3
A certain Alcimus, who had become high priest earlier but had willingly defiled himself during the revolt, became aware that he was no longer safe and that he would no longer have access to the holy altar.
1
Three years later it was reported to Judas' followers that Demetrius, Seleucus' son, had sailed into the harbor at Tripolis with a strong army and a fleet.
2
It was also reported that he had taken possession of the country, killing Antiochus and his guardian Lysias.
3
A certain Alcimus, who had become high priest earlier but had willingly defiled himself during the revolt, became aware that he was no longer safe and that he would no longer have access to the holy altar.
4
He approached King Demetrius in the year 151, bringing him a gold crown, a palm tree, and some customary gifts of olive branches from the temple. He kept quiet that day
5
but waited for the right opportunity to accomplish his folly. Finally, Demetrius called him into the council to ask him about the condition of the Jews and their frame of mind. He replied,