48
And Jonathan, and they that were with him leaped into the Jordan, and swam over the Jordan to them:
49
And there fell of Bacchides' side that day a thousand man: and they returned to Jerusalem,
50
And they built strong cities in Judea, the fortress that was in Jericho, and in Ammaus, and in Bethoron, and in Bethel, and Thamnata, and Phara, and Thopo, with high walls, and gates, and bars.
51
And he placed garrisons in them, that they might wage war against Israel:
52
And he fortified the city of Bethsura, and Gazara, and the castle, and set garrisons in them, and provisions of victuals:
53
And he took the sons of the chief men of the country for hostages, and put them in the castle in Jerusalem in custody.
54
Now in the year one hundred and fifty-three, the second month, Alcimus commanded the walls of the inner court of the sanctuary to be thrown down, and the works of the prophets to be destroyed: and he began to be destroyed: and he began to destroy.
55
At that time Alcimus was struck: and his works were hindered, and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak a word, nor give order concerning his house.
56
And Alcimus died at that time in great torment.
57
And Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead: and he returned to the king, and the land was quiet for two years.
58
And all the wicked held a council, saying: Behold Jonathan, and they that are with him, dwell at ease, and without fear: now therefore let us bring Bacchides hither, and he shall take them all in one night.