19. And the people who had to stay in Jerusalem were deeply concerned about how a battle on open ground would turn out.
20. Everyone was waiting to see who would win the battle. The enemy troops were already moving forward, with their cavalry on each side of them, and their elephants placed in strategic positions.
21. Judas Maccabaeus looked at the huge enemy force, the variety of their weapons, and their fierce elephants. Then he raised his hands towards heaven and prayed to the Lord, who works miracles, because he knew that the Lord gives victory to those who deserve it, not to those who have a strong army.
22. Judas said: “Lord, when Hezekiah was king of Judah, you sent your angel, who killed 185,000 of Sennacherib's men.
23. Now once again, Lord of heaven, send your good angel to make our enemies shake and tremble with fear.
24. By your great power, destroy these people who have slandered you and have come out to attack your chosen people.” So Judas ended his prayer.
25. Nicanor and his army moved forward to the sound of trumpets and battle-songs,