30
But the Maccabee noticed that Nicanor was becoming more reserved toward him, conducting customary meetings in a less courteous manner. Sensing that this new rudeness wasn't for the best, he gathered a large number of men and hid from Nicanor.
31
When Nicanor realized that Judas had completely outwitted him, he went to the great and holy temple where priests were offering up the appropriate sacrifices and ordered them to hand over the man.
32
When they asserted with solemn pledges that they didn't know where he was,
33
he stretched out his strong hand against the temple and made the following pronouncement: "If you don't turn Judas over to me as a prisoner, I will level the sacred area of God, tear down the altar to the ground, and build here a great temple to Dionysus."
34
With these words, he left. But the priests, stretching out their hands to heaven, called on the one who always fights in defense of our nation, saying,