53
But they had no food in storage since it was the seventh year. Those people who had found safe haven in Judea from the Gentiles had eaten the last of the food.
54
Only a few people remained in the sanctuary. The famine was so intense that the others had scattered to their own homes.
55
Then Lysias heard that King Antiochus, before he died, had appointed Philip to bring up Antiochus his son to be king.
56
Philip had returned from Persia and Media with the forces that had gone with the king, and he was trying to seize control of the government.
57
So Lysias quickly gave orders to withdraw and told the king, the commanders of the forces, and the troops, "We're growing weaker every day because our food supply is scarce. The place we're fighting against is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom are pressing urgently on us.