1. But after a time of three years, Judas and those who were with him realized that Demetrius of Seleucus had gone up to strategic places with a very strong multitude and a navy at the port of Tripoli,
2. and had taken hold of the regions opposite Antiochus, and his commander, Lysias.
3. Now a certain Alcimus, who had been high priest, but who had willfully defiled himself in the time of the co-mingling, considering there to be no means for his safety, nor access to the altar,
4. went to king Demetrius in the one hundred and fiftieth year, offering to him a crown of gold, and a palm, and beyond these, some branches that seemed to belong to the temple. And, indeed, on that day, he was silent.
5. But, having met with an opportune time for his madness, he was called to a counsel by Demetrius and asked what things the Jews relied upon and what were their counsels.
6. He responded: "Those among the Jews who are called Hasideans, of whom Judas Maccabeus is foremost, nourish wars, and raise seditions, and will not permit the kingdom to be at peace.
7. For I also, being cheated out of the glory of my ancestors (but I speak of the high priesthood), have come here,
8. first, indeed, in faithful service to the king's interests, but also as an advisor of the citizens. For our entire nation is no less afflicted by their depravity.
9. But I beg you, O king, knowing each of these things, look after both the region and our people, according to your humanity, which is publicly known to all.
10. For, as long as Judas survives, it is impossible for the matter to be at peace."
11. Then, having spoken such things before them, the rest of the allies, who held themselves to be enemies against Judas, further inflamed Demetrius.
12. And immediately he sent Nicanor, the commander over the elephants, into the first position against Judea,
13. giving him orders to be certain to capture Judas himself, and, truly, to scatter all those who were with him, and to appoint Alcimus as the high priest of the great temple.
14. Then the Gentiles, who had fled from Judas away from Judea, mingled themselves in flocks with Nicanor, thinking that the miseries and calamities of the Jews would become the cause of their prosperity.
15. And so, when the Jews heard of Nicanor's arrival and that the nations were assembled, they, sprinkling dirt on their heads, petitioned him who established his people to preserve them in eternity, and who likewise protected his portion by clear signs.