12:1 Et vidit Jonathas quia tempus eum juvat, et elegit viros, et misit eos Romam statuere et renovare cum eis amicitiam :
*H And Jonathan saw that the time served him, and he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, to confirm and to renew the amity with them:
Ver. 1. Served, Syria being so much divided. Hence Jonathas sent to the two most famous republics of the world, and probably to the Jews beyond the Euphrates, to the Nabutheans, &c. v. 2. C.
A.M. 3860.
12:2 et ad Spartiatas, et ad alia loca misit epistolas secundum eamdem formam :
*H And he sent letters to the Spartans, and to other places, according to the same form.
Ver. 2. Spartans. The city was also called Lacedemon and Theramne. W.
12:3 et abierunt Romam, et intraverunt curiam, et dixerunt : Jonathas summus sacerdos, et gens Judaeorum miserunt nos, ut renovaremus amicitiam et societatem secundum pristinum.
And they went to Rome, and entered into the senate house, and said: Jonathan, the high priest, and the nation of the Jews, have sent us to renew the amity, and alliance, as it was before.
12:4 Et dederunt illis epistolas ad ipsos per loca, ut deducerent eos in terram Juda cum pace.
And they gave them letters to their governors in every place, to conduct them into the land of Juda with peace.
12:5 Et hoc est exemplum epistolarum, quas scripsit Jonathas Spartiatis :
And this is a copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Spartans:
12:6 Jonathas summus sacerdos, et seniores gentis, et sacerdotes, et reliquus populus Judaeorum, Spartiatis fratribus salutem.
*H Jonathan, the high priest, and the ancients of the nation, and the priests, and the rest of the people of the Jews, to the Spartans, their brethren, greeting.
Ver. 6. People. The Jewish state then greatly resembled those of Rome and of Sparta. The high priest and senate ruled, yet not without the participation of the people. — Brethren, proceeding from the same stock. This was the received opinion in both countries, though without foundation, that we can discover. C. Diss. — The proofs might be known to those who were more concerned. H. — The Spartans, whom Josephus, &c. style Lacedemonians, sprung from Abraham, (v. 21) and were long ago in league with the Jews. W.
12:7 Jampridem missae erant epistolae ad Oniam summum sacerdotem ab Ario, qui regnabat apud vos, quoniam estis fratres nostri, sicut rescriptum continet, quod subjectum est.
*H There were letters sent long ago to Onias the high priest, from Arius, who reigned then among you to signify that you are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
Ver. 7. Onias the third, between the years 3805 and 3829. — Arius. Gr. and Syr. erroneously write, Darius. See v. 20. Jos. Ant. xii. 5.
A.M. 3817, A.C. 187.
12:8 Et suscepit Onias virum, qui missus fuerat, cum honore : et accepit epistolas, in quibus significabatur de societate et amicitia.
And Onias received the ambassador with honour and received the letters, wherein there was mention made of the alliance, and amity.
12:9 Nos cum nullo horum indigeremus, habentes solatio sanctos libros, qui sunt in manibus nostris,
*H We, though we needed none of these things having for our comfort the holy books that are in our hands,
Ver. 9. Things; the letters of Arius, as the sacred books testified the same. Gr. Jos. Grot. — This sense appears to be the most natural; or we are not interested in make the present application.
12:10 maluimus mittere ad vos renovare fraternitatem et amicitiam, ne forte alieni efficiamur a vobis : multa enim tempora transierunt, ex quo misistis ad nos.
Chose rather to send to you to renew the brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become stranger to you altogether: for there is a long time passed since you sent to us.
12:11 Nos ergo in omni tempore sine intermissione in diebus solemnibus, et ceteris, quibus oportet, memores sumus vestri in sacrificiis quae offerimus, et in observationibus, sicut fas est, et decet meminisse fratrum.
*H We, therefore, at all times without ceasing, both in our festivals, and other days wherein it is convenient, remember you in the sacrifices that we offer, and in our observances, as it is meet and becoming to remember brethren.
Ver. 11. Observances. Gr. Syr. "supplications." The Vulg. had probably at first, obsecrationibus. The Jews prayed for their allies, &c. to beg for their temporal prosperity, and for their conversion. C. vii. 33.
12:12 Laetamur itaque de gloria vestra.
And we rejoice at your glory.
12:13 Nos autem circumdederunt multae tribulationes, et multa praelia, et impugnaverunt nos reges qui sunt in circuitu nostro.
*H But we have had many troubles and wars on every side; and the kings that are round about us have fought against us.
Ver. 13. Kings. Ever since the time of Onias, wars had been waged against Epiphanes, Eupator, Soter, and Nicator. C.
12:14 Noluimus ergo vobis molesti esse, neque ceteris sociis et amicis nostris in his praeliis :
But we would not be troublesome to you, nor to the rest of our allies and friends, in these wars.
12:15 habuimus enim de caelo auxilium, et liberati sumus nos, et humiliati sunt inimici nostri.
For we have had help from heaven, and we have been delivered, and our enemies are humbled.
12:16 Elegimus itaque Numenium Antiochi filium, et Antipatrem Jasonis filium, et misimus ad Romanos renovare cum eis amicitiam et societatem pristinam.
We have chosen, therefore, Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater, the son of Jason, and have sent them to the Romans, to renew with them the former amity and alliance.
12:17 Mandavimus itaque eis ut veniant etiam ad vos, et salutent vos, et reddant vobis epistolas nostras de innovatione fraternitatis nostrae.
And we have commanded them to go also to you, and salute you, and to deliver you our letters, concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.
12:18 Et nunc benefacietis respondentes nobis ad haec.
And now you shall do well to give us an answer hereto.
12:19 Et hoc est rescriptum epistolarum quod miserat Oniae :
*H And this is the copy of the letter which he had sent to Onias:
Ver. 19. Letter. Arius wrote before Onias, though the letter be placed later. W. — Josephus give it rather in different words. The answer to Jonathan was sent to Simon, A. 3861. C. xiv. 22. C.
12:20 Arius rex Spartiatarum Oniae sacerdoti magno salutem.
Arius, king of the Spartans, to Onias, the high priest, greeting.
12:21 Inventum est in scriptura de Spartiatis, et Judaeis, quoniam sunt fratres, et quod sunt de genere Abraham.
*H It is found in writing concerning the Spartans, and the Jews, that they are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham.
Ver. 21. Spartans. They had probably some old genealogies. Jos. xii. 5. and xiii. 9. W. — Yet they might not be true. Few nations can ascertain their origin; and most run into fabulous accounts, if we except the Jews. C. See v. 6. H. Salien, A. 3821. — There is nothing certain. Rep. Heb. i. 2. M.
12:22 Et nunc ex quo haec cognovimus, benefacitis scribentes nobis de pace vestra.
And now since this is come to our knowledge, you do well to write to us of your prosperity.
12:23 Sed et nos rescripsimus vobis : Pecora nostra, et possessiones nostrae, vestrae sunt : et vestrae, nostrae : mandavimus itaque haec nuntiari vobis.
*H And we also have written back to you, That our cattle, and our possessions, are yours: and yours, ours. We, therefore, have commanded that these things should be told you.
Ver. 23. Back. It would hence appear that the Jews wrote first which does not seem to be the case from Josephus, &c. C.
12:24 Et audivit Jonathas quoniam regressi sunt principes Demetrii cum exercitu multo supra quam prius, pugnare adversus eum :
*H Now Jonathan heard that the generals of Demetrius were come again with a greater army than before to fight against him.
Ver. 24. Demetrius. He resided at Laodicea, feasting, (Diod.) while his generals attempted to detach Jonathas from Antiochus, but without success. They fled at his approach beyond the river Eleutherus, from which Laodicea was not remote. C.
12:25 et exiit ab Jerusalem, et occurrit eis in Amathite regione : non enim dederat eis spatium ut ingrederentur regionem ejus.
So he went out from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amath: for he gave them no time to enter into his country.
12:26 Et misit speculatores in castra eorum : et reversi renuntiaverunt quod constituunt supervenire illis nocte.
And he sent spies into their camp, and they came back, and brought him word that they designed to come upon them in the night.
12:27 Cum occidisset autem sol, praecepit Jonathas suis vigilare, et esse in armis paratos ad pugnam tota nocte : et posuit custodes per circuitum castrorum.
And when the sun was set, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms all night long ready to fight, and he set sentinels round about the camp.
12:28 Et audierunt adversarii quod paratus est Jonathas cum suis in bello : et timuerunt, et formidaverunt in corde suo : et accenderunt focos in castris suis.
And the enemies heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle: and they were struck with fear and dread in their heart: and they kindled fires in their camp.
12:29 Jonathas autem, et qui cum eo erant, non cognoverunt usque mane : videbant autem luminaria ardentia,
*H But Jonathan, and they that were with him, knew it not till the morning: for they saw the lights burning.
Ver. 29. Burning. They had been left to conceal the flight. M. — Grabe supplies, "and they departed," at the end of v. 28. H.
12:30 et secutus est eos Jonathas, et non comprehendit eos : transierant enim flumen Eleutherum.
And Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they had passed the river Eleutherus.
12:31 Et divertit Jonathas ad Arabas, qui vocantur Zabadaei : et percussit eos, et accepit spolia eorum.
*H And Jonathan turned upon the Arabians, that are called Zabadeans: and he defeated them, and took the spoils of them.
Ver. 31. Zabadeans. No nation of this name is known; whence most people read "Nabatheans," after Josephus. They had been allies of the Jews, but perhaps took part with Demetrius. C.
12:32 Et junxit, et venit Damascum, et perambulabat omnem regionem illam.
And he went forward, and came to Damascus, and passed through all that country.
12:33 Simon autem exiit, et venit usque ad Ascalonem, et ad proxima praesidia : et declinavit in Joppen, et occupavit eam
*H Simon also went forth, and came as far as Ascalon, and the neighbouring fortresses, and he turned aside to Joppe, and took possession of it,
Ver. 33. Of it, as it was designing to revolt. Jonathas had possession before. C. x. 73. M.
12:34 (audivit enim quod vellent praesidium tradere partibus Demetrii), et posuit ibi custodes ut custodirent eam.
(For he heard that they designed to deliver the hold to them that took part with Demetrius) and he put a garrison there to keep it.
12:35 Et reversus est Jonathas, et convocavit seniores populi, et cogitavit cum eis aedificare praesidia in Judaea,
And Jonathan came back, and called together the ancients of the people; and he took a resolution with them to build fortresses in Judea,
A.M. 3860.
12:36 et aedificare muros in Jerusalem, et exaltare altitudinem magnam inter medium arcis et civitatis, ut separaret eam a civitate, ut esset ipsa singulariter, et neque emant, neque vendant.
*H And to build up walls in Jerusalem, and raise a mount between the castle and the city, to separate it from the city, that so it might have no communication, and that they might neither buy nor sell.
Ver. 36. Mount. Lit. "height," (H.) or wall, to prevent the garrison from receiving supplies. C.
12:37 Et convenerunt ut aedificarent civitatem : et cecidit murus qui erat super torrentem ab ortu solis, et reparavit eum, qui vocatur Caphetetha :
*H And they came together to build up the city: for the wall that was upon the brook, towards the east, was broken down, and he repaired that which is called Caphetetha:
Ver. 37. For. Gr. "he approached," which Grabe substitutes instead of "was fallen down." H.
12:38 et Simon aedificavit Adiada in Sephela, et munivit eam, et imposuit portas et seras.
*H And Simon built Adiada in Sephela, and fortified it, and set up gates and bars.
Ver. 38. Adiada, or Addus, (C. xiii. 13.) in the plain west of the mountains of Juda. C.
12:39 Et cum cogitasset Tryphon regnare Asiae, et assumere diadema, et extendere manum in Antiochum regem :
*H Now when Tryphon had conceived a design to make himself king of Asia and to take the crown, and to stretch out his hand against king Antiochus:
Ver. 39. Tryphon. In a moral sense, Tryphon represents the practice of the devil, who seeks first to deceive pastors. For, as S. Gregory (hom. xxxviii.) teaches, if the pastor's life be corrupt, his doctrine will be contemned. W.
A.M. 3861.
12:40 timens ne forte non permitteret eum Jonathas, sed pugnaret adversus eum, quaerebat comprehendere eum, et occidere. Et exsurgens abiit in Bethsan.
*H Fearing lest Jonathan would not suffer him, but would fight against him: he sought to seize upon him, and to kill him. So he rose up and came to Bethsan.
Ver. 40. Bethsan, or Scythopolis, below the lake of Genesareth. Tryphon was not content with governing under the young Antiochus. He was afraid lest Jonathas should oppose his measures, (C.) knowing that he was a man of probity, to whom the king had shewn favour.
12:41 Et exivit Jonathas obviam illi cum quadraginta millibus virorum electorum in praelium, et venit Bethsan.
And Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for battle, and came to Bethsan.
12:42 Et vidit Tryphon quia venit Jonathas cum exercitu multo ut extenderet in eum manus : timuit,
Now when Tryphon saw that Jonathan came with a great army, he durst not stretch forth his hand against him.
12:43 et excepit eum cum honore, et commendavit eum omnibus amicis suis, et dedit ei munera : et praecepit exercitibus suis ut obedirent ei, sicut sibi.
But received him with honour, and commended him to all his friends, and gave him presents: and he commanded his troops to obey him, as himself.
12:44 Et dixit Jonathae : Ut quid vexasti universum populum, cum bellum nobis non sit ?
And he said to Jonathan: Why hast thou troubled all the people, whereas we have no war?
12:45 et nunc remitte eos in domos suas : elige autem tibi viros paucos, qui tecum sint, et veni mecum Ptolemaidam, et tradam eam tibi, et reliqua praesidia, et exercitum, et universos praepositos negotii : et conversus abibo : propterea enim veni.
Now, therefore, send them back to their own houses: and choose thee a few men that may be with thee, and come with me to Ptolemais, and I will deliver it to thee, and the rest of the strong holds, and the army, and all that have any charge, and I will return and go away: for this is the cause of my coming.
12:46 Et credidit ei, et fecit sicut dixit : et dimisit exercitum, et abierunt in terram Juda.
And Jonathan believed him, and did as he said: and sent away his army, and they departed into the land of Juda:
12:47 Retinuit autem secum tria millia virorum : ex quibus remisit in Galilaeam duo millia : mille autem venerunt cum eo.
But he kept with him three thousand men: of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.
12:48 Ut autem intravit Ptolemaidam Jonathas, clauserunt portas civitatis Ptolemenses, et comprehenderunt eum : et omnes qui cum eo intraverant, gladio interfecerunt.
Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates of the city, and took him: and all them that came in with him they slew with the sword.
12:49 Et misit Tryphon exercitum et equites in Galilaeam et in campum magnum, ut perderent omnes socios Jonathae.
*H Then Tryphon sent an army and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company.
Ver. 49. Plain of Esdrelon, or Mageddo, (M.) styled also the vale of Jezrahel, and perhaps Arboth. C. v. 23. and ix. 2.
12:50 At illi cum cognovissent quia comprehensus est Jonathas, et periit, et omnes qui cum eo erant, hortati sunt semetipsos, et exierunt parati in praelium.
*H But they, when they understood that Jonathan, and all that were with him, were taken and slain, encouraged one another, and went out ready for battle.
Ver. 50. Slain. So it was reported, though falsely. C.
12:51 Et videntes hi qui insecuti fuerant, quia pro anima res est illis, reversi sunt :
Then they that had come after them, seeing that they stood for their lives, returned back.
12:52 illi autem venerunt omnes cum pace in terram Juda. Et planxerunt Jonathan, et eos qui cum ipso fuerant, valde : et luxit Israel luctu magno.
Whereupon they all came peaceably into the land of Juda and they bewailed Jonathan, and them that had been with him, exceedingly: and Israel mourned with great lamentation.
12:53 Et quaesierunt omnes gentes quae erant in circuitu eorum conterere eos : dixerunt enim :
Then all the heathens that were round about them, sought to destroy them. For they said:
12:54 Non habent principem et adjuvantem : nunc ergo expugnemus illos, et tollamus de hominibus memoriam eorum.
They have no prince, nor any to help them: now therefore, let us make war upon them, and take away the memory of them from amongst men.