25. When Alcimus saw that Judas and his men were growing more powerful and when he realized that he would not be able to stand against them, he returned to the king and accused them of great crimes.
26. Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his most honoured officers, who hated the Jews, with orders to exterminate them.
27. Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a big army. He tried to trick Judas and his brothers by sending peace offers. He said,
28. “There need not be any quarrel between you and me. I will come to you with a small escort for a friendly private conversation.”
29. When he came to Judas, they exchanged polite greetings, but Judas' enemies were ready to kidnap him.
30. When Judas learnt that Nicanor's visit was part of a plot against him, he was afraid and decided not to meet him again.
31. Nicanor realized that his plan had been discovered, so he left Jerusalem to meet Judas in battle near Capharsalama.