1
When the Gentiles round about heard that the altar had been built and the sanctuary dedicated as it was before, they became very angry,
2
and they determined to destroy the descendants of Jacob who lived among them. So they began to kill and destroy among the people.
3
But Judas made war on the sons of Esau in Idumea, at Akrabattene, because they kept lying in wait for Israel. He dealt them a heavy blow and humbled them and despoiled them.
4
He also remembered the wickedness of the sons of Baean, who were a trap and a snare to the people and ambushed them on the highways.
5
They were shut up by him in their towers; and he encamped against them, vowed their complete destruction, and burned with fire their towers and all who were in them.
6
Then he crossed over to attack the Ammonites, where he found a strong band and many people with Timothy as their leader.
7
He engaged in many battles with them and they were crushed before him; he struck them down.
8
He also took Jazer and its villages; then he returned to Judea.
9
Now the Gentiles in Gilead gathered together against the Israelites who lived in their territory, and planned to destroy them. But they fled to the stronghold of Dathema,
10
and sent to Judas and his brothers a letter which said, "The Gentiles around us have gathered together against us to destroy us.