13
with orders to kill Judas and scatter his men, and to set up Alcimus as high priest of the greatest temple.
14
And the Gentiles throughout Judea, who had fled before Judas, flocked to join Nicanor, thinking that the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews would mean prosperity for themselves.
15
When the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming and the gathering of the Gentiles, they sprinkled dust upon their heads and prayed to him who established his own people for ever and always upholds his own heritage by manifesting himself.
16
At the command of the leader, they set out from there immediately and engaged them in battle at a village called Dessau.
17
Simon, the brother of Judas, had encountered Nicanor, but had been temporarily checked because of the sudden consternation created by the enemy.
18
Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the valor of Judas and his men and their courage in battle for their country, shrank from deciding the issue by bloodshed.
19
Therefore he sent Posidonius and Theodotus and Mattathias to give and receive pledges of friendship.
20
When the terms had been fully considered, and the leader had informed the people, and it had appeared that they were of one mind, they agreed to the covenant.
21
And the leaders set a day on which to meet by themselves. A chariot came forward from each army; seats of honor were set in place;
22
Judas posted armed men in readiness at key places to prevent sudden treachery on the part of the enemy; they held the proper conference.
23
Nicanor stayed on in Jerusalem and did nothing out of the way, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered.