8. Suddenly, while they were still near Jerusalem, a horseman appeared at their head, clothed in white garments and brandishing gold weapons.
9. Then all of them together thanked the merciful God, and their hearts were filled with such courage that they were ready to assault not only human beings but even the most savage beasts, or even walls of iron.
10. Now that the Lord had shown mercy toward them, they advanced in battle order with the aid of their heavenly ally.
11. Hurling themselves upon the enemy like lions, they laid low eleven thousand foot soldiers and sixteen hundred cavalry, and put all the rest to flight.
12. Most of those who survived were wounded and disarmed, while Lysias himself escaped only by shameful flight.
13. But Lysias was not a stupid man. He reflected on the defeat he had suffered, and came to realize that the Hebrews were invincible because the mighty God was their ally. He therefore sent a message
14. persuading them to settle everything on just terms, and promising to persuade the king also, and to induce him to become their friend.