1
Simon heard that Trypho had assembled a large army to invade the land of Judah and destroy it,
2
and he saw that the people were trembling and fearful. So he went up to Jerusalem, and gathering the people together
3
he encouraged them, saying to them, "You yourselves know what great things I and my brothers and the house of my father have done for the laws and the sanctuary; you know also the wars and the difficulties which we have seen.
4
By reason of this all my brothers have perished for the sake of Israel, and I alone am left.
5
And now, far be it from me to spare my life in any time of distress, for I am not better than my brothers.
6
But I will avenge my nation and the sanctuary and your wives and children, for all the nations have gathered together out of hatred to destroy us."
7
The spirit of the people was rekindled when they heard these words,
8
and they answered in a loud voice, "You are our leader in place of Judas and Jonathan your brother.
9
Fight our battles, and all that you say to us we will do."
10
So he assembled all the warriors and hastened to complete the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it on every side.
11
He sent Jonathan the son of Absalom to Joppa, and with him a considerable army; he drove out its occupants and remained there.