16. And whoever saw the mien of the high priest was wounded in mind; for his countenance and the change of his color betrayed the distress of his soul.
17. For a terror and a shuddering of the body had come over the man, whereby the pain that was in his heart was plainly shewn to them that looked upon him.
18. And they that were in the houses rushed flocking out to make a universal supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt.
19. And the women, girded with sackcloth under their breasts, thronged the streets, and the virgins that were kept in ward ran together, some to the gates, others to the walls, and some looked out through the windows.
20. And all, stretching forth their hands toward heaven, made their solemn supplication.
21. Then it would have pitied a man to see the multitude prostrating themselves all mingled together, and the expectation of the high priest in his sore distress.
22. While therefore they called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things intrusted to them safe and sure for those that had intrusted them,
23. Heliodorus went on to execute that which had been decreed.
24. But when he was already present there with his guards over against the treasury, the Soverign of spirits and of all authority caused a great apparition, so that all that had presumed to come in with him, stricken with dismay at the power of God, fainted and were sore afraid.
25. For there was seen by them a horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with beautiful trappings, and he rushed fiercely and struck at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had complete armor of gold.
26. Two other also appeared to him, young men notable in their strength, and beautiful in their glory, and splendid in their apparel, who stood by him on either side, and scourged him unceasingly, inflicting on him many sore stripes.
27. And when he had fallen suddenly to the ground, and great darkness had come over him, his guards caught him up and put him into a litter,
28. and carried him, him that had just now entered with a great train and all his guard into the aforesaid treasury, himself now brought to utter helplessness, manifestly made to recognize the sovereignty of God.