1
Simon heard that Trypho had assembled a large army to invade the land of Judah and destroy it,
2
and he saw that the people were trembling with fear. So he went up to Jerusalem, and gathering the people together
3
he encouraged them, saying to them, "You yourselves know what great things my brothers and I and the house of my father have done for the laws and the sanctuary; you know also the wars and the difficulties that my brothers and I have seen.
4
By reason of this all my brothers have perished for the sake of Israel, and I alone am left.
5
And now, far be it from me to spare my life in any time of distress, for I am not better than my brothers.
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But I will avenge my nation and the sanctuary and your wives and children, for all the nations have gathered together out of hatred to destroy us."
7
The spirit of the people was rekindled when they heard these words,
8
and they answered in a loud voice, "You are our leader in place of Judas and your brother Jonathan.