Maccabeus saw the massed troops at hand, the varied array of their weapons, and the ferocity of the beasts; he lifted his hands to heaven and invoked the wonder-working Lord, knowing that victory does not come through weapons, but that he secures it for the worthy as he himself decides.
In context
19Those shut up in the city felt no small anguish either, troubled as they were about the clash out in the open. 20All were now awaiting the decision that was to come; the enemy had already closed in, their army drawn up in battle order, the beasts posted at a well-chosen point and the cavalry ranged on the wings. 21Maccabeus saw the massed troops at hand, the varied array of their weapons, and the ferocity of the beasts; he lifted his hands to heaven and invoked the wonder-working Lord, knowing that victory does not come through weapons, but that he secures it for the worthy as he himself decides. 22This was how he prayed: “You, Master, sent your angel in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judea, and he struck down as many as one hundred and eighty-five thousand from Sennacherib’s camp. 23And now, Sovereign of the heavens, send before us a good angel, to strike fear and trembling.
