10. From these descendants sprouted a sinful root—Antiochus Epiphanes. He was a son of King Antiochus, and he had been brought up in Rome as a hostage. Antiochus Epiphanes began to rule in the year 137 according to the calendar of the Greek kingdom.
11. At that time, some renegade Israelites emerged. These people went against their ancestral laws and encouraged many other Jews to join them. They spoke up, saying, "Let’s make an agreement with the Gentiles around us, because many horrible things have happened to us since we separated ourselves from them."
12. The proposal pleased their fellow Jews.
13. Some of them eagerly went to King Antiochus, who gave them permission to start living by the laws of the Gentiles.
14. Consequently, they built a gymnasium in Jerusalem, following Gentile custom.
15. They even took steps to remove the marks of circumcision, utterly abandoning the holy covenant. They joined with Gentiles and gave themselves over to an evil course.
16. When Antiochus felt that his own kingdom was fully established, he determined also to take control of the land of Egypt so that he could rule over both kingdoms.
17. He invaded Egypt with a very strong force, including soldiers in chariots and on elephants, as well as cavalry and a large fleet.
18. When Antiochus met the Egyptian king Ptolemy in battle, Ptolemy and his forces hastily retreated. Many were wounded and killed.
19. Antiochus and his forces were able to capture the fortified cities in Egypt and plunder the land.
20. After he conquered Egypt, Antiochus returned in the year 143. He went up to Israel and entered Jerusalem with a strong force.
21. With arrogance he went into the sanctuary. He took the gold altar, the lampstand for the light, and all its equipment.
22. He also took the table that was used for the sacred bread, drink-offering cups, bowls, gold censers, a curtain, crowns, and the gold decoration on the front of the temple. He stripped it all.
23. He took silver, gold, and costly equipment. He took every hidden treasure he could find.
24. Taking it all, he went back to his own land. He committed murder and spoke very arrogantly.
25. Every community in Israelgrieved deeply.
26. Rulers and elders groaned;young women and men became faint.The women’s beauty faded.
27. Every bridegroom was saddened,and intended brides satmourning in their chambers.