us, when Antiochus, who was called the
Illustrious, had taken possession of the kingdom, Jason, the brother of
Onias, ambitiously sought the high priesthood:

4:8. And went to the king, promising him three hundred and sixty talents
of silver, and out of other revenues fourscore talents.

4:9. Besides this he promised also a hundred and fifty more, if he might
have license to set him up a place for exercise, and a place for youth,
and to entitle them that were at Jerusalem, Antiochians.

4:10. Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten the rule into
his hands, forthwith he began to bring over his countrymen to the
fashion of the heathens.

4:11. And abolishing those things, which had been decreed of special
favour by the kings in behalf of the Jews, by the means of John, the
father of that Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome to make amity and
alliance, he disannulled the lawful ordinances of the citizens, and
brought in fashions that were perverse.

4:12. For he had the boldness to set up, under the very castle, a place
of exercise, and to put all the choicest youths in brothel houses.

4:13. Now this was not the beginning, but an increase, and progress of
heathenish and foreign manners, through the abominable and unheard of
wickedness of Jason, that impious wretch, and no priest.

4:14. Insomuch that the priests were not now occupied about the offices
of the altar, but despising the temple and neglecting the sacrifices,
hastened to be partakers of the games, and of the unlawful allowance
thereof, and of the exercise of the discus.

4:15. And setting nought by the honours of their fathers, they esteemed
the Grecian glories for the best:

4:16. For the sake of which they incurred a dangerous contention, and
followed earnestly their ordinances, and in all things they coveted to
be like them, who were their enemies and murderers.

4:17. For acting wickedly against the laws of God doth not pass
unpunished: but this the time following will declare.

4:18. Now when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at Tyre,
the king being present,

4:19. The wicked Jason sent from Jerusalem sinful men, to carry three
hundred didrachmas of silver for the sacrifice of Hercules; but the
bearers thereof desired it might not be bestowed on the sacrifices,
because it was not necessary, but might be deputed for other charges.

4:20. So the money was appointed by him that sent it to the sacrifice of
Hercules: b