Chapter 3 51 For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, and brought low.52 And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against us, thou knowest.53 How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O God, be our help?54 Then sounded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.55 And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens.56 But as for such as were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or were fearful, those he commanded that they should return, every man to his own house, according to the law.57 So the camp removed, and pitched upon the south side of Emmaus.58 And Judas said, arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see that ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight with these nations, that are assembled together against us to destroy us and our sanctuary:59 For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the calamities of our people and our sanctuary.60 Nevertheless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.
Chapter 4 1 Then took Gorgias five thousand footmen, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;2 To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.3 Now when Judas heard thereof he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which was at Emmaus,4 While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.5 In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas: and when he found no man there, he sought them in the mountains: for said he, These fellows flee from us6 But as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who nevertheless had neither armour nor swords to their minds.7 And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert of war.8 Then said Judas to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.9 Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.