18. For their concern was less for their wives and sons, and likewise less for their brothers and relatives; in truth, their greatest and first fear was for the sanctity of the temple.
19. But those also who were in the city had no small concern for those who had gathered together.
20. And, when all now hoped that judgment would soon occur, and when the enemies were near, and the army was set in order, with the beasts and the horsemen positioned in strategic places,
21. Maccabeus, considering the arrival of the multitude, and the various preparations of weapons, and the fierceness of the beasts, extending his hands to heaven, called upon the Lord, who works miracles, who gives victory to those who are worthy, not according to the power of the weapons, but just as it pleases him.
22. Then, calling out in this way, he said: "You, O Lord, who sent your Angel under Hezekiah, king of Judah, and who killed one hundred and eighty-five thousand from the camp of Sennacherib,
23. now also, O Ruler of the heavens, send your good Angel before us, who are in fear and trembling at the greatness of your arm,
24. so that those who approach against your holy people with blasphemy may be afraid." And in this way, indeed, he concluded his prayer.
25. But Nicanor, and those who were with him, advanced with trumpets and songs.
26. In truth, Judas, and those who were with him, calling upon God through prayers, came together against them.
27. Indeed, fighting with their hands, but praying to the Lord with their hearts, they struck down no less than thirty-five thousand, being delighted by the presence of God.
28. And when they had ceased and were returning with gladness, they realized, by his armor, that Nicanor had been slain.
29. And so, making a loud noise and inciting a disturbance, they blessed the Almighty Lord in the language of the fathers.
30. But Judas, who was prepared throughout all his body and soul to die for his citizens, instructed that Nicanor's head, and his hand with the arm, should be cut off and carried through to Jerusalem.
31. When it arrived, having called together his fellow tribesmen, and the priests to the altar, he summoned those also who were in the stronghold.
32. And he displayed the head of Nicanor, and his nefarious hand, which he had extended against the holy house of Almighty God with magnificent boasting.
33. He even ordered now that the tongue of the impious Nicanor should be cut up and given in pieces to the birds, but that the hand of this demented man should be suspended opposite the temple.
34. Therefore, they all blessed the Lord of heaven, saying, "Blessed is he who has kept his own place uncontaminated."
35. Then he suspended Nicanor's head at the top of the stronghold, so that it would be an evident and manifest sign of the assistance of God.
36. And so, they all decreed by common counsel in no way to let this day pass without celebration,