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1 Now when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because of the
godliness of Onias the high priest, and his hatred of wickedness,
2 It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their
best gifts;
3 Insomuch that Seleucus of Asia of his own revenues bare all the costs belonging to the service of the
sacrifices.
4 But one Simon of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high priest
about disorder in the city.
5 And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseas, who then was governor
of Celosyria and Phenice,
6 And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude
of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it
was possible to bring all into the king’s hand.
7 Now when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money whereof he was told, the king chose
out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.
8 So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey; under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice,
but indeed to fulfil the king’s purpose.
9 And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high priest of the city,
he told him what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these
things were so indeed.
10 Then the high priest told him that there was such money laid up for the relief of widows and fatherless
children:
11 And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked
Simon had misinformed: the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of
gold:
12 And that it was altogether impossible that such wrongs should be done unto them, that had committed it
to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over
all the world.
13 But Heliodorus, because of the king’s commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought
into the king’s treasury.
14 So at the day which he appointed he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony
throughout the whole city.
15 But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests’ vestments, called unto heaven
upon him that made a law concerning things given to he kept, that they should safely be preserved for
such as had committed them to be kept.
16 Then whoso had looked the high priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance
and the changing of his colour declared the inward agony of his mind.
17 For the man was so compassed with fear and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them that looked
upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.
18 Others ran flocking out of their houses to the general supplication, because the place was like to come
into contempt.
19 And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins that
were kept in ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.
21 Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the fear of
the high priest being in such an agony.
22 They then called upon the Almighty Lord to keep the things committed of trust safe and sure for those
that had committed them.
24 Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the Lord of spirits, and the Prince
of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished
at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid.
25 For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering,
and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the
horse had complete harness of gold.
26 Moreover two other young men appeared before him, notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely
in apparel, who stood by him on either side; and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.
27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were
with him took him up, and put him into a litter.
28 Thus him, that lately came with a great train and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried
out, being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.
30 But they praised the Lord, that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple; which a little
afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.
31 Then straightways certain of Heliodorus’ friends prayed Onias, that he would call upon the most High
to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.
32 So the high priest, suspecting lest the king should misconceive that some treachery had been done to
Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.
33 Now as the high priest was making an atonement, the same young men in the same clothing appeared and
stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias the high priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the
Lord hath granted thee life:
34 And seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God. And
when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.
35 So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved
his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.
37 And when the king Heliodorus, who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,
38 If thou hast any enemy or traitor, send him thither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he
escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt; there is an especial power of God.