HELIODORUS, Prime Minister to Seleucus Philopator King of Syria, was sent by the King his master to Jerusalem, with orders to carry off the treasures which were said to be in the Temple. As soon as he came to Jerusalem, and had declared the occasion of his journey, the High-Priest represented In the year of the World 3828, before J. C. 172, before the Vulgar Æra 176. Vide Joseph. Antiq. l. 12. c. 4, &c.to him, that the money, which had been talked of to the King, belonged to Hircanus the son of Joseph, and grandson of Tobias, who was appointed Governour of the Country beyond Jordan for Seleucus, and levied the tribute-money, which was paid there for the King’s use; that the rest was money deposited in trust belonging to several private persons, which could not be touched without violating the laws of justice. Heliodorus insisting upon the King’s orders, answered, that by fair or foul means this money was to be carried to the King, and appointed a day to go into the Temple, and take away the wealth he found there.
As soon as he came into the Temple, the consternation was very great over the whole city, and particularly among the Priests. At the same time, an horse was seen to appear, with a terrible person mounted upon it, dressed magnificently; the horse fell with impetuosity upon Heliodorus, struck him with his fore-feet, while two young men shining gloriously, and very richly clad, stood on each side of Heliodorus, and each without intermission whipt him. Heliodorus was thrown down, and lost his senses, and in this condition was suddenly carried out of the Temple in a chair. At the same time the High-Priest Onias was intreated to offer up some sacrifice, and use his prayers and intercessions with God, in order to obtain the life and health of Heliodorus.
While the High-Priest was at his prayers, the same young men, dressed in the same habits, appeared to Heliodorus, and said, Thank the High-Priest Onias; for the Lord, for his sake, has given you your life, and proclaim to all the World his power and wonders. Having said these words, they disappeared. Heliodorus having offered sacrifice to God, and made great promises, returned to King Seleucus at Antioch. To him he related all that had befal’n him; and the King asking him, whom he thought proper to be sent once more to Jerusalem, he answered, If you have any enemy, or there is any one whom you would get rid of, send him thither; and if he returns alive, you will see, that he has been whipt almost to pieces. For there is certainly some divine power in this Temple. This is what we know of Heliodorus. Josephus, the son of Gorion, says, that after this event, Heliodorus turned Jew, and renounced Idolatry.