12
for he was the high priest's son-in-law.
13
Therefore his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the country for himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against Simon and his sons to destroy them.
14
Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and taking care for the ministration of them. At that time he came down himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the eleventh month, called Shebat,
15
where the son of Abubus, receiving them deceitfully into a little stronghold called Dok, which he had built, made them a great banquet; however he had men hidden there.
16
So when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemy and his men rose up and took their weapons and came upon Simon into the banqueting place, and slew him and his two sons and certain of his servants.
17
In so doing, he committed a great treachery, and recompensed evil for good.
18
Then Ptolemy wrote these things and sent to the king, that he should send him a host to aid him, and he would deliver him the country and cities.
19
He sent others also to Gazara to kill John; and unto the tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give them silver and gold and rewards.
20
And others he sent to take Jerusalem and the mountain of the temple.
21
Now one had run ahead to Gazara and told John that his father and brethren were slain, and he said, Ptolemy hath sent to slay thee also.
22
When he heard thereof, he was sorely astonished; so he laid hands on those who had come to destroy him and slew them, for he knew that they sought to make away with him.