Chapter 3 _{10 Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.11 Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain, but the rest fled.12 Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.13 Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the faithful to go out with him to war;14 He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom; for I will go fight with Judas and them that are with him, who despise the king's commandment.15 So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel.16 And when he came near to the going up of Bethhoron, Judas went forth to meet him with a small company:17 Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to fight against so great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint with fasting all this day?18 Unto whom Judas answered, It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is all one, to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company:19 For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host; but strength cometh from heaven.20 They come against us in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:21 But we fight for our lives and our laws.22 Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and as for you, be ye not afraid of them.23 Now as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them, and so Seron and his host was overthrown before him.24 And they pursued them from the going down of Bethhoron unto the plain, where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.25 Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an exceeding great dread, to fall upon the nations round about them:26 Insomuch as his fame came unto the king, and all nations talked of the battles of Judas.27 Now when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of indignation: wherefore he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, even a very strong army.28 He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need them.}