14. Onias then said of him, “This is a man who loves his fellow Jews and fervently prays for the people and the holy city—the prophet of God, Jeremiah.”
15. Stretching out his right hand, Jeremiah presented a gold sword to Judas. As he gave it to him he said,
16. “Accept this holy sword as a gift from God; with it you shall shatter your adversaries.”
17. Encouraged by Judas’ words, so noble and capable of instilling valor and stirring young hearts to courage, they determined not merely to march, but to charge gallantly and decide the issue by hand-to-hand combat with the utmost courage, since city, sanctuary and temple were in danger.
18. They were not so much concerned about wives and children, or family and relations; their first and foremost fear was for the consecrated sanctuary.
19. Those who were left in the city suffered no less an agony, anxious as they were about the battle in the open country.
20. Everyone now awaited the decisive moment. The enemy were already drawing near with their troops drawn up in battle line, their beasts placed in strategic positions, and their cavalry stationed on the flanks.
21. Maccabeus, surveying the hosts before him, the variety of weaponry, and the fierceness of their beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven and called upon the Lord who works wonders; for he knew that it is not weapons but the Lord’s decision that brings victory to those who deserve it.
22. Calling upon God, he spoke in this manner: “You, master, sent your angel in the days of King Hezekiah of Judea, and he slew a hundred and eighty-five thousand men of Sennacherib’s camp.
23. And now, Sovereign of the heavens, send a good angel to spread fear and trembling ahead of us.