50. and he returned to Jerusalem. And they builded strong cities in Judaea, the stronghold that was in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethhoron, and Bethel, and Timnath, Pharathon, and Tephon, with high walls and gates and bars.
51. And in them he set a garrison, to vex Israel.
52. And he fortified the city Bethsura, and Gazara, and the citadel, and put forces in them, and store of food.
53. And he took the sons of the chief men of the country for hostages, and put them in ward in the citadel at Jerusalem.
54. And in the hundred and fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded to pull down the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary; he pulled down also the works of the prophets;
55. and he began to pull down. At that time was Alcimus stricken, and his works were hindered; and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, and he could no more speak anything and give order concerning his house.
56. And Alcimus died at that time with great torment.
57. And Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, and he returned to the king: and the land of Judah had rest two years.
58. And all the lawless men took counsel, saying, Behold, Jonathan and they of his part are dwelling at ease, and in security: now therefore we will bring Bacchides, and he shall lay hands on them all in one night.
59. And they went and consulted with him.
60. And he removed, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to all his confederates that were in Judaea, that they should lay hands on Jonathan and those that were with him: and they could not, because their counsel was known to them.
61. And they that were of Jonathan’s part laid hands on about fifty of the men of the country, that were authors of the wickedness, and he killed them.
62. And Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and he built up that which had been pulled down thereof, and they made it strong.
63. And Bacchides knew it, and he gathered together all his multitude, and sent word to them that were of Judaea.