THE SECOND BOOK OF MACCABEES 3

2 Maccabees 3

2 Of the honor done unto the Temple by the Kings of the Gentiles. 6 Simon utters what treasure is in the Temple. 7 Heliodorus is sent to take them away. 26 He is stricken of God and healed at the prayer of Onias.

WHAT time as the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and when the Laws were very well kept, because of the godliness of Onias the high Priest, and hatred of wickedness,

It came to pass that even the Kings did honor the place, and garnished the Temple with great gifts.

Insomuch that Seleuchus King of Asia of his own rents, bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.

But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin being appointed ruler of the Temple, contended with the high Priest concerning the iniquity committed in the city.

And when he could not overcome Onias, he gave him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, which then was governor of Coelosyria and Phenice,

And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of innumerable money, which did not belong to the provision of the sacrifices, and that it were possible that these things might come into the King’s hands.

Now when Apollonius came to the King, and had showed him of the money, as it was told him, the King chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment, to bring him the foresaid money.

Immediately Heliodorus took his journey as though he would visit the cities of Coelosyria and Phenice, but in effect to fulfill the King’s purpose.

So when he came to Jerusalem, and was courteously received of the high Priest into the city, he declared what was determined concerning the money, and showed the cause of his coming, and asked if these things were so indeed.

Then the high Priest told him that there were such things laid up by the widows and fatherless,

And that a certain of it belonged unto Hircanus the son of Tobias a noble man, and not as that wicked Simon had reported, and that in all there were but four hundred talents of silver, and two hundredth of gold,

And that it were altogether impossible to do this wrong to them that had committed it of trust to the holiness of the place and Temple, which is honored through the whole world for holiness and integrity.

But Heliodorus because of the King’s commandment given him, said that in any wise it must be brought into the King’s treasury.

So he appointed a day, and went in to take order for these things: then there was no final grief throughout the whole city.

For the Priests fell down before the altar in the Priest’s garments, and called unto heaven upon him which had made a Law concerning things given to be kept, that they should be safely preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.

Then they that looked the high Priest in the face, were wounded in their heart: for his countenance, and the changing of his color declared the sorrow of his mind.

The man was so wrapped in fear, and trembling of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had in his heart.

Others also came out of their houses by heaps unto the common prayer, because the place was like to come unto contempt.

And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, filled the streets, and the virgins that were kept in, ran some to the gates and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.

And all held up their hands toward heaven, and made prayer.

It was a lamentable thing to see the multitude that fell down of all sorts, and the expectation of the high Priest being in such anguish.

Therefore they called upon the almighty Lord that he would keep safe and sure the things, which were laid up for those that had delivered them.

Nevertheless, the thing that Heliodorus was determined to do, that did he perform.

And as he and his soldiers were now there present by the treasury, he that is the Lord of spirits, and of all power, showed a great vision, so that all they which presumed to come with him, were astonished at the powers of God, and fell into fear, and trembling.

For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible man sitting upon him, most richly barbed, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his four feet, and it seem that he that sat upon the horse, had harness of gold.

Moreover, there appeared two young men notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, which stood by him on either side, and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.

And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was covered with great darkness: but they that were with him, took him up, and put him in a litter.

Thus he that came with so great company, and many soldiers into the said treasury, was born out: for he could not help himself with his weapons.

So they did know the power of God manifestly, but he was dumb by the power of God, and lay destitute of all hope and health.

And they praised the Lord that had honored his own place: for the Temple which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.

Then straight ways certain of Heliodorus friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to grant him his life, which lay ready to give up the ghost.

So the high Priest, considering that the King might suspect that the Jews had done Heliodorus some evil, he offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.

Now when the high Priest had made his prayer, the same young man in the same clothing appeared, and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high Priest great thanks: for his sake hath the Lord granted thee thy life.

And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God: and when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.

So Heliodorus offered unto the Lord sacrifice, and made great vows unto him, which had granted him his life, and thanked Onias, and went again with his host to the King.

Then testified he unto every man of the great works of God that he had seen with his eyes.

And when the King asked Heliodorus, who were meet to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,

If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt, there is a special power of God.

For he that dwells in heaven, hath his eye on the place, and defended it, and he beat and destroyed them that come to hurt it.

This came to pass concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasure.