3 Maccabees, found in the Greek Septuagint and the Eastern Orthodox Bible, recounts the trials of the Jews in Egypt under Ptolemy IV Philopator. After failing to defile the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, Ptolemy targets the Egyptian Jews with deadly schemes in a hippodrome. The narrative highlights divine intervention that saves the Jews, leading to Ptolemy's reversal and a reaffirmation of Jewish privileges. The book emphasizes the themes of divine protection, the power of prayer, and the folly of opposing the almighty.
This translation was derived from the World English Bible, which was graciously written for the public domain. Note that although only minor changes have been made, the trademark holder asks you not refer to it as the World English Bible.
Original translation commissioned by King James, 1611, now in the public domain.