1. When Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his army had been annihilated, he again sent Bacchides and Alcimus to the land of Judea, this time with the Syrian wing of the army.
2. They moved along the Gilgal road, laid siege to Mesaloth in Arbela, captured it, and killed many people.
3. In the first month of the year 152, they set up camp opposite Jerusalem.
4. From there they marched to Berea with 20,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry.
5. Judas had camped at Elasa, with 3,000 experienced soldiers.
6. But when they saw the enormous size of the enemy army, they were terrified. So many men deserted that only 800 Jewish soldiers were left.
7. When Judas saw that his army was dwindling away and that the battle was about to begin, he was worried because there was not enough time to bring his army together.
8. He was discouraged, but he said to those who were still with him, “Let us prepare for the attack; maybe we can still defeat them.”
9. His men tried to talk him out of it. “We are not strong enough,” they said. “Let's retreat now and save our lives. Then we can return with reinforcements and fight the enemy. We haven't enough men now.”
10. Judas replied, “Never let it be said that I ran from a battle. If our time has come, let's die bravely for our fellow-Jews and not leave any stain on our honour.”
11. The Syrian army came out of the camp and took up battle positions against the Jews. The cavalry was divided into two parts. The shock troops were in the front lines, but the archers and those who used slings went ahead of the main formation.