23
In reply, we will send you a letter indicating that we are willing to share our possessions, including cattle and property, if you will do the same. We have given orders to our ambassadors to give you a full report about these matters.' "
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.
29
Jonathan and his men saw the campfires but did not realize what had happened until the next morning.
30
Jonathan then set out after them, but he could not overtake them because they had already crossed the Eleutherus River.
31
Then Jonathan turned aside and attacked a tribe of Arabs called Zabadeans. He defeated them and plundered their possessions.
32
Then he broke camp and went to Damascus, inspecting the entire area along the way.
33
Meanwhile, Simon had also set out on a campaign and had advanced as far as Ascalon and the neighboring fortresses. Then he turned aside to Joppa