49. And there fell of Bacchides’ company that day about a thousand men;
50. and he returned to Jerusalem. And they builded strong cities in Judaea, the stronghold that was in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Timnath, Pharathon, and Tephon, with high walls and gates and bars.
51. And in them he set a garrison, to vex Israel.
52. And he fortified the city Bethsura, and Gazara, and the citadel, and put forces in them, and store of food.
53. And he took the sons of the chief men of the country for hostages, and put them in ward in the citadel at Jerusalem.
54. And in the hundred and fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded to pull down the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary; he pulled down also the works of the prophets;
55. and he began to pull down. At that time was Alcimus stricken, and his works were hindered; and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, and he could no more speak anything and give order concerning his house.