46. Therefore, cry out now to heaven so that you may be freed from the hand of your enemies." And they joined together in warfare.
47. And Jonathan extended his hand to strike Bacchides, but he turned away from him in retreat.
48. And Jonathan, and those who were with him, leaped forward into the Jordan, and they swam across the Jordan to them.
49. And there fell from the side of Bacchides on that day one thousand men. And they returned to Jerusalem.
50. And they built fortified cities in Judea: the fortification that was in Jericho, and in Emmaus, and in Bethhoron, and in Bethel, and Timnath, and Pharathon, and Tephon, with high walls, and gates, and bars.
51. And he stationed garrisons in them, so that those in Israel became trained in warfare.
52. And he fortified the city of Bethzur, and of Gazara, and the stronghold, and he stationed auxiliaries in them, with supplies of rations.
53. And he took the sons of the leaders of the region for hostages, and put them in the stronghold in Jerusalem under guard.
54. Now in the second month of the one hundred and fifty-third year, Alcimus instructed that the walls of the inner court of the sanctuary be destroyed, and that the works of the prophets be destroyed. And he began to destroy them.
55. At that time, Alcimus was struck, and his works were hindered, and his mouth was closed shut, and he was weakened with paralysis, so that he was no longer able speak a word, nor to give orders concerning his house.
56. And Alcimus died at that time, in great torment.
57. And Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead. And he returned to the king. And the land was quiet for two years.
58. And all the iniquitous considered together, saying, "Behold, Jonathan, and those who are with him, live in quietude and confidence. Now, therefore, let us bring forth Bacchides, and he will capture them all, in one night."
59. So they went and gave counsel to him.