2 Maccabees 3
1 Now when the holy city was inhabited
with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the godliness of
Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,
2 it came to pass that even the kings
themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;
3 insomuch that Seleucus king of Asia
of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the
sacrifices.
4 But one Simon of the tribe of
Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest
about disorder in the city. 5 And when
he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius
the son of Thraseas, who then was governor of
Celosyria and Phenice, 6 and told him
that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the
multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the
sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the
king's hand.
7 Now when Apollonius came to the
king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose out
Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the
foresaid money. 8 So forthwith
Heliodorus took his journey, under a colour of visiting the cities of
Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose.
9 And when he was come to Jerusalem,
and had been courteously received of the high priest of the city, he told him
what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and
asked if these things were so indeed.
10 Then the high priest told him that
there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless children:
11 and that some of it belonged to
Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and
not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four
hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold:
12 and that it was altogether
impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it to
the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the
temple, honoured over all the world.
13 But Heliodorus, because of the
king's commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into
the king's treasury. 14 So at the day
which he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no
small agony throughout the whole city.
15 But the priests, prostrating
themselves before the altar in their priests' vestments, called unto heaven
upon him that made a law concerning things given to be kept, that they should
safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.
16 Then whoso had looked the high
priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance and
the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.
17 For the man was so compassed with
fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked upon
him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.
18 Others ran flocking out of their
houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into
contempt. 19 And the women, girt with
sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in 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. 20 And all,
holding their hands toward heaven, made supplication.
21 Then it would have pitied a man to
see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of the high
priest, being in such an agony.
22 They then called upon the Almighty
Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those that had
committed them.
23 Nevertheless Heliodorus executed
that which was decreed.
24 Now as he was there present
himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince
of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in
with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore
afraid. 25 For there appeared unto
them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair
covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and
it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.
26 Moreover two other young men
appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in
apparel, who stood by him on either side, and scourged him continually, and
gave him many sore stripes.
27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto
the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him
took him up, and put him into a litter.
28 Thus him, that lately came with a
great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out,
being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they
acknowledged the power of God: 29 for
he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of
life. 30 But they praised the Lord,
that had miraculously honoured 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.
31 Then straightways certain of
Heliodorus' friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High to
grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.
32 So the high priest, suspecting
lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to
Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.
33 Now as the high priest was making
an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and stood
beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch
as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life:
34 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.
35 So Heliodorus, after he had
offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved
his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.
36 Then testified he to all men the
works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.
37 And when the king asked
Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he
said, 38 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 an especial power
of God. 39 For he that dwelleth in
heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beateth and
destroyeth them that come to hurt it.
40 And the things concerning
Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.