Books Jesus Read

140

Books Jesus Read

Now, many other acts of theft and sacrilege had been committed in the city by Lysimachus, in partnership with Menelaus. When the report of these things was made known, an angry mob pursued Lysimachus who, to protect himself, armed three thousand men and appointed a foolish old man, Auranus, to command it. When the angry Jews confronted this force, they attacked with sticks, stones, handfuls of the ash, and anything else that came to hand, throwing them into wild confusion. As a result, many of Lysimachus’ men were wounded, some were killed, and all were dispersed. The man whom Menelaus had hired to rob the temple was taken captive and put to death close by the treasury. Charges were brought against Menelaus because of the incident. Yet he was able to bribe some of the king’s men, who convinced King Antiochus to drop the charges against him. 7 Due to the corruption of those in power, Menelaus remained in office, growing in wickedness, having become the chief plotter against his fellow citizens. 2 Maccabees 5 At this time, King Antiochus and his army invaded Egypt for the second time. As they besieged the city, there appeared to them gold clad horsemen charging through the air, in companies fully armed with lances and drawn swords—troops of horsemen drawn up, attacks and counterattacks made on this side and on that, brandishing of shields, massing of spears, hurling of missiles, the flash of golden trappings, and armor of all sorts. All men prayed that the vision might prove a good omen.

7 2 Macc 4:44–49 is omitted.