53
But there were no victuals in the city, because it was the seventh year: and such as had stayed in Judea of them that came from among the nations, had eaten the residue of all that which had been stored up.
54
And there remained in the holy places but a few, for the famine had prevailed over them: and they were dispersed every man to his own place.
55
Now Lysias heard that Philip, whom king Antiochus while he lived had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus, and to reign, to be king,
56
Was returned from Persia, and Media, with the army that went with him, and that he sought to take upon him the affairs of the kingdom:
57
Wherefore he made haste to go, and say to the king and to the captains of the army: We decay daily, and our provision of victuals is small, and the place that we lay siege to is strong, and it lieth upon us to take order for the affairs of the kingdom.