1 Maccabees 11

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

1And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get Alexander’s kingdom, and join it to his own.

And the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own: the king of Egypt — the material sense-realm enthroned — gathers a host like the sand on the sea shore, the gathered reservoir of thought, and many ships, and by deceit seeks Alexander's kingdom for his own: sense reaching for rule by treachery.

2Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his brother in law.

Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner, so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his brother in law: he journeys into Syria peaceably; the cities open to him and meet him, as Alexander commanded, because Ptolemee is his brother in law — deceit entering by open gates.

3Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.

Now as Ptolemee entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it: as he enters each city he sets a garrison of soldiers in it — the peaceful journey planting occupation city by city.

4And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass.

And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad and them that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass: near Azotus they show him Dagon's burnt temple, the destroyed city and suburbs, and the bodies cast abroad, heaped by the way he should pass — the visible wreck of the idol-state arranged for his eyes.

5Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.

Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had done, to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace: they rehearse all Jonathan did, hoping the king will blame him; but the king holds his peace — the accusation finds no answer, for now.

6Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they saluted one another, and lodged.

Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppa, where they saluted one another, and lodged: Jonathan meets the king at Joppa with great pomp; they salute one another and lodge — courtesy observed while deceit works underneath.

7Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.

Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem: after escorting the king to the river Eleutherus — the current bounding the two states — Jonathan returns to Jerusalem: the house keeps faith with the alliance while guarding its own center.

8King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander.

King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea unto Seleucia upon the sea coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander: Ptolemee, having gotten the coastal cities to Seleucia, imagines wicked counsels against Alexander — dominion feeding design.

9Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father’s kingdom:

Whereupon he sent ambasadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father's kingdom: he sends ambassadors to Demetrius: Come, let us make a league, and I will give you my daughter whom Alexander has, and you shall reign in your father's kingdom — the offer in its exact words.

10For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me.

For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me: the pretext in his own words: I repent I gave my daughter to him, for he sought to slay me.

11Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.

Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom: the slander is named as slander — its root is desire for the kingdom: a ruling state coveted, and the accuser-voice at work.

12Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known.

Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known: he takes his daughter from Alexander, gives her to Demetrius, and forsakes Alexander, so their hatred becomes open.

13Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.

Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt: Ptolemee enters Antioch and sets two crowns on his head — the crown of Asia and of Egypt — a ruling state perfected and acknowledged, twice over, in its own eyes.

14In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.

In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him: meanwhile Alexander is in Cilicia, its people revolted from him — his rule dissolving at its edges.

15But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight.

But when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host, and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight: Alexander comes to war; Ptolemee meets him with mighty power and puts him to flight: the conflict of the true claim against the deceitful empire-state ends in flight.

16So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king Ptolemee was exalted:

So Alexander fled into Arabia there to be defended; but king Ptolemee was exalted: Alexander flees into Arabia for defence; Ptolemee is exalted — for the moment.

17For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander’s head, and sent it unto Ptolemee.

For Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it unto Ptolemee: Zabdiel the Arabian takes off Alexander's head and sends it to Ptolemee — the fallen ruling state's end delivered as a trophy.

18King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another.

King Ptolemee also died the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another: Ptolemee himself dies the third day after, and those in the strong holds slay one another — the deceitful state consumes itself; it is given over to the disorder it chose.

19By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year.

By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year: by this means Demetrius reigns in the hundred threescore and seventh year — the year exact.

20At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.

At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it: Jonathan gathers Judea's forces to take the tower in Jerusalem — the last foreign stronghold in the center — and makes many engines of war against it.

21Then certain ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower,

Then certain ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower: certain godless persons, hating their own people, carry the report to the king — the adversary-states within informing against the house.

22Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste.

Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais in great haste: the king, angry, comes to Ptolemais and writes: stop the siege and come speak with me at Ptolemais in great haste.

23Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests, and put himself in peril;

Nevertheless Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel and the priests, and put himself in peril: nevertheless Jonathan commands the siege continued, chooses elders of Israel and priests — the mediating faculties — and puts himself in peril, going to the summons while the work holds.

24And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.

And took silver and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais unto the king, where he found favour in his sight: he takes silver and gold, raiment, and diverse presents, goes to the king at Ptolemais, and finds favour in his sight.

25And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him,

And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him: though godless men of the people have complained against him — accusation again present, again weighed.

26Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,

Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends: yet the king entreats him as his predecessors did, and promotes him in the sight of all his friends.

27And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends.

And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him preeminence among his chief friends: he confirms him in the high priesthood and all his former honours, and gives him preeminence among his chief friends.

28Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents.

Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments, with the country of Samaria; and he promised him three hundred talents: Jonathan asks freedom from tribute for Judea, the three governments, and Samaria, and promises three hundred talents — the sum exact.

29So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner:

So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner: the king consents and writes letters to Jonathan of all these things, in the form that follows.

30King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:

King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting: the letter's heading kept exact: King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting.

31We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it.

We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that ye might see it: a copy is enclosed of the letter written to their cousin Lasthenes concerning them, that they may see it — the instrument made visible to those it concerns.

32King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting:

King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes sendeth greeting: the enclosed letter: King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes, greeting — sender and addressee exact.

33We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us.

We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us: we are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, our friends, who keep covenants with us, because of their good will toward us.

34Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees.

Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime out of the fruits of the earth and of trees: ratified to them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema and Lydda and Ramathem added from Samaria, and all appertaining, for all who sacrifice — yield faculties to the Source — in Jerusalem, instead of the king's former yearly payments from the fruits of the earth and of trees: every territory and term exact.

35And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.

And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the saltpits, and the crown taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief: the tithes and customs, the saltpits, and the crown taxes due to us are all discharged for their relief.

36And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.

And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever: nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever — the grant sworn irrevocable in its own words.

37Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.

Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place: a copy is to be made, delivered to Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount — the exalted state — in a conspicuous place, where the whole consciousness can read it.

38After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.

After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers, whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him: Demetrius, the land quiet, dismisses all his forces to their own places except foreign bands gathered from the isles of the heathen; wherefore his fathers' own forces hate him — a ruling state that dismisses its own faculties loses their allegiance.

39Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander’s part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander,

Moreover there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcue the Arabian that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander: Tryphon, once of Alexander's part, sees the host murmuring and goes to Simalcue the Arabian, who brought up Antiochus, Alexander's young son — ambition finding a child-king to work through.

40And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father’s stead: he told him therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.

And lay sore upon him to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father's stead: he told him therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season: he presses him to deliver young Antiochus, to reign in his father's stead, telling all Demetrius has done and how his men of war are at enmity with him, and remains there a long season.

41In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.

In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel: meanwhile Jonathan asks Demetrius to cast out the tower's garrison from Jerusalem, and those in the fortresses, for they fought against Israel — the occupying states still warring on the house from within its center.

42So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.

So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve: Demetrius answers: I will not only do this for you and your people, but greatly honour you and your nation, if opportunity serve — a promise conditioned on opportunity, which the sequel exposes.

43Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.

Now therefore thou shalt do well, if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me: first, send me men to help me, for all my forces are gone from me — the king's need stated plainly.

44Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.

Upon this Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch: and when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming: Jonathan sends three thousand strong men to Antioch; the king is very glad of their coming — the number exact.

45Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.

Howbeit they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king: but the city's own people gather in its midst, an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would slay the king — the empire's center rising against its ruler.

46Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.

Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight: the king flees into the court; the city's men hold the passages and begin to fight.

47Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.

Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and dispersing themselves through the city slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand: the king calls to the Jews, who come all at once, disperse through the city, and slay that day an hundred thousand — the house's faculties saving the king who courted them.

48Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king.

Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king: they set fire on the city, gather many spoils that day, and deliver the king.

49So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying,

So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying: seeing the Jews hold the city as they would, the citizens' courage abates; they make supplication to the king, crying out.

50Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.

Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city: their plea, exact: Grant us peace — rest within the order — and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.

51With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.

With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace; and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm; and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils: they cast away their weapons and make peace; the Jews are honoured before the king and all in his realm, and return to Jerusalem with great spoils.

52So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him.

So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him: Demetrius sits on the throne of his kingdom — the seat of ruling authority restored to him by others' hands — and the land is quiet before him.

53Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.

Nevertheless he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore: nevertheless he dissembled in all he spoke, estranged himself from Jonathan, did not reward him according to the benefits received, but troubled him very sore — the empire-state's gratitude unmasked as policy; the disorder is its own choice.

54After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned.

After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned, and was crowned: after this Tryphon returns with the young child Antiochus, who reigns and is crowned — the child made the figure of a ruling state.

55Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.

Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled: all the men of war Demetrius dismissed gather to him and fight against Demetrius, who turns his back and flees — the dismissed faculties return as the instrument of his fall.

56Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.

Moreover Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch: Tryphon takes the elephants and wins Antioch — the empire's center changes hands.

57At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king’s friends.

At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends: young Antiochus writes to Jonathan, in the letter's own terms: I confirm you in the high priesthood, appoint you ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.

58Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.

Upon this he sent him golden vessels to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle: he sends golden vessels to be served in, and leave to drink in gold, be clothed in purple, and wear a golden buckle — the honours enumerated exactly.

59His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.

His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt: Simon he makes captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt — the commission's bounds exact.

60Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.

Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably: Jonathan goes forth beyond the water — the current of life and thought — and Syria's forces gather to help him; at Ascalon the city meets him honourably.

61From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.

From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them: at Gaza they shut him out; he besieges it, burns its suburbs with fire, and spoils them.

62Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.

Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus: Gaza makes supplication; he makes peace with them, takes their chief men's sons for hostages, sends them to Jerusalem, and passes through the country to Damascus.

63Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country,

Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country: Jonathan hears Demetrius' princes are come to Cades in Galilee — the circuit of the outer faculties — with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country.

64He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.

He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country: he goes to meet them, leaving Simon his brother in the country — one brother-state holding the land, the other meeting the field.

65Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long season, and shut it up:

Then Simon encamped against Bethsura and fought against it a long season, and shut it up: Simon encamps against Bethsura, fights against it a long season, and shuts it up — the refuge of chapter 10, verse 14, now besieged in earnest.

66But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.

But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it: they desire peace; he grants it, puts them out, takes the city, and sets a garrison in it — the forsakers' refuge becomes the house's stronghold.

67As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.

As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Gennesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor: Jonathan pitches at the water of Gennesar, and early in the morning — at the dawning of the state — they move to the plain of Nasor.

68And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.

And, behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him: the host of strangers meets them in the plain, having laid an ambush in the mountains — the heights seeded with hidden attack.

69So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan’s side fled;

So when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled: when the ambush rises and battle joins, all Jonathan's side flees — the whole company broken by the unseen stroke.

70Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.

Insomuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host: not one is left except Mattathias the son of Absalom and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host — the remnant, the faithful kernel, is two captains and their captain.

71Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.

Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed: Jonathan rends his clothes, casts earth on his head, and prays — the state humbled to the ground of consciousness, turning wholly to the Source.

72Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.

Afterwards turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away: afterwards, turning again to battle from prayer, he puts them to flight — the routed host reversed by the one state that stood and prayed.

73Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they camped.

Now when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they camped: his fled men, seeing this, turn again to him and with him pursue the enemy to Cades, even to their own tents, and camp there — courage returning to the faculties by the sight of a state that held.

74So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

So there were slain of the heathen that day about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem: about three thousand of the heathen are slain that day; Jonathan returns to Jerusalem.

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