7. Deprived of my ancestral glory—I speak of course of the high priesthood—I have now come here,
8. first out of a sincere concern for the king’s interests and second out of regard for my fellow citizens. Through the recklessness of those mentioned earlier, the entire nation is in a state of misfortune.
9. But, King, since you have knowledge of these things, take thought for both the country and our oppressed nation with the same generosity you have had for all.
10. As long as Judas lives, the government is powerless to establish peace."
11. Alcimus had no sooner finished speaking when the rest of the political advisors, who strongly disliked Judas, further enraged Demetrius.
12. Immediately choosing Nicanor the commander of the elephants and appointing him governor of Judea, the king sent him out
13. with written orders to kill Judas and scatter those with him, and to install Alcimus as high priest of the greatest temple.
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.