1 Maccabees 1:16-24
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
Antiochus in Egypt. 16 (A)When his kingdom seemed secure, Antiochus undertook to become king of the land of Egypt and to rule over both kingdoms. 17 He invaded Egypt with a strong force, with chariots, elephants[a] and cavalry, and with a large fleet, 18 to make war on Ptolemy,[b] king of Egypt. Ptolemy was frightened at his presence and fled, and many were wounded and fell dead. 19 The fortified cities in the land of Egypt were captured, and Antiochus plundered the land of Egypt.
Robbery of the Temple. 20 (B)After Antiochus had defeated Egypt in the one hundred and forty-third year,[c] he returned and went up against Israel and against Jerusalem with a strong force. 21 He insolently entered the sanctuary[d] and took away the golden altar, the lampstand for the light with all its utensils, 22 the offering table, the cups and bowls, the golden censers, and the curtain. The cornices and the golden ornament on the facade of the temple—he stripped it all off. 23 And he took away the silver and gold and the precious vessels; he also took all the hidden treasures he could find. 24 Taking all this, he went back to his own country. He shed much blood and spoke with great arrogance.
Read full chapterFootnotes
- 1:17 Elephants: an important part of Seleucid armament (cf. 6:34–37).
- 1:18 Ptolemy VI Philometer, a nephew of Antiochus.
- 1:20 Defeated Egypt in the one hundred and forty-third year: 169 B.C. No mention is made in 1 Maccabees of the second expedition to Egypt a year later, described in 2 Mc 5:1, 11; Dn 11:25, 29 records both.
- 1:21 Entered the sanctuary: to pay his soldiers, Antiochus seized the sacred vessels and the money deposited at the Temple (see 2 Mc 3:10–11).
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