24
Jonathan learned that the officers of Demetrius had returned to attack him with an even larger army than before.
25
Jonathan did not want to give them an opportunity to penetrate his own territory, so he left Jerusalem and went to meet them in the region of Hamath.
26
Jonathan sent spies into the enemy camp, who reported to him that the enemy forces were making plans to attack the Jews by night.
27
At sunset Jonathan ordered all his soldiers to be on the alert and to have their weapons ready for a surprise attack any time during the night. He also stationed guards all around the camp.
28
When the enemy soldiers learned that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they were panic-stricken and fled, leaving their campfires burning.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.