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Chapter 12 39 Now Tryphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.40 Howbeit he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him; wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed, and came to Bethsan.41 Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.42 Now when Tryphon saw Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;43 But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him, as to himself.44 Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou brought all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?45 Therefore send them now home again, and choose a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart: for this is the cause of my coming.46 So Jonathan believing him did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.47 And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him, and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.49 Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company.50 But when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another; and went close together, prepared to fight.51 They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.52 Whereupon they all came into the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.53 Then all the heathen that were round about then sought to destroy them: for said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.

Chapter 13 1 Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,3 And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father's house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.