The King James Version Bible

1 Maccabees 9:17-34

  1. Whereupon there was a sore battle, insomuch as many were slain on both parts.

  2. Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled.

  3. THen Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin.

  4. Moreover they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying,

  5. How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel!

  6. As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many.

  7. Now after the death of Judas the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity.

  8. In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with them.

  9. Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country.

  10. And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and used them despitefully.

  11. So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen among them.

  12. For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said unto Jonathan,

  13. Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us.

  14. Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles.

  15. Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas.

  16. But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him

  17. Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar.

  18. Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath day.