13
with orders to kill Judas, scatter his followers, and make Alcimus High Priest of the greatest Temple in all the world.
14
All the foreigners in Judea, who had fled from Judas' attacks, now rushed to join forces with Nicanor, because they thought that any defeat or trouble that came to the Jews would be to their own advantage.
15
The Jews heard that Nicanor was attacking and that the foreigners in their country were giving him their support. So they threw dirt on themselves and prayed to their God, who had chosen their nation as his possession forever and had never failed to help them in time of need.
1
16
Then Judas, their leader, gave the orders, and they immediately marched out to engage the enemy in battle near the village of Adasa.
17
Judas' brother Simon was fighting Nicanor but was gradually losing the battle because of an unexpected move on the part of the enemy.
18
However, when Nicanor heard how bravely and courageously Judas and his men were fighting for their country, he decided not to settle the matter in battle.
19
Instead, he sent Posidonius, Theodotus, and Mattathias to make a treaty with the Jews.
20
After the terms of the treaty had been worked out in detail, Nicanor informed his troops, and they unanimously agreed.
21
Then a day was set on which the leaders would meet in private. Ceremonial chairs were brought out from each camp and set up.
22
Judas had taken the precaution of placing battle-ready troops in strategic places, in case of sudden treachery on the part of the enemy. But the two leaders had a friendly meeting.
23
Nicanor stayed on in Jerusalem for some time after that. He did not mistreat the Jews in any way, and even sent away the people who had come over to his side.