2
Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.
3
Now one Alcimus, who had been high priest, and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar,
4
Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also of the boughs which were used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace.
5
Howbeit having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprise, and being called into counsel by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto:
6
Those of the Jews that he called Assideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the rest be in peace.
7
Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honour, I mean the high priesthood, am now come hither:
8
First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforesaid.
9
Wherefore, O king, seeing knowest all these things, be careful for the country, and our nation, which is pressed on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto all.
10
For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
11
This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.
12
And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,