The First Book of the Maccabees Chapter 4 1 Then Gorgias took five thousand men, and a thousand of the best horsemen: and they removed out of the camp by night. 2 That they might come upon the camp of the Jews, and strike them suddenly: and the men that were of the castle were … Continue reading THE DEUTERONCANON

The First Book of the Maccabees Chapter 3 1 Then his son Judas, called Machabeus, rose up in his stead. 2 And all his brethren helped him, and all they that had joined themselves to his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel. 3 And he got his people great honour, and … Continue reading THE DEUTERONCANON

The First Book of the Maccabees Chapter 2 1 In those days arose Mathathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and he abode in the mountain of Modin. 2 And he had five sons: John who was surnamed Gaddis: 3 And Simon, who was … Continue reading THE DEUTERONCANON

The First Book of the Maccabees Chapter 1 1 Now it came to pass, after that Alexander the son of Philip the Macedonian, who first reigned in Greece, coming out of the land of Cethim, had overthrown Darius king of the Persians and Medes: 2 He fought many battles, and took the strong holds of … Continue reading THE DEUTERONCANON

CHAPTER 50 Simon, Son of Jochanan 1 The greatest among his brethren, the glory of his people, was SIMON the priest, son of Jochanan, In whose time the house of God was renovated, in whose days the temple was reinforced. 2 In his time also the wall was built with powerful turrets for the temple … Continue reading THE BOOK OF BEN SIRA OR SIRACH

CHAPTER 49 Josiah and the Prophets 1 The name JOSIAH is like blended incense, made lasting by a skilled perfumer. Precious is his memory, like honey to the taste, like music at a banquet. 2 For he grieved over our betrayals, and destroyed the abominable idols. 3 He turned to God with his whole heart, … Continue reading THE BOOK OF BEN SIRA OR SIRACH

CHAPTER 48 Elijah and Elisha 1 Till like a fire there appeared the prophet whose words were as a flaming furnace. 2 Their staff of bread he shattered, in his zeal he reduced them to straits; 3 By God's word he shut up the heavens and three times brought down fire. 4 How awesome are … Continue reading THE BOOK OF BEN SIRA OR SIRACH

CHAPTER 45 Praise of Moses, Aaron, and Phinehas 1 From him was to spring the man who won the favor of all: Dear to God and men, MOSES, whose memory is held in benediction. 2 God's honor devolved upon him, and the Lord strengthened him with fearful powers; 3 God wrought swift miracles at his … Continue reading THE BOOK OF BEN SIRA OR SIRACH