1 Maccabees 10

How to read these pages: the text itself comes first, verse by verse, in the volume's own translation. Beneath each verse stands its Meaning — a rendering of what the passage's terms name in the inner life, drawn from the correspondences the text itself uses. The text is never altered; the meaning is offered, not imposed.

King James Version

1In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there,

In the hundred and sixtieth year Alexander, the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there: a rival ruling state rises — Alexander, son of Antiochus called Epiphanes — takes Ptolemais, received by its people, and reigns there; the empire's rule is now contested from within.

2Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight.

Now when king Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight: Demetrius, hearing it, gathers an exceeding great host against the rival — empire-state against empire-state, each a ruling state of the one consciousness.

3Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words, so as he magnified him.

Moreover Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words, so as he magnified him: Demetrius, needing the house against the rival, sends letters of flattery to Jonathan, magnifying him — the empire courts the state it lately hunted.

4For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join with Alexander against us:

For said he, Let us first make peace with him, before he join with Alexander against us: his reasoning: make peace with Jonathan first, before he joins Alexander against us — fear, not love, drafts the offer.

5Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people.

Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren and his people: else Jonathan will remember all the evils done against him, his brethren, and his people — the empire knows its own record.

6Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him.

Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons, that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him: authority is granted to gather a host and provide weapons for the king's aid, and the hostages in the tower are ordered delivered to Jonathan — the captives of chapter 9 released.

7Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower:

Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower: Jonathan comes to Jerusalem and reads the letters aloud before all the people and those in the tower — the grant made public in the center itself.

8Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host.

Who were sore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host: those in the tower are sore afraid at the news — the occupying force trembles when the house is authorised to gather its own strength.

9Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents.

Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents: the tower delivers its hostages to Jonathan, and he delivers them to their parents — the captive faculties of chapter 9 restored to their own houses.

10This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to build and repair the city.

This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to build and repair the city: Jonathan settles in Jerusalem — the established center of spiritual consciousness — and begins to build and repair the city of peace within.

11And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and they did so.

And he commanded the workmen to build the walls and the mount Sion and about with square stones for fortification; and they did so: the workmen build the walls and mount Sion — the love-height of consciousness where the Source is enthroned — round about with squared stones, set for defence.

12Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which Bacchides had built, fled away;

Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which Bacchides had built, fled away: the foreign garrisons in Bacchides' fortresses abandon them and flee — occupying states cannot hold ground the house has reclaimed.

13Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own country.

Insomuch as every man left his place, and went into his own country: each leaves his post and returns to his own country, his own former state.

14Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and the commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge.

Only at Bethsura certain of those that had forsaken the law and the commandments remained still: for it was their place of refuge: only at Bethsura do some remain who forsook the law — the written order of the divine life — and the commandments, its plain articulations; it is their refuge-state.

15Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured,

Now when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan: when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured: Alexander hears both Demetrius' promises and the record of Jonathan's conflicts, noble acts, and endured pains — the house's proven faithfulness becomes its commendation.

16He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will make him our friend and confederate.

He said, Shall we find such another man? now therefore we will make him our friend and confederate: the rival king resolves to win the state no second example of which can be found, making him friend and confederate.

17Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to these words, saying,

Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to these words, saying: a letter is written and sent — its words, sender, and terms kept exact in what follows.

18King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting:

King Alexander to his brother Jonathan sendeth greeting: the letter opens: King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greeting — the king names the priest-state brother.

19We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet to be our friend.

We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet to be our friend: the letter's witness: a man of great power, fit to be the king's friend.

20Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king’s friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us.

Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend; (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe and a crown of gold:) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us: the ordination: high priest — the chief mediating faculty of the nation — and called the king's friend, with a purple robe and a crown of gold sent, a ruling state acknowledged; take our part, and keep friendship with us.

21So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour.

So in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour: in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of tabernacles, Jonathan puts on the holy robe — the mediating faculty consecrated — and gathers forces and much armour, the furnishings of the spiritual state.

22Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said,

Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said: Demetrius, outbid, is grieved and speaks.

23What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?

What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?: his regret is exact: Alexander has forestalled him in winning the Jews' friendship to strengthen himself.

24I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.

I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid: Demetrius resolves on a counter-letter — encouragement, dignities, and gifts, to purchase the aid Alexander sought by honour.

25He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:

He sent unto them therefore to this effect: King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting: the letter is sent: King Demetrius unto the people of the Jews, greeting — sender and addressees exact.

26Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad.

Whereas ye have kept covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad: the letter acknowledges it: you have kept covenants — laws of relationship written into the state — with us, continued in our friendship, and not joined our enemies; we have heard, and are glad.

27Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf,

Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for the things ye do in our behalf: continue faithful to us, and we will well recompense what you do on our behalf — the empire's bargain in its own terms.

28And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.

And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards: immunities and rewards are promised.

29And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes,

And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews, from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes: the releases begin, their terms exact: freedom from tributes, from the customs of salt, and from crown taxes.

30And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part of the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.

And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part of the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore: the third part of the seed and the half of the fruit of the trees are released from this day forth for evermore, not to be taken from Judea nor from the three governments added out of Samaria and Galilee — the terms and territories exact.

31Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders thereof, both from tenths and tributes.

Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders thereof, both from tenths and tributes: Jerusalem — the city of peace — is declared holy and free, with its borders, from tenths and tributes: even the empire's letter must name the center holy.

32And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority over it, and give it to the high priest, that he may set in it such men as he shall choose to keep it.

And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up authority over it, and give it to the high priest, that he may set in it such men as he shall choose to keep it: the tower at Jerusalem is yielded to the high priest, to garrison with men of his own choosing — the stronghold restored to the mediating faculty.

33Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that were carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes even of their cattle.

Moreover I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews, that were carried captives out of the land of Judea into any part of my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes even of their cattle: every Jew carried captive from Judea into any part of the kingdom is set at liberty, and officers must remit tributes even of their cattle — captivity, consciousness carried into a foreign ruling state, here reversed by decree.

34Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in my realm.

Furthermore I will that all the feasts, and sabbaths, and new moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the three days after the feast shall be all of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in my realm: all the feasts, sabbaths — the rest-states in the Source — new moons, solemn days, and the three days before and after the feast are made days of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in the realm.

35Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest any of them in any matter.

Also no man shall have authority to meddle with or to molest any of them in any matter: no man shall have authority to meddle with or molest any of them in any matter — protection stated without exception.

36I will further, that there be enrolled among the king’s forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, as belongeth to all king’s forces.

I will further, that there be enrolled among the king's forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given, as belongeth to all king's forces: about thirty thousand men of the Jews are to be enrolled among the king's forces, with pay as belongs to all the king's forces — the exact number kept.

37And of them some shall be placed in the king’s strong holds, of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea.

And of them some shall be placed in the king's strong holds, of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea: some placed in the king's strong holds, some over trusted affairs of the kingdom; their overseers and governors to be of themselves, and they to live after their own laws — the inner order left to govern its own faculties.

38And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other authority than the high priest’s.

And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other authority than the high priest's: the three governments added from Samaria are joined to Judea, reckoned under one, bound to obey no authority but the high priest's.

39As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expences of the sanctuary.

As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem for the necessary expences of the sanctuary: Ptolemais and its land are given as a free gift to the sanctuary at Jerusalem, for the necessary expenses of the sanctuary — the established sanctuary-state sustained.

40Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of the king’s accounts from the places appertaining.

Moreover I give every year fifteen thousand shekels of silver out of the king's accounts from the places appertaining: fifteen thousand shekels of silver yearly from the king's accounts — the amount exact.

41And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the temple.

And all the overplus, which the officers payed not in as in former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the temple: all the overplus the officers formerly withheld goes henceforth to the works of the temple — the established sanctuary-state.

42And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, even those things shall be released, because they appertain to the priests that minister.

And beside this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the uses of the temple out of the accounts year by year, even those things shall be released, because they appertain to the priests that minister: the five thousand shekels of silver yearly taken from the temple's uses are released, because they appertain to the priests — the mediating faculties — that minister.

43And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my realm.

And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be within the liberties hereof, being indebted unto the king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my realm: whoever flees to the temple at Jerusalem, or is within its liberties, indebted to the king or for any other matter, is at liberty, with all he has in the realm — the sanctuary as refuge for the indebted state.

44For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary expences shall be given of the king’s accounts.

For the building also and repairing of the works of the sanctuary expences shall be given of the king's accounts: the building and repairing of the sanctuary's works are funded from the king's accounts.

45Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of the king’s accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea.

Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of the king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea: the walls of Jerusalem and their fortifying round about, and the walls in Judea, are likewise funded from the king's accounts.

46Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore.

Now when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore: Jonathan and the people give the words no credit and do not receive them: memory is the discerning faculty here — they remember the great evil done in Israel, the sore affliction under this same sender.

47But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate with him always.

But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the first that entreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate with him always: with Alexander they are well pleased, because he first spoke true peace to them, and they remain confederate with him always.

48Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over against Demetrius.

Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and camped over against Demetrius: Alexander gathers great forces and encamps over against Demetrius — the rival ruling states face one another.

49And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius’ host fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them.

And after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them: battle joined, Demetrius' host flees; Alexander pursues and prevails.

50And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went down: and that day was Demetrius slain.

And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went down: and that day was Demetrius slain: the conflict continues sore until the sun — the greater light — goes down; that day Demetrius is slain: the ruling state falls.

51Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt with a message to this effect:

Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt with a message to this effect: Alexander sends ambassadors to Ptolemee king of Egypt — the material sense-realm — with a message, kept in its own words next.

52Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country;

Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country: the message: I am come again to my realm, set in the throne of my progenitors, have gotten the dominion, overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country.

53For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom:

For after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom: after battle, he and his host were discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom — the seat of ruling authority passed to the victor-state.

54Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law, and will give both thee and her gifts according to thy dignity.

Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son in law, and will give both thee and her gifts according to thy dignity: the proposal: a league of amity, and your daughter to wife; I will be your son in law, and give you and her gifts according to your dignity.

55Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest in the throne of their kingdom.

Then Ptolemee the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest in the throne of their kingdom: Ptolemee answers: Happy the day you returned to the land of your fathers and sat in the throne of their kingdom.

56And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.

And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire: I will do as you have written: meet me at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; I will marry my daughter to you according to your desire.

57So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year:

So Ptolemee went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year: Ptolemee comes out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra to Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year — the year exact.

58Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory, as the manner of kings is.

Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory, as the manner of kings is: Alexander meets him; Cleopatra is given, and the marriage celebrated at Ptolemais with great glory, as the manner of kings is — the outward splendour of an alliance of ruling states.

59Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should come and meet him.

Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should come and meet him: Alexander writes to Jonathan to come and meet him.

60Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and many presents, and found favour in their sight.

Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais, where he met the two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and many presents, and found favour in their sight: Jonathan goes honourably to Ptolemais, meets the two kings, gives them and their friends silver and gold and many presents, and finds favour in their sight.

61At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king would not hear them.

At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king would not hear them: certain pestilent fellows of Israel — states within the house twisted to a wicked life — assemble to accuse him; the king will not hear them: accusation without a hearing dies.

62Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.

Yea more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so: more: the king commands his garments taken off and Jonathan clothed in purple — the outward sign of the acknowledged ruling state.

63And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause.

And he made him sit by himself, and said into his princes, Go with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause: he seats him beside himself and orders proclamation through the city's midst: no man complain against him of any matter, nor trouble him for any cause.

64Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.

Now when his accusers saw that he was honored according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away: the accusers, seeing him honoured by the proclamation and clothed in purple, flee all away — the accusing states scatter before acknowledged authority.

65So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.

So the king honoured him, and wrote him among his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion: the king honours him, enrols him among his chief friends, makes him a duke and partaker of his dominion.

66Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness.

Afterward Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness: Jonathan returns to Jerusalem with peace — rest within the order — and gladness.

67Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth year came Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers:

Furthermore in the hundred threescore and fifth year came Demetrius son of Demetrius out of Crete into the land of his fathers: in the hundred threescore and fifth year a new Demetrius, son of Demetrius, comes out of Crete into the land of his fathers — the fallen ruling state raises a successor.

68Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and returned into Antioch.

Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and returned into Antioch: Alexander, hearing it, is sorry and returns into Antioch.

69Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,

Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying: Demetrius makes Apollonius, governor of Celosyria, his general; Apollonius gathers a great host, camps in Jamnia, and sends a challenge to Jonathan the high priest.

70Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the mountains?

Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached: and why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the mountains?: the challenge in its own words: You alone lift yourself against us; I am laughed to scorn and reproached for your sake; why do you vaunt your power against us in the mountains — the exalted states?

71Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter together: for with me is the power of the cities.

Now therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter together: for with me is the power of the cities: come down to the plain — the open, level state of sense-consciousness — and let us try the matter together, for with me is the power of the cities: the enemy always invites the fight onto sense's own level ground.

72Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in their own land.

Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they shall tell thee that thy foot is not able to to flight in their own land: ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part; they will tell you your foot cannot stand, fleeing in your own land — the taunt kept exact.

73Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto.

Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto: you cannot abide the horsemen and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint nor place to flee — the plain described as a state with nothing to stand on and nowhere to turn.

74So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.

So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and choosing ten thousand men he went out of Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him: Jonathan, moved in mind, chooses ten thousand men and goes out of Jerusalem; Simon his brother meets him to help — the exact strength kept.

75And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there.

And he pitched his tents against Joppa: but; they of Joppa shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there: he encamps against Joppa, but its people shut him out — Apollonius has a garrison there.

76Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa.

Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppa: he besieges it; the city, in fear, lets him in: Joppa is won.

77Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain, because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust.

Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus as one that journeyed, and therewithal drew him forth into the plain, because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust: Apollonius takes three thousand horsemen and a great host of footmen toward Azotus, drawing Jonathan into the plain, trusting in his horsemen — trust settled on a force is the idol-form within the battle-state.

78Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies joined battle.

Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, where the armies joined battle: Jonathan follows to Azotus, and the armies join battle.

79Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.

Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush: a thousand horsemen are left in ambush — the hidden reserve of the opposing state.

80And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning till evening.

And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people, from morning till evening: Jonathan knows the ambush behind him; the enemy has compassed his host and casts darts at the people from morning till evening — the whole cycle under hidden attack, and known.

81But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and so the enemies’ horses were tired.

But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and so the enemies' horses were tired: the people stand still, as commanded — stillness as the tactic of the ordered state — until the enemies' horses are tired.

82Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and fled.

Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent) who were discomfited by him, and fled: then Simon brings his host against the footmen — the horsemen spent — who are routed by him and flee.

83The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol’s temple, for safety.

The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Bethdagon, their idol's temple, for safety: the scattered horsemen flee to Azotus and into Bethdagon, their idol's temple — a formed image of a lesser good worshipped in the Source's place — for a safety it cannot give.

84But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burned with fire.

But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burned with fire: Jonathan sets fire on Azotus and the cities round about and takes their spoils; the temple of Dagon, with those fled into it, he burns with fire — truth's consuming judgment on the idol-state and its refuge.

85Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight thousand men.

Thus there were burned and slain with the sword well nigh eight thousand men: burned and slain with the sword — the cutting word — well nigh eight thousand men, the count kept.

86And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great pomp.

And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great pomp: from there he camps against Ascalon, whose men come forth and meet him with great pomp — a city that receives him in honour instead of resisting.

87After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having many spoils.

After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem, having many spoils: he returns to Jerusalem with his host, having many spoils — the gains of the conflict carried back to the center.

88Now when king Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan yet more.

Now when king Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan yet more: Alexander, hearing these things, honours Jonathan yet more — proved faithfulness increases the state's standing.

89And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king’s blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession.

And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king's blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession: he sends a buckle of gold, as is given to those of the king's blood, and gives him Accaron with its borders in possession.

Companion volume to The Why Bible — the King James Apocrypha, rendered in its spiritual meanings. First final edition, October 2026.