8
First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery through the unadvised dealing of them aforesaid.
9
Wherefore, O king, seeing 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 shewest 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, did more incense Demetrius.
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 them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple.
14
Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by 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 straightways from thence, and came near unto them at the town of Dessau.
17
Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.
18
Nevertheless Nicanor, hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.