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 troops and their courage in battle for their country, shrank from deciding the issue by bloodshed.
19
Therefore he sent Posidonius, 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
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; so they duly held the consultation.
23
Nicanor stayed on in Jerusalem and did nothing out of the way, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered.
24
And he kept Judas always in his presence; he was warmly attached to the man.
25
He urged him to marry and have children; so Judas married, settled down, and shared the common life.
26
But when Alcimus noticed their goodwill for one another, he took the covenant that had been made and went to Demetrius. He told him that Nicanor was disloyal to the government, since he had appointed that conspirator against the kingdom, Judas, to be his successor.
27
The king became excited and, provoked by the false accusations of that depraved man, wrote to Nicanor, stating that he was displeased with the covenant and commanding him to send Maccabeus to Antioch as a prisoner without delay.