3Macc 3
1
On discovering this, so incensed was the wicked king, that he no longer confined his
rage to the Jews in Alexandria. Laying his hand more heavily upon those who lived
in the country, he gave orders that they should be quickly collected into one place,
and most cruelly deprived of their lives.
2
While this was going on, an invidious rumour was uttered abroad by men who had banded
together to injure the Jewish race. The purport of their charge was, that the Jews
kept them away from the ordinances of the law.
3
Now, while the Jews always maintained a feeling of un-swerving loyalty towards the
kings, yet, as they worshiped God, and observed his law, they made certain distinctions,
and avoided certain things. Hence some persons held them in odium; although, as they
adorned their conversation with works of righteousness, they had established themselves
in the good opinion of the world.
6
What all the rest of mankind said, was, however, made of no account by the foreigners;
7
who said much of the exclusiveness of the Jews with regard to their worship and meats;
they alleged that they were men unsociable, hostile to the king's interests, refusing
to associate with him or his troops. By this way of speaking, they brought much odium
upon them.
8
Nor was this unexpected uproar and sudden conflux of people unobserved by the Greeks
who lived in the city, concerning men who had never harmed them: yet to aid them was
not in their power, since all was oppression around; but they encouraged them in their
troubles, and expected a favourable turn of affairs:
9
He who knows all things, will not, said they, disregard so great a people.
10
Some of the neighbors, friends, and fellow dealers of the Jews, even called them secretly
to an interview, pledged them their assistance, and promised to do their very utmost
for them.
11
Now the king, elated with his prosperous fortune, and not regarding the superior power
of God, but thinking to persevere in his present purpose, wrote the following letter
to the prejudice of the Jews.
12
King Ptolemy Philopater, to the commanders and soldiers in Egypt, and in all places,
health and happiness!
13
I am right well; and so, too, are my affairs.
14
Since our Asiatic campaign, the particulars of which you know, and which by the aid
of the gods, not lightly given, and by our own vigour, has been brought to a successful
issue according to our expectation,
15
we resolved, not with strength of spear, but with gentleness and much humanity, as
it were to nurse the inhabitants of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia, and to be their willing
benefactors.
16
So, having bestowed considerable sums of money upon the temples of the several cities,
we proceeded even as far as Jerusalem; and went up to honour the temple of these
wretched beings who never cease from their folly.
17
To outward appearance they received us willingly; but belied that appearance by their
deeds. When we were eager to enter their temple, and to honour it with the most beautiful
and exquisite gifts,
18
they were so carried away by their old arrogance, as to forbid us the entrance; while
we, out of our forbearance toward all men, refrained from exercising our power upon
them.
19
And thus, exhibiting their enmity against us, they alone among the nations lift up
their heads against kings and benefactors, as men unwilling to submit to any thing
reasonable.
20
We then, having endeavoured to make allowance for the madness of these persons, and
on our victorious return treating all people in Egypt courteously, acted in a manner
which was befitting.
21
Accordingly, bearing no ill-will against their kinsmen at Jerusalem, but rather remembering
our connection with them, and the numerous matters with sincere heart from a remote
period entrusted to them, we wished to venture a total alteration of their state,
by bestowing upon them the rights of citizens of Alexandria, and to admit them to
the everlasting rites of our solemnities.
22
All this, however, they have taken in a very different spirit. With their innate malignity,
they have spurned the fair offer; and constantly inclining to evil,
23
have rejected the inestimable rights. Not only so, but by using speech, and by refraining
from speech, they abhor the few among them who are heartily disposed towards us; ever
deeming that their ignoble course of procedure will force us to do away with our reform.
24
Having then, received certain proofs that these Jews bear us every sort of ill-will,
we must look forward to the possibility of some sudden tumult among ourselves, when
these impious men may turn traitors and barbarous enemies.
25
As soon, therefore, as the contents of this letter become known to you, in that same
hour we order those Jews who dwell among you, with wives and children, to be sent
to us, vilified and abused, in chains of iron, to undergo a death, cruel and ignominious,
suitable to men disaffected.
26
For by the punishment of them in one body we perceive that we have found the only
means of establishing our affairs for the future on a firm and satisfactory basis.
27
Whoever shall shield a Jew, whether it be old man, child, or suckling, shall with
his whole house be tortured to death.
28
Whoever shall inform against the Jews, besides receiving the property of the person
charged, shall be presented with two thousand drachmae from the royal treasury, shall
be made free, and shall be crowned.
29
Whatever place shall shelter a Jew, shall, when he is hunted forth, be put under the
ban of fire, and be for ever rendered useless to every living being for all time to
come.
30
Such was the purport of the king's letter.