29
Wars occurred often in our country. Simon, Mattathias' son, a priest of the sons of Joarib, and his brothers bravely faced danger and fought against the enemies of their nation. They preserved the sanctuary and the Law, and they brought great honor to their nation.
30
Jonathan rallied the nation and became their high priest, and was gathered to his people.
31
Their enemies decided to invade their country and take hold of their sanctuary.
32
Then Simon rose up and fought for his nation. He spent great amounts of his own money to arm soldiers of his nation and give them pay.
33
He fortified the towns of Judea and Beth-zur on the borders of Judea, where enemy weapons had been stored in the past, and placed a group of Jewish soldiers there.