1 Maccabees 7:24

24 So Judas went into the surrounding Judean highlands and took vengeance on those who had deserted. He prevented them from going out into the country.

1 Maccabees 7:24 In-Context

22 All the troublemakers joined him. They gained control of Judah and did great damage in Israel.

23 Judas saw all the wrongs that Alcimus and those with him had done among the Israelites, exceeding what the Gentiles had done.

24 So Judas went into the surrounding Judean highlands and took vengeance on those who had deserted. He prevented them from going out into the country.

25 When Alcimus saw that Judas and his companions had grown strong, he knew he couldn't resist them. So he returned to the king and brought spiteful charges against them.

26 Then the king sent for Nicanor, one of his honored princes who hated and despised Israel, and the king commanded him to destroy the people.