1 Maccabees 9

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

1Furthermore, when Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength of his host:

Furthermore, when Demetrius — the foreign ruling state — heard that Nicanor and his host were destroyed in the conflict, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with them the chief strength of his host: the empire-state, checked once, returns against the praise-state with its fullest force.

2Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people.

Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, which is in Arbela, and after they had won it, they slew much people: the opposing states advance along their road, encamp before the town, and, having taken it, destroy many faculties.

3Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year they encamped before Jerusalem:

Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year they encamped before Jerusalem — the established center of spiritual consciousness: the hostile force sets itself directly before the city of peace within.

4From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen.

From whence they removed, and went to Berea, with twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen: the host repositions, its numbers exact — twenty thousand footmen and two thousand horsemen, the counted strength of the sense-side.

5Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen men with him:

Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen men with him: the defending state encamps with three thousand chosen faculties, set apart for the fight.

6Who seeing the multitude of the other army to be so great were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as there abode of them no more but eight hundred men.

Who seeing the multitude of the other army to be so great were sore afraid; whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, insomuch as there abode of them no more but eight hundred men: fear at the multitude thins the ranks — many faculties slip away until only eight hundred remain.

7When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.

When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was sore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together: the leader-state sees the host melting and the conflict pressing, and is distressed that there is no time to regather the scattered faculties.

8Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.

Nevertheless unto them that remained he said, Let us arise and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them: to the remnant — the faithful kernel that stayed — he speaks resolve: arise and go up against the opposing states.

9But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few.

But they dehorted him, saying, We shall never be able: let us now rather save our lives, and hereafter we will return with our brethren, and fight against them: for we are but few: the remnant counsels retreat — preserve the life now, return with the brethren-faculties later, for we are few.

10Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour.

Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and let us not stain our honour: the defending state refuses flight before the Source; if its hour has come, it will yield its life for the brethren rather than stain its honour.

11With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men.

With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their slingers and archers going before the host and they that marched in the foreward were all mighty men: the opposing host takes its stand, horsemen in two troops, slingers and archers in front, its mighty men in the foremost rank.

12As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets.

As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing: so the host drew near on the two parts, and sounded their trumpets: the enemy commander holds the right wing; the host closes from both sides and sounds its trumpets — its rallying blasts.

13They also of Judas’ side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night.

They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies, and the battle continued from morning till night: Judas' side answers trumpet for trumpet; the outer life itself shakes at the noise, and the conflict runs from the dawning of the state to its fading.

14Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,

Now when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men: seeing where the enemy's strength is massed, he takes all the hardy faculties with him against it.

15Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus.

Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus: they rout the right wing and pursue it to the mount — the exalted state — of Azotus; the true idea drives the opposing states before it.

16But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind:

But when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him hard at the heels from behind: the unbeaten wing, seeing its fellow routed, falls on Judas from behind — the conflict turns when the pursuers are themselves pursued.

17Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts.

Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts: the conflict becomes grievous, and many faculties fall on both sides.

18Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.

Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled: the defending leader-state itself falls, and the faithful kernel that remained scatters.

19Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.

Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin: the brethren take up the fallen state and lay it in the resting-place of the fathers — the memory of the former states in Modin.

20Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,

Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel — the whole spiritual house — made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying: all the faculties grieve together, many cycles long, for the fallen deliverer-state.

21How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!

How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!: the lament names the loss exactly — the valiant state that delivered the spiritual house has fallen.

22As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.

As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many: the rest of his conflicts and noble acts go unrecorded — the full working of a state exceeds any written account.

23Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.

Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity: with the deliverer-state gone, the states twisted away from the order lift their heads on every border, and every worker of disorder rises.

24In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them.

In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them: a great famine — the lack-state, no truth-substance to feed on — drives the land itself to revolt and join the disordered states.

25Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country.

Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country: the enemy sets the twisted states as rulers over the land — disorder enthroned by appointment.

26And they made enquiry and search for Judas’ friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.

And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully: the appointed rulers hunt the fallen leader's friends and deliver them to vengeance and contempt.

27So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.

So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them: affliction such as had not been since no prophet — no forth-telling faculty hearing the Source for the whole — was seen among them; the house suffers most when no voice speaks from within.

28For this cause all Judas’ friends came together, and said unto Jonathan,

For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said unto Jonathan: therefore the friends of the fallen state gather and turn to Jonathan, the next brother-state.

29Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.

Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us: they confess the vacancy — no state like the fallen one to go forth against the enemies without and the adversaries within the nation itself.

30Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.

Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles: the gathered faculties choose Jonathan as ruling state and captain in his brother's place, to fight their conflicts.

31Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.

Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas: Jonathan accepts the governance and rises in the fallen brother's stead — the house is not left leaderless.

32But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him.

But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him: the enemy, learning of the new ruling state, seeks at once to destroy it.

33Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.

Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar: perceiving it, they withdraw into the wilderness — the untended waste-state — of Thecoe, and encamp by the pool's water, what truth can be drawn in the waste place.

34Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day.

Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day: Bacchides follows to Jordan — the descending river of life — with all his host, even on the sabbath, the rest-state of the Source, which the opposing state does not honour.

35Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much.

Now Jonathan had sent his brother John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much: Jonathan sends John, a captain-faculty, to ask the friendly Nabathites to keep their much baggage — the encumbering goods of the flight.

36But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with it.

But the children of Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John, and all that he had, and went their way with it: the children of Jambri come out of Medaba and seize John and all he carried — a treacherous loss on the way.

37After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan.

After this came word to Jonathan and Simon his brother, that the children of Jambri made a great marriage, and were bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan: word comes that the same house celebrates a great marriage, bringing the bride from Nadabatha with a great train, a daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan — the promised land's own princely states.

38Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain:

Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up, and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain: remembering their brother, they go up and hide under the mountain's covert, waiting in the exalted state's shadow.

39Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons.

Where they lifted up their eyes, and looked, and, behold, there was much ado and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with drums, and instruments of musick, and many weapons: they watch the procession approach — much ado, great carriage, the bridegroom with friends and brethren, drums and music and many weapons, a feast armed like a war.

40Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils.

Then Jonathan and they that were with him rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort, as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils: from ambush they rise; many fall, the remnant flees into the mountain, and all the spoils are taken — the wrong answered in kind.

41Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation.

Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation: the feast-state is inverted — marriage to mourning, melody to lamentation.

42So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan.

So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan: the blood — the life of their brother, wholly taken — being avenged, they return to the marsh of Jordan, the low wet ground by the river of life.

43Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power.

Now when Bacchides heard hereof, he came on the sabbath day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power: Bacchides comes again on the sabbath day to Jordan's banks with a great power.

44Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past:

Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to day, as in time past: Jonathan rouses his company: fight now for our very lives, for today's state is not as times past.

45For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside.

For, behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside: he names the trap exactly — conflict before and behind, Jordan's water on both sides, marsh and wood, no place to turn aside; the state is hemmed in on every side but heavenward.

46Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies.

Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies: therefore cry to the inner realm above, that you be delivered from the hand of the opposing states.

47With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him.

With that they joined battle, and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him: battle is joined; Jonathan reaches to strike the enemy commander himself, but Bacchides turns back from him.

48Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them.

Then Jonathan and they that were with him leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the other bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them: they leap into Jordan — the descending river of life — and swim to the other bank; the enemy does not cross after them: the river itself becomes the deliverance.

49So there were slain of Bacchides’ side that day about a thousand men.

So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about a thousand men: about a thousand of the opposing host fall that day — the number kept exact.

50Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cities in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars.

Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem and repaired the strong cities in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates and with bars: Bacchides returns to Jerusalem and rebuilds the strong cities of Judea — Jericho, Emmaus, Bethhoron, Bethel — the house of God — Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and Taphon — fortifying the states of the land with high walls, gates, and bars against the house.

51And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel.

And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel: in each he sets a garrison — a settled occupying force — to work malice upon the spiritual house.

52He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.

He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals: Bethsura, Gazera, and the tower are fortified likewise, manned and stocked with provision.

53Besides, he took the chief men’s sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.

Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept: he takes the chief men's sons as hostages and keeps them in the tower at Jerusalem — the future faculties of the house held captive in its own center.

54Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets

Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets: in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus orders the wall of the sanctuary's inner court pulled down, and pulls down the works of the prophets — an assault on the established sanctuary-state and on what the forth-telling faculties built.

55And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.

And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house: at the very act, Alcimus is stricken — his mouth stopped, palsy upon him, unable to speak or order his own house: the state that struck at the sanctuary is itself silenced; it is given over to the disorder it chose, not authored by the Source.

56So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.

So Alcimus died at that time with great torment: so Alcimus dies in great torment, his own chosen disorder consuming him.

57Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.

Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years: Bacchides returns to the king, and the land of Judea rests two years — a sabbath-pause in the conflict.

58Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.

Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night: the godless states take council against the quiet: Jonathan's company dwells at ease — let Bacchides be fetched to take them all in one night.

59So they went and consulted with him.

So they went and consulted with him: they go and consult with Bacchides, carrying their design to the enemy power.

60Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them.

Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them: he comes with a great host and sends secret letters to his adherents to seize Jonathan's company — but the counsel is known to them, and the plot cannot be worked in darkness.

61Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them.

Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them: Jonathan's side seizes the authors of the mischief, about fifty persons, and slays them — the treachery cut out at its root.

62Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong.

Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong: they withdraw to Bethbasi in the wilderness and repair its decays and make it strong — a waste-state rebuilt into a stronghold.

63Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea.

Which thing when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word to them that were of Judea: Bacchides, knowing it, gathers all his host and summons his adherents in Judea.

64Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season and made engines of war.

Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi; and they fought against it a long season and made engines of war: he besieges Bethbasi a long season, raising engines of war against the rebuilt stronghold.

65But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth.

But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth: Jonathan leaves Simon holding the city and goes out into the country with a certain number — the stronghold kept while the captain moves freely outside it.

66And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent.

And he smote Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent: outside, he strikes Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent — the enemy's scattered supports cut away.

67And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war,

And when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burned up the engines of war: as Jonathan closes in, Simon sallies from the city and burns the engines of war — the siege's machinery destroyed from within and without at once.

68And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain.

And fought against Bacchides, who was discomfited by them, and they afflicted him sore: for his counsel and travail was in vain: Bacchides is routed and sore afflicted; his counsel and his labour come to nothing — the whole expedition spent in vain.

69Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country.

Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country: in wrath he turns on the wicked counsellors who drew him in, slays many of them, and purposes to return to his own country — the disordered alliance consuming itself.

70Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners.

Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners: Jonathan, knowing this, sends ambassadors to make peace and recover the prisoners.

71Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days of his life.

Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him that he would never do him harm all the days of his life: Bacchides accepts, does according to the demands, and swears never to harm him all his days — an oath binding the opposing state.

72When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders.

When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither came he any more into their borders: the prisoners taken from Judea are restored; Bacchides departs to his own land and comes no more into their borders.

73Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.

Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to govern the people; and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel: thus the sword — the cutting word of conflict — ceased from the spiritual house; Jonathan dwells at Machmas, governs the people, and removes the godless states from Israel.

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