2 Maccabees 14:15-25

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

Nicanor Makes Friends with Judas

¹⁵ When the Jews^[a] heard of Nicanor’s coming and the gathering of the nations, 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.^{(A) 16} At the command of the leader, they^[b] set out from there immediately and engaged them in battle at a village called Dessau.^{[c] 17} Simon, the brother of Judas, had encountered Nicanor but had been temporarily^[d] checked because of the sudden consternation created by the enemy.^(B)

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.^{(C) 20} When the terms had been fully considered and the leader had informed the people and it had appeared that they were of one mind, they agreed to the covenant. ²¹ The leaders^[e] set a day on which to meet by themselves. A chariot came forward from each army; seats of honor were set in place; ²² Judas posted armed men in readiness at key places to prevent sudden treachery on the part of the enemy; so they duly held the consultation.^(D)

²³ Nicanor stayed on in Jerusalem and did nothing out of the way but dismissed the flocks of people who had gathered. ²⁴ And he kept Judas always in his presence; he was warmly attached to the man. ²⁵ He urged him to marry and have children, so Judas^[f] married, settled down, and shared the common life.