s manifest to them that beheld him, what sorrow he had in his
heart.

3:18. Others also came flocking together out of their houses, praying
and making public supplication, because the place was like to come into
contempt.

3:19. And the women, girded with haircloth about their breasts, came
together in the streets. And the virgins also that were shut up, came
forth, some to Onias, and some to the walls, and others looked out of
the windows.

3:20. And all holding up their hands towards heaven made supplication.

3:21. For the expectation of the mixed multitude, and of the high
priest, who was in an agony, would have moved any one to pity.

3:22. And these indeed called upon almighty God, to preserve the things
that had been committed to them safe and sure for those that had
committed them.

3:23. But Heliodorus executed that which he had resolved on, himself
being present in the same place with his guard about the treasury.

3:24. But the spirit of the Almighty God gave a great evidence of his
presence, so that all that had presumed to obey him, falling down by the
power of God, were struck with fainting and dread.

3:25. For there appeared to them a horse, with a terrible rider upon
him, adorned with a very rich covering: and he ran fiercely and struck
Heliodorus with his fore feet, and he that sat upon him seemed to have
armour of gold.

3:26. Moreover there appeared two other young men, beautiful and strong,
bright and glorious, and in comely apparel: who stood by him, on either
side, and scourged him without ceasing with many stripes.

3:27. And Heliodorus suddenly fell to the ground, and they took him up,
covered with great darkness, and having put him into a litter, they
carried him out.

3:28. So he that came with many servants, and all his guard, into the
aforesaid treasury, was carried out, no one being able to help him, the
manifest power of God being known.

3:29. And he indeed, by the power of God, lay speechless, and without
all hope of recovery.

3:30. But they praised the Lord, because he had glorified his place: and
the temple, that a little before was full of fear and trouble, when the
Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.

3:31. Then some of the friends of Heliodorus forthwith begged of Onias,
that he would call upon the Most High to grant him his life, who was
ready to give up the ghost.

3:32. So the high priest, considering that the king might perhaps
suspect