Common English Bible

1 Maccabees 13:2-20 Common English Bible (CEB)

2. He saw that the people were trembling and afraid, so he went up to Jerusalem and gathered the people together.

3. He encouraged them by saying, "You yourselves know what great things my brothers and I, and our father’s family, have done for the laws and the sanctuary. You also know about the wars and the difficulties that we have seen.

4. Because of this, all my brothers have died for Israel’s sake. I alone am left.

5. Now, far be it from me to spare my own life at any time of distress. I’m not better than my brothers.

6. Instead, I will avenge my nation and the sanctuary, your wives and children. All the nations have gathered to destroy us out of hatred."

7. The spirit of the people was renewed when they heard these words.

8. They answered loudly, "You are our leader in place of Judas and Jonathan your brothers.

9. Fight our battles, and all that you tell us we will do."

10. So he assembled the warriors and rushed to complete the walls of Jerusalem and secured it on every side.

11. He sent Jonathan, Absalom’s son, to Joppa with a sufficient army. He drove out its occupants and remained there.

12. Then Trypho left Ptolemais with a large army to invade the land of Judah, taking Jonathan with him under guard.

13. Simon camped in Adida, facing the plain.

14. Trypho learned that Simon had taken the place of his brother Jonathan and that he was about to battle against him. So he sent envoys to Simon who said,

15. "We are detaining your brother Jonathan because of the money he owes the royal treasury in connection with the offices he held.

16. Send now 5,700 pounds of silver and two of his sons as hostages, to ensure that when he is released he won’t revolt against us, and we will release him."

17. Simon knew that they were speaking deceitfully to him, but he sent for the money and the sons so that he wouldn’t arouse hostility among the people.

18. He was concerned that they might say, "Jonathan died because Simon didn’t send the money and his sons."

19. So he sent the sons and 5,700 pounds of silver. But Trypho broke his word and didn’t release Jonathan.

20. After this, Trypho came to invade and destroy the country. He circled around by the way to Adora. But Simon and his army kept marching opposite him, every place he went.