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.
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.