2. and that he had occupied the country, after doing away with Antiochus and his guardian Lysias.
3. A certain Alcimus, a former high priest, who had willfully incurred defilement before the time of the revolt, realized that there was no way for him to be safe and regain access to the holy altar.
4. So he went to King Demetrius around the one hundred and fifty-first year and presented him with a gold crown and a palm branch, as well as some of the customary olive branches from the temple. On that day he kept quiet.
5. But he found an opportunity to further his mad scheme when he was invited to the council by Demetrius and questioned about the dispositions and intentions of the Jews. He replied:
6. “Those Jews called Hasideans, led by Judas Maccabeus, are warmongers, who stir up sedition and keep the kingdom from enjoying peace.
7. For this reason, now that I am deprived of my ancestral dignity, that is to say, the high priesthood, I have come here,
8. first, out of my genuine concern for the king’s interests, and second, out of consideration for my own compatriots, since our entire nation is suffering no little affliction from the rash conduct of the people just mentioned.
9. When you have informed yourself in detail on these matters, O king, provide for our country and its hard-pressed people with the same gracious consideration that you show toward all.
10. As long as Judas is around, it is impossible for the government to enjoy peace.”
11. When he had said this, the other Friends who were hostile to Judas quickly added fuel to Demetrius’ indignation.
12. The king immediately chose Nicanor, who had been in command of the elephants, and appointed him governor of Judea. He sent him off
13. with orders to put Judas to death, to disperse his followers, and to set up Alcimus as high priest of the great temple.
14. The Gentiles from Judea, who had fled before Judas, flocked to Nicanor, thinking that the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews would mean prosperity for themselves.
15. When the Jews heard of Nicanor’s coming, and that the Gentiles were rallying to him, they sprinkled themselves with earth and prayed to him who established his people forever, and who always comes to the aid of his heritage by manifesting himself.