18
Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the elevated fortress kept surrounding the Israelites in the sanctuary. They were trying every way they could to harm them and strengthen the Gentiles.
19
Judas decided to destroy them. He brought all the people together to besiege them.
20
They assembled together, built siege towers and other war engines, and attacked the Gentiles in the year 150.
21
However, some of the enemy forces escaped from the blockade, joined by a number of sinful Israelites.
22
They went to the king and said: "How long will you hold back from acting justly to avenge our people?