3
In the first month of the year 152, they set up camp opposite Jerusalem.
4
From there they marched to Berea with 20,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry.
5
Judas had camped at Elasa, with 3,000 experienced soldiers.
6
But when they saw the enormous size of the enemy army, they were terrified. So many men deserted that only 800 Jewish soldiers were left.
7
When Judas saw that his army was dwindling away and that the battle was about to begin, he was worried because there was not enough time to bring his army together.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.