Books Jesus Read

Chapter 6: The Spirit of the Martyrs – 2 Maccabees

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for those who had entrusted it, Heliodorus went ahead with the plan. The very moment he arrived at the treasury, however, the Master of all spirits and authority displayed his mighty power to Heliodorus and his troops. For there appeared a magnificently bejeweled horse and a rider with a terrifying face. They rushed at Heliodorus, striking him down with the horse’s front hoofs, while the troops looked on helplessly at the horse and rider who appeared to them arrayed in gold armor and carrying a golden sword. On either side of the terrifying horse and rider appeared two strong, young men clothed in radiant splendor, who struck Heliodorus repeatedly with many blows until darkness covered him. As quickly as the vision had appeared, it was gone. Then Heliodorus’ men picked him up and carried him out on a stretcher. Thus, he who presumed to violate the temple treasury with his army now lay helpless, and his men had witnessed the sovereign power of God for themselves. With Heliodorus now unresponsive and beyond hope of recovery, the people flooded into the temple once more, filled with joy and gladness now that the Almighty Lord had appeared. Heliodorus’ friends implored Onias the priest to call upon the Most High to restore life to their commander who was about to breathe his last. Fearing that the king might accuse the Jews of having killed Heliodorus, the high priest offered a sacrifice for his recovery. As Onias was making the offering of atonement, the two glorious youth appeared again, and spoke to Heliodorus saying, “Be very grateful to the high priest, since for his sake the Lord has granted you your life.