5. And there came to him all the lawless and ungodly men of Israel; and Alcimus was their leader, desiring to be high priest;
6. and they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and his brethren have destroyed all your friends, and have scattered us from our own land.
7. Now therefore send a man whom you trust, and let him go and see all the havock which he has made of us, and of the king’s country, and how he has punished them and all that helped them.
8. And the king chose Bacchides, one of the king’s Friends, who was ruler in the country beyond the river, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king.
9. And he sent him, and that ungodly Alcimus, and made sure to him the high priesthood, and he commanded him to take vengeance upon the children of Israel.
10. And they removed, and came with a great host into the land of Judah, and he sent messengers to Judas and his brethren with words of peace deceitfully.
11. And they gave no heed to their words; for they saw that they were come with a great host.
12. And there were gathered together to Alcimus and Bacchides a company of scribes, to seek for justice.
13. And the Hasidaeans were the first among the children of Israel that sought peace of them;
14. for they said, One that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with the forces, and he will do us no wrong.