51. He placed soldiers in each of them to harass Israel.
52. He also fortified Beth-zur, Gazara, and the elevated fortress. He put soldiers and stores of food in them.
53. He took hostage the sons of the leading citizens and put them under guard in the elevated fortress at Jerusalem.
54. In the second month of the year 153, Alcimus gave orders to tear down the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary—to tear down the work of the prophets. But he only initiated the project.
55. Right at that moment Alcimus had a stroke, and his work was stalled. He was paralyzed and couldn’t speak or give commands concerning his house.
56. Alcimus died a painful death shortly thereafter.
57. When Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king. The land of Judah was quiet for two years.
58. Then all the people who did not live by the Law developed a plan and said, "Look! Jonathan and his people are living in quiet and confidence. Now let’s bring Bacchides back—he’ll capture them all in one night."
59. They went and talked it over with him.