24. and he went out into all the coasts of Judaea round about, and took vengeance on the men that had deserted from him, and they were restrained from going forth into the country.
25. But when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company waxed strong, and knew that he was not able to withstand them, he returned to the king, and brought evil accusations against them.
26. And the king sent Nicanor, one of his honorable princes, a man that hated Israel and was their enemy, and commanded him to destroy the people.
27. And Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great host; and he sent to Judas and his brethren deceitfully with words of peace, saying,
28. Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see your faces in peace.
29. And he came to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. And the enemies were ready to take away Judas by violence.
30. And the thing was known to Judas, to wit, that he came to him with deceit, and he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.
31. And Nicanor knew that his counsel was discovered; and he went out to meet Judas in battle beside Capharsalama;
32. and there fell of Nicanor’s side about five hundred men, and they fled into the city of David.
33. And after these things Nicanor went up to mount Sion: and there came some of the priests out of the sanctuary, and some of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to show him the whole burned sacrifice that was being offered for the king.
34. And he mocked them, and laughed at them, and entreated them shamefully, and spoke haughtily,
35. and sware in a rage, saying, Unless Judas and his army be now delivered into my hands, it shall be that, if I come again in peace, I will burn up this house: and he went out in a great rage.
36. And the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple; and they wept, and said,
37. You did choose this house to be called by your name, to be a house of prayer and supplication for your people: