2:13. And these same things were set down in the memoirs, and commentaries of Nehemias: and how he made a library, and gathered together out of the countries, the books both of the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings, and concerning the holy gifts.
2:14. And in like manner Judas also gathered together all such things as were lost by the war we had, and they are in our possession.
2:15. Wherefore, if you want these things, send some that may fetch them to you.
2:16. As we are then about to celebrate the purification, we have written unto you: and you shall do well, if you keep the same days.
The purification… That is, the feast of the purifying or cleansing of the temple.
2:17. And we hope that God, who hath delivered his people, and hath rendered to all the inheritance, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary,
2:18. As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and will gather us together from every land under heaven into the holy place.
2:19. For he hath delivered us out of great perils, and hath cleansed the place.
2:20. Now as concerning Judas Machabeus, and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar:
2:21. As also the wars against Antiochus, the Illustrious, and his son, Eupator: