10. And they sent letters to Judas and his brothers, saying: "The Gentiles all around have been gathering together against us to carry us away.
11. And they are preparing to come and occupy the fortress into which we have fled. And Timothy is the commander of their army.
12. Now, therefore, come and rescue us from their hands, for many of us have fallen.
13. And all our brothers, who were in the places of Tob, have been put to death. And they have led away as captives their wives, and their children, and their spoils. And they have slain nearly a thousand men in that place."
14. And while they were still reading these letters, behold, there arrived from Galilee other messengers, with torn garments, who announced according to these words:
15. saying that those of Ptolemais and Tyre and Sidon have assembled against them, "and all of Galilee has been filled with foreigners, in order to consume us."
16. So then, when Judas and the people heard these words, a great assembly came together, to consider what they should do for their brothers who were in trouble and were being assailed by them.
17. And Judas said to Simon his brother: "Choose men for yourself, and go, and free your brothers in Galilee. But I and my brother Jonathan, will go into the country of Gilead."
18. And he left behind Joseph, son of Zachariah, and Azariah, as commanders of the people, with the remainder of the army, in Judea, to guard it.