2Macc 3
1
Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well,
because of the godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,
2
It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the
temple with their best gifts;
3
Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to
the service of the sacrifices.
4
But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell
out with the high priest about disorder in the city.
5
And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas,
who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,
6
And told him whom the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so
that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices,
was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the king’s hand.
7
Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was
told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment
to bring him the foresaid money.
8
So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting the cities of
Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfill the king’s purpose.
9
And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high priest
of the city, he told him what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore
he came, and asked if these things were so indeed.
10
Then the high priest told him whom there was such money laid up for the relief of
widows and fatherless children:
11
And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and
not as that wicked Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four hundred
talents of silver, and two hundred of gold:
12
And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should be done to them, that
had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity
of the temple, honoured over all the world.
13
But Heliodorus, because of the king’s commandment given him, said, That in any wise
it must be brought into the king’s treasury.
14
So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there
was no small agony throughout the whole city.
15
But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests’ vestments,
called to heaven upon him whom made a law concerning things given to he kept, that
they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.
16
Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart:
for his countenance and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his
mind.
17
For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest
to them that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.
18
Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place
was like to come into contempt.
19
And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and
the virgins that were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others
looked out of the windows.
20
And all, holding their hands toward heaven, made supplication.
21
Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts,
and the fear of the high priest being in such an agony.
22
They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe
and sure for those that had committed them.
23
Nevertheless Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.
24
Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of
spirits, and the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that
presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and
were sore afraid.
25
For there appeared to them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with
a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet,
and it seemed that he who sat upon the horse had complete harness of gold.
26
Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in
beauty, and beautiful in apparel, who stood by him on either side; and scourged him
continually, and gave him many sore stripes.
27
And Heliodorus fell suddenly to the ground, and was compassed with great darkness:
but they that were with him took him up, and put him into a litter.
28
Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said
treasury, they carried out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly
they acknowledged the power of God.
29
For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.
30
But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple;
which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared,
was filled with joy and gladness.
31
Then straightways certain of Heliodorus’ friends prayed Onias, that he would call
upon the most High to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.
32
So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery
had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the
man.
33
Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing
appeared and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks,
insomuch as for his sake the Lord has granted you life:
34
And seeing that you have been scourged from heaven, declare to all men the mighty
power of God. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.
35
So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice to the Lord, and made great vows to
him whom had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.
36
Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his
eyes.
37
And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to
Jerusalem, he said,
38
If you have any enemy or traitor, send him there, and you shall receive him well scourged,
if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power
of God.
39
For he who dwells in heaven has his eye on that place, and defendeth it; and he beats
and destroys them that come to hurt it.
40
And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on
this sort.