40. These commanders set out with their entire force, and when they came to the plains near Emmaus, they made camp.
41. A force from Idumea and Philistia joined them. The merchants of the region heard about the strength of the army, and they came to the camp with chains and a large amount of money, hoping to buy some Jewish slaves.
42. Judas and his brothers saw that their situation was getting more and more difficult, with foreign armies camped within their own borders. They also learnt that the king had commanded the complete destruction of the people.
43. So they determined to rebuild their ruined nation and fight for their country and the Temple.
44. Then the whole community came together to prepare for war and to pray for God's mercy.