21. And Alcimus strove for his high priesthood.
22. And there were gathered to him all they that troubled their people, and they got the mastery of the land of Judah, and did great hurt in Israel.
23. And Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the children of Israel, even above the Gentiles,
24. and he went out into all the coasts of Judaea round about, and took vengeance on the men that had deserted from him, and they were restrained from going forth into the country.
25. But when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company waxed strong, and knew that he was not able to withstand them, he returned to the king, and brought evil accusations against them.
26. And the king sent Nicanor, one of his honorable princes, a man that hated Israel and was their enemy, and commanded him to destroy the people.
27. And Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great host; and he sent to Judas and his brethren deceitfully with words of peace, saying,
28. Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see your faces in peace.