24. There was also a very great famine at that time, and the country went over to the enemy’s side.
25. Bacchides chose the godless and put them in charge of the country.
26. They hunted down Judas’ friends and brought them to Bacchides. He took vengeance on them and treated them terribly.
27. So there was great distress in Israel, the worst since the time when prophets ceased to appear among them.
28. Then the other friends of Judas assembled and said to Jonathan,
29. "Since your brother Judas died, there hasn’t been anyone like him to fight against our enemies and Bacchides, and to deal with those among our people who hate us.
30. So we’ve chosen you today to take his place as our ruler and leader to fight our battle."