6
Those of the Jews who are called Hasideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the realm be in peace.
7
Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestors' honor (I mean the high priesthood), have now come hither,
8
first, verily for the unfeigned care I have for things pertaining to the king, and secondly, because I intend the good of mine own countrymen; for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of those aforesaid.
9
Therefore, O king, seeing thou knowest all these things, be careful for the country and our nation, which is pressed on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily showest unto all.
10
For as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
11
This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, incensed Demetrius the more.
12
And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,
13
commanding him to slay Judas and to scatter those who were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.
14
Then the heathen, who had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor in flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare.
15
Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the heathen were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to Him that had established His people for ever, and who always helpeth His portion with manifestation of His presence.
16
So at the commandment of the captain they removed straightway from thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.