4. He gave no thought whatsoever to the power of God but was inflated by his tens of thousands of foot soldiers, his thousands of cavalry, and his eighty elephants.
5. He entered Judea, drew near to Beth-zur (a strongly fortified town about a half mile from Jerusalem), and attacked it.
6. When the Maccabee’s followers received information that Lysias was surrounding the fortresses, they and all the people begged the Lord with laments and tears to send a good angel to save Israel.
7. The Maccabee was himself the first to take up arms, and he urged the others to run risks as he did and to come to the aid of their brothers. They dashed out at once, ready for action.
8. While they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman in white garments and wearing full body armor made of gold appeared to them and led them.
9. All together they praised the merciful God, and their souls were strengthened. They prepared themselves to attack not only men but also the most fierce animals and even the iron walls.
10. They proceeded in battle order, having a heavenly ally thanks to the Lord’s mercy toward them.
11. Charging like lions against their enemies, they took down eleven thousand foot soldiers and sixteen hundred horses, and they put all the rest to flight.
12. Most of them escaped wounded and naked, while Lysias himself escaped by disgracefully running away.
13. Showing intelligence, Lysias pondered the reality of this defeat and realized that the Hebrews, assisted by God’s power, couldn’t be defeated. So he sent a messenger
14. and persuaded them to come to a just settlement in all issues concerning civil rights. He also persuaded them that he would convince the king to become their friend.
15. The Maccabee consented to Lysias’ proposals, thinking it was best for all involved. Whatever the Maccabee presented in writing to Lysias concerning the Jews, the king granted.