9
His men tried to talk him out of it. "We are not strong enough," they said. "Let's retreat now and save our lives. Then we can return with reinforcements and fight the enemy. We don't have enough men now."
10
Judas replied, "Never let it be said that I ran from a battle. If our time has come, let's die bravely for our fellow Jews and not leave any stain on our honor."
11
The Syrian army came out of the camp and took up battle positions against the Jews. The cavalry was divided into two parts. The shock troops were in the front lines, but the archers and those who used slings went ahead of the main formation.
12
Bacchides took his position on the right. The infantry advanced, protected on both sides by the cavalry, and the war trumpets were blown. The soldiers of Judas also sounded their trumpets.
13
The ground shook from the noise when the two armies met, and they fought from morning until evening.