12. The proposal was agreeable;
13. some from among the people promptly went to the king, and he authorized them to introduce the ordinances of the Gentiles.
14. Thereupon they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem according to the Gentile custom.
15. They disguised their circumcision and abandoned the holy covenant; they allied themselves with the Gentiles and sold themselves to wrongdoing.
16. When his kingdom seemed secure, Antiochus undertook to become king of the land of Egypt and to rule over both kingdoms.
17. He invaded Egypt with a strong force, with chariots, elephants and cavalry, and with a large fleet,
18. to make war on Ptolemy, king of Egypt. Ptolemy was frightened at his presence and fled, and many were wounded and fell dead.
19. The fortified cities in the land of Egypt were captured, and Antiochus plundered the land of Egypt.
20. After Antiochus had defeated Egypt in the one hundred and forty-third year, he returned and went up against Israel and against Jerusalem with a strong force.
21. He insolently entered the sanctuary and took away the golden altar, the lampstand for the light with all its utensils,