2 Maccabees 14:5-7

New Catholic Bible

⁵ However, he found an opportunity to further his mad scheme when Demetrius invited him to a meeting of the council and questioned him about the dispositions and the intentions of the Jews. He replied:

⁶ “Those Jews who are called Hasideans and are led by Judas Maccabeus are warmongers who foment sedition and prevent the kingdom from achieving a state of tranquility. ⁷ That is why, although I have been deprived of my ancestral dignity—I am referring to the high priesthood—I have now come here,