for the citadel became an ambush against the sanctuary, an evil adversary of Israel at all times.

At the same time he killed the king’s officer who was forcing them to sacrifice, and he tore down the altar.

At that time many who were seeking righteousness and justice went down to the wilderness to live there,

The Last Words of Mattathias

Now the days drew near for Mattathias to die, and he said to his sons: “Arrogance and scorn have now become strong; it is a time of ruin and furious anger.

Joseph in the time of his distress kept the commandment and became lord of Egypt.

At that time they fortified Mount Zion with high walls and strong towers all around, to keep the nations from coming and trampling them down as they had done before.

and in anger he swore this oath, “Unless Judas and his army are delivered into my hands this time, then if I return safely I will burn up this house.” And he went out in great anger.

Bacchides Returns to Judea

When Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his army had fallen in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judah a second time, and with them the right wing of the army.

When Judas saw that his army had slipped away and the battle was imminent, he was crushed in spirit, for he had no time to assemble them.

But Judas said, “Far be it from me to do such a thing as to flee from them. If our time has come, let us die bravely for our kindred and leave no cause to question our honor.”

So there was great distress in Israel such as had not been since the time a prophet had last appeared among them.

So Jonathan accepted the leadership at that time in place of his brother Judas.

But he only began to tear it down, for at that time Alcimus was stricken, and his work was hindered; his mouth was stopped, and he was paralyzed, so that he could no longer say a word or give commands concerning his house.

And Alcimus died at that time in great agony.

and instead of collecting the third of the grain and the half of the fruit of the trees that I should receive, I release them from this day and henceforth. I will not collect them from the land of Judah or from the three districts added to it from Samaria and Galilee, from this day and for all time.

When Apollonius heard of it, he mustered three thousand cavalry and a large army and went to Azotus as though he were going farther. At the same time he advanced into the plain, for he had a large troop of cavalry and put confidence in it.

Now King Alexander was in Cilicia at that time because the people of that region were in revolt.

And not one of these grants shall be canceled from this time on forever.

Alliances with Rome and Sparta

Now when Jonathan saw that the time was favorable for him, he chose men and sent them to Rome to confirm and renew the friendship with them.

Already in time past a letter was sent to the high priest Onias from Arius, who was king among you, stating that you are our brothers, as the appended copy shows.

we have undertaken to send to renew our family ties and friendship with you, so that we may not become estranged from you, for considerable time has passed since you sent your letter to us.

And now, far be it from me to spare my life in any time of distress, for I am not better than my brothers.

Every debt you owe to the royal treasury and any such future debts shall be canceled for you from henceforth and for all time.

Antiochus VII Threatens Simon

King Antiochus besieged Dor for the second time, continually throwing his forces against it and making engines of war, and he shut Trypho up and kept him from going out or in.

Simon said to him in reply: “We have neither taken foreign land nor seized foreign property, but only the inheritance of our ancestors, which at one time had been unjustly taken by our enemies.