Maccabeus, perceiving the hosts that were before him and the varied supply of arms and the savagery of the elephants: Judas saw the armies (hosts) that he faced, the many different kinds of weapons (arms) they had, and the threatening behavior of their war elephants. Good News Bible expresses the beginning of this verse clearly. Contemporary English Version also has a helpful model, saying “As Judas watched this huge enemy army advance, he looked carefully at the different kinds of weapons and the savage elephants.”

Stretched out his hands toward heaven and called upon the Lord who works wonders: It was customary to pray with hands raised (see verse 12). Wonders may be rendered “astonishing deeds” or “miracles” (Good News Bible).

For he knew that it is not by arms, but as the Lord decides, that he gains the victory for those who deserve it: Revised Standard Version is very awkward here. Good News Bible is clear, but omits an essential element (as the Lord decides). A better model is “He knew that the Lord decides who will win a battle, and the Lord gives victory to those who deserve to win, not to those with the strongest army.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.