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.
24
The two men became the best of friends, and Judas was Nicanor's constant companion.
25
Nicanor urged him to marry and start a family. So Judas did this and settled down to a peaceful life.
26
When Alcimus noticed how well Nicanor and Judas were getting along, he obtained a copy of the treaty and went to see King Demetrius. He told the king that Nicanor was disloyal to the government, because he had appointed the traitor Judas to be his successor.
27
These false accusations infuriated the king, and in his anger he wrote to Nicanor, informing him that he was dissatisfied with the treaty and ordering him to arrest Judas Maccabeus and send him to Antioch at once.