5
But never let it be said that I tried to save my own life in a time of danger; I do not consider myself better than my brothers.
6
Not in the least! It is true that in their hatred all the Gentile nations have gathered together to destroy us, but I will fight to defend my nation, the Temple, and your loved ones."
7
These words immediately revived the morale of the people,
8
and they answered with a loud shout, "You are now our leader in place of your brothers Judas and Jonathan.
9
Fight our wars, and we will do whatever you ask."
10
So Simon gathered together all the soldiers and hurried to complete the walls of Jerusalem and to strengthen all its defenses.
11
He sent Jonathan son of Absalom to Joppa with a large army. This Jonathan drove out the people who were there and occupied the town.
12
Trypho left Ptolemais with a large army to invade Judea, taking Simon's brother Jonathan along with him as a prisoner.
13
Simon set up camp at Adida at the edge of the plain.
14
When Trypho learned that Simon had succeeded his brother Jonathan and that he was ready to meet him in battle, he sent this message to him:
15
"I am holding your brother Jonathan under arrest because while he was in office he did not pay his debts to the royal treasury.