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.
11
They are preparing to come and capture the stronghold to which we have fled, and Timothy is leading their forces.
12
Now then come and rescue us from their hands, for many of us have fallen,
13
and all our brethren who were in the land of Tob have been killed; the enemy have captured their wives and children and goods, and have destroyed about a thousand men there."
14
While the letter was still being read, behold, other messengers, with their garments rent, came from Galilee and made a similar report;
15
they said that against them had gathered together men of Ptolemais and Tyre and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, "to annihilate us."
16
When Judas and the people heard these messages, a great assembly was called to determine what they should do for their brethren who were in distress and were being attacked by enemies.
17
Then Judas said to Simon his brother, "Choose your men and go and rescue your brethren in Galilee; I and Jonathan my brother will go to Gilead."
18
But he left Joseph, the son of Zechariah, and Azariah, a leader of the people, with the rest of the forces, in Judea to guard it;
19
and he gave them this command, "Take charge of this people, but do not engage in battle with the Gentiles until we return."