21
But Alcimus labored to defend his high priesthood.
22
And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people who, after they had gotten the land of Judah into their power, did much harm in Israel.
23
Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,
24
he went out into all the borders of Judea round about and took vengeance on those who had revolted from him, so that they no more dared go forth into the country.
25
On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their force, he went again to the king and said all the worst against them that he could.
26
Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honorable princes, a man who bore deadly hate against Israel, with a commandment to destroy the people.
27
So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and deceitfully sent unto Judas and his brethren with friendly words, saying,
28
"Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see you in peace."
29
He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. However that be, the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence.
30
After this thing was known to Judas (to wit, that he came unto him with deceit), he was sore afraid of him and would see his face no more.
31
Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Caphar-salama,