6
"Those of the Jews who are called Hasideans, whose leader is Judas Maccabeus, are keeping up war and stirring up sedition, and will not let the kingdom attain tranquility.
7
Therefore I have laid aside my ancestral glory—I mean the high priesthood—and have now come here,
8
first because I am genuinely concerned for the interests of the king, and second because I have regard also for my compatriots. For through the folly of those whom I have mentioned our whole nation is now in no small misfortune.
9
Since you are acquainted, O king, with the details of this matter, may it please you to take thought for our country and our hard-pressed nation with the gracious kindness that you show to all.
10
For as long as Judas lives, it is impossible for the government to find peace."
11
When he had said this, the rest of the king's Friends, who were hostile to Judas, quickly inflamed Demetrius still more.
12
He immediately chose Nicanor, who had been in command of the elephants, appointed him governor of Judea, and sent him off
13
with orders to kill Judas and scatter his troops, and to install Alcimus as high priest of the great 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 on their heads and prayed to him who established his own people forever 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.