac preferred to die rather than to make came to Modein to organize a sacred
6:18
themselves unclean with those foods gathering.
16
(prohibited by the Law) that violated While many Israelites went to
the Holy Covenant. 64 And Israel suf- them, Mattathias and his sons drew
fered a very great trial. apart.
17
The representatives of the king ad-
Mattathias unleashes the Holy War
dressed Mattathias, and said to him:
• 1
In those days Mattathias, son of
1Chr “You are one of the leaders of this city,
24:7 2 Simon, a priest of the family of an important and well-known man, and
Yoarib, left Jerusalem and went to your many children and relatives follow
settle in Modein. 2 He had five sons: you. 18 Come now and be the first to
John, known as Gaddi, 3 Simon called fulfill the king’s order, as the men of
Thassi, 4 Judas called Maccabeus, Judah have already done, and the sur-
5
Eleazar called Avaran, and Jonathan vivors in Jerusalem as well. You and
called Apphus. your sons will be named Friends of the
6
Mattathias saw the blasphemies King and the king will send you gold,
committed in Judah and Jerusalem, silver and many other gifts.”
7
so he said: “Alas! Was I born just to 19
But Mattathias answered in a loud
witness the ruin of my people and the voice: “Even if all the nations included
destruction of the holy city? Shall I sit in the kingdom should abandon the re-
by while she is in the hands of her ligion of their ancestors and submit to
enemies and her sanctuary in the the order of King Antiochus, 20 I, my
power of foreigners? sons and my family will remain faithful
8
Her temple has become like a dis- to the Covenant of our ancestors.
21
honored man, 9 the precious objects May God preserve us from abandon-
that were her glory have been carried ing the Law and its precepts. 22 We will
off as booty, her babies have been mur- not obey the orders of the king nor turn
dered in the squares, and her young aside from our religion either to the
men killed by the sword of the enemy. right or to the left.”
10 23
What nation has not received part of When he finished speaking these
her treasures and taken possession of words, a Jew came forward in the sight
her spoils? 11 She has been stripped of of everyone to offer incense on the altar
all her adornments and from the free- that was built in Modein according to

• 2.1 The entire book will deal with the war national at the same time: Mattathias risks eve-
under the leadership of the Maccabean family, rything against a totalitarian power. Once again,
namely, Mattathias’ sons. Here we have the God shows his kindness toward his people, by
story of the rebellion of Mattathias, the priest making the needed leader emerge, a man who,
who suddenly becomes the leader of the perse- like Moses, sides totally with the people, when he
cuted. could have easily obtained the favor of the
I, my sons and my family will remain faithful powerful.
to the Covenant. Their motive is religious and
 521 1 MACCABEES 2

the king’s decree. 24 When Mattathias 36

but the Jews did not defend them-
saw him, he was fired with zeal, his selves, nor did they try to close the
heart was stirred, and giving vent to his entrance of their place of refuge.
37
righteous anger, he threw himself on They said: “We shall die with a clear
the Jew and cut the man’s throat on the conscience but heaven and earth will
altar. 25 At the same time, he killed the remember that we were murdered.”
38
king’s representative who was forcing The king’s men attacked them on
the people to offer sacrifice, and then that Sabbath, and they all died – men,
tore down the altar. 26 In doing this he women and children – a total of more
Num
25:6-
showed his zeal for the Law, as Phi- than a thousand, not counting the live-
15 nehas had done with Zimri, son of Salu. stock.
27
Mattathias then began to proclaim 39
When Mattathias and his friends
loudly in the city: “Everyone who is came to know what happened, they
zealous for the Law and supports the went into deep mourning. 40 They said
2Mac
Covenant, come out and follow me!” to one another: “We cannot do as our
28
5:27 Immediately he and his sons fled to brothers and sisters have done; we
Mk
13:14 the mountains and left behind all they shall fight against the pagans to defend
Lk
1:65 had in the city. our life and our customs; otherwise,
• 29 Many Jews who looked for jus- they will quickly destroy us.” 41 On that
tice and wanted to be faithful to the Law day, they resolved to defend them-
went into the desert; 30 they took with selves against anyone who attacked
them their children, wives and livestock them on the day of the Sabbath, and
because life had become unbearable not let themselves be killed, as had
for them. happened with their people in the hid-
31
Then the king’s representatives ing place.
and the authority in the city of David, 42
At that time, a group of Hasideans 7:13
in Jerusalem, were informed that some (the Devout), valiant Israelites who de- 2Mac
14:6
men had disobeyed the king’s order voted themselves sincerely to the Law,
and had gone to hide in the caves in the joined them. 43 All those who wanted
desert. to escape from oppression joined
32
A strong force of the king pursued them, and in this way they grew strong.
and overtook them. They surrounded 44
They succeeded in forming an army;
them and prepared themselves for an then they began to pour their anger and
attack. It was the day of the Sabbath. indignation onto the sinners and rene-
33
And they said to the Jews: “Enough gades. These men had to flee to other
of this! Come out and obey the king’s lands for safety. 45 Mattathias and his
order if you wish to save your lives.” friends made expeditions during which
34
But they answered: “We will neither they destroyed the altars, 46 imposed by
come out nor obey the king’s order to force the rite of circumcision on the
violate the day of the Sabbath.” children they found uncircumcised,
35
So they attacked them at once, 47
and pursued all the arrogant. The un-

• 29. Two opposite attitudes on the part of act only by looking at books and the past. We
believers are seen in this text. always find ourselves in new situations which
Some decide only on the basis of God’s Law, demand new reflection: “We were not made for
or rather, the interpretation of the Sabbath law; the Sabbath” (Mk 2:27). In verse 42, we hear of
it was forbidden to fight on that day dedicated to the Hasideans. This movement for spiritual
God. They let themselves be killed heroically. renewal, from which the Pharisees and the
Others use their heads and their consciences and Essenes will later emerge, existed before
choose to defend themselves. Mattathias’ rebellion. They joined him, but later
The book does not condemn anyone. How- they separated when Mattathias’ sons, the Mac-
ever, it becomes obvious that believers cannot cabees, got lost in politics.
 1 MACCABEES 2 522
67
dertaking prospered in their hands. Now, call all those who fulfill the Law to
48
They defended the Law against for- join you and defend our people. 68 Retaliate
against the pagans and fulfill the ordinance of
eigners and their kings, and subdued the Law.”
the renegades. 69
Mattathias blessed them and then went
to join his fathers. 70 He died in the year one
Mattathias’ death hundred and forty-six and they buried him in
49
When Mattathias neared his death, he the tomb of his fathers at Modein; and all
said to his sons: “Now the insolent and the Israel mourned him deeply.
violent are in power; it is a time of upheaval Judas Maccabeus
in which God releases his anger. 50 So, my
sons, be zealous for the Law and risk your • 1 Mattathias’ son, Judas Maccabeus,
lives defending the Covenant of our ances- 3 succeeded him. 2 His brothers and all
tors. 51 Remember the deeds our ancestors who had followed his father gave him their
fulfilled in their time, that you too may have support and they continued the war with
fame and glory. determination.
52
Remember Abraham who proved him- 3
Judas made the name of his people more
self faithful in the hour of trial, and how God famous. He put on his breastplate and girded
held him to be a righteous man. 53 Joseph, at himself with the armor of war like a giant; he
the time of his misfortune observed the com- fought many battles and protected his camp
mandment of God and so became the lord of with his sword.
Egypt. 54 Phinehas, our ancestors, because of 4
He was like a lion when he attacked, like
his great zeal received the priesthood for a lion’s whelp roaring over its prey.
himself and for his sons forever. 55 Joshua 5
He pursued the renegades in their secret
became head of Israel because he carried out places and consigned to the flames those
God’s command. 56 Caleb received his inheri- who troubled his people.
tance in this land because he had proclaimed 6
All the renegades feared him, all evildo-
the truth before the assembly. 57 And David ers were confounded, and liberation was
was given a lasting kingdom because of his accomplished through him.
devotion. 58 Elijah because of his zeal for the 7
Many kings feared him, while the people
Law was taken up into heaven. 59 Hananiah, of Israel rejoiced in his deeds.
Dn 3 Azariah and Mishael were saved from the His memory shall be blessed forever. 8 He
flames because of their faith. 60 Daniel was
Dn 6 went through the cities of Judah utterly de-
rescued from the lion’s mouth because of his
stroying the impious and saved Israel in their
righteousness. 61 Consider, then, that in any trial.
generation those who trust in God are never 9
defeated. His fame resounded to the ends of the
62
Do not fear the threats of an impious earth for having gathered those about to
man, for his glory shall end in dung and perish.
worms. 63 Today he is exalted, but tomorrow First successes
he shall perish; he shall return to dust from
where he came, and nothing shall remain of • 10 Apollonius also gathered to-
his plans. 64 Have courage, my sons, and gether men from the pagans and a
remain steadfast in the Law for in this you will
receive glory. good number of Samaritans to fight
65
I know that among you, Simon is a man Israel. 11 When Judas learned of this, he
of sound judgment; listen to him and he shall went out to meet him in battle; he de-
take your father’s place. 66 Judas Maccabeus
has been valiant from his youth: let him be
feated and killed him. Many of the en-
your general and conduct the war against emy fell and the rest fled. 12 They seized
foreigners. the plunder and Judas took the sword

• 3.1 After the death of Mattathias, his son to the point where refraining from fighting
Judas heads the resistance. meant renouncing everything which had made
For three centuries the attention of the believ- the Jewish people different from all others.
ers had been exclusively focused on worship Before the unequal struggle, we have Judas’
activities. Priests and Levites appeared as the profession of faith: God can give victory to a few
only models of faith. Now, because of circum- fighting a multitude. This is how David spoke
stances, there is a change. Suddenly the Jewish when he faced Goliath (1 S 14:6 and 17:47).
people are looking again at the days of the
Judges or of David. For many of them, the • 10. The books of Maccabees repeatedly
model believer becomes the armed fighter who stress that the Jews fought, above all, to defend
risks his life to liberate his people. their Holy Place. This Temple was the symbol of
Actually the brutal persecution brought them the whole Law, that is, of their whole religion.
 523 1 MACCABEES 3

of Apollonius, and from then on he al- slope of Beth-horon to the plain. And
ways used it in battle. about eight hundred of Seron’s men fell
13
Seron, the commander of the Syr- and the rest escaped to the land of the
ian army, learned that Judas had gath- Philistines.
25
ered many men and that the whole With this, fright and fear of Judas
community of believers was at his side. and his brothers seized the pagans who
14
He thought: “This is now the opportu- lived around them. 26 The fame of his
nity for me to make myself famous and name reached the king, and the pagan
become an important man in the king- nations recounted his battles.
dom. I will go to fight Judas and his Antiochus prepares for war
men who do not obey the king’s order.” 27
15 When this news reached King Anti-
So he did, and a strong army of pa- ochus, he was furious, so he ordered all the
gans went up with him to help him take forces of his kingdom to assemble, for he had
vengeance on the children of Israel. a powerful army. 28 He opened his treasury
16 and paid the troops a year’s salary, ordering
Jos As Seron approached the slope of them to be prepared for any eventuality.
10:10
Beth-horon, Judas went out to confront 29
But he found that the money in the treasury
him with a small company of warriors. had run short, for the taxes of the provinces
17 had decreased due to dissension and disas-
But on seeing the enemy advancing ter, which he himself had caused in the land
against them, Judas’ men said to him, by changing the laws that were in force from
“How can we, few as we are, fight the earliest days. 30 He feared that, as before,
against so many? And besides, we feel he would not have enough funds for his
expenses and for the gifts he used to give
weak for we have not eaten anything more lavishly than preceding kings. 31 So
today.” great was his need that he decided to go to
18
But Judas declared: “A multitude Persia to collect the taxes from those prov-
1S
14:6 inces and raise considerable funds.
shall easily fall into the hands of a few, 32
Then he left Lysias, a nobleman from the
for Heaven can win over equally well royal family, in charge of the affairs of govern-
with the help of many or of few. 19 Vic- ment, from the river Euphrates to the Egyp-
tory does not depend on the number of tian frontier, 33 and with the responsibility of
educating the king’s son, Antiochus, until his
those who fight, but on Heaven which return. 34 And he turned over to Lysias half of
gives us strength. 20 They come against his troops with the elephants and gave him
us, moved by their pride and lawless- instructions about his policies. On matters
ness, to seize us and take possession of dealing with the inhabitants of Judea and
Jerusalem, 35 Lysias was to send an army to
our wives and children and to take ev- destroy and crush the defenders of Israel and
erything away from us. 21 But we are all who remained in Jerusalem and to wipe out
fighting for our lives and our laws. even the memory of them. 36 Then he was to
22 have foreigners settle throughout the Jewish
God will crush them before us; so do territory and distribute the land to them by lot.
not be afraid.” 37
The king took with him the remaining
23
As soon as he finished speaking, half of the army and set out from Antioch, the
he suddenly rushed against the en- capital of the kingdom, in the year one hun-
dred and forty-seven. He crossed the river
emies. Seron and his army were de- Euphrates and went through the upper prov-
feated. 24 They pursued them down the inces.

We must all fight for the things that give The Maccabees were not very different from
meaning to our lives and without which a secure those who, today, dare to remind us of the rights
future would be meaningless. For the Jews of of the poor, and to demand the participation of
those days, to give up their customs and their all in modern societies oftentimes founded on
worship was like renouncing their faith, since injustice. They are arrested, tortured and they
they were entrusted with the divine promises. die to demand political change, but in so doing,
Though the Temple itself was no more than they defend their own faith, because if they kept
stones and wood, with some precious metal, quiet, they would have lost their human dignity
they could not abandon it without losing their and they have renounced the spirit of justice and
human dignity and their vocation as believers. freedom (Gal 5:11-12).
 1 MACCABEES 3 524
2Mac 38
Lysias chose from among the Friends of what they are plotting against us. 53 How can
8:8-
15 the King, Ptolemy the son of Dorymenes, we resist them, if you do not come to help
Nicanor and Gorgias – all influential men. us?” 54 Then they sounded the trumpets and
39
With them, he dispatched forty thousand made a great outcry.
55
infantry and seven thousand cavalry to the After this, Judas appointed officials to Ex
Judean province to destroy it as the king had lead his people: leaders of a thousand men, 18:21
ordered. 40 They marched out with their leaders of a hundred, of fifty, and of ten.
56
troops and encamped on the plain near Then he told those who were building Jdg
Emmaus. 41 The merchants of the region houses, those about to marry, those who 7:3

heard of their arrival, so they went to the were planting vineyards, and those who were
camp with large amounts of silver, gold and afraid, to return to their homes, as the Law
fetters, proposing to buy the Israelites as allowed. 57 Next the army marched out and
slaves. The Syrian army and those from the encamped to the south of Emmaus. 58 Judas
province of the Philistines also joined the told them: “Prepare your weapons; be valiant
troops. and be ready to fight in the morning against
42
Judas and his brothers understood that those foreigners who have joined forces to
the situation was becoming worse, because crush us and remove our Holy Place from this
the enemy had encamped in their territory. land. 59 It is better to die fighting than to live
So when they learned of the king’s order to and see the misery of our nation and of the
destroy and crush the people, 43 they said, Holy Place. 60 May Heaven’s will be done in
“Let us uplift our people from their miserable everything.”
situation and fight for them and for the Holy
Place!” Battle of Emmaus
44
The whole community assembled to • 1
Gorgias took with him five thou-
prepare for war, and they prayed and asked 4 sand infantry and a thousand
2Mac
8:23-
29
God for mercy and compassion.
45
picked cavalry, and moved out by night
Like a desert, Jerusalem was left with- 2
out inhabitants. None of her children went in to fall upon the Jews and take them by
or out. The temple was profaned, and foreign- surprise. He had asked men from the
ers lived in the city which had become a Citadel to guide his troops. 3 But Judas
dwelling place for the pagans. There was no learned of this, so he went out with his
more rejoicing for Jacob, no flute or zither was
heard. men to attack the king’s army in
Emmaus 4 while the enemy troops were
The Jews gather at Mizpah
still dispersed outside the camp. 5 Gor-
46
2Mac So they gathered and went to Mizpah gias arrived at the camp of the Jews by
8:16- opposite Jerusalem because Mizpah had
23 been a place of prayer for Israel. 47 They night but found no one there. He then
fasted that day, put on sackcloth, sprinkled began to search for them in the moun-
ashes on their heads and tore their garments. tains, for he thought: “They are running
48
They opened the Book of the Law to look away from us.”
for an answer to their questions, just as the 6
pagans consulted the images of their idols. But at daybreak, Judas appeared in
49
They brought the vestments of the priests, the plain with three thousand men who
the first-fruits and the tithes, and they brought had not the armor or swords they would
in the Nazirites who had completed the days
of their consecration; 50 they cried aloud to have liked. 7 They saw the camp of the
Heaven and said: “What shall we do with this pagans with its strong fortifications and
people, and where shall we take them? 51 For the calvary surrounding it – all trained
your sanctuary has been trampled on and men in war. 8 Judas said to his men:
profaned, your priests are in mourning and
are humiliated. 52 And now the pagans have “Do not fear the number of the enemy
gathered together to destroy us. You know or be afraid of their attack. 9 Remember

• 4.1 They sent Apollonius, a colonel, interventions (see the books of Chronicles). They
against Judas: Judas killed him. They sent a insisted so much on God’s help that human
general, Seron: Judas defeated the general. This courage seemed useless. Judas knows that
time, king Antiochus sends a tremendous army people must act without waiting for a miracle or
with two generals against the Jews. Judas is a revelation. After the victory, everyone realizes
victorious at Emmaus. that God is the one who saved them. To ask God
Note Judas’ words: God is faithful. for peace, food, justice, without removing op-
For three centuries, the Jews had been taught pressive structures, would be hypocrisy.
their own history as a series of God’s marvelous
 525 1 MACCABEES 4

how our ancestors were saved at the went to Lysias and told him what had
Red Sea when Pharaoh’s army pursued happened. 27 When he heard this, he
them. 10 Cry out to God, for if he so was dismayed and depressed because
wishes he will remember his Covenant things in Israel had not gone as ex-
and destroy that army before us this pected, and he had not carried out the
very day. 11 And all the nations will king’s command.
know that Someone saves and liber- 28
The following year, he organized 2Mac
11:1
ates Israel.” an army of sixty thousand men and five
12
The pagans looked up and saw the thousand cavalry to confront the Jews.
Jews coming down against them, 13 so 29
They advanced into Idumea and en-
they came out of their camp to face camped at Bethzur. Judas came out
them in battle. Judas had the trumpets with ten thousand men to meet them in
sounded 14 and his men attacked. The battle. 30 When he saw their military 1S
17:4
pagans were defeated and fled to the strength, he prayed, “Blessed are you,
plain, 15 but all the rear guard fell by the Savior of Israel, who broke the warrior’s
sword. They pursued them to Gazara, strength by the hand of your servant
to the plains of Idumea, of Azot and David, and handed over the camp of
Jamnia and killed about three thou- the Philistines to the power of Jon-
sand of the enemy. athan, son of Saul, and to his armor-
16
When Judas and his army stopped bearer.
chasing them, 17 he said to the men with 31
In the same way, give this army 1S
14:1-
him: “Do not think of the booty now, for into the hands of your people Israel, 23
another battle awaits us. 18 Gorgias with and let the confidence they place in
his army is in the hills close by. Remain their power and in their horses be de-
ready to fight them, and afterwards you stroyed. 32 Fill them with fear; shatter
can gather the plunder with nothing to their confidence in their own strength.
worry about.” 19 He had barely finished May they be defeated and recover no
speaking when an army detachment more. 33 Deliver them to the sword of
appeared on the hillside. 20 These men your faithful people so that all who
saw that their own troops had fled and know you may praise your name.”
their camp had been destroyed, for the 34
Both sides attacked, and five thou-
smoke that rose up from the camp was sand men from the army of Lysias fell
enough to tell them this. 21 So they were dead. 35 Lysias saw that his army was
terrified. And when they saw the army disheartened, while Judas and his men
of Judas drawn up on the plain ready grew bolder and were ready to live or
for battle, 22 they fled to the land of the to die nobly. So he retreated to Antioch,
Philistines. where he recruited mercenaries to
23
So Judas and his men returned to strengthen his army, for he planned to
plunder the camp. They carried off return to Judea.
Ps
valuable booty. 24 And on their return,
118:1- they sang and praised heaven: For he is Judas purifies the temple
4
good, and his mercy is eternal. • 36 Then Judas and his brothers
25
That day was a great victory for said: “Our enemies are defeated, so let
Israel. 26 The pagans who had escaped us go up and purify the Holy Place and

• 36. Because of Judas’ victories, Antiochus The Jews are aware of being different from
Epiphanes IV signs a treaty by which he grants other people. It is God who decides the future. In
autonomy to the Jewish province (April 164 a given moment, they solve what is most urgent
B.C.). The Jews are triumphant and their first while waiting for a prophet to indicate to them
concern is to purify the Temple which had been what they must do as we see in verse 46. Yet, the
profaned by the pagans (December 167). situation is paradoxical. There were prophets at
 1 MACCABEES 4 526

consecrate it again.” 37 And all the army 52

On the twenty-fifth day of the
assembled and went up to Mount Zion. month of Chislev, in the year one hun-
38
There they found the sanctuary dred and forty-eight (164 B.C.) 53 they
abandoned, the altar profaned, the arose at dawn and offered the sacrifice
gates burned, bushes growing in the prescribed by the Law on the new altar
courtyard as in a forest or on a moun- of holocausts which they had built. 54 It
tain, and the rooms destroyed. 39 They was precisely at that same time and
tore their garments and wept bitterly. date that the pagans had profaned it
Some sprinkled ashes on their heads, before; but now they consecrated it
40
while others prostrated themselves with songs accompanied by zithers,
on the ground. They sounded the trum- harps and cymbals. 55 All the people
pets and cried aloud to Heaven. fell prostrate and blessed Heaven that
41
Then Judas chose men to fight had given them happiness and suc-
against the defenders of the Citadel un- cess.
til he had purified the temple. 42 He 56
They celebrated the consecration of the
chose blameless priests who showed altar for eight days, joyfully offering holo-
great zeal for the Law 43 and had them causts and celebrating sacrifices of thanks-
giving and praise. 57 The front of the temple 1:22
purify the temple and bring the stones was adorned with crowns of gold and shields;
of the abominable altar of the pagans to the gates and the rooms had been restored
an unclean place. and fitted with doors.
58
44 There was no end to the celebration
They held a council to decide on among the people, and so the profanation of
what should be done with the altar of the temple by the pagans was forgotten. 59 Fi- Jn
nally, Judas, his brothers and the whole as- 10:22
the holocausts which had been defiled.
45
And they decided to destroy it, so sembly of Israel agreed to celebrate the anni-
versary of the consecration of the altar annu-
that shame brought about by the pa- ally for eight days, from the twenty-fifth of the
gans might not remain with it. 46 They month of Chislev, in high festivity.
9:27 60
At that time, they built around Mount
14:41 deposited the stones of the said altar in
a convenient place on the temple hill Zion high walls and strong towers to prevent
the pagans from coming in to occupy it as
until a prophet should appear to settle they had done before. 61 Judas stationed a
the matter. garrison there to defend it. He also fortified
47
Then they took uncut stones as the Bethzur so that the people might have a
Ex
20:25 fortress against Idumea.
Law prescribed, and built a new altar
Judas goes to rescue the scattered Jews
like the former one. 48 They repaired the
• 1 When the pagans who lived around
sanctuary, and the interior of the house, 5 2Mac

and consecrated the courts. them learned that the altar had been 10:1-
23
rebuilt and the temple restored as before,
49
They made new sacred vessels they became very angry. 2 They determined
and brought in the lampstand, the altar to destroy the descendants of Jacob who
of incense and the table. 50 They burned lived among them; so they began killing and
driving away the Jews.
incense on the altar, and lit the lamps 3
That is why Judas declared war against
on the lampstand, and these began to the sons of Esau in Idumea and in the prov-
shine in the temple. 51 They placed the ince of Akrabattene, for they surrounded
bread on the table and hung up the Israel. He dealt them a mortal blow – he
humbled them and looted them. 4 Then he
curtains – bringing to completion all remembered the wickedness of the gangs of
that had been decided. Baean who were a plague and a permanent

other times when the Israelites refused to listen the treaty signed by the king. They encourage
to them. Now that they want to hear a message, persecution of the Jews who live in neighboring
there are no prophets, and there will be no territories, sometimes in very large groups.
prophet until John the Baptist. Then, Judas begins a campaign to save his
threatened people and to bring them back to the
• 5.1 The Syrian generals reluctantly accept province of Judah.
 527 1 MACCABEES 5

source of trouble for the Jews with their am- them all that had happened to their brothers
bushes on the roads. 5 So Judas, after block- in the region of Gilead. 26 They gave them the
ading and besieging them in their towers, news that many Jews were imprisoned in
took an oath to exterminate them; he then Alema, Chaspho, Maked and Carnaim, all
burned the towers with all who were inside. large and fortified towns in the vicinity of
6
From there he crossed over to the land of Bozrah and Bosor. 27 They also related that
2Mac
12:2 the Ammonites where he encountered a large Jews were also blockaded in other cities of
and well-organized army under the com- Gilead, and that the pagans had decided to
mand of Timotheus. 7 He engaged them in attack their strongholds on the following day
many encounters, defeated them and intending to destroy all of them in one day.
crushed them. 8 He attacked and captured 28
Judas quickly turned off with his army
the city of Yazer with its neighboring villages by the desert road to Bozrah; he occupied the
and then returned to Judea. city, put all the men to the sword, seized the
9
The pagans of Gilead gathered together booty and then burned the city. 29 He left the
to destroy the Israelites who lived in their place at night and advanced until they
territory. But the Israelites took refuge in the reached the fortress. 30 At dawn, the Jews
fortress of Dathema, 10 and sent a letter to looked up and saw an innumerable army
Judas and his brothers which said, “The carrying ladders and engines of war to attack
pagans around us have joined forces to crush and capture the fortress.
us 11 and are now preparing to storm the 31
Judas saw that the attack had begun;
fortress where we have taken refuge. Timo- from the city an uproar rose up to heaven with
Ne thy is their leader. 12 Come at once and rescue shouts and trumpet blast. 32 He said to his
6:18
2Mac us from their hands since many among us men: “Let us now fight for our brothers.”
3:11 have already died; 13 all our brothers living in 33
Then he divided his troops into three
the land of Tobias have been murdered, their groups, and attacked the enemy from be-
women and children taken captives; about a hind, sounding the trumpets and praying out
thousand men have been killed.” loud. 34 When the army of Timothy recog-
14
They were reading this letter when other nized that it was Maccabeus, they began to
messengers arrived from Galilee tearing their escape, but Judas dealt them a heavy blow,
garments as they gave this message: 15 “The and about five thousand of the enemy fell that
Is
8:23 people of Ptolemais, Tyre, Sidon and the day.
35
Mt whole of heathen Galilee have united to de- From there, Judas went to Alema; he
4:15 stroy us!” attacked and occupied the city, killed all the
16
When Judas and his men heard this men and seized the booty, and then he
news, they summoned a great assembly to burned the city. 36 From there, he captured
determine what could be done for their broth- Chaspho, Maked and Bosor and the remain-
ers and sisters in distress who were fighting ing towns of Gilead.
for their lives. 17 Judas said to his brother 37
After these events, Timothy gathered a
Simon: “Choose your men; go and free our new army and encamped opposite Raphon,
brothers in Galilee; I and my brother at the other side of the stream. 38 Judas sent
Jonathan will go to Gilead.” men to explore the camp and they brought
18
He left the rest of the troops under the back the following information: “All the pa-
command of Joseph the son of Zechariah, gans of this region have joined forces under
and Azariah, a leader of the people, to defend Timothy, forming a powerful army. 39 They
the land of Judea, 19 and gave them this order: have also hired Arab mercenaries as auxilia-
“Remain at the head of the people, but do not ries, and they are now encamped at the other
attack the pagans until we return.” side of the stream, ready to attack you.” So
20
Three thousand men were assigned to Judas set out to confront them in battle.
Simon for the campaign in Galilee, and eight 40
Timothy saw that Judas was approach- 1S
2Mac
thousand men to Judas for Gilead. 21 Simon ing the stream with his army, so he said to the 14:9-
left for Galilee and defeated the pagans in 10
12:10- captains of his troops, “If he crosses first and
31 many encounters, 22 and pursued them to the advances against us, he shall attack us with
gates of Ptolemais. About three thousand of such great force that we will not be able to
the pagans fell, and Simon seized their spoils. withstand him. 41 But if he hesitates and en-
23
Then he took away with him the Jews who camps at the other side of the river, then we
were in Galilee and Arbatta as well as their shall cross over to attack and defeat him.”
women and children, and all they had, and
42
brought them into Judea with great rejoicing. When Judas reached the banks of Dt
24 20:5
Meanwhile, Judas Maccabeus and his the stream, he assigned the officials of Jos
brother Jonathan crossed the Jordan and his men along the stream and ordered 1:10
journeyed through the desert for three days.
25
There they encountered the Nabateans them: “Do not let anyone pitch his tent;
who received them in a friendly way and told all are to fight.” 43 Judas was the first to
 1 MACCABEES 5 528

cross to the enemy, and all his men cause they had returned safe and
followed. They defeated all the pagans sound, without losing a single man.
who threw down their weapons and
Joseph and Azariah are defeated
took refuge in the sacred enclosure of
• 55 While Judas and Jonathan were
Carnaim. 44 But the Jews captured the 2Mac
city and burned the sacred enclosure in the land of Gilead, and their brother 12:32

with everyone inside. So Carnaim was Simon was encamped in Galilee oppo-
crushed, and no one was able to with- site Ptolemais, 56 Zechariah’s son Jo-
stand Judas. seph and Azariah were in command of
45
Judas gathered together all the Is- the army. When they heard of their ex-
raelites from the region of Gilead, ploits and how well they had done in
small and great, their women and chil- battle, 57 they said, “We also have to win
dren and their belongings, an immense renown, so let us go and fight the pa-
multitude, to take them into the land of gans who live around us.”
58
Judea. 46 They reached Ephron, a So they gave orders to their army
strong and important town, situated by to march against Jamnia. 59 But Gor-
the road. It was impossible to go gias came out of the city with his men
around it either to the right or to the and attacked them. 60 Joseph and Azar-
left, so they were forced to go through iah were defeated and pursued as far as
it, 47 but the inhabitants entrenched the borders of Judea, and about two
themselves inside and blocked the en- thousand Israelites fell that day. 61 The
trance with stones. 48 Judas sent them people suffered this great defeat be-
Num a message of peace saying: “Allow us cause the Jewish commanders did not
20:17
to go through your land as we go back listen to Judas and his brothers, think-
to ours; we will simply walk through ing they themselves were capable of
and none of us will do you any harm.” great deeds. 62 They did not belong to
But they refused to open the gates to those to whom the deliverance of Israel
him. had been entrusted.
49
So Judas gave orders to his army 63
The valiant Judas and his brothers were
for everyone to take up his position greatly honored in Israel and became famous
where he was. 50 The men of war took among the foreigners who heard of them,
64
and many came to congratulate them.
up their positions, and Judas attacked 65
Judas with his brothers went to the
the city all day and night until it fell into Negeb to fight the Edomites. He seized He-
his hands. 51 He put all the male inhabi- bron and its villages, demolished its walls and
tants to the sword, razed the city and burned its defending towers. 66 Then he left for
took its plunder. 52 Then they passed the land of the Philistines, passing through
Marisa. 67 That day some priests who wanted
through the city over the bodies of the to be valiant fell because they imprudently
dead and came to the great plain after attacked the enemy. 68 From there Judas
crossing the Jordan opposite Beth- turned towards Azotus in the land of the
Philistines. He destroyed their altars, burned
shan. the statues of their gods, plundered the city
53
Throughout the journey Judas and then returned to Judah.
kept on encouraging his people and Last days of Antiochus Epiphanes
rallying those who fell behind, until they • 1 When King Antiochus was making his 2Mac
reached the land of Judah. 54 They went 6 way through the upper regions of Persia,
1:11-
2Mac 17
12:31 up to Mount Zion joyfully and well con- he received news about Elymais, a city re- 9
tented, and they offered holocausts be- nowned for its wealth in silver and gold.

• 55. The war continues with its victories and • 6.1 The end of Antiochus Epiphanes is
its defeats. Here, the Bible stresses the reasons presented as an example of how the persecutors
for the reversal: many of the leaders are moti- die. We find another story, different from this, in
vated by personal interest. 2 Mac 9.
 529 1 MACCABEES 6
2
They kept in the wealthy temple of their city wipe them out, 20 so he gathered together all
golden armor, breastplates and weapons left the people to besiege them. The troops as-
there by the Macedonian king, Alexander the sembled and laid siege to the Citadel in the
son of Philip, the first sovereign of the Greeks. year one hundred and fifty, building firing
3
So Antiochus went there but the inhabitants platforms and siege engines. 21 But some of
came out armed against him when they the besieged broke through the blockade and
learned of his intention, so his attempt to take together with renegade Israelites 22 went to
the city failed. 4 He had to turn back, and he tell the king, “How much longer will you wait
returned much embittered to Babylon. to do us justice and avenge our brothers?
23
5
While he was still in Persia, it was re- We took the side of your father, we obeyed
ported to him that the armies sent to Judea his orders and observed his laws. 24 The result
had been defeated. They told him 6 that al- is that the Citadel is now besieged by our own
though Lysias had gone with a strong army, people and we are treated as foreigners. All of
he had to flee before the Jews who had been us who were caught have been killed and they
strengthened with the weapons and the abun- have seized our property. 25 And they are
dant booty taken from the neighboring fighting not only against us but in the neigh-
1:54 armies. 7 He heard too that the Jews had boring lands as well.
26
4:45 destroyed the abominable idol he had Right now, they are encamped against
erected on the altar in Jerusalem, and had the Citadel in Jerusalem to capture it, and
rebuilt the temple walls to the same height as they have fortified the temple and the city of
before, and had also fortified the city of Beth- Beth-zur. 27 If you do not take the lead now,
zur. they will do greater things and then you will
8
When he received this news, he was not be able to control them.”
terrified and deeply upset. He fell sick and 28
The king was enraged when he heard
became greatly depressed because things this news, and he summoned all his friends,
had not turned out the way he had planned. the generals of the army and the command-
9
So he remained overcome by this terrible ers of the cavalry. 29 From other kingdoms
anguish for many days. He felt that he was and islands of the sea, he recruited merce-
dying, 10 so he called his friends and said to nary troops. 30 His forces numbered a hun-
them, “Sleep has fled from my eyes and I am dred thousand infantry, twenty thousand
greatly crushed by my anxieties. 11 And I horsemen and thirty-two elephants trained
keep on asking why such grief has come for battle. 31 They came through Idumea,
upon me – I who was generous and well-loved besieged Beth-zur and attacked for days,
when in power – and now I am so discour- using engines of war. But the besieged made
aged. a sortie and burned their engines and bravely
12
Now I remember the evils I did in Jerusa- kept up the resistance.
lem, the vessels of gold and silver that I stole,
the inhabitants of Judea I ordered to be killed Battle of Beth-zechariah
for no reason at all. 13 I now know that be-
• 32 Then Judas ceased fighting at 2Mac
cause of this, these misfortunes have come
13:2
upon me, and I am dying of grief in a strange the Citadel and encamped at Beth-
land.” 14 The king then summoned Philip, one zechariah opposite the camp of the
of his friends, and appointed him administra-
tor of his whole kingdom. 15 When he had king. 33 Early in the morning the king
entrusted him with the crown, robe and signet rose and his army boldly advanced
ring, with the charge of educating his son along the road to Beth-zechariah. The
Antiochus and preparing him for the throne,
16
Antiochus died there in the year one hun- troops prepared for battle and sounded
dred and forty-nine (163 B.C.). 17 As soon as the trumpets.
Lysias learned of the king’s death, he pro- 34
They showed juice of grapes and
claimed his son Antiochus as his successor, mulberries to the elephants to arouse
for he himself had trained him from childhood
and had named him Eupator. them for battle, 35 and distributed them
among the battalions: one thousand
Expedition of Antiochus V
18
men in coat of mail and bronze helmet
The men from the Citadel were block- lined up at the side of each elephant.
ading the Israelites around the temple and did 36
not let an opportunity pass of harming them A cavalry of five hundred picked
on behalf of the pagans. 19 Judas decided to horsemen went before each elephant

• 32. Palestine is invaded once again and in the enemy. Two years later, the king makes
the combat at Beth-zechariah, Judas’ army, peace and confirms the religious freedom of the
very inferior to the king’s, must withdraw from Jews.
 1 MACCABEES 6 530
Lev
and accompanied it with the order not people of Beth-zur who evacuated the 25:1
to separate from it. 37 A strong wooden city since they had no food to continue
tower was fixed to each elephant by the resistance, for that year was a year
means of leather straps, and four war- of rest for the land. 50 The king seized
riors including the driver were on the Beth-zur and stationed a garrison there
tower. to guard it.
38
The rest of the cavalry were sta- 51
He encamped before the temple
tioned on the right and left flanks of the for a long time and set up firing plat-
army to harass the enemy and protect forms, crossbows, engines, fire-throw-
the battalions. 39 When the sun shone ers, catapults, scorpions to discharge
on the shields of gold and bronze, the arrows, and slingers. 52 The defenders
mountains glittered and gleamed like also constructed engines as their at-
flames of fire. 40 One part of the king’s tackers had done and they fought for a
army was deployed up in the moun- long time. 53 But they had no food in
tains and the other on the plain. All storage, as it was the seventh year and
advanced confidently and in good or- because the Israelites who came to
der. 41 The Jews trembled when they Judea from the pagan lands had con-
heard the great noise of this vast multi- sumed the last of their reserves. 54 So,
tude, the marching of that mass and the few men were left in the temple be-
clanking of their weapons. It was in- cause of the famine; the others had
deed an army extremely numerous and dispersed.
powerful.
42 The king grants religious freedom
Nevertheless Judas and his army
• 55 Meanwhile Philip, to whom King
advanced to give battle; and about six
hundred men of the king’s army fell. Antiochus during his life had entrusted
43
Eleazar, called Avaran, saw one of the education of his son Antiochus to
the beasts protected with armor which prepare him for the throne, 56 had re-
excelled all the others, so he supposed turned from Persia and Media with the
that it must be the king’s. 44 He then army that had accompanied the king
sacrificed himself to save his people to those regions, and was planning to
and win eternal renown for himself. seize power. 57 This is why Lysias hastily
45
He boldly charged towards the ani- gave orders to depart, saying to the
mal right into the midst of the battalion, king, the generals of the army and the
killing men right and left, scattering the soldiers, “We are losing strength every
enemy before him on both sides. 46 He day, we are short of food and the place
2Mac
13:15 reached the elephant, darted in under we are besieging is well fortified; we are
it, and stabbed it in the belly. The el- moreover diverting our attention from
ephant collapsed on top of him and he the affairs of the kingdom. 58 Let us,
died on the spot. then, offer the hand of friendship to
47
The Jews, however, aware of the these people, and make peace with
tremendous force of the king’s army them and with their nation. 59 Let us per-
and their bravery, retreated before mit them to live according to their cus-
them. 48 The king’s troops went up to toms as before, since all this came to be
Jerusalem to overtake them, and the because we suppressed their laws, and
king encamped in Judea and around they have risen in defense of them.”
60
Mount Zion. 49 He made peace with the These words pleased the king and

• 55. The fighting stops at the least expected resistance of a handful of heroes has achieved
moment and the Jews are granted the right to this first result and it changes the history of the
continue practicing their religion (v. 59). The Jewish people.
 531 1 MACCABEES 7

the generals, 61 so the king sent mes- to Judas and his brothers with treacher-
sengers to make peace with the Jews, ous proposals of peace. 11 But the Jews
and the Jews accepted it. who knew that they came with a power-
When the king and the generals had ful army, did not trust them.
12
committed themselves with an oath, However, a commission of teach-
the Jews came out of the fortress. ers of the Law met with Alcimus and
62
The king went up to Mount Zion and Bacchides to seek a satisfactory solu-
when he saw the defenses, he broke his tion. 13 These men from the group of the
oath and ordered the surrounding wall Hasideans, the first to seek peace in
to be demolished. 63 Then he hurriedly Israel, 14 reasoned like this: “A man in
left and returned to Antioch where he the line of Aaron has come with the
found Philip already in control of the army, he will surely deal with us in
city. So he fought him and took the city fairness.” 15 Bacchides, moreover, sent
by force. them a friendly message and assured
them under oath: “We do not wish any
2Mac 1
In the year one hundred and harm to you and your friends.” 16 They
14:1-
10
7 fifty-one, Demetrius the son of Se- believed him. But he arrested sixty of
leucus escaped from Rome. He sailed them and executed them the same day,
with a few men to a port of the kingdom according to the word of the Scripture:
17
where he arrived and proclaimed him- Around Jerusalem, they have scat- Ps
79:2
self king. 2 As soon as he entered the tered the dead bodies of your saints;
kingdom of his fathers, the army ar- they have shed their blood, and there
rested Antiochus and Lysias to hand was no one to bury them.
18
them over to him. 3 When Demetrius All the people were terrified and
heard this, he said: “I do not want to see feared them. They said, “There is no
their faces.” 4 So the army executed justice or truth in these people who
them and Demetrius took the throne. have violated the agreement they made
5
At once all the Israelites without law with an oath.”
19
or religion came to him. They were led Bacchides left Jerusalem and en-
by Alcimus, a man who sought the of- camped at Beth-zur. From there, he
fice of chief priest for himself. 6 And they ordered the arrest of many prominent
began accusing their own people before men who had deserted to him as well as
the king, “Judas and his brothers have some of the people. And he had them
murdered all your friends and have thrown into a deep pit.
20
driven us away from our land. 7 Send Then he placed the province in the
one of your trustworthy Friends, to see hands of Alcimus, leaving him with an
the havoc they have caused us and our army to help him and he returned to the
province which belongs to the king. Let king. 21 Alcimus struggled to have the
him punish all who support them.” Israelites recognize him as chief priest,
22
and all who disturbed the peace of the
Expedition of Bacchides and Nicanor
people joined him. They became mas-
8
2:18 The king chose Bacchides, one of ters of the land of Judea and did great
his Friends and a distinguished man of harm to the Israelites.
the kingdom, the governor of the west- 23
Judas saw that Alcimus and his
ern province of the Euphrates. 9 He also men were an even greater menace to
sent with him Alcimus whom he had Israel than the pagans had been. 24 So
appointed chief priest, and ordered he went throughout the territory of
them to punish the Israelites. Judea to do justice to those traitors and
10
They set out with a large army. On to prevent them from going about the
reaching Judea, they sent messengers country.
 1 MACCABEES 7 532
2Mac 25 for your people. 38 Take vengeance on this
14:5 Alcimus realized that Judas and
his men were of greater strength and man and on his army; let them die by the
sword. Remember their insults and do not
that he could not resist them, so he delay in punishing them.”
returned to the king and accused them 39
Nicanor left Jerusalem and encamped 2Mac
of serious crimes. 26 The king then sent in Beth-horon where the Syrian army joined 15:22-
24
him. 40 Meanwhile, Judas encamped in Ada-
Nicanor, one of his more illustrious sa with three thousand men and prayed:
generals and a known enemy of Israel, 41
“Lord, when the messengers of the king of 2K
19:35
with the mission to utterly destroy this Assyria insulted you, your angel came and
people. killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand
27 of his men. 42 So now, crush this army before
Nicanor reached Jerusalem with a us, so that all the rest may know that this
large army; he sent Judas and his Nicanor has blasphemed against your
brothers false messages of friendship temple. Judge him according to his wicked-
saying to them, 28 “Let us not begin as ness.”
43
The two armies met in battle on the
enemies once more; I will come with a thirteenth of the month Adar. Nicanor’s army
few men to meet you face to face in was defeated and he himself was one of the
friendship.” first to fall in the battle. 44 When his troops saw
29 that he was dead, they threw down their
He inded came to Judas and they weapons and fled. 45 The Jews pursued them
greeted each other peaceably, but the a day’s journey from Adasa to the entrance of
enemy was prepared to seize him. Gazara, sounding the trumpets as they fol-
30
Judas was told that Nicanor had lowed them. 46 The people came out from all
the neighboring villages of Judea and sur-
come to him treacherously, so he with- rounded the fugitives, forcing them to return
drew from Nicanor, and would not see to defend their lives. So all fell by the sword,
him again. 31 When Nicanor saw that not even one of them was left.
47
his plans had been discovered, he Then the Jews seized the plunder and
booty; they cut off Nicanor’s head and the
went out to look for Judas, and this right hand he had so arrogantly stretched out,
time to fight him. He found him near and they displayed them at the entrance of
Capharsalama. 32 About five hundred of Jerusalem within sight of all. 48 The people
were elated and 49 celebrated their victory
Nicanor’s men fell and the rest fled to annually on the thirteenth of the month Adar.
the city of David. 50
The land of Judah enjoyed peace for a
Nicanor is defeated
short time.
33 Alliance with the Romans
Ezra After these events, Nicanor went up to
6:10 Mount Zion and some of the priests and elders • 1 In the meantime, Judas was informed
came out of the temple to greet him peace- 8 about the Romans. He was told that the
fully and show him the sacrifice they offered Romans were valiant in war and that they
for the king. 34 But he mocked them, he showed goodwill towards all who sided with
scorned and insulted them 35 and angrily them; that they offered friendship to all who
swore this oath: “If you do not deliver Judas approached them, 2 and were a strong ally in
into my hands immediately, as soon as I have war.
destroyed him, I will return and burn this He was told of their wars and of their
temple.” And he went away furious. exploits among the Gauls whom they con-
36
The priests entered the temple, and they quered and forced to pay taxes, 3 and of all
stood weeping before the altar and the sanc- they had done in Spain to gain possession
Is tuary. They said, 37 “You, Lord, chose this of the silver and gold mines, 4 and how they
56:7
Mt
House that your name may be invoked in it, had conquered that land by dint of intelli-
21:13 that it may be a house of prayer and petition gence and perseverance, despite its great

• 8.1 The prophets insisted on the fact that exile and now, Judas and his companions think
because the Jewish people were God’s people, that the time to restore the ancient kingdom of
they had to trust God without seeking any other Solomon and David has come.
help. To try to make alliances with the pagan Judas is a great admirer of the organization
people would have meant to mistrust God. Judas and the power of the Romans and thinks their
has a different concept and seeks an alliance with protection will lead to the restoration of the
the Romans. kingdom of David.
The first victories inspired great hope. The The prophets were right: those who seek the
Jews never recovered their autonomy since the kingdom of God and justice must not rely on the
 533 1 MACCABEES 9

distance from their own land. He also learned conclude a covenant of peace with you and to
how they had defeated the kings who came be numbered among your allies and friends.”
21
from the ends of the earth to attack them, how The Romans approved this proposal, 22 and
14:18
they managed to conquer and crush them. this is the copy of the letter they wrote on
There were others who paid them an annual bronze tablets which they sent to Jerusalem
tax. as a memorial of peace and alliance:
5
They had defeated and subjected Philip 23
“May all go well with the Romans and the
and Perseus, the kings of Macedonia and Jewish people at sea and on land forever,
others who opposed them. 6 They had van- may both sword and enemy be far from them!
quished Antiochus the Great, king of Asia, 24
If war comes first to the Romans, or to any
who went to fight the Romans with one hun- of their allies in any part of its empire, 25 the
dred and twenty elephants, cavalry, chariots Jewish nation shall enter the war wholeheart-
and a very strong army. But he was defeated edly, as circumstances permit. 26 The Jewish
7
and fell into their hands. He and his succes- nation will not receive from them wheat or
sors were forced to pay an enormous amount weapons, or money, or ships as Rome has
in tax, to surrender hostages, and to cede decided. They must fulfill their obligations
some of their best provinces 8 like India, Me- without recompense.
dia and Lydia which afterwards the Romans 27
In the same way, if the Jewish nation is
gave to King Eumenes. 9 The Greeks had attacked, the Romans shall fight at her side
planned to come and destroy the Romans, with all zeal as circumstances may allow.
10
but hearing of it, the Romans sent a single 28
The Roman allies will not receive wheat or
general against them. They killed a great weapons, or money, or ships as Rome has
number of Greeks, took their women and decided, but the Romans shall fulfill their
children, destroyed their fortresses and en- obligations without deception. 29 On these
slaved them to this day. terms the Romans conclude their alliance
11
In the same way, they also destroyed with the Jewish nation.
and subdued other countries and islands, as 30
If after these terms have taken effect,
well as others who opposed them. 12 But they either party should wish to add or delete
have usually remained faithful to their allies anything, the said party shall do so in com-
and to those who relied on them. mon agreement with the other party, then
The Romans were really powerful. They what has been added or deleted shall be
conquered kingdoms far and near, and all binding.
who heard their name feared them. 13 They 31
appointed as kings those who were to their And concerning the harm King Deme-
liking and deposed those who were not. trius does to the Jews, we have written to him
14
But in spite of all this, not one of them as follows, ‘Why do you lay such a heavy
had himself crowned or dressed as a king in yoke upon the Jews, our friends and allies?
32
order to be exalted. 15 They had created a If they complain about you again, we shall
senate and three hundred and twenty men defend their rights and attack you by sea and
deliberated on daily matters relating to the land.’”
good of the people and the maintenance of
Death of Judas Maccabeus
order. 16 Every year they would choose one
man to rule over them and govern the empire, • 1
When Demetrius was informed
2Mac
and all obeyed him without envy or jealousy.
17
So Judas sent Eupolemus the son of
9 of the death of Nicanor and the
4:11
John, and Jason the son of Eleazar to Rome, defeat of his army, he sent Bacchides
entrusting them with the mission to make a and Alcimus back to Judea with the
covenant of friendship with the Romans. best troops of his army. 2 They took the
18
Since the Greeks treated the Israelites as
slaves, Judas hoped to liberate them from road to Galilee and besieged the city of
oppression in this way. Mesaloth in the Arbela region. They
19
The envoys from Judas went to Rome, captured it and killed many. 3 In the first
where they arrived after a long journey. When month of the year one hundred and
they entered the Senate they addressed the
assembly: 20 “Judas Maccabeus, his brothers fifty-two, they encamped before Jeru-
and the people of Israel have sent us to you to salem. 4 From there twenty thousand
rich and the powerful. The Romans, whom heroism, like the many who “were hoping for the
Judas admires so much, will become enemies. restoration of Israel” and died in this hope.
And two centuries later, in Jesus’ day, they will We can see God’s grace for him in this pre-
destroy the Jewish nation. mature death. The path that he had begun
because of his faith, ends in compromises by his
• 9.1 Then comes the moving story of Ju- descendants and in the corruption which often
das’ death. He dies in the glory of his faith and accompanies political power.
 1 MACCABEES 9 534

infantry and two thousand cavalry set being defeated, they attacked Judas
out for Berea. 5 Judas had his camp in and his men from the rear. 17 They
Elasa with three thousand picked men. fought bitterly and many fell on both
6
When they saw the huge number of sides. 18 Judas also fell, and the rest
enemies, they were terrified. Many fled.
19
slipped out of the camp, and only eight Jonathan and Simon took their
hundred men were left. 7 Judas saw the brother and buried him in the tomb of
dispersal of his army and this crushed their fathers at Modein. 20 All the people
his spirit. The battle was imminent but of Israel mourned and wept for him for
he had no time to group them together. many days, repeating this lamentation:
8 21
Yet in spite of being dismayed, he did “How the hero has fallen, he who
his best to encourage those who re- saved Israel.”
22
mained with him: “Let us fight our en- The other deeds of Judas, his Jn
emies. We may yet be able to defeat battles, exploits and heroism were not 21:25

them.” written for they were many.

9
They tried to dissuade him, “We Jonathan succeeds Judas
cannot do anything now but save our- • 23 After the death of Judas, the rene-
selves. We can come back later with gades reappeared throughout the territory of
our brothers and fight. But now we are Israel and the evildoers took courage. 24 At
too few.” 10 But Judas answered them, the same time, there was a severe famine,
and the country went over to their side.
“God forbid that I should run away from 25
Bacchides chose renegade men and made
them. If our time has come, then let us them masters of the land. 26 These men
die as valiant men for our brothers, traced and searched out all the friends and
supporters of Judas and brought them before
without tarnishing our glory.” Bacchides who punished and humiliated
11
The army of Bacchides marched them in a thousand ways. 27 It was a terrible
4:46
out of their camp while the Jews re- trial for Israel such as had never been expe- 14:41
rienced since the disappearance of the
mained in their place to engage them in prophets.
battle. The cavalry was divided into two 28
So the friends of Judas came together
wings. In the first line, the veterans in and said to Jonathan, 29 “Since your brother
war advanced, and the archers and Judas died, we haven’t found anyone like him
to head the resistance against the enemy,
slingers followed. 12 Bacchides was on against Bacchides and all the enemies of our
the right wing. At the sound of the nation. 30 So we now choose you to take his
trumpets, they advanced on both sides. place, to be our head and lead us in our wars.”
The Jews also sounded the trumpets. So from that day on, 31 Jonathan accepted
13 the leadership and succeeded his brother
1K And the earth trembled with the noise Judas.
1:40
Ps
of the armies, and a battle began which 32
When Bacchides heard of this, he
97:4 lasted the whole day. planned to kill Jonathan. 33 But Jonathan
14 was informed of the plot and fled to the desert
Judas saw that Bacchides and the of Tekoa, together with his brother Simon and
main strength of his army was on the his followers. They encamped by the lake
right. The most courageous of the Isra- Asphar. 34 Bacchides found this out on the
elites went with him, 15 and they de- sabbath day, and with all his army he crossed
the Jordan.
feated the right wing of the enemy, pur- 35
Jonathan had sent his brother John,
suing them up to the hills. 16 But when representative of the people, to ask their
those on the left wing saw the right wing friends the Nabatean to store for them their

• 23. Jonathan, chosen to succeed his the Jordan to avenge them. When he comes
brother Judas, must flee to the desert with his back, he finds that Bacchides and his army
people. He sends his brother John with the followed behind him and now block their access
baggage to bring it to a safe place beyond the to the river. They break through enemy lines,
Jordan. There, they are the victims of an am- however, and swim across.
bush. Then, Jonathan goes to the other side of
 535 1 MACCABEES 10

large amount of baggage. 36 But the tribe of 56

After a while, he died in great agony. 57 Be-
Yambri and the people of Medeba captured cause of his death, Bacchides returned to the
John and took all he had with him, then king and the land had peace for two years.
departed with the booty. 37 After this had
The siege of Bethbasi
happened, Jonathan and his brother Simon
were told that the Yambrites were celebrating 58
Then all the renegades agreed on a plan:
a solemn wedding and were escorting the “Jonathan and his people now live in peace
bride, a daughter of one of the magnates, without any fear at all. Let us bring Bacchides
from Nadabath with great pomp. back; he can arrest them all in one night.”
38
Both remembered the murder of their 59
They went to Bacchides, and when they
brother John, so they went up and hid under had convinced him, 60 he set out with a large
cover of the mountain. 39 At a certain moment contingent. He secretly sent letters to his
they heard a confusion of sounds; then they supporters in Judea instructing them to seize
saw a great deal of baggage. The bride Jonathan and his men. But their plot was
groom, his friends and brothers came straight found out and their plan foiled. 61 Instead the
to them with tambourines, musical instru- supporters of Jonathan arrested fifty Jewish
ments and many weapons. 40 Then the Jews leaders of this conspiracy and had them
rushed down on them from their ambush and executed.
killed them. There were many casualties and 62
Jonathan and Simon then withdrew with
others fled to the mountain. Finally the Jews their men to Bethbasi in the desert; they
seized all the plunder. 41 So the wedding rebuilt the ruins and fortified it. 63 When
turned to mourning and the music to lamen- Bacchides heard this, he assembled all his
Dt tation. 42 Having avenged the death of their men and notified his adherents in Judea.
32:45 brother, the Israelites went back to the 64
He went to attack Bethbasi, besieged it for
marshes of the Jordan. many days and built engines of war. 65 Then
Let us return to Bacchides. 43 He arrived Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city
with a strong army on the sabbath day at the and went out into the countryside with a
banks of the Jordan. 44 So Jonathan said to handful of men. 66 He defeated Odomera and
his men, “Courage! Let us fight for our lives, his brothers and the people of Phasiron in
for today things are going to be serious. their camp. 67 Then they turned back and
45
Dangers surround us – we have the waters began to attack the troops who had laid siege
of the Jordan on this side, the marshes and to the city. Meanwhile, Simon and his men
the thickets on the other side – there is no went out of the city and burned the engines.
place to turn. 46 So cry out to Heaven for 68
They attacked Bacchides who was de-
deliverance from our enemies.” feated and dismayed by the failure of his
47
And the battle began. Jonathan expedition. 69 He was greatly enraged against
stretched out his arm to strike Bacchides, but the renegades who had advised him to return
he eluded him and withdrew. 48 So Jonathan to the Jewish country; he executed many of
and his men leapt into the Jordan, swimming them, and decided to return to his own land.
70
to the other side; but their enemies did not When Jonathan learned this, he sent mes-
follow them. 49 On that day, about a thousand sengers to him to make a treaty of peace and
of Bacchides’ men fell. to exchange prisoners.
50 71
Bacchides returned to Jerusalem. Then Bacchides accepted his terms. For Bac-
he began to build fortified cities in Judea – the chides’ part, he fulfilled his promises and
strongholds of Jericho, Emmaus, Beth- swore that henceforth and until the day of his
horon, Bethel, Timnath, Pharathon and death, he would never harm him in any way.
72
Tephon – with high walls and barred gates, He turned over to Jonathan the prisoners
51
and a garrison stationed in each of them to taken earlier in Judea. Then he returned to his
harass the Israelites. 52 He also fortified the own country and never came back again to
cities of Beth-zur, Gazara and the Citadel, the territory of Judea. 73 So there was peace
and placed troops in each of them with sup- in Israel, and Jonathan resided in Michmash
plies of provisions. 53 He took the sons of the where he began to govern the land, and the
leaders of the land as hostages and impris- renegades disappeared from Israel.
oned them in the Citadel of Jerusalem.
54 War between Alexander Balas and
In the year one hundred and fifty-three Demetrius
(159 B.C.), in the second month, Alcimus
1
ordered the demolition of the wall of the inner In the year one hundred and sixty
court of the temple. This meant no less than 10 (152 B.C.), Alexander Epiphanes, son
destroying the work of the prophets. 55 Al- of Antiochus, sailed for Ptolemais and occu-
cimus did in fact begin the demolition but pied it. He was well received and he began to
soon after suffered a stroke, so the work was reign. 2 When Demetrius heard this, he as-
suspended. Alcimus was no longer able to sembled a very large army and marched out
speak, not even to rule over his household. to fight him. 3 At the same time, he sent a
 1 MACCABEES 10 536
22
letter of friendship to Jonathan and offered When Demetrius heard what had hap-
him vast power, 4 for Demetrius thought: “Let pened, he was greatly displeased and said,
23
us make the first move in making peace with “What have we done that Alexander is
him before he makes peace with Alexander ahead of us in gaining the friendship of the
against us, 5 remembering all the wrongs we Jews? 24 I will also write them kind words and
have done to him, his brothers and his na- promise them honor and gifts to win them to
tion.” my side.” 25 So he wrote to the Jews:
6
So Demetrius authorized Jonathan to “King Demetrius greets the Jewish nation.
organize an army and manufacture arms; he 26
You have kept your agreement with us and
named him his ally and ordered the release of have remained our friends, and have not
the hostages who were in the Citadel of joined our enemies. We have heard of it and
Jerusalem. 7 Jonathan went at once to so we rejoice. 27 Therefore, continue to be
Jerusalem and read the letter before all the faithful and we will grant you privileges in
people and those in the Citadel. 8 They were return for all you do on our behalf. 28 I will free
afraid when they heard that the king had the Jews from many taxes and grant them
authorized Jonathan to organize a great royal privileges and exemptions. 29 From now
9:53
army, 9 and they released the hostages to on and forever, I now free all Jews from
Jonathan who handed them back to their payment of tribute, salt dues and crown lev-
families. 10 Jonathan resided in Jerusalem ies. 30 I give up from this day and henceforth
and began rebuilding and restoring the city. the third of the harvest and half of the fruit of
11
6:62 He commanded the builders to build the the trees which I have the right to exact from
12:35 walls and the defenses of Mount Zion with the region of Judea and the three districts
hewn stones. And they did so. annexed to it from Samaria and Galilee.
12
9:50 Then all the foreigners who stayed in the 31
From this day on and for all time, Jerusa-
fortresses built by Bacchides began to flee, lem shall be a Holy City and be free with all its
13
each of them abandoning his post and territory, with the right to collect tithes and
returning to his own land. 14 Only at Beth-zur tributes. 32 I also give up control of the Citadel
did some who had abandoned the Law and of Jerusalem and turn it over to the High
the precepts remain, since this was like a Priest that he may choose the men he wants
place of refuge. to defend it. 33 I grant freedom without ransom
• 15 King Alexander was informed of the to all the captives taken from Judea into any
part of my kingdom. I free everyone from the
promises Demetrius had made to Jonathan;
taxes they owe me for their livestock.
he was also given an account of the battles
34
and exploits of Jonathan and his brothers and All feasts, sabbaths, new moons, spe-
the trials they had endured. 16 So Alexander cial days and the three holy days before and
declared: “Shall we ever find another man after a feast shall be days of exemption for all
like him? Let us make him our ally and the Jews in my kingdom. 35 No one shall have
friend.” 17 And he wrote him a letter: 18 “King the right to pursue or molest them for any
Alexander to our brother Jonathan, peace. motive whatsoever. 36 I also decree that they
19
We have heard of you, that you are a valiant be accepted into the king’s army to the
man and most worthy of our friendship. number of thirty thousand Jews who shall
20
Therefore, we now appoint you High Priest receive the same salary as the rest of the
of your nation and bestow on you the title king’s forces. 37 Some of them shall be sta-
Friend of the King (he also sent him a purple tioned at the king’s fortresses, and positions
robe and a golden crown). So we invite you to of trust shall be given to some of them; their
watch over our interests and maintain officers shall be chosen from among them-
friendly relations with us.” selves and they will live according to their
21
This is why in the seventh month of the laws as the king has prescribed in the land of
year one hundred and sixty (152 B.C.), on the Judea.
38
occasion of the feast of Tabernacles, The three districts of Samaria annexed
Jonathan put on the sacred vestments. He to Judea shall be considered part of Jewish
also recruited troops and manufactured a territory; to avoid any conflict of power, these
great quantity of arms. shall be subject to no authority other than that

• 10.15 Jonathan represents the Jews be- Demetrius. This starts a moral crisis for the Jews
fore Alexander, but with what title? The Jews since no one could proclaim himself high priest,
had not had a king since the Exile, and what is but became one only through family rights (see
more, they would not have accepted any king Lev 8).
who was not a descendant of David. Since the
time of Ezra and Nehemiah, priests ruled over Jonathan’s appointment caused division
the Jewish community. So Jonathan must be the among the most religious Jews. Many opposed
High Priest and to be able to represent the him, among whom were the Hasideans (7:13)
Jewish people, he is to receive this charge from who would later give rise to the Pharisees.
 537 1 MACCABEES 10

10:1
of the High Priest. 39 I give the city of Pto- have proposed. But meet me in Ptolemais.
lemais and its territory as a gift to the temple There we shall see one another and I will
of Jerusalem to cover the expenses of public receive you as my son-in-law as you have
worship. 40 Henceforth, I will give fifteen thou- requested.”
57
sand pieces of silver annually for the mainte- Ptolemy left Egypt with his daughter
nance of the temple which shall be taken Cleopatra in the year one hundred and sixty-
from the royal revenues from appropriate two, and arrived at Ptolemais. 58 Alexander
places. 41 Moreover, I give all that should have went to meet him, and Ptolemy gave him his
been paid to me by the administrators in daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her wed-
previous years. ding with great splendor as kings do.
42
In addition, I also remit the five thousand
Political liability of Jonathan
pieces of silver levied every year from the
tributes to the temple, and give them to the • 59 King Alexander also wrote to Jon-
priests in charge of public worship. 43 Anyone athan to come and meet him. 60 So Jonathan
who takes refuge in the temple of Jerusalem went to Ptolemais with great pomp and met
or in any of its enclosures because of his debt the two kings. Then he gave them and their
on royal taxes or because of any other debt, Friends much silver and gold and many other
shall not be disturbed and his possessions gifts. 61 The renegades, the pest of Israel,
anywhere in my kingdom shall be duly pro- gathered together to accuse Jonathan, but
tected. the king paid no attention to them. 62 The king
44
Ezra Finally, the cost of rebuilding or restor- even gave orders that Jonathan remove his
6:4 ing the sanctuary shall be passed on to the garment and be clothed in purple and it was
king’s account, 45 as well as the expenses of done. 63 The king also seated him by his side,
reconstructing the walls of Jerusalem, the and said to his captains: “Go with him into the
fortification of its defenses and the construc- center of the city and proclaim that no one is
tion of the walls in the cities of Judea.” to accuse Jonathan under any pretext, and
46
When Jonathan and the people heard no one is to molest him for any reason.”
64
such proposals, they did not believe or ac- When his accusers saw the public honor
cept them, for they remembered the great given to Jonathan and that he was clothed in
wrongs Demetrius had done to Israel and the purple, they all fled. 65 The king did him great
ill-treatment to which he had subjected them. honor and enrolled him among his first
47
They decided in favor of Alexander, for he Friends, and appointed him general and gov-
was the first to propose peace, and they ernor. 66 So Jonathan returned to Jerusalem
became his faithful allies. 48 King Alexander happy and secure.
67
assembled a great army and encamped op- In the year one hundred and sixty-five
posite Demetrius. 49 The two kings met in (147 B.C.), Demetrius the son of Demetrius,
battle and the army of Demetrius was routed. returned from Crete to the land of his ances-
Alexander pursued him until Demetrius was tors. 68 When King Alexander heard of it, he
defeated. 50 The battle lasted until sunset, and was so greatly disturbed that he returned to
on that day Demetrius died. Antioch. 69 Demetrius took his general Apol-
51
Then Alexander sent messengers to lonius, the governor of Coele-Syria, who as-
Ptolemy the king of Egypt with the following sembled a large force. He encamped at
message: 52 “I am now again in my kingdom Jamnia and sent the following message to
and have assumed power after defeating Jonathan, the high priest:
Demetrius and all his army. 53 Now I occupy 70
“Are you the only one who resists our
the throne of my ancestors as master of all the authority? And am I to be ridiculed because of
land. Let us be friends. 54 Give me your you? Why do you stand against our authority
daughter in marriage, and I will become your in your mountains? 71 If you have confidence
son-in-law, and I will give you, and her, gifts in your forces, come down to the plain and let
worthy of you.” us measure each other’s strength there, for I
55
King Ptolemy replied as follows: have with me the army of the cities.
72
“Blessed be the day when you returned to the Inquire and find out who I am and who
land of your ancestors and ascended to their are those who support me. Men will tell you
throne! 56 I will without delay do for you as you that you cannot resist us, for your fathers

• 59. Jonathan gets more and more involved the fact that they will find temptations and errors
in politics and this chapter does not hide how among many unscrupulous people. The Church
dirty politics can be, the way it is usually prac- herself, however, must be careful not to go back
ticed. What was said earlier about Judas is to seeking success through a compromise with
confirmed (9:1); the time to restore a kingdom of partisan forces, since her own mission cannot be
God which would be a nation among nations has confused with partisan politics. Moreover, the
gone. Church does not divide people into good and
The mission of Christians is to be involved in bad, friends or enemies, according to their posi-
politics as yeast among the masses, in spite of tions in social struggles.
1 MACCABEES 10 538

were twice defeated on their own land. 73 Nor tioned garrisons in them. 4 When he reached
will you be able to withstand the cavalry and Azotus, he was shown the burnt temple of
so great an army on the plain, where there are Dagon, Azotus and its surroundings in ruins,
no stones or rocks offering a refuge.” the scattered corpses that had been aban-
74
When Jonathan heard Apollonius’ mes- doned, and the charred remains of those
sage, he was greatly aroused. So he left whom Jonathan burned to death in the battle,
Jerusalem with ten thousand picked men, piled in heaps along the king’s way.
and his brother Simon came to his help. 5
They recounted to King Ptolemy every-
75
They encamped near Joppa, but the in- thing Jonathan had done. They were hoping
habitants of the city closed the gates to them, that the king would disapprove, but he said
as Apollonius had a garrison there. 76 So nothing. 6 Jonathan went with great pomp to
Jonathan gave the order to attack. The peo- Joppa to meet the king. They greeted each
ple in the city were so afraid that they opened other and spent the night there. 7 On the
the gates to him, and Jonathan occupied following day, Jonathan accompanied the
Joppa. 77 When Apollonius learned of it, he king as far as the Eleutherus river, and then
mobilized three thousand cavalry and a large returned to Jerusalem. 8 King Ptolemy for his
army. Then he set out towards Azotus, pre- part seized the coastal cities as far as
tending to march through the land, but in fact Deleucia by the sea, for he had made plans
his troops were spreading out in the direction against King Alexander. 9 He sent this mes-
of the plain, since he had a great number of sage to Demetrius: “Come and let us forge an
cavalry on which he relied. 78 Jonathan pur- alliance. I will give you my daughter who was
sued him towards Azotus and they began to married to Alexander, and you will reign on
fight. 79 Apollonius had left a thousand picked the throne of your fathers. 10 The fact is I now
horsemen hidden behind Jonathan, 80 but regret having given him my daughter, for he
Jonathan was informed of the ambush. has tried to kill me.” 11 He accused Alexander
The horsemen surrounded Jonathan’s because he wanted to take his kingdom.
12
men and shot their arrows from morning till Ptolemy took his daughter away and gave
evening. 81 But the Israelites faced them as her to Demetrius. In this way, his enmity
Jonathan had commanded until the horses of towards Alexander became public. 13 Ptol-
the enemy tired. Once the cavalry were ex- emy then entered Antioch and took for him-
hausted, 82 Simon and his men advanced and self the crown of Asia. So he held two king-
attacked the infantry. The enemy was de- doms: the kingdom of Egypt and the king-
feated and fled. dom of Asia.
83
The cavalry scattered over the plain and 14
At that time, Alexander was in Cilicia
those who fled went to Azotus, where they trying to quell a rebellion. 15 When he heard
entered the temple of Dagon, their idol, to what had happened, he returned to fight
save their lives. 84 But Jonathan set fire to Ptolemy. Ptolemy went out to meet him in
Azotus and the surrounding towns, and plun- battle with a strong army, and Alexander was
dered them. He also burned down the temple defeated. 16 As he fled to Arabia and sought
of Dagon with all who had taken refuge in it. refuge there, 17 Zabdiel the Arab cut his head
85
There were about eight thousand men who off and sent it to Ptolemy. 18 But after three
either fell by the sword or were burned to days, Ptolemy died, and immediately the
death. 86 Jonathan then left for Askalon Egyptian soldiers who guarded the fortified
where the inhabitants received him with great cities were killed by the local inhabitants. 19 In
honor. 87 From there, Jonathan and his men this way, Demetrius became king in the year
returned to Jerusalem laden with booty. one hundred and sixty-seven (145 B.C.).
88
When King Alexander heard what had 20
In those days, Jonathan assembled the
happened, he bestowed new honors on Jewish army to attack the Citadel in Jerusa-
Jonathan. 89 He sent him a golden brooch lem which was occupied by the Syrians, and
which is usually given to the kinsmen of he prepared many siege engines. 21 But some
kings. He also gave him Ekron and all its wicked men who were traitors to their coun-
territory as his possession. try, informed the king. 22 When the king heard
of it, he became angry and immediately set
1
But the king of Egypt assembled an out for Ptolemias. From there he wrote to
11 army as numerous as the sands of the Jonathan telling him to stop the siege and to
seashore, with many ships, for he intended to come to see him as soon as possible.
23
trick Alexander, take his kingdom and add it Jonathan received the message, but he
to his own. 2 He went to Syria with words of ordered the siege to continue. Then he de-
peace, and the inhabitants of the cities cided to risk himself, and went to see the king
opened their gates to him. They came out to with the elders and priests of Israel. 24 Bring-
meet him, as Alexander had ordered, 3 be- ing gold, silver, fine garments and other pre-
cause Ptolemy was his father-in-law. But as sents, they went before the king in Ptolemias
soon as Ptolemy entered the cities, he sta- and won him over. 25 Some traitors accused
 539 1 MACCABEES 11

them. 26 But the king in the presence of all his your people, but as soon as I have the occa-
Friends treated Jonathan as kings before had sion to do so. 43 For the present, you would do
treated him. 27 He confirmed Jonathan’s of- well to send me reinforcements, for all my
fice as high priest with all the privileges he soldiers have deserted me.”
already had. And he numbered him among 44
Jonathan sent off three thousand valiant
his first Friends. men to Antioch; they presented themselves
28
10:30 Jonathan asked the king to exempt before the king, and this made him very
Judea and the three districts of Samaria from happy. 45 About a hundred and twenty thou-
taxes, and promised him three hundred tal- sand rebel inhabitants gathered at the center
ents in return. 29 The king agreed and wrote to of the city intending to do away with the king.
Jonathan regarding the matter in these 46
Demetrius took refuge in the palace while
terms: 30 “King Demetrius to Jonathan, to his the residents occupied the streets of the city
brothers and to the whole Jewish nation, and began to attack. 47 The king then called
peace. 31 We are sending you a copy of the on the Jews to help him, and the Jews rallied
letter we have written to our kinsman round him. Then they spread out through the
Lasthenes that you may know: 32 King city and killed a hundred thousand men on
Demetrius greets his kinsman Lasthenes. that day. 48 They burned the city, seized a
33
Because of their fidelity to us, we have great deal of plunder, and saved the king.
decided to grant favors to the Jewish nation, 49
The Jews took control of the city. And the
who are our friends and who fulfill their obli- inhabitants were so discouraged that they
gations to us. We wish to reward their fidelity. begged the king, 50 “Forgive us and stop the
34
We confirm the possession of the territory Jews from maltreating us and the city.”
of Judea and the three regions of Aphairema, 51
They threw down their arms and made
Kydda and Ramathaim which have been peace. With this, the Jews merited the admi-
annexed to Judea from Samaria, with all their ration of the king and they became famous
dependencies. And to all who go up to Jeru- throughout the kingdom. Then they returned
salem to offer sacrifice, we grant exemption to Jerusalem laden with booty. 52 But when
from the tax the king formerly received from Demetrius felt secure on his throne and the
them annually until now, from the produce of land was in peace, 53 he forgot his promises
the soil and from the fruit of the trees. and changed his attitude towards Jonathan.
35
In the same way, they shall also be He did not treat him with the same kindness
exempt from the other taxes due to us, espe- as he had done before, but began to treat him
cially from the taxes on the produce of the salt very harshly.
mines, and the gold crowns they formerly 54
After this Trypho came back with
offered us. 36 None of these privileges shall Antiochus who was still a boy. He was pro-
ever be annulled. 37 Have a copy of this de- claimed and crowned king, 55 and the troops
cree made and delivered to Jonathan to be discharged by Demetrius rallied to him and
displayed on the Holy Mountain in a con- fought against Demetrius who had to flee.
spicuous place.” 56
Trypho seized the elephants and occupied
38
King Demetrius was able to place the Antioch.
57
kingdom under his rule and no one dared Then the young Antiochus sent Jon-
oppose him, so he dismissed his army, sent athan this letter: “I confirm your office as High
all the men back to their homes, except the Priest and make you governor of four dis-
foreign troops he had recruited from the tricts, and I include you among the Friends of
islands of the pagans. And this drew the the King.” 58 He sent him a service of gold
hatred of all the troops who had served his plate, and granted him the right to drink from
fathers. 39 Then Trypho, one of Alexander’s gold vessels and to be clothed in purple and
former supporters, took advantage of the wear the golden brooch. 59 He also appointed
army’s discontent with Demetrius. He went to Jonathan’s brother Simon as general from
Iamleku the Arab who was in charge of the the Ladder of Tyre to the frontiers of Egypt.
education of Antiochus, the son of 60
Jonathan then began to make rounds of
Alexander. 40 Trypho persuaded him to hand the region and the cities on the western side
the boy over to him in order to restore of the Euphrates. The whole Syrian army
Antiochus to the throne of his father. He told came to his aid. He came to Askalon and the
him of all the decisions of Demetrius and the inhabitants of that city went out to receive
resentment of his soldiers towards him. And him with full honors. 61 From there he went to
Trypho spent a long time there. Gaza, but the people there closed their gates
41
Meanwhile, Jonathan asked King on him. So Jonathan laid siege to it and
Demetrius to withdraw the troops from the burned the suburbs of the city, plundering
Citadel in Jerusalem and to call back the everything. 62 Then the people of Gaza sought
garrisons from the fortresses, since they were peace, and he made peace with them. But he
always fighting Israel. 42 Demetrius answered took the sons of their elders as hostages and
him, “Not only will I do this for you and for sent them away to Jerusalem. Then he trav-
 1 MACCABEES 11 540

eled through the province until he reached our consolation in our Sacred Books, 10 we
Damascus. 63 Jonathan then received news have decided to send ambassadors to you to
that the generals of Demetrius were in renew our fraternal bonds and friendship in
Kadesh of Galilee with a great army and order not to become strangers to you, for it
planned to capture him. 64 Leaving his has been a long time since you wrote us.
brother Simon in Judea, he went out to meet 11
For our part, we constantly remember
them in battle. 65 Simon encamped against you in all circumstances, on special days, in
Beth-zur and laid siege to it for many days. the sacrifices we offer, as well as in our
66
The inhabitants sued for peace, which he prayers; for it is but right and proper to
granted them. But he expelled them from the remember our brothers 12 and greatly rejoice
city and occupied it, and stationed a garrison at your prosperity and fame. 13 For our part,
there. we have been involved in many trials, in
67
Meanwhile, Jonathan encamped with misery and wars, for neighboring kings have
his army by the waters of Gennesaret; then attacked us. 14 However, we did not want to be
early in the morning, they went to the plain of a burden to you or to the rest of our allies and
Hazor. 68 The army of the pagans went out to friends during these wars, 15 for our help
confront them on the plain, after laying an comes from Heaven. Finally we have been
ambush for him in the mountains. 69 As they freed from our enemies who have been
advanced directly towards the Jews, the men humbled.
in ambush broke cover and began to attack. 16
So we have chosen Numenius, son of
70
2Mac The men of Jonathan’s side fled. And only Antiochus, and Antipater, son of Jason, and
11:17 Mattathias, the son of Absalom, and Judas, sent them to the Romans to renew our former
the son of Chalphi, the leaders of his army friendship and alliance with them. 17 We have
remained with him. 71 At this, Jonathan tore also ordered them to go to you, greet you and
his garments, put dust on his head, and deliver this letter to you on our behalf, with
prayed. 72 Then he faced his attackers, de- which we wish to renew our alliance. 18 We
feated them and put them to flight. shall be glad to receive a favorable re-
73
So the troops who had abandoned him sponse.”
came back to his side, and together they 19
This is a copy of the letter which Onias
pursued the enemies as far as Kadesh where had received: 20 “Areios, king of the Spartans,
the enemy camp was, and there they, too, to Onias the High Priest. 21 We have found in
pitched camp. 74 About three thousand pa- one of our documents that the Spartans and
gans perished that day. Then Jonathan re- the Jews are brothers, for both are of the race
turned to Jerusalem. of Abraham. 22 Now that we have come to
know this, we shall be grateful if you send us
Jonathan renews the alliances with the
Spartans and Romans
news of your welfare. 23 And we say this to
you: our livestock and our possessions are
1
Jonathan saw that circumstances yours, and similarly all that are yours are
12 were to his advantage. So he chose ours. This is what we have instructed our
men and sent them to Rome to confirm and envoys to say to you.”
renew the alliance of friendship with the Ro- 24
Jonathan learned that the generals of
mans. 2 He also sent letters to the Spartans Demetrius had come to attack him with a
and to other places for this same purpose. larger army than before. 25 So he left Jerusa-
3
Those who went to Rome entered the Senate lem at once and went to face them in the
and delivered this message: “The High Priest country of Hamath, so as not to give them
Jonathan and the Jewish nation have sent us time to invade his own land. 26 He sent spies
to renew with you the friendship and alliance to their camp, and on their return, they told
that formerly united us.” 4 The Senate gave him that the enemy planned to attack them
them letters of recommendation to the au- during the night.
thorities of each region, enabling them to 27
So, at sunset, Jonathan ordered his men
journey safely back to the land of Judah. to keep watch throughout the night with their
5
This is a copy of the letter Jonathan wrote weapons at hand, ready to fight. And he
to the Spartans: 6 “Jonathan, High Priest, the posted guards around the camp. 28 When the
senate of the nation, the priests and the whole enemies learned that Jonathan was keeping
country of the Jews, to the people of Sparta, watch with his troops and ready for battle,
2Mac their brothers: peace. 7 In the past, our high they were afraid and discouraged; for this
5:9 priest Onias received from Areios, your king, reason, they kindled fires in their camp and
a letter stating that you are indeed our broth- fled. 29 But neither Jonathan nor his army
ers, as the enclosed copy attests. 8 Onias knew of their withdrawal until morning, for
received the envoy with great honor and they saw the fires burning the whole night.
accepted the letter which clearly spoke of 30
Jonathan pursued them but was not able to
friendship and alliance. catch up with them, for they had crossed the
9
Though we are not in need, for we have Eleutherus river.
 541 1 MACCABEES 12
31
So Jonathan went back against the Ar- homes and remain here with some of
abs called Zabadeans, defeated them and them. Then you will come with me to
plundered them. 32 After breaking camp, he
went to Damascus and traveled throughout the city of Ptolemais because I wish to
the region. Meanwhile, 33 Simon had also set hand it over to you, as well as the other
out and gone as far as Askalon and the fortresses and to place the rest of the
neighboring fortresses. He then proceeded to
Joppa and occupied it, 34 for he had heard troops and their officers at your dis-
that the inhabitants of that city planned to posal. Then, I will return home, for I
hand the Citadel over to the supporters of have come only for this.”
Demetrius. And he stationed a garrison there 46
Jonathan believed him and did as
to hold it.
35
On returning, Jonathan summoned the
Trypho had asked him. He dismissed
elders of the people. The assembly decided his men who then returned to the land
to build fortresses in Judea, 36 to make the of Judea, 47 and three thousand men
11:20 walls of Jerusalem still higher, and to erect a remained with him. Of these, he left two
barrier between the Citadel and the city, to
separate it from the city and to isolate it and thousand in Galilee and only a thou-
prevent its defenders from going out to buy or sand accompanied him. 48 But as soon
sell. 37 They also held an assembly to rebuild as they had entered Ptolemais, the in-
the city. Part of the wall over a rushing stream habitants closed the gates. They seized
had fallen and they built up a new wall they
called Chapthenatha. 38 Simon rebuilt Adida him and killed all who had come with
in the Shephelah, fortified it and erected him.
barred gates in it. 49
Trypho sent troops and cavalry to
39
Trypho wanted to reign in Asia, and to Galilee and to the Great Plain to wipe
do away with King Antiochus in order to be
king himself. 40 But he feared that Jonathan out all of Jonathan’s men. 50 On re-
might not allow him to do so, and might even ceiving the news that Jonathan and his
come to attack him. He set out and came to companions had been seized and
Bethshan. 41 At once Jonathan went out to killed, his soldiers encouraged one an-
meet him with forty thousand men, and he,
too, came to Bethshan. other and prepared to face their pursu-
ers. 51 When their enemy saw them
Jonathan is taken by deceit ready to fight for their lives, they turned
• 42 When Trypho saw that Jonathan back. 52 So the men of Jonathan
had come with a large army, he was reached the land of Judea safe and
afraid to begin the assault. 43 So he re- sound. They wept for Jonathan and his
ceived Jonathan with honor, presented companions and they were discour-
him to all his Friends, gave him gifts, aged. And all Israel was in mourning.
and instructed his Friends and his 53
Then all the neighboring nations
troops to obey Jonathan as they planned to destroy them on seeing that
obeyed him. 44 Then he asked Jona- they were now without leader or ally.
than, “Why have you bothered to come And the pagans said: “This is now the
with so many men? Are we perhaps opportunity to wipe out the remem-
enemies? 45 Send them back to their brance of them from humankind.”
• 12.42 After Judas and two of his brothers, peated in history. To that effect, see 14:41-47;
Jonathan dies in the war for liberation. Simon, 15:32.
the last of the brothers replaces him.
The book continues with the story of Simon’s When Jesus comes one hundred and fifty
rule and deeds until the year 134 B.C. when he years later, Simon’s descendants will be the chief
is murdered. priests, the most materialistic group among the
Simon is successful in his wars. He is very Jews (the Sadducees); Caiaphas, who con-
clever in taking advantage of the rivalries among demned Jesus, was one of them.
the various kings struggling to settle in the Note what is briefly mentioned in 13:41-42
kingdom of Persia. His victories and the peace and in 15:3. After four centuries of dependence,
which he achieved will dampen the enthusiasm the Jews become a nation once again. This new
for the faith which had started the war for and exalting experience explains why, a century
liberation. Simon, the liberator, becomes Simon and a half later, in Jesus’ day, they could not
the dictator at the end of a process often re- stand Roman domination.
 1 MACCABEES 13 542
Simon succeeds Jonathan go, but it snowed so heavily that night that he
1
Simon heard that Trypho had as- was not able to go. So he left for Gilead, 23 and
13 sembled a great army to invade Judea when he approached Baskama he killed
and devastate it. 2 As the people were fright- Jonathan and buried him there. 24 Then
ened and apprehensive, he went up to Trypho returned to his own land. 25 Simon
Jerusalem. 3 There he called the people to- sent men to look for the remains of Jonathan,
1K gether and encouraged them with this exhor- his brother, and he buried him in Modein, the
19:10
tation: city of their fathers. 26 All Israel deeply
“All of you know what I, my brothers, and mourned and wept for Jonathan for many
the family of my father have done for the laws days.
27
and for the Holy Place. You also know the Simon built a monument over the tomb
wars and the hardships we endured. 4 All my of his fathers and brothers, high enough to be
brothers died for Israel and now I alone am seen even from afar, with the back and front
left. 5 God forbid that I should seek my own covered with marble. 28 He erected seven
safety when things go wrong! For my life is pyramids facing each other, for his father and
not of more worth than the lives of my broth- mother and his four brothers. 29 He sur-
ers. Now that all the nations have united in rounded the pyramids with great columns,
their hatred in order to destroy us, 6 I will and he had trophies of arms carved upon the
defend my nation and the Holy Place, your columns as a lasting remembrance; and be-
wives and your children.” side the armor, sculptured ships were to be
7
All were encouraged with these words seen by all who sailed the sea. 30 This is the
8
and they exclaimed in a loud voice: “Be our tomb he constructed in Modein and it is still
leader in place of Judas and your brother there today.
31
Jonathan. 9 Lead us in the war and we will Trypho treated the young King Anti-
obey your commands.” ochus in bad faith, and put him to death. 32 He
10
So Simon assembled all the men able to then made himself king in his place, put on
fight and hastened to finish building the walls the crown of Asia and caused great havoc in
of Jerusalem, which was fortified on all sides. the country.
33
11
Then he sent Jonathan, son of Absalom, Now Simon rebuilt the fortresses of Ju-
11:70
12:33 with a strong army to Joppa. They drove out dea, surrounded them with high towers and
those who occupied it and remained there. great walls with barred gates, and stored food
12
Meanwhile, Trypho left Ptolemais with a in them.
34
large army to invade Judea, taking Jonathan Simon chose men whom he sent to King
with him as prisoner. 13 Simon encamped in Demetrius in his attempt to obtain tax ex-
Adida facing the plain. 14 But when Trypho emption for the region, on the grounds that all
learned that Simon had taken command in that Trypho did was to plunder. 35 King
place of his brother Jonathan and was pre- Demetrius responded favorably to his re-
pared to fight him, he sent some envoys to quest and wrote to him as follows,
36
him with this message: 15 “We have in our “King Demetrius greets Simon, High
custody your brother Jonathan because of Priest and Friend of the King, the elders and
the money he owes to the royal treasury for the Jewish nation. 37 We have received the 2Mac
the offices he held. 16 So, send a hundred golden crowns and the palm you have sent us 14:4
talents of silver and two of his sons as hos- and we are disposed to make a lasting peace
tages lest he slip away when we release him, with you, and to write to the officials to grant
and come back against us. Then we shall let you remission of your debts. 38 All our con-
him go.” cessions in your favor are definitive and the
17
Simon knew that Trypho was deceiving fortresses you have built are yours.
39
him, but he still sent for the money and the Moreover, we pardon all errors and of-
boys so as not to draw upon himself the anger fenses committed to this day, as well as the
of the people of Israel who might say: 18 “They crown tax you owe. From now on, any other
killed Jonathan because Simon refused to tax that used to be paid in Jerusalem shall no
send Trypho the money and the boys.” 19 He longer be collected. 40 If any of your men are
therefore sent the boys and the hundred qualified to enlist in our army, they can do so.
talents, but Trypho broke his word and did And let peace reign between us.”
41
not set Jonathan free. So, in the year one hundred and seventy
20
After this, Trypho advanced to invade (142 B.C.), Israel became free from the yoke
Judea and plunder it. He moved along the of the pagans. 42 They began to write in their
way to Adora, but Simon and his army kept documents and contracts, “In the first year of
confronting him wherever he went. 21 Then Simon, high priest, general and leader of the
the men in the Citadel sent messengers to Jews.”
43
Trypho urging him to come at once to their In those days, Simon encamped against
rescue by way of the desert and to bring them Gazard and surrounded it with his army. He
food. 22 Trypho prepared his entire cavalry to constructed a mobile tower, brought it up to
 543 1 MACCABEES 14

the city, attacked and occupied one tower. everything pagan that was in it. No one was
44
Then the men of the mobile tower entered able to resist him.
the city, causing great dismay. 8
The inhabitants tilled their fields in peace; Zec
45
The inhabitants with their wives and the land gave its grain and the trees their fruit. 8:4
9
children went up on the walls, tore their The elders sat at ease in the squares and
garments, cried out in a loud voice to Simon talked of their welfare, while the young men
and sought peace. 46 They said to him, “Treat wore finery and armor. 10 He supplied the
6:58 us not as our wickedness deserves, but ac- cities with food and made them into strong-
cording to your mercy.” 47 Simon was rec- holds, until his fame spread out to the ends of
onciled with them and did not treat them the earth. 11 He established peace in the land
according to the rigor of war. But he expelled and Israel knew great joy. 12 Each one sat Mic
4:4
them from the city and purified the houses under the shade of his vine and his fig tree,
where idols were kept. He then entered the with no one to disturb him. 13 There was no
city singing hymns of thanksgiving. one in the land to fight them, for the kings had
48
After cleansing it from all its impurity, he been defeated. 14 He raised up the humble Zep
settled in it men who observed the Law. He among his people, he observed the Law and 3:12
fortified it and built a house there for himself. cleared out the renegades and the wicked.
15
49
The men who occupied the Citadel in He restored the splendor of the Temple and
Jerusalem could no longer come out or go increased the number of its sacred vessels.
16
into Jewish territory to buy or sell. So they When the news of Jonathan’s death
were desperately in need of food, many of reached Rome and Sparta, these people, too,
them dying of hunger. 50 They begged Simon were deeply grieved. 17 But as soon as they
for peace, and he granted it to them. But he heard that his brother Simon had succeeded
expelled them from there and cleansed the him as High Priest and was in command of the
Citadel from all that reminded them of the country and the cities in it, 18 they wrote to
presence of the pagans. 51 On the twenty- him on bronze sheets to renew the alliance
third day of the second month of the year one and friendship they had made with his broth-
hundred and seventy-one (141 B.C.), the ers Judas and Jonathan.
19
Jews entered it with songs and palm The letter was read in Jerusalem before
branches to the accompaniment of zithers, the whole assembly. 20 This is a copy of the
cymbals and harps, and with hymns and letter sent by the Spartans,
songs, for a great plague had been crushed “The leaders and the people of Sparta to
and removed from Israel. 52 Simon decreed Simon, High Priest, and to the elders, to the
that this day be celebrated as a day of annual priests and to all the Jewish people, their
rejoicing. He strengthened the fortifications brothers: greetings. 21 The envoys you sent to
of the Temple hill by the side of the military our people informed us of the successes and
Citadel, and dwelt there with his men. prosperity of your nation. We rejoiced at their
53
John, son of Simon, had come to man- coming. 22 We have recorded their declara- 12:16
hood, so his father appointed him general in tion in our public acts as follows: ‘Numenius,
command of all the troops, and John lived in son of Antiochus, and Antipater, son of Ja-
Gazara. son, ambassadors of the Jews – have come to
renew their relationship with us. 23 It has been
Simon rules victoriously over Judah a pleasure for the people to receive them with
1
In the year one hundred and seventy- honor and deposit a copy of their statement
14 two, King Demetrius assembled his in the public archives as a remembrance for
army and marched into Media to look for help the people of Sparta.’ And they made a copy
in order to fight Trypho. 2 Arsaces, king of of all this for the High Priest Simon.”
24
Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius had After this, Simon sent Numenius to
entered his territory, so he sent one of his Rome with a large gold shield weighing a
generals to capture him alive. 3 The general thousand minas to confirm their alliance with
went and defeated the army of Demetrius, the Romans.
seized him and brought him to Arsaces, who 25
When the people came to know these
put him in prison. events, they said, “What favor can we do for
4
Judea had peace as long as Simon lived. Simon and his sons? 26 It was he and his
He worked for the well-being of his country; brothers and the family of their fathers who
his rule pleased the people, and he enjoyed strengthened the resistance; they have
much renown as long as he lived. 5 To add to fought the enemies of Israel and restored its
his glory, he took Joppa and made it a harbor, freedom.” 27 So they engraved an inscription
opening a way to communicate with the on bronze sheets and set it up on pillars on
islands of the sea. 6 He extended the frontiers Mount Zion. This is a copy of the text:
of his land and was lord of his nation. 7 He “On the eighteenth day of the month Elul,
brought back many captives, conquered in the year one hundred and seventy-two, the
Gazard, Beth-zur and the Citadel and cast out third year of Simon, the High Priest, 28 in the
 1 MACCABEES 14 544

grand assembly of the priests of Israel, the 43 10:89

They also wanted everyone to 11:58
leaders of the nation and the elders of the obey him, that all documents of the
people, the following was proclaimed:
29
“During the frequent wars for freedom in nation bear his name and that he be
our land, Simon, the son of Mattathias, a clothed in purple and wear golden or-
priest from the family of Joarib, and his naments.
brothers risked their lives and stood up 44
None of the people or the priests
against the enemies of their nation to pre-
serve the Holy Place and the Law, and shall be allowed to act contrary to these
brought eternal glory to their nation. provisions or contradict his orders, or
30
Jonathan rallied the nation, and became convene a public assembly without his
the High Priest, and then rested with his consent, or be clothed in purple, or
fathers. 31 The enemies of the Jews then
planned to invade their land in order to de- wear the golden brooch. 45 Whoever op-
stroy their Holy Place. 32 So Simon arose to poses these decisions or violates any of
fight for his nation. He spent much of his own these shall be liable to punishment.”
wealth to procure arms and to pay the salary 46
of the soldiers of his nation. All the people agreed to grant
33
He fortified the cities of Judah and Beth- Simon the right to act in accordance
zur on the frontiers of Judea, where the en- with these provisions. 47 And Simon ac-
emy arsenal had been and he stationed a cepted and agreed to assume the office
Jewish garrison there. 34 He also fortified
Joppa by the sea, and Gazara on the borders of High Priest and to be the general and
of Azotus, which was formerly inhabited by leader of the Jews and of the priests,
enemies, and established Jewish colonies and to preside over all.
there, providing them with all they needed. 48
They decided that this decree be
35
The people saw Simon’s faith and the glory
he had resolved to win for his nation. They engraved on bronze sheets and set up
made him their commander and High Priest in a conspicuous place in the sacred
because of the services he rendered, the enclosure, 49 and that copies be depos-
justice and faithfulness he showed to his
nation, and because he sought in every way ited in the Temple treasury and made
to increase the honor of his people. available to Simon and his sons.
36
In his days, the Jews managed to root
1
out the pagans from their land, especially Antiochus, son of King Demetrius,
from the city of David, Jerusalem, where they
15 sent from the islands of the sea to
had built a Citadel from which they went out Simon, the High Priest and leader of the Jews,
to profane the surroundings of the temple and and to the whole nation, 2 the following letter:
to violate its holiness. 37 He settled Jewish “King Antiochus to Simon, high priest and
soldiers in it and fortified it for the security of leader, and to the Jewish nation: peace!
3
the region and the city, and built the walls of Since wicked men have seized the king-
Jerusalem higher. 38 And for this, King Deme- dom of our ancestors, I now intend to recover
trius confirmed him in his office as High it and to reestablish it as it was before. I have
Priest, 39 made him one of his Friends and gathered a very large army and have
bestowed high honors on him, 40 for he had equipped warships 4 to make a landing in the
heard that the Romans had considered the country and take revenge on those who dev-
Jews their friends, allies and brothers, and astated our land and laid waste many cities in
had received Simon’s envoy with honor. my kingdom. Now, therefore, 5 I confirm in
your regard all the tax exemptions and all
Simon: high priest and dictator other privileges granted you by my royal
4:46 41
The king also took into account predecessors. 6 I authorize you to mint your
9:27 own coinage for your nation. 7 I accept the
that the Jews and the priests had autonomy of Jerusalem and the Holy Place;
agreed that Simon be their leader and all the arms you have manufactured as well
High Priest until a prophet worthy of as the fortresses you have constructed and
those you have occupied are yours. 8 From
trust appeared. this day on, I cancel all debts to the king and
42
They wanted him to be their gen- everything you may owe in the future. 9 And
eral and take charge of the Holy Place, when I have taken possession of my king-
and to appoint men to supervise the dom, I shall bestow great honors on you, your
nation and on the Temple, making you fa-
works, to administer the country, the mous throughout all the earth.”
army and the fortresses. 10
In the year one hundred and seventy-
 545 1 MACCABEES 16

four, Antiochus marched out to the land of his and the taxes of the places you now occupy
ancestors, and all the troops rallied to him, so beyond the borders of Judea. 31 Or pay me
that only a few remained with Trypho. five hundred talents of silver as compensa-
11
Antiochus pursued him and Trypho took tion for the damage you have caused and
refuge in Dor on the coast. 12 Trypho knew another five hundred talents for the taxes of
how critical the situation had become for him the cities. If not, then I shall declare war
and that his army had deserted him. against you.”
13
Antiochus encamped before Dor with a 32
Athenobius, the Friend of the king, ar-
hundred and twenty thousand soldiers and rived in Jerusalem and when he saw the
eight thousand horsemen. 14 And he sur- magnificence of Simon, his plates of gold and
rounded the city while the ships attacked silver and the pomp that surrounded him, he
from the sea: the city was completely sur- was amazed. But he delivered the king’s
rounded by land and sea, and no one could go message. 33 Simon answered him, “We have
in or come out. not occupied any foreign land nor seized any
14:24
15
Then Numenius and his companions foreign property: this is the inheritance of our
arrived from Rome, carrying letters ad- ancestors. It was our enemies who seized this
dressed to the kings and to the nations in the for some time, 34 but now that we have a
following terms: 16 “Lucius, consul of the favorable opportunity, we are only recover-
Romans, to King Ptolemy: peace! 17 The Jew- ing the inheritance of our ancestors.
ish people sent by the High Priest Simon and 35
Joppa and Gazara, which you claim, did
by the Jewish people have come to us as our great harm to our people and laid waste our
friends and allies to renew our friendship and land; but we are prepared to give you a
alliance of old. hundred talents for them.”
18
They have brought us a gold shield Athenobius did not say anything, 36 but
weighing a thousand minas. 19 It is our desire went back to the king very angry and re-
to write to the kings and the peoples that they ported to him Simon’s reply. He also told him
should not harm the Israelites nor injure them of Simon’s magnificence and everything he
or their cities or their land, nor ally them- had seen. So the king became furious.
selves with their aggressors. 20 We have ac- 37
Meanwhile, Trypho fled to Orthosia on a
cepted with pleasure the shield that the Jews ship. 38 The king appointed Cendebeus as
sent us. 21 Now, if some wicked Jews who general and gave him part of the troops and
have fled from their land are in your country, the horsemen. 39 He ordered him to encamp
hand them over to the High Priest Simon that against Judea, rebuild Kedron and fortify its
he may punish them according to their Law.” gates and make war on the people. The king
22
The same letter was sent to King De- then went on pursuing Trypho. 40 Cendebeus
metrius, to Attalus, Ariarathes and Arsaces, arrived at Jamnia and began to disturb the
23
and to all the nations, to Sampsames, the people. He invaded Judea, imprisoned some
Spartans, Delos, Myndos, Sicyon, Caria, people and put them to death. 41 He fortified
Samos, Pamphylia, Lycia, Halicarnassus, Kedron, stationed horsemen and troops there
Rhodes, Phaselis, Cos, Side, Aradus, Gor- to make sorties and to patrol the roads to
tyna, Cnidus, Cyprus and Cyrene. 24 They Judea, as the king had commanded him.
also sent copies of these letters to the High Simon is murdered
Priest Simon.
1
At that time, John went up from
War with the Syrians renewed 16 Gazara to relate to his father what Cen-
25
King Antiochus encamped before Dor, debeus was doing. 2 So, Simon called his two
in the new district, continually sending his elder sons, John and Judas, and said to them:
battalions against it and constructing siege “I and my brothers and the family of my father
engines. He kept Trypho shut in and pre- have fought the enemies of Israel from our
vented him from going out or in. 26 Simon sent youth until today. And many times, we were
him two thousand picked men to help him in able to liberate Israel. 3 But now I am old,
the fight, with silver, gold and plenty of equip- while you – thanks be to Heaven – are al-
ment. 27 But Antiochus did not accept them; ready mature men. Take my place and my
instead, he annulled the concessions he had brother’s, and go out to fight for our country.
granted to Simon and declared him his en- May Heaven’s help be with you!”
4
emy. 28 He sent Athenobius, one of his Then he chose a thousand men and
Friends, to him in order to meet him and say horsemen from the country whom he sent
to him: “You have occupied Joppa, Gazara against Cendebeus. And they spent the night
and the Citadel of Judea which are cities of in Modein. 5 They arose early in the morning
my kingdom. 29 You have laid waste their and advanced into the plain and saw what a
territory and done great damage in the land, large army, both infantry and cavalry, was
and have seized many towns in my kingdom. coming to meet them.
30
Restore, then, the cities you have seized A stream lay between them, 6 and John
1 MACCABEES 16 546

with his troops drew up against the enemies. small fortress called Dock which he had built.
His troops were afraid to cross the stream, so He gave them a grand banquet, but had set
he crossed over first. On seeing this, his men men in hiding. 16 When Simon and his sons
crossed after him. 7 He divided his army into were drunk, Ptolemy and his men reached for
two groups and set the horsemen in the their weapons and rushed on Simon in the
center for the enemy’s cavalry was very midst of the banquet. They killed him with his
numerous. two sons and some of his servants. 17 With
8
They sounded the trumpets, and Cen- this, Ptolemy committed a great act of
debeus and his army were defeated. Many of treachery, repaying evil for good.
18
them fell, and those who remained fled to the Ptolemy then made haste to send a letter
fortress. 9 Judas, the brother of John, fell to the king to inform him of what had hap-
wounded, but John pursued the enemies pened, asking Antiochus to help him in hand-
until Cendebeus reached Kedron which he ing over to him the cities and the country.
19
had fortified. 10 The enemy fled as far as the He also sent other men to Gazara in order to
towers in the fields of Azotus, but John kill John, and asked the commanders of the
burned these down. About two thousand of Jewish troops in a letter to defect to him,
the enemy perished. And after this, John promising them silver, gold and gifts. 20 He
returned safely to Judea. then sent others to seize Jerusalem and the
11
Ptolemy, son of Abubos, had become Temple hill.
21
general in command of the plain of Jericho. But a man ran and reached Gazara
He had much silver and gold, 12 besides being before them, informing John that his father
the High Priest’s son-in-law. 13 He became and brothers had been killed. And he added,
too ambitious and thought of becoming the “He has also sent some people to kill you.”
22
leader of his nation. So he looked for ways to John was shocked by the news. So he
do away with Simon and his sons. 14 Simon arrested the men who had been sent to kill
was then making the rounds of the cities of him and put them to death, for he knew that
Judea and attending to their administration. they had come with this purpose.
23
In the eleventh month called Shebat, in the The rest of the deeds of John, his
year one hundred and seventy-seven (134 battles, his exploits, the walls he built and all
B.C.), Simon came to Jericho with his two his other achievements 24 are written in the
sons, Mattathias and Judas. 15 The son of annals of his pontificate from the day he
Abubos received them treacherously into the succeeded his father as High Priest.
 547

MACCABEES
2
The second book of Maccabees is not a continuation of the first book.
Whereas the first book presents the history of the Jewish people during those critical
years in a comprehensive and balanced way, this other focuses on a series of facts – and
at times, commentaries and legends – allowing the author to emphasize the hopes and
suffering of the persecuted believers. This second book, less interesting than the first for
historians, is, nevertheless, extremely important in the Bible because of its profound
vision of suffering and death and also of God’s justice. This book (with the book of Daniel)
is the first in the Bible to affirm the resurrection of the dead, as the Wisdom of Solomon
would do also at the next century.

First letter to the Jews in Egypt out the loaves of bread. 9 So we write to you 10:1,
• 1
again that you may celebrate the Feast of 6
Greetings to our brothers, the Tents in the month of Chislev in this year one
1 Jews in Egypt, from their brothers, hundred and eighty-eight.
the Jews in Jerusalem and in the region Second letter to the Jews in Egypt
of Judea – may you have peace and 10
The inhabitants of Jerusalem and Ju-
happiness. 2 May God fill you with ev- dea, their senators and Judas, to Aristobulus,
ery good and remember his covenant teacher of King Ptolemy, belonging to the
with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, his family of the anointed priests, and to the Jews
in Egypt: greetings and prosperity.
Dt
faithful servants. 3 May he give you all a 11
Having been saved by God from great
29:3 heart to worship him and to fulfill his dangers, we give him thanks because he
Jer came to our help against the king himself.
24:7 will with generosity and a well-disposed 12
God drove out those who fought against the
spirit. 4 May he incline your hearts to Holy City; 13 their leader left for Persia with a 1Mac
listen to his law and precepts, and give seemingly invincible army, but the priests of 6:1-
13
you peace. 5 May he hear your prayers the goddess Nanea laid a trap for them and
and be reconciled with you, and not killed them in her temple.
14
Antiochus and his friends came to that
abandon you in time of misfortune. place under the pretext of marrying the god-
6
This is what we now pray for you. dess, but in reality they wanted to seize its
7
great treasures as a dowry. 15 The priests of
In the year one hundred and seventy- Nanea had set out the treasures and
nine, when Demetrius was king, we Jews Antiochus entered the sacred enclosure with
wrote to you during the most critical moment a few men. But as soon as Antiochus had
of trials that we had to endure during those entered, they closed the temple 16 and
years. And we said to you: “Jason and his opened a secret door in the ceiling. Then they
associates have betrayed the cause of the threw stones down and crushed the leader
Holy Land and of the Kingdom. 8 They have and his men. They then dismembered the
burned the Temple gateway and shed inno- bodies, cut off their heads and threw them to
cent blood. those outside. 17 In all these things, may our
But we prayed to the Lord and were heard. God be blessed for he has handed over the
And now we have just offered a sacrifice with impious to death.
18
wheat flour, lighted the lamps again and set As we are about to celebrate the purifi
 2 MACCABEES 1 548
1Mac cation of the Temple on the twenty-fifth day fire from the altar. 33 This matter became
4:36
of Chislev, it seems good to us to inform you, known, and it was reported to the king of the
so that you, too, may celebrate the Feast of Persians that the liquid with which Nehemiah
Tents and remember the fire that appeared and his companions had burned the sacrifice
when Nehemiah, who built the Temple and was found in the place where the exiled
the altar, offered sacrifices. 19 For when our priests had hidden the fire. 34 So, after verify-
ancestors were deported to Persia, the devout ing the facts, the king ordered that a fence be
priests of the time took some of the fire from built to enclose the place and decreed that it
the altar and hid it secretly in the hollow of a be a sacred place.
dry well, with such caution that the place 35
The king gave some of that liquid to
remained unknown to everyone. those who enjoyed his favor, and they gave
20
Many years had passed, when in God’s him gifts in return. 36 Nehemiah and his com-
own time Nehemiah, who was commissioned panions called the place “Nephtar” which
by the king of Persia, sent the descendants of means “purification” but afterwards, many
the priests who had hidden the fire to look for called it “Naphtha.”
it. 21 But they reported to us that they did not
find the fire but instead a thick liquid. So 1
It is found in the archives that the
Nehemiah ordered them to draw it out and 2 prophet Jeremiah ordered the exiles to
bring it to him. take the fire, as we have already said. 2 After Bar 6
When the sacrifice had been prepared on giving them the Law, he exhorted them not to
the altar, Nehemiah ordered the priests to forget the precepts of God and not to let
sprinkle the liquid on the wood and the vic- themselves be dazzled by the idols of silver
tims placed on it. 22 They did so and after and gold with all their adornment. 3 He spoke
some time the sun which had previously been to them of many similar things, admonishing
clouded over, shone. At once such a great fire them never to lose their love for the Law.
blazed up that all were astonished.
23
While the sacrifice was being con- Popular beliefs
sumed, the priests together with all those 4
present prayed. Jonathan led while Nehe- It is also said in these writings of the Dt
34:1
miah and the rest responded. 24 This was their past that the prophet Jeremiah, fulfill-
prayer: ing orders from Heaven, commanded
“Lord, Lord God, Creator of all things,
dreadful and strong, just and merciful, you
that the ark of the Covenant with its tent
alone are good and are King, 25 you alone are be brought with him. And he went to the
generous, just, all-powerful and eternal. You mountain which Moses had climbed
who save Israel from many evils, who chose before and from where he had seen the
our ancestors and sanctified them, 26 accept
this sacrifice on behalf of all your people promised land. 5 There Jeremiah found
Israel. Protect your heritage and sanctify it. a cave; and he brought in the ark, the
Dt 27
Gather our scattered people together, tent that covered it and the altar of
30:3 set free those held in slavery among the incense. Then he closed up the en-
nations, turn your eyes on those who are
despised and crushed; so the pagans may trance with stones.
know that you are our God. 28 Afflict those 6
Some of those who followed him
who oppress us, who insult and treat us with returned to mark out the way, but they
contempt. 29 Plant your people in your holy
Ex
15:17 place, as Moses said.” could not find it anymore.
30
The priests sang the hymns, 31 and when 7
When Jeremiah learned this, he re-
the sacrifice was all consumed, Nehemiah proached them and said, “This place is
ordered that the remaining liquid be poured
over some large stones. 32 This was done, and to remain hidden until God has com-
a flame flared up but it was outshone by the passion on his scattered people and

• 1.1 This part of the first letter could be a had in fact been destroyed in the fall of Jerusalem
model for wishing someone a “Happy New in 587) had been saved and hidden. This was to
Year.” express the great faith of the people; nothing
The Jews of Palestine write this letter after that God had done in the time of their ancestors
having overcome their oppressors. When they could be lost.
are about to celebrate the Purification of the Note 2:13-15. This fact, not totally reliable,
Temple which has been retrieved from the en- completes what we read in 1 Chr 29:29-30; 2
emy forces, they inform the Jewish communities Chr 9:29; 16:11… Ezra 7:25-26; Ne 8; regard-
dispersed in Egypt about it. ing the formation of the nucleus of the Bible, a
The letter deals with several themes. We single task which was achieved not by Nehemiah, but
out the legend according to which the Ark (which rather by Ezra.
 549 2 MACCABEES 3

Ex gathers them together. 8 Then the Lord by Jason of Cyrene, we shall now attempt to
24:16 will reveal these things again and his sum up in a single book. 24 We recognize that
1K these books contain many figures, and that it
8:10 Glory shall appear in the cloud as it is difficult for those who wish to understand
appeared in the time of Moses and this history because of so many facts. 25 So
when Solomon asked God to come and we have concerned ourselves to offer some-
thing engaging for those who simply want to
consecrate his house.” read, something easily committed to mem-
9
It was also reported in these archives how ory, and profitable for anyone who reads it.
Solomon, inspired by his wisdom, offered the 26
For us who have undertaken the ardu-
sacrifice of the dedication and completion of ous task of summarizing, it has not been easy
Lev the Temple. 10 And as fire had come down but has cost as much effort 27 as it would to
9:24 from heaven through the prayer of Moses to prepare a banquet which would please every-
consume the offerings and the sacrificial vic- one. But like those who prepare a banquet,
tim, so through the prayer of Solomon, fire we have endured this toil willingly in order to
also came down from heaven and burned up please others. 28 So we leave to the historian
the holocausts. 11 And what Moses had said the task of relating accurately all the details,
Lev was fulfilled: Inasmuch as the sin-offering and we have condensed this enormous work
10:16- was not eaten, the fire consumed it.
17
into a simple summary.
12
Solomon celebrated the feast, too, for eight 29
For just as the architect of a new house
days. has to be concerned about the whole con-
13
This also can be read in the archives and struction, while the painters and decorators
in the Memories of Nehemiah’s time. It is are concerned only about what relates to their
recounted there that Nehemiah founded a task, so it is with us. 30 The analysis of details
library and collected the books dealing with and discussion on disputable points belongs
the kings and the prophets, the writings of to the historian. 31 But for one who tries to
David and the letters of the kings about condense a report, his task is to summarize
offerings. and not present a complete narration of facts
1Mac
14
In the same way, Judas has just gath- and events.
1:56- ered all the books dispersed on account of the 32
So let us begin our narrative without
57 war we suffered, and they are now in our going on at length about what has been said
possession. 15 So, if you need any of them, before, for it would be senseless to expand
send someone to get them for you. the preface while cutting short the narration
16
We said we are now about to celebrate of the history itself.
the feast of the purification of the Temple;
you will do well to celebrate these feast days Heliodorus attempts to seize the temple
Ex also, 17 for God has saved all his people and treasures
19:5 returned to everyone his own land. He let us 1
recover the kingdom, the Temple, and the While the Holy City enjoyed com-
worship rendered to him in that Temple, 18 as 3 plete peace and the laws were ob-
is commanded in his Law. God himself, as we served as perfectly as possible through
do hope, will soon have mercy on us and
gather us together from everywhere to the the piety of Onias the High Priest and
Holy Place, since he has rescued us from his hatred for all wickedness, 2 it came
great evils and has purified this Place. about that kings honored the Holy
Author’s preface Place and made the High Priest richer
19
The story of Judas Maccabeus and his by their magnificent gifts. 3 Even Se-
brothers has been written by Jason of leucus, king of Asia, paid from his own
Cyrene. He narrated the purification of the account for the expenses of the sacrifi-
Temple of the Most High, the dedication of
the altar, 20 the wars against Antiochus Epi- cial services. 4 But a certain Simon, a
phanes and his son Eupator, 21 and the heav- priest of the tribe of Bilgah and the
enly manifestations in favor of those who Temple administrator, came into con-
fought bravely and gloriously for Judaism. flict with the High Priest regarding the
Although they were few in number, they
liberated the whole land and put to flight inspection of the city markets. 5 But he
hordes of foreigners. 22 They regained the could not prevail over Onias. So he
3:24 Temple renowned throughout the world, lib- went to Apollonius of Tarsus, the gover-
5:2 erated the city and reestablished the laws nor of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, 6 and
10:29
which were nearly abolished, for the Lord was
gracious to them in his great kindness. 23 All reported to him that the treasury in
this, which has been set forth in five volumes Jerusalem was full of untold wealth,
 2 MACCABEES 3 550

that there was a great amount of paleness revealed the anguish of his
money which had nothing to do with soul. 17 A kind of fear overwhelmed him
the expenses required by the sacrifices, that made him tremble from head to
and that all this could easily be brought foot, showing to those who saw him the
under the control of the king. sorrow of his heart. 18 People rushed out
7
Apollonius met with the king and of their houses in great confusion to
told him about the wealth that had been pray together because the Holy Place
disclosed to him. The king then sent was about to be profaned. 19 The
Heliodorus, who was in charge of his women, girded with sackcloth below
affairs, with a letter that authorized him their breasts, thronged into the streets.
to transfer the treasures. 8 Heliodorus at The younger girls who were not yet
once set out on his journey, pretending allowed to go out into the streets ran to
that he was going to visit Coele-Syria the doorways, and some climbed the
and Phoenicia, but with the intention of walls and others looked out from the
carrying out the king’s order. windows. 20 All raised their hands to
9
On his arrival in Jerusalem, he was heaven and joined in prayer. 21 It was
hospitably received by the city and the touching to see such a crowd prostrate
High Priest to whom he related the re- in disarray on the ground and the High
port that had been made. He revealed Priest in great anguish.
22
the reason for his coming and asked While they were praying to the All-
the High Priest if the report was really powerful Lord to protect the deposits of
14:29
true. 10 The High Priest explained that the Temple and keep them safe for
Dt there were some deposits belonging to those who entrusted them to the High
27:19
widows and orphans. 11 Some belonged Priest, 23 Heliodorus began to carry out
to Hyrcanus, son of Tobias, a person of what had been decided upon.
24
very prominent position, who had also He had already come near the
been affected by these slanders. All in Treasury with his bodyguard, when the
all, the treasury had four hundred tal- Lord of the spirits and of every power
ents of silver and two hundred of gold. caused so great a manifestation that all
12
1Mac
Finally, Onias pointed out that it was who had dared accompany Heliodorus
10:43 utterly impossible to cheat those who were astonished before the power of
had put their confidence in this Holy God, and they lost their strength and
Place and in the inviolable majesty of courage. 25 There appeared to them a
that Temple venerated throughout the horse with magnificent gear and on it
world. was a fearsome rider. It rushed furiously
13
But, following the orders of the at Heliodorus and struck at him with its
king, Heliodorus insisted that all those forefeet. The rider appeared to have
treasures should be turned over to the armor of gold. 26 And two young men,
king. 14 So, on the day set for Helio- strong and very beautiful and magnifi-
dorus to draw up the inventory, there cently clothed, also appeared. They
was great disturbance in the city. 15 The stood on each side of Heliodorus, and
priests in their sacred vestments stood flogged him continuously, inflicting
before the altar and called upon stroke after stroke.
27
Heaven: he who had given the law gov- Heliodorus fell to the ground, en-
erning deposits should now preserve veloped in great darkness; then his
them for those who had deposited men took him up and put him on a
them. stretcher. 28 So he was carried away,
16
None could look at the face of powerless even to help himself, he who
the High Priest without being deeply but a moment before had proudly en-
touched, for his appearance and his tered the treasury with a great retinue
551 2 MACCABEES 4

and all his bodyguard. Everyone him return well flogged; that is, if he
clearly recognized the power of God. ever returns at all, for surely, divine
29
Because of the divine intervention, power is in that place. 39 He himself
Heliodorus became mute and lost all who dwells in heaven watches over the
hope of saving his life. 30 Meanwhile the place and defends it, striking to death
Jews blessed the Lord who had glori- those who come to profane it.”
40
fied his Holy Place. The Temple, which This was what happened to Helio-
a little while before had been filled with dorus and how the Treasury was saved.
terror and fear, now overflowed with joy 1
The Simon mentioned before as the
and gladness because of the extraordi- 4 informer about the treasures of the Tem-
nary manifestation of God. ple, who was traitor to his country, spoke evil
31
Then some of Heliodorus’ com- of Onias, accusing him of a plot against
panions begged Onias to call upon the Heliodorus and saying that he was respon-
sible for all the troubles. 2 He even dared to
Most High to grant the grace of life to lay the blame for everything on Onias who
him who was at the point of death. was the great benefactor of the city, the
32
The High Priest, on his part, feared defender of his compatriots and a zealous
that the king might suspect the Jews of observer of the laws. 3 The hostility between
them reached such proportions that crimes
some foul play against Heliodorus, so were even committed by some of the sup-
he offered a sacrifice for the man’s re- porters of Simon.
covery. Cultural crisis
33
While the High Priest was offering 4
Onias recognized the dangers involved in
the sacrifice of atonement, the same such an unbearable rivalry. Even Apollonius,
young men, clothed in the same way, son of Menestheus, governor of Coele-Syria
again appeared to Heliodorus, and and Phoenicia, was instigating Simon to evil.
5
So Onias went to the king, not to accuse his
standing before him, said, “Thank fellow citizens, but for the good of the whole
Onias the High Priest, for through him nation. 6 For he saw that it was impossible to
the Lord grants you the grace of life. maintain peace and stop the foolishness of
34
And as for you, who have been Simon without the king’s intervention.
scourged by heaven’s command, make • 7 When King Seleucus died, his son 1Mac
known to all how great is the power of Antiochus who was called Epiphanes, 1:10

God.” Having said this, they vanished. succeeded to the throne. Then, Jason,
35
Heliodorus then offered a sacrifice the brother of Onias the High Priest,
to the Lord and prayed at great length usurped the office of high priest. 8 In a
to him who had spared his life. He took conversation with the king, Jason
leave of Onias and went back with his promised three hundred and sixty tal-
guards to the king. 36 There he began to ents of silver and eighty talents from
bear witness to the works of the Most other revenues. 9 He further committed
High God, which he had seen with his himself to pay one hundred fifty more
own eyes. talents if he would be allowed to estab-
37
The king asked Heliodorus who lish on his own account a gymnasium
could be sent again to Jerusalem to with a Center for the cultural advance-
carry out what he failed to do. Helio- ment of the youth and if the statute of
dorus answered him, 38 “If you have Antioquian citizenship could apply to
some enemy whom you wish to elimi- the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as well.
10
nate, send him there and you will see With the consent of the king and

• 4.7 We single out this paragraph which cated, they received the first shock of the cultural
vividly describes the penetration of Greek cul- and spiritual crisis. Unfortunately for the Jews, at
ture. Should it be seen as progress or cultural the time of the crisis, personal interests and
colonization? See what is said to that effect in 1 politics entered into the appointment of the
Mac 1:41. Since the priests were better edu- religious leaders.
 2 MACCABEES 4 552

using the power at his disposal, he at tiative of those sent to spend the money
once set about encouraging his fellow for the sacrifice to Hercules, the
citizens to adopt the customs of the amount was used instead for the con-
1Mac Greeks. 11 He suppressed the privileges struction of trireme ships.
8:17
that kings had granted to the Jews 21
Antiochus had sent Apollonius, son of
through John, the father of Eupolemus, Menestheus, to Egypt to represent him in the
who had established friendship and an enthronement of King Philometor. But when
alliance between the Romans and the Antiochus learned that Philometor had be-
come his political adversary, Antiochus was
Jews. He overthrew lawful institutions worried about his own safety. 22 So, he left
and introduced new customs contrary Joppa, and went to Jerusalem where he was
to the Law. well received by Jason and the whole city,
12
So, he very readily founded a entering the city in the midst of acclamations
and torches. Then, he went with his troops to
gymnasium right under the Citadel, Phoenicia.
and persuaded the noblest among the 23
After three years, Jason sent Menelaus,
young to be educated in the Greek way. brother of the Simon mentioned above, to
13
Paganism was propagated through bring the money to the king and initiate steps
to negotiate urgent matters with him.
Jason’s influence, who proved to be 24
Menelaus presented himself to the king
more of a godless wretch than a high whom he impressed by his personal bearing
priest. as a man of authority, and so obtained the
Greek customs were so much in office of high priest for himself, offering three
hundred talents more than Jason. 25 After
vogue, 14 that priests no longer showed receiving the royal mandate, he returned with
any interest in serving at the altar. They nothing worthy of a high priest, but only with
despised the sanctuary and neglected the rage of a cruel tyrant or a wild beast.
26
Jason, who had usurped the office of his
the sacrifices and as soon as the discus brother, was now supplanted by another,
throw began they would run to the sta- and had to flee to the land of Ammon.
dium to take part in athletic competi- 27
Menelaus held the office but did not pay
tions prohibited by the Law. 15 They did the amount he promised to the king, 28 al-
not value anymore the customs of their though Sostratus, the commander of the
Citadel, demanded the payment, since the
ancestors, but held in highest esteem king had entrusted to him the collection of
the values of the Greeks. revenue. The two of them were then sum-
16
With this, they themselves were moned by the king because of this.
29
Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus as his
put in a difficult situation, for those substitute, and Sostratus left Crates, the
whom they took as models and whose commander of the Cypriots.
customs they wanted to imitate in
Murder of Onias
everything proved to be their enemies 30
and tyrants. 17 For it is not easy to break Meanwhile, the inhabitants of Tarsus
and Mallus revolted because their cities were
the divine laws with impunity as the given as a gift to Antiochis, the king’s concu-
following episodes will show. bine. 31 The king set out at once to reestablish
18
When the quinquennial games order, leaving Andronicus, one of his minis-
ters, as his deputy. 32 Menelaus thought of
held every five years were going on in taking advantage of the opportunity, and
Tyre before the king, 19 the wicked Ja- stole some of the golden vessels from the
son sent as envoys some “citizens of Temple, which he then gave to Andronicus as
Antioch” from the inhabitants of Jeru- gifts. He also managed to sell others in Tyre
and in the neighboring cities.
salem and he entrusted to them three 33
When Onias had clear evidence of what
hundred drachmas of silver allotted for Menelaus had done, he sought refuge in
the sacrifice to Hercules. When these Daphne near Antioch, a place of asylum, and
envoys came, they decided that it was from there denounced him. 34 For this reason, Dn
Menelaus met Andronicus in private and 9:26
not fitting to spend the money on the urged him to kill Onias. Andronicus went to
11:22
sacrifice, but preferred to spend it on Onias and deceitfully gained his confidence,
other things. 20 So through the sole ini- offering Onias his right hand in oath. He was
553 2 MACCABEES 5
49
able to persuade Onias, in spite of the latter’s Some Tyrians were so enraged by that
suspicion, to come out of his place of refuge. crime that they prepared a magnificent fu-
Then Andronicus killed him at once without neral for them. 50 But through the corruption
any regard for justice. of the rulers, Menelaus remained in power,
35
For this reason, not only Jews but growing in wickedness and becoming a ty-
people of other nationalities as well became rant towards his own people.
indignant and grieved over the unjust killing
of that man. 36 When the king returned to the Antiochus sacks the temple
regions of Cilicia, the Jews of Jerusalem, 1
By this time, Antiochus was preparing
together with the Greeks who were for justice, 5 a second expedition against Egypt.
went to see him and complained about the 2
And for nearly forty days, there appeared
murder of Onias. throughout the city, galloping through the air,
37
The king was touched and became sad, horsemen dressed in gold, 3 troops with
and even wept as he remembered the person- swords drawn and formed in squadrons, cav-
ality and noble conduct of the departed. 38 He alry squadrons in order of battle, attacks and
became angry with Andronicus and immedi- charges from this side and that, movements
ately removed him from office. Then he or- of shields, many spears, arrows, missiles, the
dered that Andronicus be divested of his glitter of golden outfits and armor of all kinds.
purple robe, tore his garments off him, and 4
Everyone prayed that these apparitions
led him all around the city up to the place would be an announcement of something
where Andronicus had murdered Onias, and good about to happen.
right there the king ordered that he be put to 5
As a false rumor spread that Antiochus
death – God dealing out to him the punish- had died, Jason gathered together about ten
ment he deserved. thousand men and launched a surprise at-
39
Lysimachus committed much sacrile- tack on the city. The troops upon the walls
gious plunder in Jerusalem with the conniv- defended the city, but once these were taken,
ance of Menelaus. When this became known, the whole city fell into the hands of Jason,
the populace rebelled against Lysimachus, while Menelaus took refuge in the Citadel.
who had already taken many golden vessels 6
Jason cruelly massacred his fellow citizens,
from the city. 40 When Lysimachus saw the without realizing that his victory against his
people rising up in rebellion and becoming own nation was the greatest defeat. He
enraged, he armed about three thousand seemed to believe that he was winning over
men and began a violent repression, desig- enemies when, in reality, these were his own
nating as leader a certain Auranus, a man people. 7 But he did not stay in power for long
advanced in years but of very little intelli- and after obtaining nothing but shame for
gence. 41 So, as the people were attacked by himself, he had to flee once again to the land
the men of Lysimachus, they reacted by of Ammon. 8 Finally, he had a very unfortu-
picking up stones and clubs, and even gath- nate end. Accused before Aretas, the king of
ered handfuls of ashes lying at hand, and the Arabs, fleeing from city to city, pursued
threw everything against the men of by all, scorned as a renegade from the law
Lysimachus. 42 In this way, they wounded and hated as the executioner of his country
many of them, killed some, and put the rest and fellow citizens, he was banished to Egypt.
to flight. As for the sacrilegious robber Lysi- 9
And he, who had exiled so many from their 1Mac
machus, they killed him near the treasury. own country, died in exile: for he went as far 12:21
43
Because of all this a charge was brought as Lacedemonia in the hope of finding pro-
against Menelaus and 44 when the king ar- tection there because of the kinship between
rived at Tyre, three men sent by the council of that people and ours. 10 He, who had deprived
the elders of Jerusalem told him of Menelaus’ so many of burial places, died with no one to
cruelty. 45 Seeing his ruin, Menelaus prom- mourn him, no funeral rites nor place in the
ised a great amount of money to Ptolemy, son tomb of his fathers.
of Dorymenes, in order to have the king in his
favor. Persecution of Antiochus
46
Ptolemy then went with the king pri- 11
vately to a colonnade for some fresh air, and When news of these events reached the
persuaded him to change his mind. 47 The king, he thought that the whole of Judea had
king actually dismissed all the accusations risen in rebellion. He became furious and,
against Menelaus, the cause of all this evil, leaving Egypt, went to take Jerusalem by
while he condemned to death Menelaus’ un- force. 12 He ordered his soldiers to kill without
fortunate accusers who would have been mercy everyone they encountered and to
acquitted had a tribunal of barbarians judged behead as well all those who took refuge in
them. 48 So those who had defended the their houses. 13 Young and old perished; men,
cause of the city, the people and the sacred women and children were massacred, and
vessels were executed at once. infants and virgins were put to the sword.
14
Within only three days, there were eighty
 2 MACCABEES 5 554

thousand victims – forty thousand perished in into the desert with about nine others willing
the slaughter and as many were sold as to live like the wild beasts. There they fed on
slaves. 15 Not content with this, Antiochus clean vegetables, for they did not want to eat
1Mac
1:21
boldly entered the holiest Temple in the entire unclean meat.
world, guided by Menelaus, the traitor to the
law and country. First victims of persecution
16
With his unclean hands, Antiochus • 1
After a while, the king sent an 1Mac
seized the sacred vessels, and with impious
hands took away what other kings had given
6 older Athenian to force the Jews to
1:41

as gifts for the glory and honor of the Temple. abandon their ancestral laws and no
17
But in acting in such an insolent manner, longer live according to the laws of
Antiochus did not realize that the Lord had let God. 2 And to have them also profane
him profane the Temple in order to punish the
inhabitants of the city, because their sins had the temple in Jerusalem and dedicate it
offended him. to the Olympian god. In the same way,
18
6:12 For, had the city not been sinful, Anti- he wanted them to dedicate the temple
ochus would have been flogged the moment in Mount Gerizim to the hospitable god,
he entered, as Heliodorus who was sent by
Seleucus to rob the treasury had been. And according to the wishes of the inhabit-
he would have also repented of his audacity. ants of the place.
19
Mk But God had not chosen the people for the 3
This worsened the evil and made it
2:27 Temple, but the Temple for the sake of the
nation. difficult and unbearable for all. 4 The
20
Therefore, the Temple also shared in the Temple was profaned by the orgies of
nation’s misfortune, as it also shared after- the pagans who went there to have a
ward in its restoration. As it had been aban- good time with prostitutes, and had in-
doned in the time of the wrath of God, it was
again restored to its glory when the Most High tercourse in the sacred enclosures. And
Lord was appeased. besides, they brought into the Temple
21
Antiochus took with him eighteen hun- things not permitted by the Law; 5 the
dred talents which he had stolen from the altar was laden with unclean victims
Temple, and hurriedly went back to Antioch,
so proud that he thought himself capable of prohibited by the law. 6 It was no longer
sailing by land and walking on the sea. 22 At allowed to celebrate the sabbath or ob-
his departure, he left ministers to oppress our serve the customs of our ancestors, or
race. In Jerusalem, he appointed Philip, of even to declare oneself a Jew. 7 But, on
Phrygian ancestry and of more barbarous
character than he who had appointed him; the contrary, they were led by bitter
23
and he left Andronicus in Gerizim. Besides necessity to celebrate the king’s birth-
there was Menelaus, who surpassed them in day with a monthly sacrifice.
his hatred for his fellow citizens. This man had
indeed a deep hatred for Jewish compatriots. And when the feast of Dionysus
24
Antiochus also sent Apollonius with an came, they were also forced to follow
1Mac
1:29- army of twenty-two thousand soldiers with the Dionysus procession and wear flo-
37 orders to behead all the grown men and sell ral wreaths.
the women and children. 25 Arriving in 8
Jerusalem, under the pretext of peace, he
At the suggestion of the inhabitants 13:25
1Mac
waited until the holy day of the sabbath. Then of Ptolemy, a decree was sent to the 5:15
he took the Jews by surprise as they rested. neighboring Greek cities ordering them
He ordered his men to conduct a military to treat the Jews who lived there in the
parade, 26 and he killed all those who came
out to see the show. Then, running through same way and oblige them to partici-
the streets, the soldiers killed many people. pate in the sacrifices. 9 Those who
27
Judas Maccabeus, however, withdrew would not adopt the Greek customs

• 6.1 Religious persecution as it is experi- who are faced with the cruelty of the law and of
enced by the people means: the people.
– obligatory suppression of religious customs; The moral crisis continues in the wake of the
– sexual licentiousness disguised as cultural trials that good people are going through. How
progress; can God allow this?
– violence against those who remain faithful An answer is given: the purpose of these trials
to God; is to correct God’s people. The Jews know that
– abandoning the humble and the women God’s mercy is present during the trial.
 555 2 MACCABEES 6

were to be killed. So it was easy to who do not want to do things prohibited

foresee the fatal outcome. by the Law, even to save their life.
21
10
Two women were charged of hav- Those in charge of this impious
ing performed the rite of circumcision banquet took him aside, since they had
on their sons. They publicly paraded known him for a long time, and tried to
the women throughout the city with convince him to pretend to be eating
their babies hung at their breasts. Then the meat, but in reality, to eat some-
they hurled them down from the city thing allowed by the Law and prepared
wall. 11 Others who had assembled in by himself. 22 In this way, he could es-
1Mac
2:29 nearby caves to celebrate the sabbath cape death, and be treated with hu-
Dn
11:33
were denounced to Philip and they al- manity for the sake of their long-time
lowed themselves to be burned. Be- friendship.
cause of the holiness of the sabbath 23
But he preferred to make a noble
day, they had scruples about defending decision worthy of his age, of his noble
themselves. years, of his shining white hair, and of
12
I now ask the readers of this book the irreproachable life he had led from
not to be shocked by these calamities. childhood. Above all, showing respect
Bear in mind that this did not happen for the holy laws established by God, he
for the destruction of our race, but answered that he would rather be sent
rather for our education. to the place of the dead. And he added,
24
Wis 13
God is showing his kindness when “It would be unworthy to pretend at
11:9-
10 he does not let sinners continue on their our age, and to lead many young
12:2,
way for a long time, but punishes them people to suppose that I, at ninety
20
1Thes
at once. 14 As for the other nations, the years, have gone over to the pagan
2:16
patient Lord doesn’t punish them until customs. 25 If I led them astray for the
they reach the full measure of their sake of this short life I would bring
sins. But he deals with us in a different disgrace to my old age. 26 Even if I
manner: 15 he does not wait until we could now be saved from mortals, I
have reached the full measure in order cannot – whether living or dead – es-
to punish us. 16 Therefore he never cape from the hands of the Almighty.
27
withdraws his mercy from us, and does I prefer to bravely sacrifice my life
not abandon his people, even when he now, as befits my old age. 28 So I shall
punishes us with some adversity. leave an excellent example to the
17 young, dying voluntarily and valiantly
After reminding our readers of
for the sacred and holy laws.”
these truths, let us continue the story.
Having said this, he gave himself
The martyrdom of Eleazar over to death.
Lev • 18 Eleazar, one of the prominent
29
Those who escorted him consid-
11:7
Dn teachers of the Law, already old and of ered his words foolishness, so their pre-
11:32
noble appearance, was forced to open vious gentleness turned into harshness.
his mouth to eat the flesh of a pig. 19 But 30
When he was almost at the point of
he preferred to die honorably than to death, he said groaning, “The Holy
live in disgrace, and voluntarily came Lord, who sees all, knows that though I
to the place where they beat him to could have saved myself from death, I
death. He spit out bravely the piece of now endure terrible sufferings in my
meat, 20 as should be done by those body. But in my soul, I suffer gladly

• 18. How noble are Eleazar’s words: – above all he fears God;
– he does not want to hide his faith; – to die out of faithfulness to divine laws sets
– he prefers honor to life; a noble example for young people;
 2 MACCABEES 6 556

because of the respect I have for him.” hair from his head, they asked him:
31
In his death, he left a noble example “Which do you prefer: to eat the flesh of
and a memorial of virtue and strength, a pig or to be tortured limb by limb?”
not only to the young but to the whole 8
He answered them in the language of
nation. his ancestors, “I will not eat.” And so
he, too, was tortured.
Martyrdom of the seven brothers 9
At the moment of his last breath, he Dn
12:2
• 1
It happened also that seven said, “Murderer, you now dismiss us
7 brothers were arrested with their from life, but the King of the world will
Heb
11:35

mother. The king had them scourged raise us up. He will give us eternal life
and flogged to force them to eat the since we die for his laws.”
flesh of a pig which was prohibited by 10
After this, they punished the third.
the Law. He stuck his tongue out when asked to,
2
One of them, speaking in behalf of bravely stretched forth his hands,
all, said, “What do you want to find out 11
and even had the courage to say: “I
from us? We are prepared to die right have received these limbs from God,
now rather than break the law of our but for love of his laws I now consider
ancestors.” them as nothing. For I hope to recover
3
The king became furious and or- them from God.” 12 The king and his
dered that pans and caldrons be heated court were touched by the courage of
over a fire. 4 When these were red-hot, this young man, so unconcerned about
he commanded that the tongue of his own sufferings.
their spokesman be cut out, his head 13
When this one was dead, they sub-
scalped, and his hands and feet cut off jected the fourth to the same torture.
while his brothers and mother looked 14
At the point of death, he cried out, “I
on. would rather die at the hands of mor-
5
When he had been thoroughly mu- tals, and wait for the promises of God
tilated, the king ordered that while still who will raise us up; you, however,
breathing, he be brought to the fire and shall have no part in the resurrection of
roasted alive. While the smoke from the life.”
15
pan spread widely, the other brothers They took the fifth at once and
and their mother encouraged one an- tortured him. But with his eyes fixed on
other to die bravely. And they said, the king, 16 he said to him, “Though you
Dt
32:36
6
“The Lord God sees all, and in reality, are mortal, you have authority over
has compassion on us, as Moses de- people and are able to do what you will.
clared in his song, and clearly said: The But do not think that our race has been
Lord will have pity on his servants.” abandoned by God. 17 Wait, and you 14:2
7 1Mac
When the first had left the world in this shall see his great power when he tor- 11:17
way, they brought the second for exe- ments you and your descendants.”
cution. After stripping the skin with the 18
After this, they took the sixth who,

– Eleazar suffers physically, but he dies happy. Here, we have a giant step in the faith: the
We have in him the prototype, the model of resurrection of individuals. It is not only the hope
martyrs. for survival of the spirit, or the soul: the believer
thinks he will be raised as a person to meet God.
• 7.1 In relating the martyrdom of these In Ezekiel 37, in the vision of the dry bones, God
seven brothers, whose names are unknown, the was promising to raise his people who had died.
author places on their lips a declaration of their Here, every person hopes to rise, body and soul,
faith in immortality. This is the most valuable to share the happiness that God promised and
message of the book. will give on the final day.
In the previous centuries, God’s promises
were for the people as a whole. The believer only If martyrs are not raised, how would God
hoped for the life and prosperity of his race. achieve justice?
 557 2 MACCABEES 7
Heb
at the point of death, said, “Don’t be see the heavens, the earth and all that 11:3
mistaken. We suffer all this because of is in it, you know that God made all this
ourselves for we have sinned against from nothing, and the human race as
our own God; so these astonishing well. 29 Do not fear these executioners,
things have come upon us. 19 But do not but make yourself worthy of your
Acts
5:39
think that you are going to remain un- brothers – accept death that you may
punished, after having made war with again meet your brothers in the time of
God.” mercy.”
20 30
More than all of them, their mother When she finished speaking, the
ought to be admired and remembered. young man said, “What are you waiting
She saw her seven sons die in a single for? I do not obey the king’s order but
day. But she endured it even with joy for the precepts of the Law given by Moses
she had put her hope in the Lord. 21 Full to our ancestors. 31 And you who have
of a noble sense of honor, she encour- devised such tortures against the He-
aged each one of them in the language brews, shall not escape the hands of
of their ancestors. Her woman’s heart God. 32 Know that we perish because of
was moved by manly courage, so she our sins. 33 Our living Lord punishes
Job
told them: and corrects us for a short time be-
22
10:8- “I wonder how you were born of cause he is angry with us, but he shall
12
Ecl me; it was not I who gave you breath again be reconciled with his servants.
11:5 34
Ps and life, nor I who ordered the matter of And you, the most wretched and
139:
13
your body. 23 The Creator of the world impious man, do not be proud or be
who formed man in the beginning and carried away by your vain hopes. Do
ordered the unfolding of all creation not raise your hand against the children
shall in his mercy, give you back breath of Heaven, 35 for you have not yet es-
and life, since you now despise them caped the judgment of the almighty
for love of his laws.” God, who sees everything. 36 Our broth-
24
Antiochus thought that she was ers suffered a short time for the sake of
making fun of him and suspected that eternal life and have already entered
she had insulted him. As the youngest into the friendship of God. But you, for
was still alive, the king tried to win him your part, shall suffer the punishment
over not only with his words, but even you deserve for your arrogance.
37
promised to make him rich and happy, With my brothers, I give up my
if he would abandon the traditions of his body and my soul for the laws of my
ancestors. He would make him his fathers, calling on God that he may at
Friend and appoint him to a high posi- once have pity on our race, and that by
tion in the kingdom. 25 But as the young trials and afflictions, you may come
man did not pay him any attention, the to confess that he is the only God.
38
king ordered the mother to be brought Through me and my brothers, may Is 53

in. He urged her to advise her son in the wrath of the Almighty which has
order to save his life. 26 After being justly fallen on the whole of our race
asked twice by the king, she agreed to come to an end.”
persuade her son. 27 She bent over him 39
The king was even more infuriated
and fooled the cruel tyrant by saying in at him than at the others because of his
her ancestral language: mockery and he dealt more cruelly
“My son, have pity on me. For nine with him. 40 So the youngest also died
months I carried you in my womb and undefiled, putting his whole trust in
suckled you for three years; I raised you God. 41 After all her sons, the mother
up and educated you until this day. 28 I also died.
42
ask you now, my son, that when you This is enough to make known
 2 MACCABEES 7 558

what happened regarding the pagan ment of the Almighty that might come upon
sacrifices and the tortures beyond all him.
12
When Judas learned that Nicanor had
imagination. come with a great army, he told his men
about this. 13 So the cowardly and those who
First exploits of Judas Maccabeus had no confidence in divine justice took to
1Mac 1
Meanwhile, Judas, also called flight. 14 Still others sold everything they
2:19-
48 8 Maccabeus, and his companions,
owned and asked God to deliver from the
impious Nicanor those who had been sold
3:1-
26 would enter secretly into the villages, even before any battle. 15 They prayed that if
call their relatives, summon those who the Lord would not save them because of
their own merits, that at least out of consid-
had remained faithful to Judaism, and eration for the covenant he made with their
finally they assembled about six thou- ancestors and for that great venerable Name
sand men. 2 They prayed to the Lord to with which he had blessed his people, he
turn his countenance on his people op- would do so.
16
Maccabeus gathered and reorganized
pressed on all sides, to take pity on the his troops, numbering about six thousand,
Sanctuary profaned by the impious, 3 to and exhorted them not to fear the enemy but
have compassion on the city – de- to fight bravely against their unjust aggres-
stroyed and on the point of being lev- sors, despite their great number. 17 He re-
minded them how those men had profaned
eled – to listen to the cry of the blood the Holy Place, slaughtered the inhabitants of
reaching out to him; 4 and they asked Jerusalem, and removed their traditional in-
that he not forget the unjust killing of stitutions. 18 He said to them, “They come Ps
innocent children and show his indig- with confidence in their weapons and their 20:8
boldness, but we trust in the almighty God,
nation against those who had insulted who is able to wipe out in one stroke all who
his Name. invade our land and even the whole world.”
19
5
The Lord’s anger turned into com- He recounted to them all the occasions 15:22
when God had come to help their ancestors, 2K
passion, and as soon as Maccabeus especially when he wiped out one hundred 19:35
had organized his troops, they became and eighty-five thousand men under Senna-
invincible against the pagans. cherib. 20 He also reminded them of what had
Judas generally took advantage of happened in Babylonia, in the battle against
the Galatians. On that day, eight thousand
the night for his military campaigns. Jews fought side by side with four thousand
6
So he attacked them by surprise, set Macedonians, and as the Macedonians were
cities and villages on fire, captured hard pressed, their Jewish allies alone killed
strategic positions, and put to flight twenty thousand of the enemies’ troops with
heaven’s help and seized a great booty.
many of the enemies. 7 And people 21
Judas encouraged them with these
everywhere talked about him and his words, and made them ready to die for their
bravery. laws and country; then, he divided the army
into four groups. 22 He assigned his brothers
8
1Mac When Philip saw that Judas was making Simon, Joseph and Jonathan to each lead
3:38 progress little by little and his victories in- one division with fifteen hundred men in
creased from day to day, he wrote to Ptolemy, each. 23 He ordered that the Sacred Book be
the military commissioner of Coele-Syria read, and he gave them their watchword
and Phoenicia, to come and help him under “Help from God”; then, he himself led the first
the king’s service. 9 Ptolemy at once ap- battalion, and fell on Nicanor. 24 With the help
pointed Nicanor, son of Patroclus, one of the of the Almighty they slaughtered nine thou-
king’s first Friends, and sent him at the head sand enemies, wounded and crippled many,
of some twenty thousand men coming from and put the rest to flight.
all nations, with the order to wipe out all the 25
They seized the money of those who had
Jews. At his side, he put Gorgias, a general of come to buy the Jews, and pursued them for
much experience in matters of war. a good while. But it was nearly evening, 26 so
10
Nicanor intended to raise two thousand they had to return because it was the vigil of
talents by the sale of Jewish slaves in order to the sabbath. That is why they stopped pursu-
pay for the tribute the king owed to the ing their enemies. 27 They gathered the weap-
Romans. 11 So he extended an invitation to all ons and the plunder of their enemies, and
the coastal cities to come and buy slaves for celebrated the sabbath on that day with
a talent, without any regard for the punish- praise and thanksgiving to God who had just
 559 2 MACCABEES 9

saved them and had begun to show them his Timotheus – in Israel. 4 He was infuriated and
mercy. 28 After the sabbath, they divided part determined to take revenge on the Jews for
of the booty among those who had been the offense he had just received in Persepolis
tortured, the widows and the orphans; and when they forced him to flee.
they divided the rest among themselves and He ordered the chariot driver to hurry up
their men. 29 Having done this, they asked the and not to stop until the journey’s end. But the
Merciful Lord during a public prayer to be judgment of God was coming upon him, for
fully reconciled with his servants. he said in his pride, “As soon as I arrive in
30
Then, in an encounter with the army of Jerusalem, I shall turn it into a cemetery of
Timotheus and Bacchides, they killed more the Jews.” 5 Then the Lord who sees all, the
than twenty thousand men, and took control God of Israel, punished him with an incurable
of the fortified cities. They divided the abun- sickness of an internal nature. 6 He had barely
dant plunder into equal shares among them- finished speaking when he felt an unbearable
selves, those who had been tortured, the pain in his stomach and began to be afflicted
orphans, the widows and the aged. all over his body.
31
They carefully stored in safe places the This was indeed just for one who had
weapons they had taken from the enemies, tortured others in the same way with count-
and brought the rest of the booty to Jerusa- less new punishments. 7 But this did not di-
lem. 32 They killed the chief guard of minish his arrogance. In his rage against the
Timotheus, an extremely wretched man who Jews, he gave orders to journey ahead with
had done so much evil against the Jews. even more speed. Yet, because his chariot
33
Then, as they celebrated their victory in was running very fast, Antiochus fell and his
Jerusalem, they burned alive those who had physical condition worsened.
burned the temple gates, including Cal- 8
Not long before, in his conceit and sense
listhenes who had taken refuge in one small of superiority he thought of giving orders to
house. So these men paid the price deserved the sea and measuring the heights of the
for their impiety. mountains. Now he lay down and had to be
34
The thrice-as-wretched Nicanor, who brought on a stretcher, giving to all a clear
had brought thousands of merchants to buy testimony of the power of God. 9 Worms
the Jews, 35 found himself humbled with began to teem in the body of the impious and
God’s help by those same men he had de- though he was still alive, his flesh tore off into
spised before. Having discarded his splendid pieces, leaving him in agonizing pain. The
robe he fled across the country as a fugitive, stench of his decay was so intolerable that his
and reached Antioch, very much relieved whole army shunned him. 10 No one went
that he had not perished with his army. near him who not long before thought he
3:36 36
He who had intended to pay the tribute could touch the stars of heaven with his hand.
11
9:12 owed to the Romans by selling the Jews, now Only when he was beaten by the divine
Dn
3:95 affirmed that the Jews were invincible and scourge did he begin to shed his arrogance.
Jdt invulnerable, and that Someone fought for His pains grew worse, and he realized this was
5:6 the punishment of God. 12 He himself could
them, provided they were obeying the laws
prescribed by him. no longer endure his stench. He said, “It is
right to submit to God. Mortals should not try
Death of the persecutor to be equal with him.” 13 And the wretch made
1:11 • 1 By that time, Antiochus had to return a vow to the Lord who would no longer take
1Mac
6:1-6 2
9 without glory from the regions of Persia. pity on him.
14
When he entered a city called Persepolis, He had marched to Jerusalem to level it
and tried to plunder the temple and seize the and turn it into a cemetery. But now he even
city, its inhabitants rebelled and took up arms promised to declare it a free city. 15 Moreover,
against him. This people threw Antiochus he who before had refused burial to the Jews
and his men out. They fled and returned very and wished to throw them with their children
much humiliated. 3 When Antiochus came to to the wild beasts, now offered to make them
Ecbatana, he was informed of what had hap- equal with the Athenians. He had plundered
pened to the two generals – Nicanor and the temple and profaned the Sacred Place;

• 9.1 The way God does justice. Antiochus’ present humiliation and those they inflicted on
death is told differently in 1 Maccabees 6, which others. They promise to change their ways,
leads us to think that everything is not correct in though a bit late, as long as God grants them life.
this popular story. However, the author made no
mistake in showing the change that illness and The end of the persecutor shows that, if indeed
suffering bring about in the powerful. God’s real punishment is for the afterlife, there
At that moment, they see themselves as they are also sins so abominable that they are pun-
really are, and they become aware of their pride. ished in this world, as an example for others and
They discover the connection between their to console the afflicted and the oppressed.
 2 MACCABEES 9 560
16
but now he promised to decorate it lavishly, selves flat on the ground and asked the Lord
to return a great number of the sacred ves- not to send them such calamities anymore.
sels, and to pay for all the expenses of the But if they should sin again, they asked that
sacrifices. 17 And he promised to become a he would correct them with gentleness and
Jew and to proclaim in all the inhabited not hand them over again into the hands of
countries the power of God. blasphemous and ferocious foreigners.
5
18
His pains however did not diminish, for The purification of the Temple took place
the just judgment of God had come upon him. on the same date on which the foreigners had
He lost hope of recovery and wrote to the profaned it, that is, on the twenty-fifth of the
Jews this letter of supplication, 19 “To the month of Chislev. 6 For eight days they cele-
honorable Jews, our citizens, good health, brated the feast with rejoicing, in the same
prosperity and all good things from the king way that they celebrated the Feast of the
and general, Antiochus. 20 If you and your Tabernacles remembering how, not long be-
children are well and your wishes are fulfilled, fore on that same date, they were dwelling in
we give thanks to Heaven, for we remember the mountains and caves like wild animals.
your token of affection and kindness. 21 On 7
Then, carrying leafy branches and
my return from Persia, I became gravely ill, palms, they chanted hymns to Him who had
and because of this, I thought it necessary to brought the cleansing of his own Holy Place
be concerned for the common security of all to a happy end.
of you. 22 I do not despair of my condition, and 8
They also decided by public vote that this
even have great hope of recovering from this event would be commemorated annually by
illness. 23 But I thought of how my father the whole Jewish nation.
would designate his successor whenever he
set out for any military expedition into the Victories of Judas in Idumea
uplands, 24 so that his subjects would not be 9
This is all that refers to the death of
upset if anything unexpected should happen Antiochus, called Epiphanes. 10 We shall now
or any misfortune should befall him. Every- proceed to narrate the events that happened
one would know who is in power. 25 I am under Antiochus Eupator, son of the impious,
aware that the kings of all the neighboring and to relate briefly the calamities brought
countries around are watching the turn of about by the war.
events and waiting for an opportune time. 11
In fact, once he inherited the kingdom,
Therefore, I have designated my son, Anti- he appointed Lysias to be in charge of his
ochus, as king. I already presented and com- affairs and to act as high commissioner for
mended him to most of you, when I set out for Coele-Syria and Phoenicia. 12 Now Ptolemy,
the northern regions. And now I communi- called Macron, was the first governor to do
cate to him this letter I am sending you. 26 I justice to the Jews. He was upset by injustices
ask you, then, to take into account the favors done against them, so he tried to solve all
each and everyone of you has received from their problems satisfactorily. 13 But the
me and maintain the same kindness toward Friends of King Eupator made use of this to
me and my son. 27 I am sure that following my accuse him before the king. They continually
own policies of moderation and humanity, he called him a traitor, reminding him that he
shall live in good accord with you.” had once abandoned the land of Cyprus,
28
In this way that blasphemer and murder- which had been entrusted to him by
er ended, suffering the terrible torments he Philometor, in order to go over to Antiochus
had inflicted on others. He died miserably in Epiphanes.
the mountains of a foreign land. 29 His com- Since he could not discharge his high
panion, Philip, brought his body and then office with dignity, he was driven to despair
withdrew to Egypt to the court of Ptolemy and committed suicide by poisoning himself.
Philometor, because he feared the son of 14
It was then that Gorgias was appointed 1Mac
Antiochus. 5:1-8
military commissioner of those regions, and
Judas purifies the temple
began to stir up war against the Jews by any
means. 15 On the other hand, the Idumeans
1Mac 1
With God’s help Maccabeus and his had strong fortresses and harassed the Jews.
4:36-
61
10 men seized the Temple and the city. Gathering the fugitives from Jerusalem, they
2
They destroyed the altars built by the for- managed to prolong the war.
1:19– 16
2:12
eigners in the public squares, as well as the The men of Maccabeus, after praying
sacred enclosures. 3 After purifying the and asking the Lord to come and fight at their
Temple, they built a new altar. They kindled side, attacked the fortresses of the Idumeans.
17
fire from flint and for the first time in two They carried on with their assaults and the
years offered sacrifices. Once again, there place fell into their power. They repelled
were incense, lamps, and the bread of pres- those who fought on the ramparts, slaugh-
ence. tered all who fell into their hands, and killed
4
Having done all this they threw them- more than twenty thousand men.
 561 2 MACCABEES 11
18
At least nine thousand men took refuge enraged by the blasphemies they had been
in the two towers that were strongly fortified hearing, bravely stormed the wall and with
with everything they needed to withstand a brutal fury killed everyone who stood before
1Mac
prolonged siege. 19 Maccabeus left Simon, them. 36 Others took advantage of this diver-
5:17 Joseph, and also Zaccheus and his men in sion to climb the walls and set fire to the
sufficient numbers to sustain the siege, and towers. They made bonfires and burned the
went off to where his presence was more blasphemers alive. Others destroyed the
needed. gates while the rest of the army entered to
20
Yet the men of Simon were tempted by occupy the city.
37
greed, and let themselves be bought with the They killed Timothy who had hidden in
silver of those in the towers. So in exchange a well, and his brother Chereas, and Apollo-
for sixty thousand pieces of silver, they al- phanes. 38 When all this was over, they
lowed a number of them to escape. 21 As soon chanted hymns and praises to the Lord who
as Maccabeus learned this, he assembled the had exalted Israel and had given them vic-
leaders of the people and accused those men tory.
of having sold their brothers for money by First campaign of Lysias
letting their enemies escape. 22 He con-
1
demned them to death as traitors, and pro- After a while, Lysias, the king’s tutor
ceeded at once to capture the towers. 23 He 11 and kinsman, who was head of the
killed more than twenty thousand men in government, was much displeased at the turn
those two towers, successfully bringing to an of events, 2 and gathered together about
end the undertaking they had begun. eighty thousand men and his entire cavalry.
24
Timothy, who had been defeated before They advanced against the Jews intending to
by the Jews, gathered together an enormous make the city of Jerusalem a Greek colony
number of foreign troops and a great number and 3 to convert the Temple into a source of
of horses from Asia. He appeared in Judea in revenue, as they had done with other sanctu-
order to conquer it by force of arms. 25 Before aries of the pagans, and to put the office of
his attack, the men of Maccabeus sprinkled high priest up for sale every year.
4
dust on their heads and put on sackcloth as a He took God’s power for granted, and
Ex
means of entreating God. 26 They bowed at went up with his infantry regiments, his
23:22 the foot of the altar and asked God to treat horsemen by the thousands, and his eighty
them well and to be the enemy of their elephants. 5 He entered Judea, came near
enemies, the adversary of their adversaries, Beth-zur, a strong city some kilometers away
as written in the Law. from Jerusalem, and besieged it.
27 6
After praying, they armed themselves When the men of Maccabeus learned Ex
and advanced from the city. They stopped that Lysias had begun laying siege to their 23:20
when they came close to the enemy. 28 Right strong cities, they prayed to the Lord together
at daybreak, they attacked from both sides. with all the people, with tears and lamenta-
One side placed their confidence in their Lord tions, that the Lord might send a good angel
as the pledge of success and victory besides to save Israel. 7 Maccabeus himself was the
their bravery, while the others were moved by first to take arms and exhort the rest to go
hatred. 29 When the battle was at its height, with him to face the danger and help their
2:21
there appeared from heaven before the ene- brothers and sisters. They set out together,
mies, five radiant men riding on horses with full of enthusiasm. 8 While they were still near
golden bridles, who put themselves at the Jerusalem, a horseman dressed in white with
head of the Jews. golden armor appeared and stood at the head
30
They surrounded Maccabeus and de- of them. 9 So with one voice, everyone
fended him with their weapons, making him blessed the merciful God. They were
invulnerable. At the same time, they rained strengthened and prepared not only to face
arrows and thunderbolts on the enemy, who men in battle but even the most savage
in turn fell and were dispersed in great disor- beasts and walls of iron.
der, blinded and confused. 31 Twenty thou- 10
They advanced with the aid of this ally
sand five hundred infantrymen and six hun- sent from heaven, for the Lord had compas-
dred horsemen died. sion on them. 11 They charged like lions
1Mac 32
Timothy took refuge in a heavily against the enemy, brought down eleven
13:43-
48 guarded fortress called Gezer where Chereas thousand infantrymen and one thousand six
was in command. 33 The forces of Maccabeus hundred horsemen, and forced the rest to
gallantly besieged the fortress for four days. flee. 12 Most of them fled, wounded and dis-
34
Those within were confident in the strength armed, until Lysias himself fled in disgrace in
of the fortress, so they hurled insults and order to save himself.
curses at the Jews. 13
Lysias, being an intelligent man, re-
35
At daybreak on the fifth day, twenty flected on the defeat he had suffered and
young men from the troops of Maccabeus, understood that the Hebrews were invincible
2 MACCABEES 11 562

because the powerful God fought for them. forty-eight, the fifteenth day of the month of
14
So he sent a messenger to convince them Xanthicus.”
to accept peace with every kind of just con- 34
The Romans also sent them a letter
dition. And he even promised to persuade the which read as follows: “Quintus Memmius
king to make peace with them, too. and Titus Manius, ambassadors of the Ro-
15
Maccabeus, thinking of the common mans, send their greetings to the Jewish
good of all, accepted Lysias’ offer of peace. people. 35 Everything that Lysias, the king’s
And in fact, the king granted all the demands kinsman, has granted you, we also approve.
36
that Maccabeus had presented to Lysias in As for the matters about which Lysias con-
writing. 16 Lysias wrote to them as follows: sidered it necessary to inform the king and
“From Lysias to the Jewish people, greet- take up with him, we ask that you study them
ings. 17 John and Absalom, your envoys, carefully and send someone to us at once, so
have delivered to us your written petitions, we can explain everything to the king to your
asking us to respond. 18 I have set forth before advantage, for we are now leaving for
the king everything that needed his attention; Antioch.
37
and I have granted everything that was within Lose no time, therefore, in sending
my competence. 19 Therefore, if you maintain someone to us, that we may know your plans.
38
your good will toward the State, I will also try We wish you good health. In the fifteenth of
in the future to work in your favor. 20 As for the the month of Xanthicus in the year one hun-
details, I have given orders for your envoys dred and forty-eight.”
and my own representatives to discuss these
Victories against the neighboring peoples
with you. 21 May everything go well with you.
In the year one hundred and forty-eight, the 1
After these agreements had been
twenty-fourth day of the month of the 12 concluded, Lysias returned to the king
Corinthian God.” and the Jews began to return to their fields.
2
22
The king’s letter was as follows: “King But the commanders of the different re-
Antiochus greets his brother Lysias. 23 From gions, Timotheus and Apollonius, the son of
the day we succeeded to the throne of our Genneus, as well as Hieronymus and Domo-
father, who has gone to the dwelling place of phenes, and Nicanor, the leader of the Cyp-
the gods, it has been our desire that all our riots, would not let them live in peace and
subjects live undisturbed so that everyone quiet. 3 Moreover, the inhabitants of Joppa
may dedicate himself to his own work. committed this grave crime. They invited the
24
Learning that the Jews do not wish to adopt Jews with their wives and children to a cruise
Greek customs, as it was the will of my father, on some boats they had prepared, as if they
but prefer their own way of life and ask that did not have any hostility. 4 This was decided
they be allowed to live according to their by the city authorities and the Jews accepted
laws, 25 and since it is our desire that this in order to show their desire to live with them
nation live in peace, we have decreed that the in peace and without any suspicion at all. But
Temple be restored to them and that they be once out in the open sea, the men of Joppa
allowed to live according to the laws and pushed them into the water and at least two
customs of their ancestors. hundred died.
5
26
You will do well, therefore, to send en- When Judas Maccabeus was informed of
voys to conclude a treaty of peace with them. this cruelty against his countrymen, he in-
May they come to know our constant aim, so formed his men. 6 After calling upon God, the
they may be reassured and dedicate them- just judge, he set out against the murderers of
selves with joy to their own occupations.” his brothers and sisters. He set fire to the
27
This was the king’s letter to the Jewish harbor by night, burned the ships and put to
people: “King Antiochus to the Council of the sword those who had taken refuge there.
7
Elders and to the Jewish people: greetings! But, as the gates were closed, he could not
28
If you enjoy good health, we are happy for enter the city, so he withdrew, intending to
you; we ourselves are also well. come back to wipe out all the inhabitants of
29
Menelaus has told us that you wish to Joppa.
8
return to your homes and occupations. Meanwhile, he learned that the inhab-
30
Therefore, I have issued a decree of am- itants of Jamnia wanted to deal in the same
nesty for all who would go home before the way with the Jews who lived there. 9 He also
thirtieth of the month of Xanthicus. 31 The attacked the people of Jamnia by night, and
Jews from now on may live according to their set the harbor and ships on fire. The blaze was
own customs concerning their food, and be so great that the glow could be seen even
governed by their own laws as before. None from Jerusalem, some fifty kilometers away.
of them is to be molested in any way for 10
From there, they set out and marched 1Mac
5:9-
anything done involuntarily. 32 I have ordered against Timotheus, but when they had 54
Menelaus to reassure you of all this. 33 I wish marched for about two kilometers, five thou-
you good health. In the year one hundred and sand Arabs supported by five hundred
 563 2 MACCABEES 12

horses, attacked them. 11 A bloody battle 24

Timotheus himself fell into the hands
took place, and the men of Judas emerged of Dositheus’ and Sosipater’s troops. He
victorious with the help of God. The defeated very cunningly pleaded with them to let him
Arabs sued for peace, and promised to give go, for, as he said, he had the parents and
them livestock, and to help them in the future. brothers of most of the Jews in his power and
12
Judas, convinced that they could indeed be they would surely be put to death if he were to
useful to them, made peace with them. Then be killed. 25 When he had convinced them by
the Arabs withdrew to their camps. the strength of his words, they let him go in
13
Judas attacked a city strongly fortified order to save their kindred.
26
with ditches and walls. The city was called Then Judas left for Carnaim and Atar-
Caspin. People of every race lived there. gateion, and killed twenty-five thousand men
14
The besieged, confident in the strength of there. 27 After defeating and destroying these 1Mac
their walls and because they had their store- enemies, he led an expedition against the 5:45
houses full of provisions, underestimated the walled city of Ephron, where Lysias had
men of Judas and behaved most insolently taken refuge with people of every race.
toward them. They also shouted insults, blas- Strong young men were stationed outside the
phemies and sacrilegious words at them. walls and they fought bravely. And there were
15
The men of Judas called on the great stores of war engines and missiles inside.
28
Sovereign of the world who had demolished After calling on the Lord almighty to
the walls of Jericho without engines of war crush the forces of the enemy, the Jews
during the time of Joshua, and then rushed seized the city and killed more than twenty-
furiously upon the walls. 16 God willed that five thousand of the people inside. 29 Moving
they should take possession of the city, and off from there, they went to Scythopolis, a
they carried out an incredible slaughter: the city one hundred and twenty kilometers from
nearby lake, five hundred meters wide, Jerusalem. 30 But as the Jews who lived there
seemed filled with blood. assured Judas that the inhabitants of that city
had always treated them well and had re-
The battle of Carnaim
ceived them favorably in times of persecu-
1Mac 17
After marching for one hundred and fifty tion, 31 Judas and his men thanked these
5:37- people and asked them to extend the same
44
kilometers, they arrived in Charax, where the
Jews were known as Tubians. 18 They did not kindness to his race in the future. Then they
find Timotheus there, for he had gone without returned to Jerusalem, since the feast of
having achieved anything; but he had left a Weeks of Pentecost was approaching.
32
strong garrison in one place. 19 Dositheus and After the feast and Pentecost, they
Sosipater, leaders of the troops of Macca- marched against Gorgias who was the gover-
beus, marched against them and destroyed nor of Idumea. 33 Gorgias came out with three
the garrison of more than ten thousand men thousand infantrymen and four thousand
left behind by Timotheus. horsemen to meet him. 34 The battle began
20
Maccabeus then organized his army, set and some fell in the ranks of the Jews.
35
these two as their commanders, and rushed Dositheus, a horseman from Bache-
out against Timotheus who had twenty thou- nor’s troops, a very valiant man, grasped
sand infantrymen and two thousand five hun- Gorgias by the cloak, and forcibly dragged
dred horsemen with him. 21 When Timotheus him along, wanting to take that criminal alive.
learned that Judas was approaching, he sent But a Thracian horseman rushed upon
the women and children away with a good Dositheus and slashed his shoulder, so that
deal of the baggage to a fortress called Car- Gorgias was able to flee to Marisa. 36 Judas
naim which was in an impregnable place and saw that the men of Esdrias were exhausted
difficult to reach because of the narrow ap- because they had been fighting for a long
proaches surrounding it. time. He, therefore, prayed to the Lord to
22 show himself as their ally and lead them in
At the sight of the first battalion of Judas,
battle. 37 Then, he chanted a battle hymn in
terror and panic seized their enemies because
the language of their ancestors, charged
of an apparition of Him who sees all things.
against the troops of Gorgias all of a sudden,
They fled in all directions, so that they were and defeated them.
dragged on the ground by their own compan-
ions and wounded by their own swords. 23 Ju- Sacrifice for the fallen
das pursued Timotheus in fury and ardor, • 38 Judas
putting to the sword those wicked men and reorganized his army, and
killing about thirty thousand of them. then went to the city of Adullam. Since

• 12.38 Judas’ soldiers feel encouraged in believers were resigned to accept God’s justice
their faith when they find that their companions and were not concerned about their guilty broth-
who died in the war deserved it because of some ers (see Jos 7).
sin. Before, for example in the days of Joshua, Now, Judas’ companions are concerned: did
 2 MACCABEES 12 564

it was the week’s end, they purified Each of them was in command of a Greek
themselves and celebrated the sabbath army of one hundred and ten thousand infan-
trymen, five thousand and three hundred
there. 39 The next day the companions horsemen, twenty-two elephants and about
of Judas went to take away the bodies three hundred chariots of war with scythes.
of the dead (it was urgent to do it) and 3
Menelaus joined them, and incited Anti-
buried them with their relatives in the ochus with every evil intent since he was not
seeking the freedom of his country but only
tombs of their fathers. 40 They found hoping that he would be restored to the office
under the tunic of each of the dead men of High Priest. 4 But the King of kings roused
objects consecrated to the idols of the anger of Antiochus against that wicked
Jamnia, which the Law forbade the man, when Lysias made the king realize that
Menelaus was the cause of all the evils.
Jews to wear. So it became clear to So the king ordered that Menelaus be
everyone why these men had died. taken to Berea and executed according to the
41
Everyone blessed the intervention custom of the place. 5 There is a tower in that
place, twenty-five meters high, full of burning
of the Lord, the just Judge who brings ashes, provided with a revolving device on
to light the most secret deeds; 42 and top, which sloped on all sides into ashes.
they prayed to the Lord to completely 6
Whoever robbed any sacred thing or com-
pardon the sin of their dead compan- mitted any other notorious crime was
brought up to the tower, and then, pushed
ions. The valiant Judas urged his men into the ashes. 7 In this way, Menelaus died
to shun such sin in the future, for they without even a burial. 8 This was indeed a just
had just seen with their own eyes what punishment for him who had committed so
had happened to those who sinned. many offenses against the Altar whose fire
43 and ashes were sacred; and so, he met his
He took up a collection among his death in ashes.
soldiers which amounted to two thou- Prayer and success of the Jews in Modein
sand pieces of silver and sent it to 9
The king came with a heart full of evil
Jerusalem to be offered there as a sac- designs, prepared to be more cruel to the
rifice for sin. Jews, than his father had been. 10 When Ju-
They did all this very well and rightly das learned of this, he ordered his army to call
inspired by their belief in the resurrec- on God day and night, so that as God had
done in other circumstances, he would now
tion of the dead. 44 If they did not be- also help those 11 who were in danger of be-
lieve that their fallen companions ing deprived of their Law, their country and
would rise again, then it would have their temple. God could not let his people,
who had hardly begun to breathe freely, fall
been a useless and foolish thing to pray once again into the hands of blasphemous
for them. 45 But they firmly believed in a pagans.
splendid reward for those who died as 12
Once all the people had carried out the
believers; therefore, their concern was order to pray to the merciful Lord with lamen-
tations, fasting and prayer for three consecu-
holy and in keeping with faith. tive days, Judas encouraged them and com-
46
This was the reason why Judas manded them to stand ready. 13 After sum-
had this sacrifice offered for the dead – moning the Elders in private, he determined
to leave with his men for a decisive attempt
so that the dead might be pardoned for with the help of God, before the king’s army
their sin. could invade Judea and take control of
Jerusalem.
Antiochus invades Judea 14
Judas entrusted the decision to the
1Mac 1
In the year one hundred and forty- Creator of the world, and encouraged his men
6:28 13 nine, the men of Judas learned that to fight heroically to the death for the Law, the
Antiochus Eupator had come against Judea Temple, the city, the country and the institu-
with countless troops, 2 together with Lysias, tions. So he left with his army and encamped
his tutor who was head of the government. near Modein. 15 He gave his men this watch- 1Mac
6:43

those who sinned stop being our brothers? Hence, Judas’ initiative and the prayer for the
They belonged to God’s people as we do: being dead. They have just discovered the solidarity
raised to life, will they not share a happy future among the members of God’s people, between
with us? the living and the dead.
 565 2 MACCABEES 14

word: “God’s victory.” With the most capable among the Jews, headed by Judas Macca- 1Mac
2:42
young men of his army he attacked by night beus, that keeps up war and rebellion, and 7:13
the tent of the king, putting to the sword about hinders the reestablishment of peace and
two thousand men, the strongest elephant order in the land. 7 Because of them, I have
and its rider. 16 They caused fear and confu- been deprived of the dignity of my ancestors,
sion in the camp and then withdrew in com- that is, the office of High Priest. And I came
plete success. 17 All this happened just as day here, 8 concerned for the king’s interests
was dawning, for God’s help protected them. above everything else, but for my compatri-
1Mac 18
When the king saw the daring of the ots as well, since the fanaticism of those men
6:48- has plunged our people into great misery.
63 Jews, he tried to take control of their for-
9
tresses by using tricks. 19 He advanced O King, look upon our land and nation
against Beth-zur, a city strongly defended by which is hard pressed on all sides, with that
the Jews; he attacked it but was repelled and same kindness you have for all. 10 For as long
defeated. 20 Judas supplied the defenders of as Judas lives, it is impossible for the State to
the city with everything they needed. find peace.”
11
21
Rhodocus, one of Judas’ men, gave When Alcimus had said this, the rest of
secret information to the enemies. He was the King’s Friends who were hostile to Judas,
hunted, captured and executed. 22 The king quickly incited Demetrius against him. 12 And
again kept in contact with the defenders of the king immediately chose Nicanor, who
Beth-zur, made peace with them and with- commanded the squadron of elephants, and
drew. 23 He attacked the troops of Judas but appointed him military commissioner of
was defeated. When he was informed that Judea 13 with orders to kill Judas, disperse his
Philip, whom he had left in Antioch as head of men and restore Alcimus as priest of the
the government, had revolted, he was dis- great Temple.
mayed. He sought peace with the Jews and 14
The pagans who had earlier escaped
had to accept and swear to observe their just from Judea for fear of Judas, flocked in great
petitions; he became reconciled with them, number to Nicanor, thinking that the misfor-
offered sacrifices, honored the Temple and tunes and defeat of the Jews would mean
showed generosity to the Holy Place. victory for them.
24
The king took leave of Maccabeus and
Treaty of peace between Nicanor and Judas
named Hegemonides as governor from
15
Ptolemais to the land of the Gerarrites. When the men of Judas learned about
6:8 25
When he came to Ptolemais, he found the the coming of Nicanor and the invasion of
inhabitants were indignant over that treaty; Nicanor was coming and about the invasion
they were so angry they wanted to annul its of the pagans, they sprinkled dust upon their
terms. 26 But Lysias came up to the tribunal to heads, and called on Him who had estab-
defend what had been decided; he convinced lished his people forever, and had each time
and appeased them, winning their goodwill protected his people by wonderful manifes-
before he set out for Antioch. This was what tations. 16 Then, at their leader’s command
happened with the king’s expedition and they set out to march, and the battle began
retreat. near Dessau. 17 Simon, the brother of Judas,
had attacked Nicanor, but his men were
1Mac 1
Three years later, Judas and his men suddenly confounded by the enemies, suffer-
7:1-
38
14 were informed that Demetrius, son of ing a slight setback.
18
Seleucus, had landed in Tripoli with a fleet However, as Nicanor had heard of the
and a powerful army, 2 and had taken control courage of Judas and his men and of how
of the kingdom, killing Antiochus and his bravely they fought for their country, he
tutor Lysias. feared resolving the situation by bloodshed.
19
3
A certain Alcimus, who had been High So, he sent Posidonius, Theodotus and
Priest before, but was disgraced during the Mattathias to arrange for peace. 20 After a
time of the rebellion, realized that there was thorough consideration of the conditions, he
no way for him to be restored to the ministry communicated this to his troops and it
at the sacred altar. 4 So, he went to King seemed that they were unanimous about it.
Demetrius in about the year one hundred and The treaty of peace was accepted.
21
fifty-one, and offered him a golden crown, a So they set the date on which the leaders
palm and even some olive branches from the should meet. A chariot came forward from
Temple as usual. On that day, he did not ask each side and they prepared seats of honor.
22
for anything. 5 But he found a proper occasion Judas positioned armed men in strategic
for his evil designs when he was called to a places, in case of sudden treachery on the
meeting of the king’s council. When he was part of the enemy. But their meeting went
asked with what disposition and spirit the well.
23
Jews were to be confronted, he answered, Nicanor spent some time in Jerusalem
6
“There exists a party called Hasideans without doing any harm, and even dismissed
 2 MACCABEES 14 566
41
the people that had gathered around him. When the soldiers were about to capture
24
He always had Judas with him, for he had the tower and were breaking the door of the
a high regard for him. 25 He advised him to get courtyard (they had already ordered that fire
married and have children, so Judas got be brought to burn the door), Razis, sur-
married and enjoyed a peaceful life. rounded on all sides, struck his belly with his
26
When Alcimus saw the good under- own sword. 42 He preferred to die bravely
standing between the two, he secured a copy rather than fall into the hands of foreigners
of the signed accord and went to Demetrius, and suffer insults unworthy of his noble birth.
43
accusing Nicanor of acting against the inter- But when he fell upon his sword, he did not
ests of the State, inasmuch as he had ap- hit exactly, so when he saw the troops were
pointed Judas, the enemy of the kingdom, as now rushing in through the gates, he gathered
his minister. enough strength to climb to the top of the
27
The king was infuriated and stirred up by tower, and manfully threw himself down
the slanders of that wicked man. He wrote upon the soldiers. 44 But they quickly with-
Nicanor telling him how indignant he was drew, so he fell into an empty space.
45
over the treaty and ordering him to put Still alive, and aflame with valor, he
Maccabeus in chains and to send him to stood up in spite of the blood that gushed
Antioch at once. forth and the wounds he had, and came
28
Nicanor was dismayed to learn that he running through the soldiers. 46 He stood on a
was asked to break the treaty with Judas who steep rock and there, with his blood almost
had done nothing wrong. 29 But he could not completely drained from him, he took hold of
go against the king’s orders, so he sought an his intestines with both hands and hurled
occasion to carry this out by deceit. them at the crowd. Then calling upon the
30
Maccabeus noticed that Nicanor had name of the Lord of life and spirit to give them
become more reserved towards him and back to him again one day, he left this life.
more unpleasant in their usual meetings, so Victory for Judas and death of Nicanor
he understood that this did not promise well.
1
He began to gather some of his men, but did Nicanor was informed that the men of
not make this known to Nicanor. 31 When the 15 Judas were in the neighboring villages
1Mac latter became aware that Judas had escaped of Samaria, so he prepared to safely attack
7:33- without being disloyal, he appeared in the them on the day of the sabbath. 2 The Jews, 1Mac
2:41
38 holy Temple while the priests were offering who were forced to accompany him, said to
the ritual sacrifices, and demanded that they him, “Do not destroy them so savagely and
hand Judas over to him. 32 The priests de- barbarously, but show respect for the day of
clared on oath that they did not know where the sabbath, for He who sees all has honored
he was to be found. 33 Then, he stretched out this day and sanctified it.” 3 But the wretch
his hand to the sanctuary and made this oath: asked if there was indeed a sovereign in
“If you do not hand Judas over to me in heaven who had commanded that the sab-
chains, I shall raze this place consecrated to bath be holy. 4 They answered, “It is the living
Num
God, destroy the altar, and right here build a God himself, the Sovereign in heaven, who 14:21
splendid temple to Dionysus.” 34 And after has commanded us to celebrate the seventh
saying this, he left. day.”
5
The priests stretched forth their hands to “So I, as sovereign on earth, command
heaven and called on him who had unceas- you to take up arms and carry out the decrees
ingly defended our nation, saying 35 “O Lord of the king.” But he could not bring to com-
of the universe, though you do not need pletion his evil designs.
anything, it has pleased you to put among us 6
Nicanor was so sure of victory, that he
this temple as your dwelling place. 36 So now, planned to build a monument with the mortal
keep undefiled forever this house that has just remains of Judas and his men. 7 But Mac-
been purified.” cabeus, for his part, felt confident and put his
37
Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, trust in God’s help. 8 He encouraged his men
was denounced to Nicanor as being a very not to fear the attack of the pagans, and not
patriotic man, well known as “father of the to forget the times God had come to their
Jews” because of his kindness. 38 In the time help, confident that even now God would give
before the rebellion, he had been accused of them victory. 9 He roused their spirit with the
Judaism and with much enthusiasm he had words of the Law and the Prophets, reminding
totally given himself to the defense of Juda- them of previous triumphs. 10 Encouraging
5:25
ism. his men more and more, he finished by 12:3
39
Now then, Nicanor, wishing to show his showing them the evil of the pagans and how
hatred towards the Jews, ordered more than they had betrayed their oath.
11
five hundred soldiers to take him prisoner. So he armed them not with the sword or
40
He thought that by putting him in prison, he shield but with the certainty that comes from
would deal a great blow to the Jews. noble words. Then he made them all full of
 567 2 MACCABEES 15

joy by telling them what he saw in a true insult you and who come to destroy your holy
dream. people.” With this, he ended his prayer.
25
Meanwhile, Nicanor and his men ad-
• 12 He had seen Onias, the former High
vanced amid blasts of trumpets and shouts of
Priest, a courteous, good man, humble in his war. 26 Judas and his men, for their part,
ways, distinguished in his words and exem- entered into battle with supplication and
plary in his irreproachable conduct since prayer. 27 As they fought with their hands,
childhood. With arms outstretched, Onias their hearts prayed to God. And being so
prayed for the whole Jewish community. magnificently strengthened by the manifest
13
Then, a gray-haired and honorable man presence of God, they killed no less than
appeared, praying in the same way, and thirty-five thousand enemies.
Gen characterized by dignity and majesty. 14 Then 28
18:24 When the battle ended, and they re-
Ex Onias, the High Priest, said to Judas, “This is turned rejoicing, they found Nicanor dead,
32:11 he who loves his compatriots, he who prays lying on the ground with all his armor.
Jer
10:23
without ceasing for the people and for the 29
Holy City. He is Jeremiah, the prophet of Then they blessed God in their ancestral
14:8
Job God.” 15 And Jeremiah had stretched out his language amidst shouts and clamors. 30 Ju-
42:8
right hand giving a golden sword to Judas, as das, who had once fully consecrated himself
he said, 16 “Receive this sword as a gift from to the welfare of his fellow residents and had
God, with which you shall destroy your en- never wavered in his affection for them, or-
emies.” dered that Nicanor’s head and arms up to the
1Mac 17
Encouraged by these beautiful words of shoulders be cut off and brought to Jerusa-
7:39
Judas, which were able to encourage righ- lem.
31
teous people and strengthen young souls, There he summoned his compatriots
they determined not to set up camp with and priests. He stood before the altar and
defenses. They decided instead to rush out ordered them to send for those in the Citadel.
32
bravely and take the offensive to settle the He showed them the head of that wretched, Jdt
matter by fighting bravely, for the Holy City Nicanor, and the hand which that wicked 13:15
man had raised in pride above the house of 14:1
Jerusalem, their religion and the Temple
were in danger. 18 They considered of sec- God. 33 He ordered that Nicanor’s tongue be
ondary importance any concern for their cut into pieces and given to the birds, and the
wives, children and friends; because they hand be hung in front of the sanctuary as
feared above all for the Temple consecrated punishment for his arrogance. 34 Then they
to God. 19 Regarding those who had stayed in blessed Heaven saying, “Blessed be he who
the city, their anxiety was by no means little, did not let his Sacred House be defiled!”
35
since they were worried about the battle that Finally, Judas ordered that Nicanor’s
was about to begin in the camp. head be hung in the Citadel as a sign of God’s
20
Everyone waited for the imminent out- help. 36 By popular agreement, they decided
come as the enemies attacked. They had set that on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month
their troops in place, led the elephants to called Adar in Aramaic, the vespers of the
strategic positions and had the cavalry in the day of Mordecai would be commemorated as
wings. 21 Then Maccabeus could see this a festival day.
multitude with their weapons of every kind
Author’s conclusion
and the ferocious elephants. He stretched
37
forth his hands to heaven and called on the These were the events during the time
Lord who works marvels, for he knew that of Nicanor. As from those days the city re-
God gives victory to those who deserve it, and mained under the power of the Hebrews, I end
this does not depend on weapons, but on the my account here. 38 If the narration has been
will of God. good and well composed, that is indeed what
22
8:19 So Judas said in prayer, “O Lord, you I desired; but if it has been ordinary and
2K sent your angel in the days of Hezekiah, the indifferent, it is what I was able to do. 39 The
19:35 king of Judah, and he wiped out one hundred readers’ pleasure depends on how the ac-
and eighty-five thousand men of the army of count was arranged, just as it is with one who
Sennacherib. 23 So now, O Lord of Heaven, drinks. It does not do any good when one
send your good angel, before us too, to fill our drinks only pure wine or water but wine mixed
enemies with fear and terror. 24 Show your with water is tasty and delightful. Let this,
power and let your arm strike those who then, be my last word.

• 15.12 The faithful begin to discover the intercede for their descendants: Jeremiah, the
solidarity binding the living and dead members of prophet of previous centuries as well as Onias,
God’s people. Here, the men of God of the past the High Priest murdered a few years before.
3 Maccabees 1:1 i 3 Maccabees 1:4

The Third Book of the

Maccabees
The Third Book of the Maccabees is recognized
as Deuterocanonical Scripture by the Greek Or-
thodox and Russian Orthodox Churches. It is
considered to be apocrypha by most other church
traditions.
1 Now Philopater, on learning from those who
came back that Antiochus had made himself mas-
ter of the places which belonged to himself, sent
orders to all his infantry and cavalry, took with
him his sister Arsinoe, and marched out as far
as the parts of Raphia, where Antiochus and his
forces encamped. 2 And one Theodotus, intending
to carry out his design, took with him the bravest
of the armed men who had been before commit-
ted to his trust by Ptolemy, and got through at
night to the tent of Ptolemy, to kill him on his
own responsibility, and so to end the war. 3 But
Dositheus, called the son of Drimulus, by birth a
Jew, afterward a renegade from the laws and ob-
servances of his country, conveyed Ptolemy away,
and made an obscure person lie down in his stead
in the tent. It turned out that this man received
the fate which was meant for the other. 4 A fierce
battle then took place. The men of Antiochus
were prevailing. Arsinoe continually went up and
down the ranks, and with dishevelled hair, with
tears and entreaties, begged the soldiers to fight
bravely for themselves, their children, and wives,
and promised that if they proved conquerors, she
3 Maccabees 1:5 ii 3 Maccabees 1:15

would give them each two minas of gold. 5 It

thus fell out that their enemies were defeated in
hand-to-hand encounter, and that many of them
were taken prisoners. 6 Having vanquished this
attempt, the king then decided to proceed to the
neighboring cities, and encourage them. 7 By
doing this, and by making donations to their tem-
ples, he inspired his subjects with confidence.
8 The Jews sent some of their council and of their
elders to him. The greetings, welcoming gifts,
and congratulations of the past, given by them,
filled him with the greater eagerness to visit their
city. 9 Having arrived at Jerusalem, sacrificed, and
offered thank-offerings to the Greatest God, and
done whatever else was suitable to the sanctity
of the place, and entered the inner court, 10 he
was so impressed with the magnificence of the
place, and so wondered at the orderly arrange-
ments of the temple, that he considered entering
the sanctuary itself. 11 When they told him that
this was not permissible, none of the nation, not
even the priests in general, but only the supreme
high priest of all, and he only once in a year,
was allowed to go in, he would by no means give
way. 12 Then they read the law to him, but he
persisted in intruding, exclaiming that he ought to
be allowed. He said, “Even if they were deprived
of this honor, I shouldn’t be.” 13 He asked why,
when he entered all the other temples, did none
of the priests who were present forbid him. 14 He
was thoroughly answered by someone, that he did
wrong to boast of this. 15 “Well, since I have done
this,” said he, “be the cause what it may, shall I not
3 Maccabees 1:16 iii 3 Maccabees 1:25

enter with or without your consent?”

16 When the priests fell down in their sacred
vestments imploring the Greatest God to come
and help in time of need, and to avert the violence
of the fierce aggressor, and when they filled the
temple with lamentations and tears, 17 then those
who had been left behind in the city were scared,
and rushed out, uncertain of the event. 18 Virgins,
who had been shut up within their chambers,
came out with their mothers, scattering dust and
ashes on their heads, and filling the streets with
outcries. 19 Women who had recently been ar-
rayed for marriage left their bridal chambers, left
the reserve that befitted them, and ran around
the city in a disorderly manner. 20 New-born
babes were deserted by the mothers or nurses
who waited upon them—some here, some there,
in houses, or in fields; these now, with an ardor
which could not be checked, swarmed into the
Most High temple. 21 Various prayers were offered
up by those who assembled in this place because
of the unholy attempt of the king. 22 Along with
these there were some of the citizens who took
courage and would not submit to his obstinacy
and his intention of carrying out his purpose.
23 Calling out to arms, and to die bravely in de-
fense of the law of their fathers, they created a
great uproar in the place, and were with difficulty
brought back by the aged and the elders to the
station of prayer which they had occupied before.
24 During this time, the multitude kept on pray-
ing. 25 The elders who surrounded the king tried
in many ways to divert his arrogant mind from
3 Maccabees 1:26 iv 3 Maccabees 2:5

the design which he had formed. 26 He, in his

hardened mood, insensible to all persuasion, was
going onward with the view of carrying out this
design. 27 Yet even his own officers, when they
saw this, joined the Jews in an appeal to Him who
has all power to aid in the present crisis, and not
wink at such haughty lawlessness. 28 Such was
the frequency and the vehemence of the cry of the
assembled crowd, that an indescribable noise en-
sued. 29 Not the men only, but the very walls and
floor seemed to sound out, all things preferring
death rather than to see the place defiled.

2
1 Now it was that the high priest Simon bowed
his knees near the holy place, spread out his
hands in reverent form, and uttered the following
prayer: 2 “O Lord, Lord, King of the heavens,
and Ruler of the whole creation, Holy among the
holy, sole Governor, Almighty, give ear to us who
are oppressed by a wicked and profane one, who
celebrates in his confidence and strength. 3 It is
you, the Creator of all, the Lord of the universe,
who are a righteous Governor, and judge all who
act with pride and insolence. 4 It was you who de-
stroyed the former workers of unrighteousness,
among whom were the giants, who trusted in
their strength and daring, by covering them with
a measureless flood. 5 It was you who made the
Sodomites, those workers of exceedingly iniquity,
men notorious for their vices, an example to later
generations, when you covered them with fire
3 Maccabees 2:6 v 3 Maccabees 2:17

and brimstone†. 6 You made known your power

when you caused the bold Pharaoh, the enslaver
of your people, to pass through the ordeal of many
and diverse inflictions. 7 You rolled the depths of
the sea over him when he pursued with chariots
and with a multitude of followers, and gave a safe
passage to those who put their trust in you, the
Lord of the whole creation. 8 These saw and felt
the works of your hands, and praised you, the
Almighty. 9 You, O King, when you created the
immeasurable and measureless earth, chose this
city. You made this place sacred to your name,
even though you need nothing. You glorified it
with your illustrious presence, after constructing
it to the glory of your great and honorable name.
10 You promised, out of love for the people of
Israel, that if we fall away from you, become
afflicted, and then come to this house and pray,
you would hear our prayer. 11 Truly you are
faithful and true. 12 When you often aided our
fathers when hard pressed and humiliated, and
delivered them out of great dangers, 13 see now,
holy King, how through our many and great sins
we are crushed and made subject to our enemies,
and have become weak and powerless. 14 In our
low condition, this bold and profane man seeks
to dishonor this your holy place, consecrated out
of the earth to the name of your Majesty. 15 Your
dwelling place, the heaven of heavens, is indeed
unapproachable to men. 16 But since it seemed
good to you to exhibit your glory among your
people Israel, you sanctified this place. 17 Don’t
† 2:5 or, sulfur
3 Maccabees 2:18 vi 3 Maccabees 2:26

punish us by means of the uncleanness of their

men, and don’t chastise us by means of their pro-
fanity, lest the lawless ones should boast in their
rage, and exult in exuberant pride of speech, and
say, 18 ‘We have trampled upon the holy house,
as idolatrous houses are trampled upon.’ 19 Blot
out our iniquities, do away with our errors, and
show your compassion in this hour. 20 Let your
mercies quickly go before us. Grant us peace, that
the downcast and broken hearted may praise you
with their mouth.”
21 At that time God, who sees all things, who
is beyond all Holy among the holy, heard that
prayer, so suitable, and scourged the man who
was greatly uplifted with scorn and insolence.
22 Shaking him back and forth as a reed is shaken
with the wind, he threw him down on the pave-
ment, powerless, with limbs paralyzed, and by
a righteous judgment deprived of the ability to
speak. 23 His friends and bodyguards, seeing the
swift recompense which had suddenly overtaken
him, struck with exceeding terror, and fearing
that he would die, speedily removed him. 24 When
in course of time he had come to himself, this
severe punishment caused no repentance within
him, but he departed with bitter threatenings.
25 He proceeded to Egypt, grew worse in wicked-
ness through his previously mentioned compan-
ions in wine, who were lost to all goodness, 26 and
not satisfied with countless acts of impiety, his
audacity so increased that he raised evil reports
there, and many of his friends, watching his
purpose attentively, joined in furthering his will.
3 Maccabees 2:27 vii 3 Maccabees 3:1

27 His purpose was to inflict a public stigma upon

our race. Therefore he erected a stone pillar in
the courtyard, and caused the following inscrip-
tion to be engraved upon it: 28 “Entrance to this
temple is to be refused to all those who would
not sacrifice. All the Jews were to be registered
among the slaves. Those who resisted are to be
forcibly seized and put to death. 29 Those who
are thus registered are to be marked on their
persons by the ivy-leaf symbol of Dionysus, and to
be reduced to these limited rights.” 30 To do away
with the appearance of hating them all, he had
it written underneath, that if any of them should
elect to enter the community of those initiated in
the rites, these should have equal rights with the
Alexandrians.
31 Some of those who were over the city, there-
fore, abhorring any approach to the city of piety,
unhesitatingly gave in to the king, and expected to
derive some great honor from a future connection
with him. 32 A nobler spirit, however, prompted
the majority to cling to their religious obser-
vances, and by paying money that they might live
unmolested, these sought to escape the registra-
tion, 33 cheerfully looking forward to future aid,
they abhorred their own apostates, considering
them to be national foes, and depriving them of
common fellowship and mutual help.

3
1 On discovering this, so incensed was the
wicked king, that he no longer confined his rage
to the Jews in Alexandria. Laying his hand more
3 Maccabees 3:2 viii 3 Maccabees 3:10

heavily upon those who lived in the country, he

gave orders that they should be quickly collected
into one place, and most cruelly deprived of their
lives. 2 While this was going on, a hostile rumor
was uttered abroad by men who had banded to-
gether to injure the Jewish race. The pretext of
their charge was that the Jews kept them away
from the ordinances of the law. 3 Now the Jews
always maintained a feeling of unwavering loy-
alty toward the kings, 4 yet, as they worshiped
God and observed his law, they made certain
distinctions, and avoided certain things. Hence
they appeared hateful to some people, 5 although,
as they adorned their conversation with works of
righteousness, they had established themselves in
the good opinion of the world. 6 What all the rest
of mankind said was, however, disregarded by
the foreigners, 7 who said much of the exclusive-
ness of the Jews with regard to their worship and
meats. They alleged that they were unsociable
men, hostile to the king’s interests, refusing to
associate with him or his troops. By this way
of speaking, they brought much hatred on them.
8 This unexpected uproar and sudden gathering of
people was observed by the Greeks who lived in
the city, concerning men who had never harmed
them. Yet to aid them was not in their power, since
all was oppression around, but they encouraged
them in their troubles, and expected a favorable
turn of affairs. 9 He who knows all things will not,
they said, disregard so great a people. 10 Some of
the neighbors, friends, and business associates of
3 Maccabees 3:11 ix 3 Maccabees 3:19

the Jews even called them secretly to an interview,

pledged them their assistance, and promised to do
their very utmost for them.
11 Now the king, elated with his prosperous
fortune, and not regarding the superior power
of God, but thinking to persevere in his present
purpose, wrote the following letter to the prej-
udice of the Jews: 12 “King Ptolemy Philopater,
to the commanders and soldiers in Egypt, and in
all places, health and happiness! 13 I am doing
well, and so, too, are my affairs. 14 Since our
Asiatic campaign, the particulars of which you
know, and which by the aid of the gods, not lightly
given, and by our own vigor, has been brought
to a successful conclusion according to our ex-
pectation, 15 we resolved, not with strength of
spear, but with gentleness and much humanity,
as it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria
and Phoenicia, and to be their willing benefac-
tors. 16 So, having bestowed considerable sums
of money upon the temples of the several cities,
we proceeded even as far as Jerusalem, and went
up to honor the temple of these wretched beings
who never cease from their folly. 17 To outward
appearance they received us willingly, but belied
that appearance by their deeds. When we were
eager to enter their temple, and to honor it with
the most beautiful and exquisite gifts, 18 they were
so carried away by their old arrogance as to forbid
us the entrance, while we, out of our forbear-
ance toward all men, refrained from exercising
our power upon them. 19 Thus, exhibiting their
3 Maccabees 3:20 x 3 Maccabees 3:25

enmity against us, they alone among the nations

lift up their heads against kings and benefac-
tors, as men unwilling to submit to any reason-
able thing. 20 We then, having endeavored to
make allowance for the madness of these people,
and on our victorious return treating all people
in Egypt courteously, acted in a manner which
was befitting. 21 Accordingly, bearing no ill will
against their kinsmen, but rather remembering
our connection with them, and the numerous
matters with sincere heart from a remote period
entrusted to them, we wished to venture a total
alteration of their state, by giving them the rights
of citizens of Alexandria, and to admit them to
the everlasting rites of our solemnities. 22 All
this, however, they have taken in a very different
spirit. With their innate malignity, they have
spurned the fair offer, and constantly inclining to
evil, 23 have rejected the inestimable rights. Not
only so, but by using speech, and by refraining
from speech, they abhor the few among them who
are heartily disposed toward us, ever deeming
that their infamous way of life will force us to do
away with our reform. 24 Having then received
certain proofs that these Jews bear us every sort of
ill will, we must look forward to the possibility of
some sudden tumult among ourselves when these
impious men may turn traitors and barbarous
enemies. 25 Therefore, as soon as the contents
of this letter become known to you, in that same
hour we order those Jews who dwell among you,
with wives and children, to be sent to us, vili-
fied and abused, in chains of iron, to undergo a
3 Maccabees 3:26 xi 3 Maccabees 4:4

cruel and shameful death, suitable to enemies.

26 For by the punishment of them in one body we
perceive that we have found the only means of
establishing our affairs for the future on a firm
and satisfactory basis. 27 Whoever protects a Jew,
whether it be old man, child, or nursing baby,
shall with his whole house be tortured to death.
28 Whoever informs against the Jews, besides re-
ceiving the property of the person charged, shall
be presented with two thousand drachmas† from
the royal treasury, shall be made free, and shall be
crowned. 29 Whatever place shelters a Jew shall
be made unapproachable and shall be put under
the ban of fire, and be forever rendered useless
to every living being for all time to come.” 30 The
king’s letter was written in the above form.

4
1 Wherever this decree was received, the people
kept up a revelry of joy and shouting, as if their
long-pent-up, hardened hatred would now show
itself openly. 2 The Jews suffered great throes
of sorrow and wept much, while their hearts, all
things around being lamentable, were set on fire
as they bewailed the sudden destruction which
was decreed against them. 3 What home, or city,
or any inhabited place, or what streets were there,
which their condition didn’t fill with wailing and
lamentation? 4 They were sent out unanimously
by the generals in various cities, with such stern
and pitiless feeling that the exceptional nature of
† 3:28 a drachma was about a day’s pay for an agricultural laborer
3 Maccabees 4:5 xii 3 Maccabees 4:11

the infliction moved even some of their enemies.

These, influenced by sentiments of common hu-
manity, and reflecting upon the uncertain issue
of life, shed tears at their miserable expulsion.
5 A multitude of aged hoary-haired old men were
driven along with halting bending feet, urged on-
ward by the impulse of a violent, shameless force
to quick speed. 6 Girls who had entered the bridal
chamber quite lately, to enjoy the partnership of
marriage, exchanged pleasure for misery; and
with dust scattered upon their myrrh-anointed
heads, were hurried along unveiled; and, in the
midst of outlandish insults, set up with one accord
a lamentable cry instead of the marriage hymn.
7 Bound and exposed to public gaze, they were
hurried violently on board ship. 8 The husbands of
these, in the prime of their youthful vigor, instead
of crowns, wore ropes round their necks. Instead
of feasting and youthful celebration, they spent
the rest of their nuptial days in wailing, and saw
only the grave at hand. 9 They were dragged along
by unyielding chains, like wild animals. Of these,
some had their necks thrust into the benches of
the rowers, while the feet of others were enclosed
in hard fetters. 10 The planks of the deck above
them blocked out the light and shut out the day
on every side, so that they might be treated like
traitors during the whole voyage.
11 They were carried like this in this vessel, and
at the end of it arrived at Schedia. The king had
ordered them to be cast into the vast hippodrome,
which was built in front of the city. This place
was well adapted by its situation to expose them
3 Maccabees 4:12 xiii 3 Maccabees 4:18

to the gaze of all comers into the city, and of

those who went from the city into the country.
Thus they could hold no communication with his
forces. They weren’t deemed worthy of any civi-
lized accommodation. 12 When this was done, the
king, hearing that their kindred in the city often
went out and lamented the melancholy distress of
these victims, 13 was full of rage, and commanded
that they should be carefully subjected to the
same—and not one bit milder—treatment. 14 The
whole nation was now to be registered. Every
individual was to be specified by name, not for
that hard servitude of labor which we have a little
before mentioned, but that he might expose them
to the before-mentioned tortures; and finally, in
the short space of a day, might exterminate them
by his cruelties. 15 The registering of these men
was carried on cruelly, zealously, assiduously,
from the rising of the sun to its going down, and
was not brought to an end in forty days. 16 The
king was filled with great and constant joy, and
celebrated banquets before the temple idols. His
erring heart, far from the truth, and his profane
mouth gave glory to idols, deaf and incapable of
speaking or aiding, and uttered unworthy speech
against the Greatest God. 17 At the end of the
above-mentioned interval of time, the registrars
brought word to the king that the multitude of the
Jews was too great for registration, 18 inasmuch
as there were many still left in the land, of whom
some were in inhabited houses, and others were
scattered about in various places, so that all the
commanders in Egypt were insufficient for the
3 Maccabees 4:19 xiv 3 Maccabees 5:8

work. 19 The king threatened them, and charged

them with taking bribes, in order to contrive the
escape of the Jews, but was clearly convinced of
the truth of what had been said. 20 They said,
and proved, that paper and pens had failed them
for the carrying out of their purpose. 21 Now this
was an active interference of the unconquerable
Providence which assisted the Jews from heaven.

5
1 Then he called Hermon, who had charge of
the elephants. Full of rage, altogether fixed in his
furious design, 2 he commanded him, with a quan-
tity of unmixed wine with handfuls of incense in-
fused, to drug the elephants early on the following
day. These five hundred elephants were, when
infuriated by the copious drinks of frankincense,
to be led up to the execution of death upon the
Jews. 3 The king, after issuing these orders, went
to his feasting, and gathered together all those of
his friends and of the army who hated the Jews the
most. 4 The master of the elephants, Hermon, ful-
filled his commission punctually. 5 The servants
appointed for the purpose went out about evening
and bound the hands of the miserable victims,
and took other precautions for their security at
night, thinking that the whole race would perish
together. 6 The heathen believed the Jews to be
destitute of all protection, for chains bound them.
7 They invoked the Almighty Lord, and cease-
lessly implored with tears their merciful God and
Father, Ruler of all, Lord of every power, 8 to
overthrow the evil purpose which had gone out
3 Maccabees 5:9 xv 3 Maccabees 5:19

against them, and to deliver them by extraordi-

nary manifestation from that death which was
in store for them. 9 Their earnest entreaty went
up to heaven. 10 Then Hermon, who had filled
his merciless elephants with copious drinks of
mixed wine and frankincense, came early to the
palace to report on these preparations. 11 He,
however, who has sent his good creature sleep
from all time by night or by day thus gratifying
whom he wills, diffused a portion of it now upon
the king. 12 By this sweet and profound influence
of the Lord, he was held fast, and thus his unjust
purpose was quite frustrated, and his unflinching
resolve greatly falsified. 13 But the Jews, having
escaped the hour which had been fixed, praised
their holy God, and again prayed him who is easily
reconciled to display the power of his powerful
hand to the arrogant Gentiles. 14 The middle of the
tenth hour had nearly arrived, when the person
who sent invitations, seeing the guests who were
invited present, came and shook the king. 15 He
gained his attention with difficulty, and hinting
that the mealtime was getting past, talked the
matter over with him. 16 The king listened to
this, and then turning aside to his drinking, com-
manded the guests to sit down before him. 17 This
done, he asked them to enjoy themselves, and to
indulge in mirth at this somewhat late hour of the
banquet. 18 Conversation grew on, and the king
sent for Hermon, and inquired of him, with fierce
denunciations, why the Jews had been allowed to
outlive that day. 19 Hermon explained that he had
3 Maccabees 5:20 xvi 3 Maccabees 5:30

done his bidding over night; and in this he was

confirmed by his friends. 20 The king, then, with
a barbarity exceeding that of Phalaris, said, “They
might thank his sleep of that day. Lose no time,
and get ready the elephants against tomorrow,
as you did before, for the destruction of these
accursed Jews.” 21 When the king said this, the
company present were glad, and approved. Then
each man went to his own home. 22 They didn’t
employ the night in sleep, but in contriving cruel
mockeries for those deemed miserable. 23 The
morning cock had just crowed, and Hermon, hav-
ing harnessed the brutes, was stimulating them
in the great colonnade. 24 The city crowds were
collected together to see the hideous spectacle,
and waited impatiently for the dawn. 25 The Jews,
breathless with momentary suspense, stretched
out their hands and prayed the Greatest God, in
mournful strains, again to help them speedily.
26 The sun’s rays were not yet shining and the
king was waiting for his friends when Hermon
came to him, calling him out, and saying that
his desires could now be realized. 27 The king,
receiving him, was astonished at his unusual in-
vitation. Overwhelmed with a spirit of oblivion
about everything, inquired about the object of this
earnest preparation. 28 But this was the working
of that Almighty God who had made him forget
all his purpose. 29 Hermon and all his friends
pointed out the preparation of the animals. They
are ready, O king, according to your own strict
injunction. 30 The king was filled with fierce
3 Maccabees 5:31 xvii 3 Maccabees 5:41

anger at these words, for, by the Providence of

God regarding these things, his mind had become
entirely confused. He looked hard at Hermon,
and threatened him as follows: 31 “Your parents,
or your children, were they here, would have
given a large meal to these wild animals, not these
innocent Jews, who have loyally served me and
my forefathers. 32 Had it not been for familiar
friendship, and the claims of your office, your life
should have gone for theirs.”
33 Hermon, being threatened in this unexpected
and alarming manner, was troubled in his eyes,
and his face fell. 34 The friends, too, stole out
one by one, and dismissed the assembled mul-
titudes to their respective occupations. 35 The
Jews, having heard of these events, praised the
glorious God and King of kings, because they had
obtained this help, too, from him. 36 Now the king
arranged another banquet in the same way, and
proclaimed an invitation to mirth. 37 He sum-
moned Hermon to his presence, and said, with
threats, “How often, O wretch, must I repeat my
orders to you about these same persons? 38 Once
more, arm the elephants for the extermination of
the Jews tomorrow!” 39 His kinsmen, who were
reclining with him, wondered at his instability,
and thus expressed themselves: 40 “O king, how
long do you test us, as of men bereft of reason?
This is the third time that you have ordered their
destruction. When the thing is to be done, you
change your mind, and recall your instructions.
41 Because of this, the feeling of expectation causes
3 Maccabees 5:42 xviii 3 Maccabees 5:49

tumult in the city. It swarms with factions, and is

continually on the point of being plundered.”
42 The king, just like another Phalaris, a prey to
thoughtlessness, made no account of the changes
which his own mind had undergone, issuing in
the deliverance of the Jews. He swore a fruit-
less oath, and determined immediately to send
them to hades, crushed by the knees and feet of
the elephants. 43 He would also invade Judea,
level its towns with fire and the sword, destroy
that temple which the heathen might not enter,
and prevent sacrifices ever after being offered up
there. 44 Joyfully his friends broke up, together
with his kinsmen; and, trusting in his determina-
tion, arranged their forces in guard at the most
convenient places of the city. 45 The master of
the elephants urged the animals into an almost
maniacal state, drenched them with incense and
wine, and decked them with frightful devices.
46 About early morning, when the city was filled
with an immense number of people at the hip-
podrome, he entered the palace and called the
king to the business in hand. 47 The king’s heart
teemed with impious rage; and he rushed forth
with the mass, along with the elephants. With
unsoftened feelings and pitiless eyes, he longed
to gaze at the hard and wretched doom of the
previously mentioned Jews. 48 But the Jews, when
the elephants went out at the gate, followed by the
armed force. When they saw the dust raised by
the throng, and heard the loud cries of the crowd,
49 thought that they had come to the last moment
3 Maccabees 5:50 xix 3 Maccabees 6:5

of their lives, to the end of what they had trem-

blingly expected. They gave way, therefore, to
lamentations and moans. They kissed each other.
Those nearest of kin to each other hung around
one another’s necks—fathers hugging their sons
and mothers their daughters. Other women held
their infants to their breasts, which drew what
seemed their last milk. 50 Nevertheless, when they
reflected upon the help previously granted them
from heaven, they prostrated themselves with
one accord, removed even the sucking children
from the breasts, and 51 sent up an exceedingly
great cry asking the Lord of all power to reveal
himself, and have mercy upon those who now lay
at the gates of hades.

6
1 Then Eleazar, an illustrious priest of the coun-
try, who had attained to length of days, and whose
life had been adorned with virtue, caused the
elders who were around him to cease to cry out
to the holy God, and prayed this: 2 “O king, mighty
in power, most high, Almighty God, who regulates
the whole creation with your tender mercy, 3 look
at the seed of Abraham, at the children of the sanc-
tified Jacob, your sanctified inheritance, O Father,
now being wrongfully destroyed as foreigners in
a foreign land. 4 You destroyed Pharaoh with
his army of chariots when that lord of this same
Egypt was uplifted with lawless daring and loud-
sounding tongue. Shedding the beams of your
mercy upon the race of Israel, you overwhelmed
him and his proud army. 5 When Sennacherim,
3 Maccabees 6:6 xx 3 Maccabees 6:14

the grievous king of the Assyrians, exulting in his

countless army, had subdued the whole land with
his spear and was lifting himself against your holy
city with boastings grievous to be endured, you, O
Lord, demolished him and displayed your might
to many nations. 6 When the three friends in the
land of Babylon of their own will exposed their
lives to the fire rather than serve vain things, you
sent a moist coolness through the fiery furnace,
and brought the fire on all their adversaries. 7 It
was you who, when Daniel was hurled, through
slander and envy, as a prey to lions down be-
low, brought him back again unharmed to light.
8 When Jonah was pining away in the belly of
the sea-born monster, you looked at him, O Fa-
ther, and recovered him to the sight of his own.
9 Now, you who hate insolence, you who abound
in mercy, you who are the protector of all things,
appear quickly to those of the race of Israel, who
are insulted by abhorred, lawless gentiles. 10 If
our life during our exile has been stained with in-
iquity, deliver us from the hand of the enemy, and
destroy us, O Lord, by the death which you prefer.
11 Don’t let the vain-minded congratulate vain
idols at the destruction of your beloved, saying,
‘Their god didn’t deliver them.’ 12 You who are All-
powerful and Almighty, O Eternal One, behold!
Have mercy on us who are being withdrawn from
life, like traitors, by the unreasoning insolence of
lawless men. 13 Let the heathen cower before your
invincible might today, O glorious One, who have
all power to save the race of Jacob. 14 The whole
3 Maccabees 6:15 xxi 3 Maccabees 6:24

band of infants and their parents ask you with

tears. 15 Let it be shown to all the nations that you
are with us, O Lord, and have not turned your face
away from us, but as you said that you would not
forget them even in the land of their enemies, so
fulfill this saying, O Lord.”
16 Now, at the time that Eleazar had ended his
prayer, the king came along to the hippodrome
with the wild animals, and with his tumultuous
power. 17 When the Jews saw this, they uttered
a loud cry to heaven so that the adjacent valleys
resounded and caused an irrepressible lamenta-
tion throughout the army. 18 Then the all-glorious,
all-powerful, and true God, displayed his holy
countenance, and opened the gates of heaven,
from which two angels, dreadful of form, came
down and were visible to all but the Jews. 19 They
stood opposite, and filled the enemies’ army with
confusion and cowardice, and bound them with
immoveable shackles. 20 A cold shudder came
over the person of the king, and oblivion para-
lyzed the vehemence of his spirit. 21 They turned
back the animals on the armed forces who fol-
lowed them; and the animals trampled them and
destroyed them. 22 The king’s wrath was con-
verted into compassion; and he wept at the things
he had devised. 23 For when he heard the cry,
and saw them all on the verge of destruction, with
tears he angrily threatened his friends, saying,
24 “You have governed badly, and have exceeded
tyrants in cruelty. You have labored to deprive
me, your benefactor, at once of my dominion and
my life, by secretly devising measures injurious
3 Maccabees 6:25 xxii 3 Maccabees 6:32

to the kingdom. 25 Who has gathered here, un-

reasonably removing each from his home, those
who, in fidelity to us, had held the fortresses of
the country? 26 Who has consigned to unmerited
punishments those who in good will toward us
from the beginning have in all things surpassed
all nations, and who often have engaged in the
most dangerous undertakings? 27 Loose, loose
the unjust bonds! Send them to their homes in
peace, begging pardon for what has been done.
28 Release the sons of the almighty living God
of heaven, who from our ancestors’ times until
now has granted a glorious and uninterrupted
prosperity to our affairs.” 29 He said these things,
and they, released the same moment, having now
escaped death, praised God their holy Savior.
30 The king then departed to the city, and called
his financier to himself, and asked him provide a
seven days’ quantity of wine and other materials
for feasting for the Jews. He decided that they
should keep a cheerful festival of deliverance in
the very place in which they expected to meet with
their destruction. 31 Then they who were before
despised and near to hades, yes, rather advanced
into it, partook of the cup of salvation, instead of a
grievous and lamentable death. Full of exultation,
they apportioned the place intended for their fall
and burial into banqueting booths. 32 Ceasing
their miserable strain of woe, they took up the
subject of their fatherland, singing in praise to
God their wonder-working Savior. All groans and
all wailing were laid aside. They formed dances as
3 Maccabees 6:33 xxiii 3 Maccabees 7:1

a sign of peaceful joy. 33 So the king also collected

a number of guests for the occasion, and returned
unceasing thanks with much magnificence for the
unexpected deliverance afforded him. 34 Those
who had marked them out as for death and for
carrion, and had registered them with joy, howled
aloud, and were clothed with shame, and had the
fire of their rage ingloriously put out. 35 But the
Jews, as we just said, instituted a dance, and then
gave themselves up to feasting, glad thanksgiving,
and psalms. 36 They made a public ordinance
to commemorate these things for generations to
come, as long as they should be sojourners. They
thus established these days as days of mirth, not
for the purpose of drinking or luxury, but because
God had saved them. 37 They requested the king
to send them back to their homes. 38 They were
being enrolled from the twenty-fifth of Pachon
to the fourth of Epiphi, a period of forty days.
The measures taken for their destruction lasted
from the fifth of Epiphi till the seventh, that is,
three days. 39 The Ruler over all during this time
manifested his mercy gloriously, and delivered
them all together unharmed. 40 They feasted upon
the king’s provision up to the fourteenth day, then
asked to be sent away. 41 The king commended
them, and wrote the following letter, of magnan-
imous import for them, to the commanders of
every city:

7
1 “King
Ptolemy Philopator to the commanders
throughout Egypt, and to all who are set over af-
3 Maccabees 7:2 xxiv 3 Maccabees 7:10

fairs, joy and strength. 2 We, too, and our children

are well. God has directed our affairs as we wish.
3 Certain of our friends out of malice vehemently
urged us to punish the Jews of our realm in a body,
with the infliction of a monstrous punishment.
4 They pretended that our affairs would never be
in a good state till this took place. Such, they
said, was the hatred borne by the Jews to all other
people. 5 They brought them fettered in grievous
chains as slaves, no, as traitors. Without enquiry
or examination they endeavored to annihilate
them. They buckled themselves with a savage
cruelty, worse than Scythian custom. 6 For this
cause we severely threatened them; yet, with the
clemency which we usually extend to all men, we
at length permitted them to live. Finding that the
God of heaven cast a shield of protection over the
Jews so as to preserve them, and that he fought
for them as a father always fights for his sons,
7 and taking into consideration their constancy
and fidelity toward us and toward our ancestors,
we have, as we ought, acquitted them of every
sort of charge. 8 We have dismissed them to
their several homes, telling all men everywhere to
do them no wrong, or unrighteously revile them
about the past. 9 For know this, that should we
conceive any evil design, or in any way aggrieve
them, we shall ever have as our adversary, not
man, but the highest God, the ruler of all might.
From Him there will be no escape, as the avenger
of such deeds. Farewell.”
10 When they had received this letter, they
didn’t hurry to depart immediately. They pe-
3 Maccabees 7:11 xxv 3 Maccabees 7:19

titioned the king to be allowed to inflict fitting

punishment upon those of their race who had
willingly transgressed the holy god, and the law
of God. 11 They alleged that men who had for their
bellies’ sake transgressed the ordinances of God,
would never be faithful to the interests of the king.
12 The king admitted the truth of this reasoning,
and commended them. Full power was given
them, without warrant or special commission,
to destroy those who had transgressed the law
of God boldly in every part of the king’s domin-
ions. 13 Their priests, then, as it was appropriate,
saluted him with good wishes, and all the people
echoed with the “Hallelujah!” Then they joyfully
departed. 14 Then they punished and shamefully
destroyed every polluted Jew that fell in their way,
15 slaying this way, in that day, more than three
hundred men, and esteeming this destruction of
the wicked a season of joy. 16 They themselves
having held closely to their God to death, and hav-
ing enjoyed a full deliverance, departed from the
city garlanded with sweet-flowered wreaths of ev-
ery kind. Uttering exclamations of joy, with songs
of praise, and melodious hymns, they thanked the
God of their fathers, the eternal Savior of Israel.
17 Having arrived at Ptolemais, called from the
specialty of that district “Rose-bearing”, where
the fleet, in accordance with the general wish,
waited for them seven days, 18 they partook of a
banquet of deliverance, for the king generously
granted them all the means of securing a return
home. 19 They were accordingly brought back in
3 Maccabees 7:20 xxvi 3 Maccabees 7:23

peace, while they gave utterance to appropriate

thanks; and they determined to observe these
days during their sojourn as days of joyfulness.
20 These they registered as sacred upon a pillar,
when they had dedicated the place of their festiv-
ity to be one of prayer. They departed unharmed,
free, abundant in joy, preserved by the king’s
command, by land, by sea, and by river, each to
his own home. 21 They had more weight than
before among their enemies, and were honored
and feared. No one in any way robbed them of
their goods. 22 Every man received back his own,
according to inventory, those who had obtained
their goods, giving them up with the greatest ter-
ror. For the greatest God made perfect wonders
for their salvation. 23 Blessed be the Redeemer of
Israel forever! Amen.
 xxvii

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4 Maccabees 1:1 i 4 Maccabees 1:7

The Fourth Book of the

Maccabees
The Fourth Book of the Maccabees appears in an
appendix to the Greek Septuagint. It is considered
to be apocrypha by most church traditions. It is
preserved here for its supplementary historical
value.
1 As I am going to demonstrate a most philo-
sophical proposition, namely, that religious rea-
soning is absolute master of the emotions. I would
willingly advise you to give the utmost heed to
philosophy. 2 For reason is necessary to everyone
as a step to science. In addition, it embraces the
praise of self-control, the highest virtue. 3 If, then,
reasoning appears to hold the mastery over the
emotions which stand in the way of temperance,
such as gluttony and lust, 4 it surely also and mani-
festly rules over the affections which are contrary
to justice, such as malice, and of those which are
hindrances to courage, such as wrath, pain, and
fear. 5 Perhaps some may ask, “How is it, then,
that reasoning, if it rules the emotions, isn’t also
master of forgetfulness and ignorance?” They at-
tempt a ridiculous argument. 6 For reasoning does
not rule over its own emotions, but over those that
are contrary to justice, courage, temperance, and
self-control; and yet over these, so as to withstand,
without destroying them.
7 I might prove to you from many other consid-
erations, that religious reasoning is sole master of
4 Maccabees 1:8 ii 4 Maccabees 1:18

the emotions; 8 but I will prove it with the greatest

force from the fortitude of Eleazar, and seven
kindred, and their mother, who suffered death in
defense of virtue. 9 For all these, treating pains
with contempt even to death, by this contempt,
demonstrated that reasoning has command over
the emotions. 10 For their virtues, then, it is right
that I should commend those men who died with
their mother at this time on behalf of nobility
and goodness; and for their honors, I may count
them blessed. 11 For they, winning admiration
not only from men in general, but even from the
persecutors, for their courage and endurance, be-
came the means of the destruction of the tyranny
against their nation, having conquered the tyrant
by their endurance, so that by them their country
was purified. 12 But we may now at once enter
upon the question, having commenced, as is our
custom, with laying down the doctrine, and so
proceed to the account of these people, giving
glory to the all-wise God.
13 Therefore the question whether reasoning is
absolute master of the emotions. 14 Let’s deter-
mine, then, what reasoning is and what emotion
is, and how many forms of emotion there are,
and whether reasoning rules over all of these.
15 Reasoning is intellect accompanied by a life
of righteousness, putting foremost the consider-
ation of wisdom. 16 Wisdom is a knowledge of
divine and human things, and of their causes.
17 This is contained in the education of the law, by
means of which we learn divine things reverently
and human things profitably. 18 The forms of wis-
4 Maccabees 1:19 iii 4 Maccabees 1:32

dom are self-control, justice, courage, and tem-

perance. 19 The leading one of these is self-control,
by whose means, indeed, it is that reasoning rules
over the emotions. 20 Of the emotions, pleasure
and pain are the two most comprehensive; and
they also by nature refer to the soul. 21 There are
many attendant affections surrounding pleasure
and pain. 22 Before pleasure is lust; and after
pleasure, joy. 23 Before pain is fear; and after
pain is sorrow. 24 Wrath is an affection, common
to pleasure and to pain, if any one will pay at-
tention when it comes upon him. 25 There exists
in pleasure a malicious disposition, which is the
most complex of all the affections. 26 In the soul,
it is arrogance, love of money, thirst for honor,
contention, faithlessness, and the evil eye. 27 In
the body, it is greediness, indiscriminate eating,
and solitary gluttony.
28 As pleasure and pain are, therefore, two
growths out of the body and the soul, so there are
many offshoots of these emotions. 29 Reasoning,
the universal farmer, purging and pruning each
of these, tying up, watering, and transplanting, in
every way improves the materials of the morals
and affections. 30 For reasoning is the leader of the
virtues, but it is the sole ruler of the emotions.
Observe then first, through the very things
which stand in the way of temperance, that rea-
soning is absolute ruler of the emotions. 31 Now
temperance consists of a command over the lusts.
32 But of the lusts, some belong to the soul and
others to the body. Reasoning appears to rule
4 Maccabees 1:33 iv 4 Maccabees 2:8

over both. 33 Otherwise, how is it that when urged

on to forbidden meats, we reject the gratification
which would come from them? Isn’t it because
reasoning is able to command the appetites? I
believe so. 34 Hence it is, then, that when craving
seafood, birds, four-footed animals, and all kinds
of food which are forbidden to us by the law,
we withhold ourselves through the mastery of
reasoning. 35 For the affections of our appetites
are resisted by the temperate understanding, and
bent back again, and all the impulses of the body
are reined in by reasoning.

2
1 Is it any wonder? If the lusts of the soul, af-
ter participation with what is beautiful, are frus-
trated, 2 on this ground, therefore, the temperate
Joseph is praised in that by reasoning, he subdued,
on reflection, the indulgence of the senses. 3 For,
although young, and ripe for sexual intercourse,
he nullified by reasoning the stimulus of his emo-
tions. 4 It isn’t merely the stimulus of sensual in-
dulgence, but that of every desire, that reasoning
is able to master. 5 For instance, the law says, “You
shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor anything
that belongs to your neighbor.” 6 Now, then, since
it is the law which has forbidden us to desire, I
shall much the more easily persuade you, that
reasoning is able to govern our lusts, just as it does
the affections which are impediments to justice.
7 Since in what way is a solitary eater, a glutton,
and a drunkard reclaimed, unless it is clear that
reasoning is lord of the emotions? 8 Therefore, a
4 Maccabees 2:9 v 4 Maccabees 2:19

man who regulates his course by the law, even if

he is a lover of money, immediately puts pressure
on his own disposition by lending to the needy
without interest, and cancelling the debt on the
seventh year. 9 If a man is greedy, he is ruled
by the law acting through reasoning, so that he
doesn’t glean his harvest crops or vintage. In
reference to other points we may perceive that it
is reasoning that conquers his emotions. 10 For
the law conquers even affection toward parents,
not surrendering virtue on their account. 11 It
prevails over love for one’s wife, rebuking her
when she breaks the law. 12 It lords it over the love
of parents toward their children, for they punish
them for vice. It domineers over the intimacy of
friends, reproving them when wicked. 13 Don’t
think it is a strange assertion that reasoning can
on behalf of the law conquer even enmity. 14 It
doesn’t allow cutting down the fruit trees of an en-
emy, but preserves them from the destroyers, and
collects their fallen ruins. 15 Reason appears to
be master of the more violent emotions, like love
of empire, empty boasting, and slander. 16 For
the temperate understanding repels all these ma-
lignant emotions, as it does wrath; for it masters
even this. 17 Thus Moses, when angered against
Dathan and Abiram, did nothing to them in wrath,
but regulated his anger by reasoning. 18 For the
temperate mind is able, as I said, to be superior
to the emotions, and to correct some and destroy
others. 19 For why else did our most wise father
Jacob blame Simeon and Levi for having irra-
tionally slain the whole race of the Shechemites,
4 Maccabees 2:20 vi 4 Maccabees 3:8

saying, “Cursed be their anger!”? 20 For if reason-

ing didn’t possess the power of subduing angry
affections, he would not have said this. 21 For at
the time when God created man, he implanted
within him his emotions and moral nature. 22 At
that time he enthroned the mind above all as the
holy leader, through the medium of the senses.
23 He gave a law to this mind, by living according
to which it will maintain a temperate, just, good,
and courageous reign. 24 How, then, a man may
say, if reasoning is master of the emotions, has it
no control over forgetfulness and ignorance?

3
1 The argument is exceedingly ridiculous, for
reasoning doesn’t appear to rule over its own
affections, but over those of the body, 2 in such
a way as that any one of you may not be able to
root out desire, but reasoning will enable you to
avoid being enslaved to it. 3 One may not be able
to root out anger from the soul, but it is possible
to withstand anger. 4 Any one of you may not
be able to eradicate malice, but reasoning has
force to work with you to prevent you yielding to
malice. 5 For reasoning is not an eradicator, but an
antagonist of the emotions.
6 This may be more clearly comprehended from
the thirst of King David. 7 For after David had
been attacking the Philistines the whole day, he
with the soldiers of his nation killed many of
them; 8 then when evening came, sweating and
very weary, he came to the royal tent, around
4 Maccabees 3:9 vii 4 Maccabees 3:20

which the entire army of our ancestors was en-

camped. 9 Now all the rest of them were at
supper; 10 but the king, being very much thirsty,
although he had numerous springs, could not by
their means quench his thirst; 11 but a certain
irrational longing for the water in the enemy’s
camp grew stronger and fiercer upon him, undid
and consumed him. 12 Therefore his bodyguards
being troubled at this longing of the king, two
valiant young soldiers, respecting the desire of
the king, fully armed themselves, and taking a
pitcher, got over the ramparts of the enemies.
13 Unperceived by the guardians of the gate, they
went throughout the whole camp of the enemy in
quest. 14 Having boldly discovered the fountain,
they filled out of it the drink for the king. 15 But
he, though parched with thirst, reasoned that a
drink regarded of equal value to blood would
be terribly dangerous to his soul. 16 Therefore,
setting up reasoning in opposition to his desire, he
poured out the drink to God. 17 For the temperate
mind has power to conquer the pressure of the
emotions, to quench the fires of excitement, 18 and
to wrestle down the pains of the body, however
excessive, and through the excellency of reason-
ing, to spurn all the assaults of the emotions. 19 But
the occasion now invites us to give an illustration
of temperate reasoning from history. 20 For at
a time when our fathers were in possession of
undisturbed peace through obedience to the law
and were prosperous, so that Seleucus Nicanor,
the king of Asia, both assigned them money for
4 Maccabees 3:21 viii 4 Maccabees 4:8

divine service, and accepted their form of gov-

ernment, 21 then certain people, bringing in new
things contrary to the public harmony, in various
ways fell into calamities.

4
1 For a certain man named Simon, who was in
opposition to an honorable and good man who
once held the high priesthood for life, named
Onias. After slandering Onias in every way, Si-
mon couldn’t injure him with the people, so he
went away as an exile, with the intention of be-
traying his country. 2 When coming to Apollo-
nius, the military governor of Syria, Phoenicia,
and Cilicia, he said, 3 “Having good will to the
king’s affairs, I have come to inform you that
tens of thousands in private wealth is laid up
in the treasuries of Jerusalem which do not be-
long to the temple, but belong to King Seleu-
cus.” 4 Apollonius, acquainting himself with the
particulars of this, praised Simon for his care
of the king’s interests, and going up to Seleucus
informed him of the treasure. 5 Getting authority
about it, and quickly advancing into our country
with the accursed Simon and a very heavy force,
6 he said that he came with the commands of the
king that he should take the private money of the
treasury. 7 The nation, indignant at this procla-
mation, and replying to the effect that it was
extremely unfair that those who had committed
deposits to the sacred treasury should be deprived
of them, resisted as well as they could. 8 But Ap-
polonius went away with threats into the temple.
4 Maccabees 4:9 ix 4 Maccabees 4:19

9 The priests, with the women and children, asked

God to throw his shield over the holy, despised
place, 10 and Appolonius was going up with his
armed force to seize the treasure, when angels
from heaven appeared riding on horseback, all
radiant in armor, filling them with much fear and
trembling. 11 Apollonius fell half dead on the
court which is open to all nations, and extended
his hands to heaven, and implored the Hebrews,
with tears, to pray for him, and take away the
wrath of the heavenly army. 12 For he said that
he had sinned, so as to be consequently worthy
of death, and that if he were saved, he would
proclaim to all people the blessedness of the holy
place. 13 Onias the high priest, induced by these
words, although for other reasons anxious that
King Seleucus wouldn’t suppose that Apollonius
was slain by human device and not by Divine
punishment, prayed for him; 14 and he being thus
unexpectedly saved, departed to report to the king
what had happened to him. 15 But on the death
of Seleucus the king, his son Antiochus Epiphanes
succeeded to the kingdom—a terrible man of arro-
gant pride.
16 He, having deposed Onias from the high
priesthood, appointed his brother Jason to be high
priest, 17 who had made a covenant, if he would
give him this authority, to pay yearly three thou-
sand six hundred and sixty talents. 18 He com-
mitted to him the high priesthood and rulership
over the nation. 19 He both changed the manner
of living of the people, and perverted their civil
4 Maccabees 4:20 x 4 Maccabees 5:4

customs into all lawlessness. 20 So that he not

only erected a gymnasium on the very citadel of
our country, but neglected the guardianship of the
temple. 21 Because of that, Divine vengeance was
grieved and instigated Antiochus himself against
them. 22 For being at war with Ptolemy in Egypt,
he heard that on a report of his death being spread
abroad, the inhabitants of Jerusalem had exceed-
ingly rejoiced, and he quickly marched against
them. 23 Having subdued them, he established a
decree that if any of them lived according to the
ancestral laws, he should die. 24 When he could by
no means destroy by his decrees the obedience to
the law of the nation, but saw all his threats and
punishments without effect, 25 for even women,
because they continued to circumcise their chil-
dren, were flung down a precipice along with
them, knowing beforehand of the punishment.
26 When, therefore, his decrees were disregarded
by the people, he himself compelled by means of
tortures every one of this race, by tasting forbid-
den meats, to renounce the Jewish religion.

5
1 The tyrant Antiochus, therefore, sitting in pub-
lic state with his assessors upon a certain lofty
place, with his armed troops standing in a circle
around him, 2 commanded his spearbearers to
seize every one of the Hebrews, and to compel
them to taste swine’s flesh and things offered to
idols. 3 Should any of them be unwilling to eat
the accursed food, they were to be tortured on
the wheel and so killed. 4 When many had been
4 Maccabees 5:5 xi 4 Maccabees 5:15

seized, a foremost man of the assembly, a Hebrew,

by name Eleazar, a priest by family, by profession
a lawyer, and advanced in years, and for this
reason known to many of the king’s followers, was
brought near to him.
5 Antiochus, seeing him, said, 6 “I would counsel
you, old man, before your tortures begin, to taste
the swine’s flesh, and save your life; for I feel
respect for your age and hoary head, which since
you have had so long, you appear to me to be no
philosopher in retaining the superstition of the
Jews. 7 For therefore, since nature has conferred
upon you the most excellent flesh of this animal,
do you loathe it? 8 It seems senseless not to
enjoy what is pleasant, yet not disgraceful; and
from notions of sinfulness, to reject the gifts of
nature. 9 You will be acting, I think, still more
senselessly, if you follow vain conceits about the
truth. 10 You will, moreover, be despising me to
your own punishment. 11 Won’t you awake from
your trifling philosophy, give up the folly of your
notions, and regaining understanding worthy of
your age, search into the truth of an expedient
course? 12 Won’t you respect my kindly admoni-
tion and have pity on your own years? 13 For bear
in mind that if there is any power which watches
over this religion of yours, it will pardon you for
all transgressions of the law which you commit
through compulsion.”
14 While the tyrant incited him in this manner
to the unlawful eating of meat, Eleazar begged
permission to speak. 15 Having received permis-
4 Maccabees 5:16 xii 4 Maccabees 5:30

sion to speak, he began to address the people

as follows: 16 “We, O Antiochus, who are per-
suaded that we live under a divine law, consider
no compulsion to be so forcible as obedience to
that law. 17 Therefore we consider that we ought
not to transgress the law in any way. 18 Indeed,
were our law (as you suppose) not truly divine,
and if we wrongly think it divine, we would have
no right even in that case to destroy our sense
of religion. 19 Don’t think that eating unclean
meat is a trifling offense. 20 For transgression
of the law, whether in small or great matters,
is of equal importance; 21 for in either case the
law is equally slighted. 22 But you deride our
philosophy, as though we lived in it irrationally.
23 Yet it instructs us in self-control, so that we are
superior to all pleasures and lusts; and it trains us
in courage, so that we cheerfully undergo every
grievance. 24 It instructs us in justice, so that in
all our dealings we render what is due. It teaches
us piety, so that we properly worship the one and
only God. 25 That is why we don’t eat the unclean;
for believing that the law was established by God,
we are convinced that the Creator of the world,
in giving his laws, sympathizes with our nature.
26 Those things which are suitable for our souls,
he has directed us to eat; but those which are not,
he has forbidden. 27 But, tyrant-like, you not only
force us to break the law, but also to eat, that you
may ridicule us as we thus profanely eat. 28 But
you won’t have this cause of laughter against me,
29 nor will I transgress the sacred oaths of my
forefathers to keep the law. 30 No, not if you pluck
4 Maccabees 5:31 xiii 4 Maccabees 6:7

out my eyes, and consume my entrails. 31 I am not

so old, and void of courage as to not be youthful in
reason and in defense of my religion. 32 Now then,
prepare your wheels, and kindle a fiercer flame.
33 I will not so pity my old age, as on my account
to break the law of my country. 34 I will not
play false to you, O law, my instructor, or forsake
you, O beloved self-control! 35 I will not put you
to shame, O philosopher Reason, or deny you, O
honored priesthood and knowledge of the law.
36 Mouth! You shall not pollute my old age, nor
the full stature of a perfect life. 37 My ancestors
will receive me as pure, not having feared your
compulsion, even to death. 38 For you will rule like
a tyrant over the ungodly, but you will not lord it
over my thoughts about religion, either by your
arguments, or through deeds.”

6
1 When Eleazar had in this manner answered
the exhortations of the tyrant, the spearbearers
came up, and rudely dragged Eleazar to the in-
struments of torture. 2 First, they stripped the
old man, adorned as he was with the beauty of
piety. 3 Then tying back his arms and hands, they
disdainfully flogged him. 4 A herald opposite cried
out, “Obey the commands of the king!”
5 But the high-minded and truly noble Eleazar,
as one tortured in a dream, ignored it. 6 But
raising his eyes on high to heaven, the old man’s
flesh was stripped off by the scourges, and his
blood streamed down, and his sides were pierced
through. 7 Falling on the ground from his body
4 Maccabees 6:8 xiv 4 Maccabees 6:22

having no power to endure the pains, he still kept

his reasoning upright and unbending. 8 Then
one of the harsh spearbearers rushed at him and
began to kick him in the side to force him to get
up again after he fell. 9 But he endured the pains,
despised the cruelty, and persevered through the
indignities. 10 Like a noble athlete, the old man,
when struck, vanquished his torturers. 11 His
face sweating, and he panting for breath, he was
admired even by the torturers for his courage.
12 Therefore, partly in pity for his old age,
13 partly from the sympathy of acquaintance, and
partly in admiration of his endurance, some of
the attendants of the king said, 14 “Why do you
unreasonably destroy yourself, O Eleazar, with
these miseries? 15 We will bring you some meat
cooked by yourself, and you can save yourself by
pretending that you have eaten swine’s flesh.”
16 Eleazar, as though the advice more painfully
tortured him, cried out, 17 “Let us who are chil-
dren of Abraham not be so evil advised as by giv-
ing way to make use of an unbecoming pretense.
18 For it would be irrational, if having lived up
to old age in all truth, and having scrupulously
guarded our character for it, we would now turn
back 19 and ourselves become a pattern of impiety
to the young, as being an example of eating pol-
lution. 20 It would be disgraceful if we would live
on some short time, and that scorned by all men
for cowardice, 21 and be condemned by the tyrant
for cowardice by not contending to the death for
our divine law. 22 Therefore you, O children of
4 Maccabees 6:23 xv 4 Maccabees 7:1

Abraham, die nobly for your religion. 23 You

spearbearers of the tyrant, why do you linger?”
24 Beholding him so high-minded against mis-
ery, and not changing at their pity, they led him
to the fire. 25 Then with their wickedly contrived
instruments they burned him on the fire, and
poured stinking fluids down into his nostrils.
26 He being at length burned down to the bones,
and about to expire, raised his eyes Godward, and
said, 27 “You know, O God, that when I might have
been saved, I am slain for the sake of the law by
tortures of fire. 28 Be merciful to your people,
and be satisfied with the punishment of me on
their account. 29 Let my blood be a purification
for them, and take my life in exchange for theirs.”
30 Thus speaking, the holy man departed, noble
in his torments, and even to the agonies of death
resisted in his reasoning for the sake of the law.
31 Confessedly, therefore, religious reasoning is
master of the emotions. 32 For had the emotions
been superior to reasoning, I would have given
them the witness of this mastery. 33 But now, since
reasoning conquered the emotions, we befittingly
award it the authority of first place. 34 It is only fair
that we should allow that the power belongs to
reasoning, since it masters external miseries. 35 It
would be ridiculous if it weren’t so. I prove that
reasoning has not only mastered pains, but that it
is also superior to the pleasures, and withstands
them.

7
1 The reasoning of our father Eleazar, like a
4 Maccabees 7:2 xvi 4 Maccabees 7:12

first-rate pilot, steering the vessel of piety in the

sea of emotions, 2 and flouted by the threats of
the tyrant, and overwhelmed with the breakers
of torture, 3 in no way shifted the rudder of piety
until it sailed into the harbor of victory over death.
4 No besieged city has ever held out against many
and various war machines as that holy man did
when his pious soul was tried with the fiery trial
of tortures and rackings and moved his besiegers
through the religious reasoning that shielded him.
5 For father Eleazar, projecting his disposition,
broke the raging waves of the emotions as with a
jutting cliff. 6 O priest worthy of the priesthood!
You didn’t pollute your sacred teeth, nor make
your appetite, which had always embraced the
clean and lawful, a partaker of profanity. 7 O
harmonizer with the law, and sage devoted to a
divine life! 8 Of such a character ought those to
be who perform the duties of the law at the risk
of their own blood, and defend it with generous
sweat by sufferings even to death. 9 You, father,
have gloriously established our right government
by your endurance; and making of much account
our past service, prevented its destruction, and by
your deeds, have made credible the words of phi-
losophy. 10 O aged man of more power than tor-
tures, elder more vigorous than fire, greatest king
over the emotions, Eleazar! 11 For as father Aaron,
armed with a censer, hastening through the con-
suming fire, vanquished the flame-bearing angel,
12 so, Eleazar, the descendant of Aaron, wasted
away by the fire, didn’t give up his reasoning.
4 Maccabees 7:13 xvii 4 Maccabees 7:25

13 What is most wonderful is that though he was

an old man, though the labors of his body were
now spent, his muscles were relaxed, and his
sinews worn out, he recovered youth. 14 By the
spirit of reasoning, and the reasoning of Isaac,
he rendered powerless the many-headed rack.
15 O blessed old age, and reverend hoar head,
and life obedient to the law, which the faithful
seal of death perfected. 16 If, then, an old man,
through religion, despised tortures even to death,
then certainly religious reasoning is ruler of the
emotions. 17 But perhaps some might say, “It is
not all who conquer emotions, as not all possess
wise reasoning.” 18 But those who have meditated
upon religion with their whole heart, these alone
can master the emotions of the flesh: 19 they who
believe that to God they don’t die; for, as our
forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, they live
to God. 20 This circumstance, then, is by no means
an objection, that some who have weak reasoning
are governed by their emotions, 21 since what
person, walking religiously by the whole rule of
philosophy, and believing in God, 22 and knowing
that it is a blessed thing to endure all kinds of
hardships for virtue, would not, for the sake of
religion, master his emotion? 23 For only the wise
and brave man is lord over his emotions. 24 This
is why even boys, trained with the philosophy
of religious reasoning, have conquered still more
bitter tortures; 25 for when the tyrant was man-
ifestly vanquished in his first attempt, in being
unable to force the old man to eat the unclean
thing,
4 Maccabees 8:1 xviii 4 Maccabees 8:9

8
1 then, indeed, vehemently swayed with emo-
tion, he commanded to bring others of the adult
Hebrews, and if they would eat of the unclean
thing, to let them go when they had eaten; but if
they objected, to torment them more grievously.
2 The tyrant having given this charge, seven kin-
dred were brought into his presence, along with
their aged mother. They were handsome, mod-
est, well-born, and altogether comely. 3 When
the tyrant saw them encircling their mother as
in a dance, he was pleased with them. Being
struck with their becoming and innocent man-
ner, smiled at them, and calling them near, said,
4 “O youths, with favorable feelings, I admire the
beauty of each of you. Greatly honouring so
numerous a band of kindred, I not only counsel
you not to share the madness of the old man
who has been tortured before, 5 but I beg you to
yield, and to enjoy my friendship; for I possess
the power, not only of punishing those who dis-
obey my commands, but of doing good to those
who obey them. 6 Put confidence in me, then,
and you will receive places of authority in my
government, if you forsake your national way
of life, 7 and, conforming to the Greek way of
life, alter your rule and revel in youth’s delights.
8 For if you provoke me by your disobedience, you
will compel me to destroy every one of you with
terrible punishments by tortures. 9 Have mercy,
then, upon your own selves, whom I, although
an enemy, am compassionate for your age and
4 Maccabees 8:10 xix 4 Maccabees 7:21

attractive appearance. 10 Won’t you consider this:

that if you disobey, there will be nothing left for
you but to die in torture?”
11 When he had said this, he ordered the in-
struments of torture to be brought forward, that
fear might prevail upon them to eat unclean
meat. 12 When the spearman brought forward
the wheels, the racks, the hooks, racks, caldrons,
pans, finger-racks, iron hands and wedges, and
bellows, the tyrant continued: 13 “Fear, young
men, and the righteousness which you worship
will be merciful to you if you transgress because
of compulsion.”
14 Now they having listened to these words of
persuasion, and seeing the fearful instruments,
not only were not afraid, but even answered the
arguments of the tyrant, and through their good
reasoning destroyed his power. 15 Now let’s con-
sider the matter. Had any of them been weak-
spirited and cowardly among them, what reason-
ing would they have employed but these? 16 “O
wretched that we are, and exceedingly senseless!
When the king exhorts us, and calls us to his
bounty, should we not obey him? 17 Why do we
cheer ourselves with vain counsels, and venture
upon a disobedience bringing death? 18 Shall we
not fear, O kindred, the instruments of torture
and weigh the threatenings of torment and shun
this vain-glory and destructive pride? 19 Let’s
have compassion upon our age and relent over
the years of our mother. 20 Let’s bear in mind that
we will be dying as rebels. 21 Divine Justice will
pardon us if we fear the king through necessity.
4 Maccabees 7:22 xx 4 Maccabees 9:7

22 Why withdraw ourselves from a most sweet

life, and deprive ourselves of this pleasant world?
23 Let’s not oppose necessity, nor seek vain-glory
by our own torture. 24 The law itself wouldn’t ar-
bitrarily put us to death because we dread torture.
25 Why has such angry zeal taken root in us, and
such fatal obstinacy approved itself to us, when
we might live unmolested by the king?”
26 But the young men didn’t say or think any-
thing of this kind when about to be tortured. 27 For
they were well aware of the sufferings, and mas-
ters of the pains. 28-29 So that as soon as the tyrant
had ceased counselling them to eat the unclean,
they all with one voice, as from the same heart
said,

9
1 “Why do you delay, O tyrant?
For we are more
ready to die than to transgress the injunctions of
our fathers. 2 We would be disgracing our fathers
if we didn’t obey the law, and take knowledge for
our guide. 3 O tyrant, counselor of law-breaking,
do not, hating us as you do, pity us more than
we pity ourselves. 4 For we consider your escape
to be worse than death. 5 You try to scare us by
threatening us with death by tortures, as though
you had learned nothing by the death of Eleazar.
6 But if aged men of the Hebrews have died in
the cause of religion after enduring torture, more
rightly should we younger men die, scorning your
cruel tortures, which our aged instructor over-
came. 7 Make the attempt, then, O tyrant. If you
put us to death for our religion, don’t think that
4 Maccabees 9:8 xxi 4 Maccabees 7:20

you harm us by torturing us. 8 For we through this

ill-treatment and endurance will gain the rewards
of virtue. 9 But you, for the wicked and despotic
slaughter of us, will, from the Divine vengeance,
endure eternal torture by fire.”
10 When they had said this, the tyrant was not
only exasperated against them for being disobedi-
ent, but enraged with them for being ungrateful.
11 So, at his bidding, the torturers brought the old-
est of them, and tearing through his tunic, bound
his hands and arms on each side with thongs.
12 When they had labored hard without effect in
scourging him, they hurled him on the wheel.
13 The noble youth, extended upon this, became
dislocated. 14 With every member disjointed, he
denounced the tyrant, saying, 15 “O most accursed
tyrant, and enemy of heavenly justice, and cruel-
hearted, I am no murderer, nor sacrilegious man,
whom you torture, but a defender of the Divine
law.”
16 And when the spearmen said, “Consent to
eat, that you may be released from your tortures,”
17 he answered, “Not so powerful, O accursed lack-
eys, is your wheel, as to stifle my reasoning. Cut
my limbs, and burn my flesh, and twist my joints.
18 For through all my torments I will convince
you that the children of the Hebrews are alone
unconquered on behalf of virtue.”
19 While he was saying this, they heaped up
fuel, and setting fire to it, strained him on the
wheel still more. 20 The wheel was defiled all
over with blood. The hot ashes were quenched
by the droppings of gore, and pieces of flesh
4 Maccabees 7:21 xxii 4 Maccabees 7:32

were scattered about the axles of the machine.

21 Although the framework of his bones was now
destroyed, the high-minded and Abrahamic youth
didn’t groan. 22 But, as though transformed by fire
into immortality, he nobly endured the rackings,
saying, 23 “Imitate me, O kindred. Never desert
your station, nor renounce my brotherhood in
courage. Fight the holy and honorable fight of
religion, 24 by which means our just and paternal
Providence, becoming merciful to the nation, will
punish the pestilent tyrant.” 25 Saying this, the
revered youth abruptly closed his life.
26 When all admired his courageous soul, the
spearmen brought forward him who was second
oldest, and having put on iron gauntlets with
sharp hooks, bound him to the rack. 27 When,
on enquiring whether he would eat before he
was tortured, they heard his noble sentiment.
28 After they with the iron gauntlets had violently
dragged all the flesh from the neck to the chin,
the panther-like animals tore off the very skin
of his head, but he, bearing with firmness this
misery, said, 29 “How sweet is every form of death
for the religion of our fathers!” Then he said
to the tyrant, 30 “Don’t you think, most cruel of
all tyrants, that you are now tortured more than
I, finding your arrogant conception of tyranny
conquered by our perseverance in behalf of our
religion? 31 For I lighten my suffering by the plea-
sures which are connected with virtue. 32 But you
are tortured with threatenings for impiety. You
won’t escape, most corrupt tyrant, the vengeance
4 Maccabees 10:1 xxiii 4 Maccabees 10:13

of Divine wrath.”

10
1 Now this one endured this praiseworthy
death. The third was brought along, and exhorted
by many to taste and save his life. 2 But he cried
out and said, “Don’t you know that the father of
those who are dead is my father also, and that the
same mother bore me, and that I was brought up
in the same way? 3 I don’t renounce the noble
relationship of my kindred. 4 Now then, whatever
instrument of vengeance you have, apply it to my
body, for you aren’t able to touch my soul, even
if you want to.” 5 But they, highly incensed at
his boldness of speech, dislocated his hands and
feet with racking engines, and wrenching them
from their sockets, dismembered him. 6 They
dragged around his fingers, his arms, his legs,
and his ankles. 7 Not being able by any means
to strangle him, they tore off his skin, together
with the extreme tips of his fingers, and then
dragged him to the wheel, 8 around which his
vertebral joints were loosened, and he saw his
own flesh torn to shreds, and streams of blood
flowing from his entrails. 9 When about to die, he
said, 10 “We, O accursed tyrant, suffer this for the
sake of Divine education and virtue. 11 But you,
for your impiety and blood shedding, will endure
unceasing torments.”
12 Thus having died worthily of his kindred,
they dragged forward the fourth, saying, 13 “Don’t
share the madness of your kindred, but respect
the king and save yourself.”
4 Maccabees 10:14 xxiv 4 Maccabees 11:8

14 But he said to them, “You don’t have a fire so

scorching as to make me play the coward. 15 By the
blessed death of my kindred, and the eternal pun-
ishment of the tyrant, and the glorious life of the
pious, I will not repudiate the noble brotherhood.
16 Invent, O tyrant, tortures, that you may learn,
even through them, that I am the brother of those
tormented before.”
17 When he had said this, the blood-thirsty, mur-
derous, and unholy Antiochus ordered his tongue
to be cut out. 18 But he said, “Even if you take away
the organ of speech, God still hears the silent.
19 Behold, my tongue is extended, cut it off; for
in spite of that you won’t silence our reasoning.
20 We gladly lose our limbs on behalf of God. 21 But
God will speedily find you, since you cut off the
tongue, the instrument of divine melody.”

1 When
11
he had died, disfigured in his torments,
the fifth leaped forward, and said, 2 “I don’t intend,
O tyrant, to get excused from the torment which is
on behalf of virtue. 3 But I have come of my own
accord, that by my death you may owe heavenly
vengeance and punishment for more crimes. 4 O
you hater of virtue and of men, what have we
done that you thus revel in our blood? 5 Does
it seem evil to you that we worship the Founder
of all things, and live according to his surpassing
law? 6 But this is worthy of honors, not torments,
7 if you had been capable of the higher feelings
of men, and possessed the hope of salvation from
God. 8 Behold now, being alien from God, you
4 Maccabees 11:9 xxv 4 Maccabees 11:23

make war against those who are religious toward

God.”
9 As he said this, the spearbearers bound him
and drew him to the rack, 10 to which binding
him at his knees, and fastening them with iron
fetters, they bent down his loins upon the wedge
of the wheel; and his body was then dismem-
bered, scorpion-fashion. 11 With his breath thus
confined, and his body strangled, he said, 12 “A
great favor you bestow upon us, O tyrant, by
enabling us to manifest our adherence to the law
by means of nobler sufferings.”
13 He also being dead, the sixth, quite a youth,
was brought out. On the tyrant asking him
whether he would eat and be delivered, he said,
14 “I am indeed younger than my brothers, but in
understanding I am as old; 15 for having been born
and reared to the same end. We are bound to die
also on behalf of the same cause. 16 So that if you
think it is proper to torment us for not eating the
unclean, then torment!”
17 As he said this, they brought him to the
wheel. 18 Extended upon this, with limbs racked
and dislocated, he was gradually roasted from
beneath. 19 Having heated sharp spits, they ap-
proached them to his back; and having transfixed
his sides, they burned away his entrails. 20 He,
while tormented, said, “O good and holy contest,
in which for the sake of religion, we kindred have
been called to the arena of pain, and have not
been conquered. 21 For religious understanding,
O tyrant, is unconquered. 22 Armed with upright
virtue, I also will depart with my kindred. 23 I,
4 Maccabees 11:24 xxvi 4 Maccabees 12:8

too, bearing with me a great avenger, O inventor

of tortures, and enemy of the truly pious. 24 We
six youths have destroyed your tyranny. 25 For
isn’t your inability to overrule our reasoning, and
to compel us to eat the unclean, your destruc-
tion? 26 Your fire is cold to us. Your racks are
painless, and your violence harmless. 27 For the
guards not of a tyrant but of a divine law are our
defenders. Through this we keep our reasoning
unconquered.”

12
1 When he, too, had undergone blessed mar-
tyrdom, and died in the cauldron into which he
had been thrown, the seventh, the youngest of
all, came forward, 2 whom the tyrant pitying,
though he had been dreadfully reproached by his
kindred, 3 seeing him already encompassed with
chains, had him brought nearer, and endeavored
to counsel him, saying, 4 “You see the end of the
madness of your kindred, for they have died in
torture through disobedience. You, if disobedient,
having been miserably tormented, will yourself
perish prematurely. 5 But if you obey, you will
be my friend, and have a charge over the affairs
of the kingdom.” 6 Having thus exhorted him,
he sent for the boy’s mother, that, by showing
compassion to her for the loss of so many sons, he
might incline her, through the hope of safety, to
render the survivor obedient.
7 He, after his mother had urged him on in
the Hebrew tongue, (as we will soon relate) said,
8 “Release me that I may speak to the king and
4 Maccabees 12:9 xxvii 4 Maccabees 13:4

all his friends.” 9 They, rejoicing exceedingly

at the promise of the youth, quickly let him go.
10 He, running up to the pans, said, 11 “Impious
tyrant, and most blasphemous man, were you
not ashamed, having received prosperity and a
kingdom from God, to kill His servants, and to
rack the doers of godliness? 12 Therefore the
divine vengeance is reserving you for eternal fire
and torments, which will cling to you for all time.
13 Weren’t you ashamed, man as you are, yet most
savage, to cut out the tongues of men of like feeling
and origin, and having thus abused to torture
them? 14 But they, bravely dying, fulfilled their
religion toward God. 15 But you will groan as
you deserve for having slain without cause the
champions of virtue. 16 Therefore,” he continued,
“I myself, being about to die, 17 will not forsake my
kindred. 18 I call upon the God of my fathers to be
merciful to my race. 19 But you, both living and
dead, he will punish.” 20 Thus having prayed, he
hurled himself into the pans; and so expired.

13
1 If then, the seven kindred despised troubles
even to death, it is admitted on all sides that
righteous reasoning is absolute master over the
emotions. 2 For just as if they had eaten of the
unholy as slaves to the emotions, we would have
said that they had been conquered by them. 3 Now
it is not so. But by means of the reasoning which is
praised by God, they mastered their emotions. 4 It
is impossible to overlook the leadership of reflec-
tion, for it gained the victory over both emotions
4 Maccabees 13:5 xxviii 4 Maccabees 13:18

and troubles. 5 How, then, can we avoid according

to these men mastery of emotion through right
reasoning, since they didn’t withdraw from the
pains of fire? 6 For just as by means of tow-
ers projecting in front of harbors men break the
threatening waves, and thus assure a still course
to vessels entering port, 7 so that seven-towered
right-reasoning of the young men, securing the
harbour of religion, conquered the tempest of
emotions. 8 For having arranged a holy choir
of piety, they encouraged one another, saying,
9 “Brothers, may we die brotherly for the law. Let
us imitate the three young men in Assyria who
despised the equally afflicting furnace. 10 Let’s not
be cowards in the manifestation of piety.” 11 One
said, “Courage, brother!” and another, “Nobly
endure!” 12 Another said, “Remember of what
stock you are;” and by the hand of our father
Isaac endured to be slain for the sake of piety.
13 One and all, looking at each other serene and
confident, said, “Let’s sacrifice with all our heart
our souls to God who gave them, and employ our
bodies for the keeping of the law. 14 Let’s not
fear him who thinks he kills; 15 for great is the
trial of soul and danger of eternal torment laid
up for those who transgress the commandment
of God. 16 Let’s arm ourselves, therefore, in the
self-control, which is divine reasoning. 17 If we
suffer like this, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob will
receive us, and all the fathers will commend us.
18 As each one of the kindred was hauled away, the
rest exclaimed, “Don’t disgrace us, O brother, nor
falsify those who died before you!”
4 Maccabees 13:19 xxix 4 Maccabees 14:1

19 Now you are not ignorant of the charm of

brotherhood, which the Divine and all wise Prov-
idence has imparted through fathers to children,
and has engendered through the mother’s womb.
20 In which these brothers having remained an
equal time, and having been formed for the same
period, and been increased by the same blood,
and having been perfected through the same prin-
ciple of life, 21 and having been brought forth
at equal intervals, and having sucked milk from
the same springs, hence their brotherly souls are
reared up lovingly together, 22 and increase the
more powerfully by reason of this simultaneous
rearing, and by daily companionship, and by
other education, and exercise in the law of God.
23 Brotherly love being thus sympathetically
constituted, the seven kindred had a more sym-
pathetic mutual harmony. 24 For being educated
in the same law, and practicing the same virtues,
and reared up in a just course of life, they in-
creased this harmony with each other. 25 For the
same ardor for what is right and honorable in-
creased their goodwill and harmony toward each
other. 26 For it acting along with religion, made
their brotherly feeling more desirable to them.
27 And yet, although nature, companionship, and
virtuous morals increased their brotherly love,
those who were left endured to see their kindred,
who were mistreated for their religion, tortured
even to death.

14
1 More that this, they even urged them on to
4 Maccabees 14:2 xxx 4 Maccabees 14:14

this mistreatment; so that they not only despised

pains themselves, but they even got the better of
their affections of brotherly love. 2 Reasoning is
more royal than a king, and freer than freemen!
3 What a sacred and harmonious concert of the
seven kindred as concerning piety! 4 None of
the seven youths turned cowardly or shrank back
from death. 5 But all of them, as though running
the road to immortality, hastened on to death
through tortures. 6 For just as hands and feet
are moved sympathetically with the directions of
the soul, so those holy youths agreed to death for
religion’s sake, as through the immortal soul of
religion. 7 O holy seven of harmonious kindred!
For as the seven days of creation, about religion,
8 so the youths, circling around the number seven,
annulled the fear of torments. 9 We now shudder
at the recital of the affliction of those young men;
but they not only saw, and not only heard the
immediate execution of the threat, but undergo-
ing it, persevered; and that through the pains of
fire. 10 What could be more painful? For the
power of fire, being sharp and quick, speedily
dissolved their bodies. 11 Don’t think it wonder-
ful that reasoning ruled over those men in their
torments, when even a woman’s mind despised
more manifold pains. 12 For the mother of those
seven youths endured the rackings of each of her
children.
13 Consider how comprehensive is the love of
offspring, which draws every one to sympathy
of affection, 14 where irrational animals possess
a similar sympathy and love for their offspring
4 Maccabees 14:15 xxxi 4 Maccabees 15:5

with men. 15 The tame birds frequenting the roofs

of our houses defend their fledglings. 16 Others
build their nests, and hatch their young, on the
tops of mountains and in the precipices of valleys,
and the holes and tops of trees, and keep away
the intruder. 17 If not able to do this, they fly
circling round them in agony of affection, calling
out in their own note, and save their offspring
in whatever manner they are able. 18 But why
should we point attention to the sympathy toward
children shown by irrational animals? 19 Even
bees, at the season of honey-making, attack all
who approach, and pierce with their sting, as with
a sword, those who draw near their hive, and
repel them even to death. 20 But sympathy with
her children didn’t turn away the mother of the
young men, who had a spirit kindred with that of
Abraham.

15
1 O reasoning of the sons, lord over the emo-
tions, and religion more desirable to a mother
than children! 2 The mother, when two things
were set before her, religion and the safety of her
seven sons for a time, on the conditional promise
of a tyrant, 3 rather elected the religion which
according to God preserves to eternal life. 4 In
what way can I describe ethically the affections of
parents toward their children, the resemblance of
soul and of form impressed into the small type of
a child in a wonderful manner, especially through
the greater sympathy of mothers with the feelings
of those born of them! 5 For by how much mothers
4 Maccabees 15:6 xxxii 4 Maccabees 15:17

are by nature weak in disposition and prolific

in offspring, by so much the fonder they are of
children. 6 Of all mothers, the mother of the
seven was the fondest of children, who in seven
childbirths had deeply engendered love toward
them. 7 Through her many pains undergone in
connection with each one, she was compelled to
feel sympathy with them; 8 yet, through fear of
God, she neglected the temporary salvation of
her children. 9 Not only so, but on account of
the excellent disposition to the law, her maternal
affection toward them was increased. 10 For they
were both just and temperate, and courageous,
high-minded, fond of their kindred, and so fond
of their mother that even to death they obeyed her
by observing the law.
11 Yet, though there were so many circum-
stances connected with love of children to draw
on a mother to sympathy, in the case of none of
them were the various tortures able to pervert
her principle. 12 But she inclined each one sepa-
rately and all together to death for religion. 13 O
holy nature and parental feeling, and reward of
bringing up children, and unconquerable mater-
nal affection! 14 At the racking and roasting of
each one of them, the observant mother was pre-
vented by religion from changing. 15 She saw her
children’s flesh dissolving around the fire, and
their extremities quivering on the ground, and
the flesh of their heads dropped forward down to
their beards, like masks.
16 O you mother, who was tried at this time
with bitterer pangs than those at birth! 17 O you
4 Maccabees 15:18 xxxiii 4 Maccabees 15:29

only woman who have produced perfect holiness!

18 Your firstborn, expiring, didn’t turn you, nor
the second, looking miserable in his torments, nor
the third, breathing out his soul. 19 You didn’t
weep when you saw each of their eyes looking
sternly at their tortures, and their nostrils fore-
boding death! 20 When you saw children’s flesh
heaped upon children’s flesh that had been torn
off, heads decapitated upon heads, dead falling
upon the dead, and a choir of children turned
through torture into a burying ground, you didn’t
lament. 21 Not so do siren melodies or songs of
swans attract the hearers to listening, O voices
of children calling on your mother in the midst
of torments! 22 With what and what manner of
torments was the mother herself tortured, as her
sons were undergoing the wheel and the fires!
23 But religious reasoning, having strengthened
her courage in the midst of sufferings, enabled her
to forego, for the time, parental love.
24 Although seeing the destruction of seven
children, the noble mother, after one embrace,
stripped off her feelings through faith in God.
25 For just as in a council room, seeing in her own
soul vehement counselors, nature and parent-
age and love of her children, and the racking of
her children, 26 she holding two votes, one for
the death, the other for the preservation of her
children, 27 didn’t lean to that which would have
saved her children for the safety of a brief space.
28 But this daughter of Abraham remembered his
holy fortitude.
29 O holy mother of a nation, avenger of the law,
4 Maccabees 15:30 xxxiv 4 Maccabees 16:7

defender of religion, and prime bearer in the bat-

tle of the affections! 30 O you nobler in endurance
than males, and more courageous than men in
perseverance! 31 For like Noah’s ship, bearing the
world in the world-filling flood, bore up against
the waves, 32 so you, the guardian of the law,
when surrounded on every side by the flood of
emotions, and assaulted by violent storms which
were the torments of your children, bore up nobly
against the storms against religion.

16
1 If,then, even a woman, and that an aged one,
and the mother of seven children, endured to see
her children’s torments even to death, it must
be admitted that religious reasoning is master
even of the emotions. 2 I have proved, then, that
not only men have obtained the mastery of their
emotions, but also that a woman despised the
greatest torments. 3 The lions around Daniel were
not so fierce, nor the furnace of Misael burning
with most vehement fires as that natural love of
children burned within her, when she saw her
seven sons tortured. 4 But with the reasoning of
religion the mother quenched emotions so great
and powerful. 5 For we must consider also this:
that, had the woman been faint hearted, as be-
ing their mother, she would have lamented over
them, and perhaps might have spoken thus: 6 “Ah!
I am wretched and many times miserable, who
having born seven sons, have become the mother
of none. 7 O seven useless childbirths, and seven
profitless periods of labor, and fruitless givings
4 Maccabees 16:8 xxxv 4 Maccabees 16:19

of suck, and miserable nursings at the breast.

8 Vainly, for your sakes, O sons, have I endured
many pangs, and the more difficult anxieties of
rearing. 9 Alas, of my children, some of you
unmarried, and some who have married to no
profit, I will not see your children, nor have the
joy of being a grandmother. 10 Ah, that I who had
many and fair children, should be a lone widow
full of sorrows! 11 Nor, should I die, will I have
a son to bury me.” But with such a lament as
this, the holy and God-fearing mother wept for
none of them. 12 Nor did she divert any of them
from death, nor grieve for them as for the dead.
13 But as one possessed with an adamant mind,
and as one bringing forth again her full number
of sons to immortality, she rather urged them to
death on behalf of religion. 14 O woman, soldier
of God for religion, you, aged and a female, have
conquered through endurance even a tyrant; and
even though weak, have been found more pow-
erful in deeds and words. 15 For when you were
seized along with your children, you stood looking
at Eleazar in torture, and said to your sons in the
Hebrew tongue, 16 “O sons, the contest is noble,
to which you being called as a witness for the
nation, strive zealously for the laws of your coun-
try. 17 For it would be disgraceful if this old man
endured pains for the sake of righteousness, and
that you who are younger would be afraid of the
tortures. 18 Remember that through God, you ob-
tained existence and have enjoyed it. 19 Therefore,
you ought to bear every affliction because of God.
4 Maccabees 16:20 xxxvi 4 Maccabees 17:5

20 For him also our father Abraham was zealous to

sacrifice Isaac our progenitor, and didn’t shudder
at the sight of his own paternal hand descending
down with the sword upon him. 21 The righteous
Daniel was cast to the lions; and Ananias, Azarias,
and Misael were hurled into a fiery furnace, yet
they endured through God. 22 You, then, having
the same faith toward God, don’t be troubled.
23 For it is unreasonable that they who know re-
ligion wouldn’t stand up against troubles. 24 With
these arguments, the mother of seven, exhorting
each of her sons, encouraged and persuaded them
not to transgress God’s commandment. 25 They
saw this, too, that those who die for God, live
to God, like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the
patriarchs.

17
1 Some of the spearbearers said that when she
herself was about to be seized for the purpose
of being put to death, she threw herself on the
pile, rather than let them touch her body. 2 O
you mother, who together with seven children
destroyed the violence of the tyrant, and rendered
void his wicked intentions, and exhibited the no-
bleness of faith! 3 For you, like a house bravely
built on the pillar of your children, bore the shock
of tortures without swaying. 4 Cheer up, there-
fore, O holy-minded mother! Hold the firm hope
of your steadfastness with God. 5 Not so gracious
does the moon appear with the stars in heaven,
as you are established as honorable before God,
and fixed in the sky with your sons whom you
4 Maccabees 17:6 xxxvii 4 Maccabees 17:20

illuminated with religion to the stars. 6 For your

bearing of children was after the manner of a
child of Abraham.
7 If it were lawful for us to paint as on a tablet
the religion of your story, the spectators wouldn’t
shudder at seeing the mother of seven children
enduring for the sake of religion various tortures
even to death. 8 It would have been a worth-
while thing to have inscribed on the tomb itself
these words as a memorial to those of the nation,
9 “Here an aged priest, and an aged woman, and
seven sons, are buried through the violence of
a tyrant, who wished to destroy the society of
the Hebrews. 10 These also avenged their nation,
looking to God, and enduring torments to death.”
11 For it was truly a divine contest which was
carried through by them. 12 For at that time
virtue presided over the contest, approving the
victory through endurance, namely, immortal-
ity, eternal life. 13 Eleazar was the first to con-
tend. The mother of the seven children entered
the contest, and the kindred contended. 14 The
tyrant was the antagonist; and the world and
living men were the spectators. 15 Reverence for
God conquered, and crowned her own athletes.
16 Who didn’t admire those champions of true
legislation? Who were not amazed? 17 The tyrant
himself, and all their council, admired their en-
durance, 18 through which, they also now stand
beside the divine throne and live a blessed life.
19 For Moses says, “All the saints are under your
hands.” 20 These, therefore, having been sanc-
tified through God, have been honored not only
4 Maccabees 17:21 xxxviii 4 Maccabees 18:6

with this honor, but that also by the fact that

because of them, the enemy didn’t overcome our
nation. 21 That tyrant was punished and their
country purified. 22 For they became the ransom
to the sin of the nation. The Divine Providence
saved Israel, which was afflicted before, by the
blood of those pious ones and the death that ap-
peased wrath. 23 For the tyrant Antiochus, looking
to their courageous virtue and to their endurance
in torture, proclaimed that endurance as an ex-
ample to his soldiers. 24 They proved to be to him
noble and brave for land battles and for sieges;
and he conquered and stormed the towns of all his
enemies.

18
1 O Israelite children, descendants of the seed
of Abraham, obey this law and in every way be
religious, 2 knowing that religious reasoning is
lord of the emotions, and those not only inward
but outward.
3 Therefore those people who gave up their
bodies to pains for the sake of religion were not
only admired by men, but were deemed worthy
of a divine portion. 4 The nation through them
obtained peace, and having renewed the obser-
vance of the law in their country, drove the enemy
out of the land. 5 The tyrant Antiochus was both
punished on earth, and is punished now that he
is dead; for when he was quite unable to compel
the Israelites to adopt foreign customs, and to
desert the manner of life of their fathers, 6 then,
departing from Jerusalem, he made war against
4 Maccabees 18:7 xxxix 4 Maccabees 18:20

the Persians. 7 The righteous mother of the seven

children spoke also as follows to her offspring:
“I was a pure virgin, and didn’t go beyond my
father’s house, but I took care of the rib from
which woman was made. 8 No destroyer of the
desert or ravisher of the plain injured me, nor did
the destructive, deceitful snake make plunder of
my chaste virginity. I remained with my husband
during the time of my maturity. 9 When these, my
children, arrived at maturity, their father died.
He was blessed! For having sought out a life of
fertility in children, he was not grieved with a
period of loss of children. 10 He used to teach
you, when yet with you, the law and the prophets.
11 He used to read to you about the slaying of
Abel by Cain, the offering up of Isaac, and the
imprisonment of Joseph. 12 He used to tell you
of the zealous Phinehas, and informed you of
Ananias, Azarias, and Misael in the fire. 13 He
used to glorify Daniel, who was in the den of lions,
and pronounce him blessed. 14 He used to remind
you of the scripture of Esaias, which says, “Even
if you pass through the fire, it won’t burn you.”
15 He chanted to you David, the hymn writer, who
says, “Many are the afflictions of the just.” 16 He
declared the proverbs of Solomon, who says, “He
is a tree of life to all those who do His will.” 17 He
used to confirm what Ezekiel said: “Will these dry
bones live?” 18 For he didn’t forget the song which
Moses taught, proclaiming, “I will kill, and I will
make alive.” 19 This is our life and the length of
our days.
20 O that bitter, and yet not bitter, day when
4 Maccabees 18:21 xl 4 Maccabees 18:24

the bitter tyrant of the Greeks, quenching fire

with fire in his cruel caldrons, brought with boil-
ing rage the seven sons of the daughter of Abra-
ham to the rack, and to all his torments! 21 He
pierced the balls of their eyes, and cut out their
tongues, and put them to death with varied tor-
tures. 22 Therefore divine retribution pursued
and will pursue the pestilent wretch. 23 But
the children of Abraham, with their victorious
mother, are assembled together to the choir of
their father, having received pure and immortal
souls from God. 24 To him be glory forever and
ever. Amen.
 xli

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