2 Maccabees 15:19-21

New Catholic Bible

¹⁹ Those who remained in the city experienced a similar anxiety, for they were anxious about the battle that was about to take place in the open country.

²⁰ Everyone now awaited the moment of decision. The enemy was already mounting the attack, with their troops drawn up in battle formation, with their elephants deployed in strategic positions, and with the cavalry stationed on the flanks. ²¹ Observing the deployment of the troops, the variety of the weapons, and the savagery of the elephants, Maccabeus stretched out his hands toward heaven and called upon the Lord who works miracles, for he was well aware that it was not by force of arms but, as God himself decides, that victory is won by those who deserve it.