14. So he set a date and proceeded to inspect these funds. This caused great agony throughout the whole city.
15. But the priests threw themselves down before the altar in their priestly robes and called to heaven to the one who had given the laws about such deposits, that he should keep the deposits safe.
16. Anyone seeing the outward appearance of the high priest would have been heartbroken, because his expression and changed color revealed his inner anguish.
17. Fear and trembling seized the man, making the grief lodged in his heart clear to observers.
18. People burst from their houses in crowds to plead for help because the temple was about to be dishonored.
19. With mourning clothes wrapped beneath their breasts, women filled the streets. The virgins, who usually remained indoors, ran together to the gates and some to the walls, while others peeped through their windows.
20. But all raised up their hands to heaven and pleaded for help.
21. To see the whole crowd on its knees and faces and the great suffering and dread of the high priest was a pitiful sight.
22. So they called on the almighty Lord to protect the deposits for those who had entrusted them.
23. But Heliodorus carried on with what had been decided.
24. When he and his spearmen approached the treasury, however, the ruler of all spirits and all authority made an awesome display, so that all those daring to come with Heliodorus fainted, terrified and awestruck by God’s power.
25. A horse appeared to them with a fearsome rider and decked out with a beautiful saddle. While running furiously, the horse attacked Heliodorus with its front hooves. The rider appeared to be clothed in full body armor made of gold.
26. Two young men also appeared before him—unmatched in bodily strength, of superb beauty, and with magnificent robes. They stood on either side of Heliodorus and beat him continuously with many blows.