54
The shortage of food had been so severe that many people had scattered to their homes, and only a few men were left in the Temple.
55
Meanwhile, Philip, who had been appointed by King Antiochus before his death to educate his son to be king,
56
returned from Persia and Media. He had come back with the royal army and planned to take control of the government. When Lysias heard this news,
57
he made rapid preparations to depart. He said to the young king, to his officers, and to his men, "We are growing weaker each day; we are short of provisions, and this place we are besieging is strong. Besides, there are pressing government affairs which need our attention.
58
So now let's arrange a truce and make a peace treaty with the Jews and their whole nation.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.