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.
60. He came with a large military force. Secretly, he sent letters to all his allies in Judea. He told them to seize Jonathan and his followers. But they weren’t able to do it because their plan was discovered.
61. Instead, Jonathan’s followers captured approximately fifty people who were leaders in this treachery and killed them.
62. Then Jonathan, his followers, and Simon withdrew to Bethbasi in the wilderness. He rebuilt the parts of it that had been demolished and fortified it.
63. When Bacchides found out about this, he assembled all his forces and gave orders to the Judeans.