11
In those days certain renegades came out from Israel and misled many, saying, "Let us go and make a covenant with the Gentiles around us, for since we separated from them many disasters have come upon us."
12
This proposal pleased them,
13
and some of the people eagerly went to the king, who authorized them to observe the ordinances of the Gentiles.
14
So they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, according to Gentile custom,
15
and removed the marks of circumcision, and abandoned the holy covenant. They joined with the Gentiles and sold themselves to do evil.
16
When Antiochus saw that his kingdom was established, he determined to become king of the land of Egypt, in order that he might reign over both kingdoms.
17
So he invaded Egypt with a strong force, with chariots and elephants and cavalry and with a large fleet.
18
He engaged King Ptolemy of Egypt in battle, and Ptolemy turned and fled before him, and many were wounded and fell.
19
They captured the fortified cities in the land of Egypt, and he plundered the land of Egypt.
20
After subduing Egypt, Antiochus returned in the one hundred forty-third year. He went up against Israel and came to Jerusalem with a strong force.
21
He arrogantly entered the sanctuary and took the golden altar, the lampstand for the light, and all its utensils.