1 Maccabees 4

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

1Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;

Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night — the night stroke planned: five thousand foot and a thousand chosen horse slipping out to fall on the faithful camp in darkness.

2To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.

To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides — suddenness the whole design, the citadel's apostate garrison guiding the blow.

3Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king’s army which was at Emmaus,

Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which was at Emmaus — the captain answering movement with movement: the camp emptied, and the valiant gone to strike the main host.

4While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.

While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp — the blow timed to the enemy's dispersal: the divided host struck while divided.

5In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us

In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us — the night raider finding an empty camp and reading deliverance as flight, searching the mountains, the exalted states, for men who were already upon his own host.

6But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.

But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds — at the dawning, the captain standing on the plain with three thousand, ill-armed by the sense-account and ready by another.

7And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.

And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war — the enemy's strength seen plainly: strong, well furnished, ringed with horse, expert in the outer war.

8Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.

Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault — fear refused twice over: neither their numbers nor their onset to be dreaded.

9Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.

Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army — remembrance armed: the Red Sea, the sea of sense-life at the edge of bondage, divided when Pharaoh, the enthroned sense-mind of the material world, pursued with his host.

10Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:

Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day — prayer before the charge: the indwelling LORD entreated for mercy, for remembrance of the covenant, and for this host's destruction this day.

11That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel.

That so all the heathen may know that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel — the prayer's aim beyond the battle: every outer state taught that a Deliverer saves the spiritual house.

12Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over against them.

Then the strangers lifted up their eyes, and saw them coming over against them — the outer states looking up to find the few already advancing upon them.

13Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.

Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle; but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets — the enemy coming out to the conflict while the faithful trumpets sounded: prayer turned to signal.

14So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain.

So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain — the hosts joined, and the outer states broke, fleeing onto the plain, the open level of sense-consciousness.

15Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men.

Howbeit all the hindmost of them were slain with the sword: for they pursued them unto Gazera, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men — the pursuit and the count kept exact: upon three thousand slain, the hindmost cut down by the cutting word to Gazera, Idumea, Azotus, and Jamnia.

16This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them,

This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them — the pursuit recalled: victory governed, not indulged.

17And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us,

And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoil inasmuch as there is a battle before us — spoil refused while the conflict stands: appetite checked by the unfinished war.

18And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.

And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils — the order given: the raiding host still near in the mountain; first stand and overcome, then take the spoil boldly.

19As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain:

As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain — even while the order was spoken, the enemy's party shewing itself from the height.

20Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done:

Who when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight and were burning the tents; for the smoke that was seen declared what was done — the raiders reading the smoke: their own camp's burning announcing the defeat they had missed.

21When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,

When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight — fear completing what surprise began: the raiding host seeing the captain's company ordered and ready on the plain.

22They fled every one into the land of strangers.

They fled every one into the land of strangers — the second host dissolving without a blow: every man fleeing into foreign land.

23Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.

Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold, and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches — the spoil taken in its order at last: gold, silver, blue silk, and sea-purple, the empire's riches passing to the delivered.

24After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever.

After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because it is good, because his mercy endureth forever — thanksgiving sung at home: the indwelling LORD praised in the inner realm, His mercy confessed as enduring for ever.

25Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day.

Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day — the day summed in one line: a great deliverance for the spiritual house.

26Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what had happened:

Now all the strangers that had escaped came and told Lysias what had happened — the fugitives carrying the report to the deputy: the empire learning its loss from its own escaped.

27Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.

Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass — the deputy confounded on both counts: his own will and his king's commandment alike unfulfilled against the faithful.

28The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.

The next year therefore following Lysias gathered together threescore thousand choice men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them — the numbers kept exact: threescore thousand chosen foot and five thousand horse gathered the next year to subdue the house.

29So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men.

So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethsura, and Judas met them with ten thousand men — the invasion entering by Idumea to Bethsura, and ten thousand meeting the sixty-five thousand.

30And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer;

And when he saw that mighty army, he prayed and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of strangers into the hands of Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armourbearer — prayer recounting the precedents: the Saviour of the spiritual house blessed, who quelled the mighty by David's hand — David, Love enthroned — and gave the strangers' host to Jonathan and his armourbearer.

31Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen:

Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen — the petition made specific: this army enclosed in the hand of the people, its power and its horse confounded.

32Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction:

Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to fall away, and let them quake at their destruction — courage, boldness, and strength prayed down in order: the inner sinews of the host loosened before a sword is drawn.

33Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.

Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving — the cutting word placed in loving hands, and the end appointed beforehand: praise and thanksgiving from all who know the Name.

34So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.

So they joined battle; and there were slain of the host of Lysias about five thousand men, even before them were they slain — the hosts joined, and the count kept exact: about five thousand of the deputy's host slain before the faithful.

35Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas’ soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.

Now when Lysias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea — the deputy withdrawing to rebuild: the readiness to live or die valiantly seen by the enemy himself, and a greater army purposed for another year.

36Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary.

Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and dedicate the sanctuary — the victory turned at once to its purpose: not pursuit, but the cleansing and dedication of the sanctuary-state.

37Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Sion.

Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Sion — the whole host ascending to Zion, the high citadel of Jerusalem, the love-height of consciousness where God is enthroned.

38And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests’ chambers pulled down;

And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burned up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests' chambers pulled down — the desolation surveyed item by item: altar profaned, gates burned, courts overgrown, the mediating faculties' chambers in ruin.

39They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads,

They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads — grief before rebuilding: the restorers first mourning the ruin they have come to repair.

40And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven.

And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried toward heaven — prostration, the trumpet-alarm, and the cry toward the inner realm: the cleansing begun on faces in the dust.

41Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.

Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary — a guard set against the citadel's garrison: the conflict held at bay while the consecrated work proceeds.

42So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law:

So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law — the cleansers chosen by character: mediating faculties of blameless walk who delight in the written order.

43Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place.

Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place — the cleansing carried out stone by stone, the defiled material borne out to the unclean place.

44And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned;

And when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt offerings, which was profaned — counsel taken over the profaned point of consecration itself: what is to be done with an altar the idol has used?

45They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down,

They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it: wherefore they pulled it down — the judgment reached: the defiled altar demolished rather than reused, lest its reproach remain in the sanctuary.

46And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them.

And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet to shew what should be done with them — the stones neither discarded nor decided: stored on the temple mountain until a prophet, the forth-telling faculty that hears God for the whole, should shew their disposition.

47Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former;

Then they took whole stones according to the law, and built a new altar according to the former — whole stones taken by the law's own rule, and a new point of consecration built after the former pattern.

48And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts.

And made up the sanctuary, and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts — the sanctuary-state repaired within and without, and its courts consecrated afresh.

49They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table.

They made also new holy vessels, and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt offerings, and of incense, and the table — new vessels made, and the instruments of light, of offering, and of the table restored to the established sanctuary-state.

50And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.

And upon the altar they burned incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple — incense rising on the new altar, and the lamps lit again: understanding shining once more within the sanctuary-state.

51Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make.

Furthermore they set the loaves upon the table, and spread out the veils, and finished all the works which they had begun to make — the loaves set out, the veils, the division between the holy place and the Most Holy, spread again, and every begun work finished.

52Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning,

Now on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, which is called the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and eighth year, they rose up betimes in the morning — the date kept exact: the twenty-fifth of Casleu, the hundred forty and eighth year, the restorers rising early in the dawning.

53And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made.

And offered sacrifice according to the law upon the new altar of burnt offerings, which they had made — the faculty yielded to God again, according to the written order, on the new altar.

54Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.

Look, at what time and what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that was it dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals — the very day of the profaning become the day of the dedication: the calendar itself redeemed, with song and instrument.

55Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.

Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success — the whole people prostrate in worship, praising the Source of the inner realm for the success He had given.

56And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.

And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days and offered burnt offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of deliverance and praise — eight days kept, the whole state yielded up with gladness, and the peace offering, yielded in communion and gratitude, offered as the sacrifice of deliverance and praise.

57They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them.

They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields; and the gates and the chambers they renewed, and hanged doors upon them — crowns of gold and shields, the defensive furnishings of the spiritual state, set on the temple's face; gates and chambers renewed and doors hung.

58Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.

Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away — gladness measured by its cause: the reproach of the outer states removed from the house.

59Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.

Moreover Judas and his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel ordained, that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness — the dedication made a standing feast: eight days yearly from the twenty-fifth of Casleu, kept with mirth and gladness by ordinance of the whole congregation.

60At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before.

At that time also they builded up the mount Sion with high walls and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down as they had done before — Zion's love-height walled and towered round, that the outer states not tread it down a second time.

61And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea.

And they set there a garrison to keep it, and fortified Bethsura to preserve it; that the people might have a defence against Idumea — a garrison set on the height and Bethsura fortified: the restored center given its defences toward Idumea.

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