Bible in a Year.

On day 292, 1 Maccabees 11 shows us the challenges and victories of the Jewish leaders. Sirach 28-29 offers lessons on virtue, friendship, and discipline, while Proverbs 23:9-12 reminds us to listen to advice and act wisely. A day dedicated to discernment and character.

1. And the king of Egypt gathered together an army, like the sand that lieth upon the sea shore, and many ships: and he sought to get the kingdom of Alexander by deceit, and join it to his own kingdom.

2. And he went out into Syria with peaceable words, and they opened to him the cities, and met him: for king Alexander had ordered them to go forth to meet him, because he was his father in law.

3. Now when Ptolemee entered into the cities, he put garrisons of soldiers in every city.

4. And when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt with fire, and Azotus, and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad, and the graves of them that were slain in the battle, which they had made near the way.

5. And they told the king that Jonathan had done these things, to make him odious: but the king held his peace.

6. And Jonathan came to meet the king at Joppe with glory, and they saluted one another, and they lodged there.

7. And Jonathan went with the king as far as the river, called Eleutherus: and he returned into Jerusalem.

8. And king Ptolemee got the dominion of the cities by the sea side, even to Seleucia, and he devised evil designs against Alexander.

9. And he sent ambassadors to Demetrius, saying: Come, let us make a league between us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in the kingdom of thy father.

10. For I repent that I have given him my daughter: for he hath sought to kill me.

11. And he slandered him, because he coveted his kingdom.

12. And he took away his daughter, and gave her to Demetrius, and alienated himself from Alexander, and his enmities were made manifest.

13. And Ptolemee entered into Antioch, and set two crowns upon his head, that of Egypt, and that of Asia.

14. Now king Alexander was in Cilicia at that time: because they that were in those places had rebelled.

15. And when Alexander heard of it, he came to give him battle, and king Ptolemee brought forth his army, and met him with a strong power, and put him to flight.

16. And Alexander fled into Arabia, there to be protected: and king Ptolemee was exalted.

17. And Zabdiel the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it to Ptolemee.

18. And king Ptolemee died the third day after: and they that were in the strong holds were destroyed by them that were within the camp.

19. And Demetrius reigned in the hundred and sixty-seventh year.

20. In those days Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea, to take the castle that was in Jerusalem: and they made many engines of war against it.

21. Then some wicked men that hated their own nation, went away to king Demetrius, and told him that Jonathan was besieging the castle.

22. And when he heard it, he was angry: and forthwith he came to Ptolemais, and wrote to Jonathan, that he should not besiege the castle, but should come to him in haste, and speak to him.

23. But when Jonathan heard this, he bade them besiege it still: and he chose some of the ancients of Israel, and of the priests, and put himself in danger.

24. And he took gold, and silver, and raiment, and many other presents, and went to the king to Ptolemais, and he found favour in his sight.

25. And certain wicked men of his nation made complaints against him.

26. And the king treated him as his predecessor had done before: and he exalted him in the sight of all his friends.

27. And he confirmed him in the high priesthood, and all the honours he had before, and he made him the chief of his friends.

28. And Jonathan requested of the king that he would make Judea free from tribute, and the three governments, and Samaria, and the confines thereof: and he promised him three hundred talents.

29. And the king consented: and he wrote letters to Jonathan of all these things to this effect.

30. King Demetrius to his brother Jonathan, and to the nation of the Jews, greeting.

31. We send you here a copy of the letter, which we have written to Lasthenes our parent concerning you, that you might know it.

32. King Demetrius to Lasthenes his parent, greeting.

33. We have determined to do good to the nation of the Jews who are our friends, and keep the things that are just with us, for their good will which they bear towards us.

34. We have ratified therefore unto them all the borders of Judea, and the three cities, Apherema, Lydda, and Ramatha, which are added to Judea, out of Samaria, and all their confines, to be set apart to all them that sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them every year, and for the fruits of the land, and of the trees.

35. And as for other things that belonged to us of the tithes, and of the tributes, from this time we discharge them of them: the saltpans also, and the crowns that were presented to us.

36. We give all to them, and nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth and for ever.

37. Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be given to Jonathan, and set upon the holy mountain, in a conspicuous place.

38. And king Demetrius seeing that the land was quiet before him, and nothing resisted him, sent away all his forces, every man to his own place, except the foreign army, which he had drawn together from the islands of the nations: so all the troops of his fathers hated him.

39. Now there was one Tryphon who had been of Alexander's party before: who seeing that all the army murmured against Demetrius, went to Emalchuel the Arabian, who brought up Antiochus the son of Alexander.

40. And he pressed him much to deliver him to him, that he might be king in his father's place: and he told him all that Demetrius had done, and how his soldiers hated him. And he remained there many days.

41. And Jonathan sent to king Demetrius, desiring that he would cast out them that were in the castle in Jerusalem, and those that were in the strong holds: because they fought against Israel.

42. And Demetrius sent to Jonathan, saying: I will not only do this for thee, and for thy people, but I will greatly honour thee, and thy nation, when opportunity shall serve.

43. Now therefore thou shalt do well if thou send me men to help me: for all my army is gone from me.

44. And Jonathan sent him three thousand valiant men to Antioch: and they came to the king, and the king was very glad of their coming.

45. And they that were of the city assembled themselves together, to the number of a hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have killed the king.

46. And the king fled into the palace, and they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.

47. And the king called the Jews to his assistance: and they came to him all at once, and they all dispersed themselves through the city.

48. And they slew in that day a hundred thousand men, and they set fire to the city, and got many spoils that day, and delivered the king.

49. And they that were of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would: and they were discouraged in their minds, and cried to the king, making supplication, and saying:

50. Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us, and the city.

51. And they threw down their arms, and made peace, and the Jews were glorified in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm, and were renowned throughout the kingdom, and returned to Jerusalem with many spoils.

52. So king Demetrius sat in the throne of his kingdom: and the land was quiet before him.

53. And he falsified all whatsoever he had said, and alienated himself from Jonathan, and did not reward him according to the benefits he had received from him, but gave him great trouble.

54. And after this Tryphon returned, and with him Antiochus the young boy, who was made king, and put on the diadem.

55. And there assembled unto him all the hands which Demetrius had sent away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.

56. And Tryphon took the elephants, and made himself master of Antioch.

57. And young Antiochus wrote to Jonathan, saying: I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and I appoint thee ruler over the four cities, and to be one of the king's friends.

58. And he sent him vessels of gold for his service, and he gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle:

59. And he made his brother Simon governor from the borders of Tyre even to the confines of Egypt.

60. Then Jonathan went forth and passed through the cities beyond the river: and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves to him to help him, and he came to Ascalon, and they met him honourably out of the city.

61. And he went from thence to Gaza: and they that were in Gaza shut him out: and he besieged it, and burnt all the suburbs round about, and took the spoils.

62. And the men of Gaza made supplication to Jonathan, and he gave them the right hand: and he took their sons for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem: and he went through the country as far as Damascus.

63. And Jonathan heard that the generals of Demetrius were come treacherously to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great army, purposing to remove him from the affairs of the kingdom:

64. And he went against them: but left his brother Simon in the country.

65. And Simon encamped against Bethsura, and assaulted it many days, and shut them up.

66. And they desired him to make peace, and he granted it them: and he cast them out from thence, and took the city, and placed a garrison in it.

67. And Jonathan, and his army encamped by the water of Genesar, and before it was light they were ready in the plain of Asor.

68. And behold the army of the strangers met him in the plain, and they laid an ambush for him in the mountains: but he went out against them.

69. And they that lay in ambush arose out of their places, and joined battle.

70. And all that were on Jonathan's side fled, and none was left of them, but Mathathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, chief captain of the army.

71. And Jonathan rent his garments, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.

72. And Jonathan turned again to them to battle, and he put them to flight, and they fought.

73. And they of his part that fled saw this, and they turned again to him, and they all with him pursued the enemies even to Cades to their own camp, and they came even thither.

74. And there fell of the aliens in that day three thousand men: and Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.

Chapter 28

1. He that seeketh to revenge himself, shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins in remembrance.

2. Forgive thy neighbour if he hath hurl thee: and then shall thy sins be forgiven to thee when thou prayest.

3. Man to man reserveth anger, and doth he seek remedy of God?

4. He hath no mercy on a man like himself, and doth he entreat for his own sins?

5. He that is but flesh, nourisheth anger, and doth he ask forgiveness of God? who shall obtain pardon for his sins?

6. Remember thy last things, and let enmity cease:

7. For corruption and death hang over in his commandments.

8. Remember the fear of God, and be not angry with thy neighbour.

9. Remember the covenant of the most High, and overlook the ignorance of thy neighbour.

10. Refrain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sine:

11. For a passionate man kindleth strife, and a sinful man will trouble his friends, and bring in debate in the midst of them that are at peace.

12. For as the wood of the forest is, so the fire burneth: and as a man's strength is, so shall his anger be, and according to his riches he shall increase his anger.

13. A hasty contention kindleth a fire: and a hasty quarrel sheddeth blood: and a tongue that beareth witness bringeth death.

14. If thou blow the spark, it shall burn as a fire: and if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: both come out of the mouth.

15. The whisperer and the double tongued is accursed: for he hath troubled many that were at peace.

16. The tongue of a third person hath disquieted many, and scattered them from nation to nation.

17. It hath destroyed the strong cities of the rich, and hath overthrown the houses of great men.

18. It hath cut in pieces the forces of people, and undone strong nations.

19. The tongue of a third person hath cast out valiant women, and deprived them of their labours.

20. He that hearkeneth to it, shall never have rest, neither shall he have a friend in whom he may repose.

21. The stroke of a whip maketh a blue mark: but the stroke of the tongue will break the bones.

22. Many have fallen by the edge of the sword, but not so many as have perished by their own tongue.

23. Blessed is he that is defended from a wicked tongue, that hath not passed into the wrath thereof, and that hath not drawn the yoke thereof, and hath not been bound in its bands.

24. For its yoke is a yoke of iron: and its bands are bands of brass.

25. The death thereof is a most evil death: and hell is preferable to it.

26. Its continuance shall not be for a long time, but it shall possess the ways of the unjust: and the just shall not be burnt with its flame.

27. They that forsake God shall fall into it, and it shall burn in them, and shall not be quenched, and it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and as a leopard it shall tear them.

28. Hedge in thy ears with thorns, hear not a wicked tongue, and make doors and bars to thy mouth.

29. Melt down thy gold and silver, and make a balance for thy words, and a just bridle for thy mouth:

30. And take heed lest thou slip with thy tongue, and fall in the sight of thy enemies who lie in wait for thee, and thy fall be incurable unto death.

Chapter 29

1. He that sheweth mercy, lendeth to his neighbour: and he that is stronger in hand, keepeth the commandments.

2. Lend to thy neighbour in the time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due time.

3. Reap thy word, and deal faithfully with him: and thou shalt always find that which is necessary for thee.

4. Many have looked upon a thing lent as a thing found, and have given trouble to them that helped them.

5. Till they receive, they kiss the hands of the lender, and in promises they humble their voice:

6. But when they should repay, they will ask time, and will return tedious and murmuring words, and will complain of the time:

7. And if he be able to pay, he will stand off, he will scarce pay one half, and will count it as if he had found it:

8. But if not, he will defraud him of his money, and he shall get him for an enemy without cause:

9. And he will pay him with reproaches and curses, and instead of honour and good turn will repay him injuries.

10. Many have refused to lend, not out of wickedness, but they were afraid to be defrauded without cause.

11. But yet towards the poor be thou more hearty, and delay not to shew him mercy.

12. Help the poor because of the commandment: and send him not away empty handed because of his poverty.

13. Lose thy money for thy brother and thy friend: and hide it not under a stone to be lost.

14. Place thy treasure in the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.

15. Shut up alms in the heart of the poor, and it shall obtain help for thee against all evil.

16. Better than the shield of the mighty, and better than the spear:

17. It shall fight for thee against thy enemy.

18. A good man is surety for his neighbour: and he that hath lost shame, will leave him to himself.

19. Forget not the kindness of thy surety: for he hath given his life for thee.

20. The sinner and the unclean fleeth from his surety.

21. A sinner attributeth to himself the goods of his surety: and he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him that delivered him.

22. A man is surety for his neighbour: and when he hath lost all shame, he shall forsake him.

23. Evil suretyship hath undone many of good estate, and hath tossed them as a wave of the sea.

24. It hath made powerful men to go from place to place round about, and they have wandered in strange countries.

25. A sinner that transgresseth the commandment of the Lord, shall fall into an evil suretyship: and he that undertaketh many things, shall fall into judgment.

26. Recover thy neighbour according to thy power, and take heed to thyself that thou fall not.

27. The chief thing for man's life is water and bread, and clothing, and a house to cover shame.

28. Better is the poor man's fare under a roof of boards, than sumptuous cheer abroad in another man's house.

29. Be contented with little instead of much, and thou shalt not hear the reproach of going abroad.

30. It is a miserable life to go as a guest from house to house: for where a man is a stranger, he shall not deal confidently, nor open his mouth.

31. He shall entertain and feed, and give drink to the unthankful, and moreover he shall hear bitter words.

32. Go, stranger, and furnish the table, and give others to eat what thou hast in thy hand.

33. Give place to the honourable presence of my friends: for I want my house, my brother being to be lodged with me.

34. These things are grievous to a man of understanding: the upbraiding of houseroom, and the reproaching of the lender.

9. Speak not in the ears of fools: because they will despise the instruction of thy speech.

10. Touch not the bounds of little ones: and enter not into the field of the fatherless:

11. For their near kinsman is strong: and he will judge their cause against thee.

12. Let thy heart apply itself to instruction: and thy ears to words of knowledge.