1. In the year 172, King Demetrius gathered together his military forces. He marched into Media to find help, in order to wage war against Trypho.
2. When Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius had invaded his territory, he sent one of his generals to capture him alive.
3. The general went and defeated the army of Demetrius. He arrested Demetrius and took him to Arsaces, who put him under guard.
4. The land of Judah enjoyed peace all the days of Simon.He sought what was good for his nation.His rule was agreeable to them,as was the honor shown himall his days.
5. His crowning achievementwas to take Joppa for a harbor,opening the way to the seawith its islands.
6. He also extended his country’s borders.He gained full control of the land;
7. he took a great number of captives.He ruled over Gazara, Beth-zur,and the elevated fortress.He removed the impuritiesfrom the elevated fortress.There were none to oppose him.
8. People worked their farmland in peace.The ground was fertile,and the trees of the plainswere fruitful.