1 Maccabees 14:31-33

Good News Translation

³¹ The enemies of the Jews plotted to invade the land and defile the Temple. ³² Then Simon assumed command and fought for his country. He spent a large amount of his own money to provide weapons and wages for his nation's armed forces. ³³ He fortified the towns of Judea, and especially Bethzur on the border, where enemy weapons had previously been stored. He stationed a detachment of soldiers there.