2 Maccabees 3
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1WHat time as the holy citie was inhabited with all peace, and when the Lawes were very wel kept, because of the godlines of Onias the hie Priest, and hatred of wickednes, 2It came to passe that euen the Kings did honour the place, and garnished the Temple with great giftes. 3In so muche that Seleuchus King of Asia of his owne rentes, bare all the costes belonging to the seruice of the sacrifices. 4But one Simon of the tribe of Beniamin being appointed ruler of the Temple, contended with the hie Priest concerning ″the iniquitie committed in the citie. 5And when he colde not ouercome Onias, he gate him to Apollonius the sonne of Thraseas, which then was gouernour of Coelosyria and Phenice, 6And tolde him that the treasurie in Ierusalem was ful of innumerable money, which did not belong to the prouision of the sacrifices, and that it were possible that these things might come into the Kings hands. 7Now when Apollonius came to the King, and had shewed him of the money, as it was tolde him, the King chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandement, to bring him the foresaid money. 8Immediatly Heliodorus toke his iourney as thogh he wolde visite the cities of Coelosyria & Phenice, but in effect to fulfil the Kings purpose. 9So when he came to Ierusalem, and was courteously receiued of the hie Priest into the citie, he declared what was determined concerning the money, & shewed the cause of his coming, and asked if these things were so in dede. 10Then the hie Priest tolde him that there were suche things laide vp by the widdowes and fatherles, 11And that a certeine of it belonged vnto Hircanus the sonne of Tobias a noble man, and not as that wicked Simon had reported, and that in all there were but foure hundreth talents of siluer, and two hundreth of golde, 12And that it were altogether vnpossible to do this wrong to them that had committed it of trust to the holines of the place and Temple, which is honored thorowe the whole worlde for holines & integritie. 13But Heliodorus because of the Kings commandement giuen him, said that in any wise it must be broght into the Kings treasurie. 14So he appointed a day, and went in to take order for these things: then there was no smale grief thorowout the whole citie. 15For the Priests fell downe before the altar in the Priests garments, and called vnto heauen vpon him which had made a Law concerning things giuen to be kept, that they shulde be safely preserued for suche as had committed them to be kept. 16Then thei that loked the high Priest in the face, were wounded in their heart: for his countenance, and the changing of his colour declared the sorowe of his minde. 17The man was so wrapped in feare & trembling of the bodie, that it was manifest to them that loked vpon him, what sorowe he had in his heart. 18Others also came out of their houses by heapes vnto the commune prayer, because the place was like to come vnto contempt. 19And the women, girt with sakecloth vnder their breastes, filled the stretes, and the virgines that were kept in, ranne some to the gates and some to the walles,& others loked out of the windowes. 20And all helde vp their hands toward heauen, and made prayer. 21It was a lamentable thing to se the multitude that fell downe of all sortes, and the expectation of the high Priest being in suche anguish. 22Therefore thei called vpon the almightie Lord that he wolde kepe safe and sure the things, which were layed vp for those that had deliuered them. 23Neuertheles, the thing that Heliodorus was determined to do, that did he performe. 24And as he & his souldiers were now there present by the treasurie, he that is the Lord of the spirits,& of all power, shewed a great vision, so that all thei which presumed to come with him, were astonished at the power of God, and fell into feare, and trembling. 25For there appeared vnto them an horse with a terrible man sitting vpon him, moste richely barbed, and he ranne fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his fore fete, & it semed that he that sate vpon the horse, had harnes of golde. 26Moreouer, there appeared two yong men, notable in strength, excellent in beautie, and comelie in apparel, which stode by him on ether side, and scoureged him continually, and gaue him manie sore stripes. 27And Heliodorus fel suddenly vnto the grounde, and was couered with great darkenes: but they that were with him, toke him vp, and put him in a litter. 28Thus he that came with so great companie, & manie souldiers into the said treasurie, was borne out: for he colde not helpe him self with his weapons. 29So they did knowe the power of God manifestly, but he was domme by the power of God, and lay destitute of all hope and helth. 30And they praised the Lord that had honored his owne place: for the Temple which a litle afore was ful of feare and trouble, when the almightie Lord appeared, was filled with ioye and gladnes. 31Then streight wayes certeine of Heliodorus friends prayed Onias, that he wolde call vpon the moste High to grant him his life, which lay readie to giue vp the goste. 32So the hie Priest, considering that the King might suspect that the Iewes had done Heliodorus some euil, he offered a sacrifice for the helth of the man. 33Now when the hie Priest had made his prayer, the same yong men in the same clothing appeared, and stode beside Heliodorus, saying, Giue Onias the hie Priest great thankes: for his sake hathe the Lord granted thee thy life. 34And seing that thou hast bene scourged from heauen, declare vnto all men the mightie power of God:& when they had spoken these wordes, they appeared no more. 35So Heliodorus offred vnto the Lord sacrifice, and made great vowes vnto him, which had granted him his life, and thanked Onias,&went againe with his hoste to the King. 36Then testified he vnto euerie man of the great workes of God that he had sene with his eyes. 37And when the King asked Heliodorus, who were mete to be sent yet once againe to Ierusalem, he said, 38If thou hast anie enemie or traitor, send him thether,& thou shalt receiue him wel scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubte, there is a special power of God. 39For he that dwelleth in heauen, hathe his eye on that place, and defendeth it, & he beateth & destroieth them that come to hurt it. 40This came to passe concerning Heliodorus, and the keping of the treasurie.