14. The Judean Gentiles who had fled from Judas joined Nicanor in large numbers, thinking that they would benefit from the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews.
15. When they heard about Nicanor’s advance and the support he had from the Gentiles, the Jews sprinkled themselves with earth. They prayed to the one who had established his own people forever and who always helped them by intervening on their behalf.
16. At the command of their leader Judas, they immediately broke camp, marched from there, and met the enemy at the village of Dessau.
17. Simon, Judas’ brother, met Nicanor in battle but was slowly losing ground because of the unexpected confusion caused by their enemies.
18. Nevertheless, when Nicanor heard that Judas’ troops were fighting bravely and courageously as they struggled for their homeland, he was somewhat afraid to decide the matter through bloodshed.
19. So he sent Posidonius, Theodotus, and Mattathias to develop a peace agreement.
20. When the Jews had carefully inspected the proposal, and their leader Judas had informed the community, who appeared to give unanimous consent, they accepted the terms of the agreement.
21. They set a day on which the leaders from each side would come to the same place in private, a chariot coming from each side, with chairs set out for the meeting.
22. Judas placed armed men in appropriate places, in order to prevent unexpected treachery from the enemies. So they held successful negotiations.