17
Now when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son whom, being young, he had brought up to reign in his stead; and his name he called Eupator.
18
About this time, those who were in the tower shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and sought always their hurt and the strengthening of the heathen.
19
Therefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people together to besiege them.
20
So they came together and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year; and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.
21
Nonetheless certain of those who were besieged got out, unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves.
22
And they went unto the king and said, "How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?
23
We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments,
24
for which cause those of our nation besiege the tower and are alienated from us. Moreover, as many of us as they could light on, they slew and despoiled our inheritance.
25
Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only, but also against their borders.
26
And, behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem to take it; the sanctuary also and Beth-zur have they fortified.
27
Therefore if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do greater things than these; neither shalt thou be able to rule them."