Chapter 7 _{21 But Alcimus contended for the high priesthood.22 And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they had gotten the land of Juda into their power, did much hurt in Israel.23 Now when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,24 He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them that had revolted from him, so that they durst no more go forth into the country.25 On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could.26 Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hate unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people.27 So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force; and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with friendly words, saying,28 Let there be no battle between me and you; I will come with a few men, that I may see you in peace.29 He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence.30 Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was sore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.31 Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Capharsalama:32 Where there were slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David.33 After this went Nicanor up to mount Sion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests and certain of the elders of the people, to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.34 But he mocked them, and laughed at them, and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly,35 And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again in safety, I will burn up this house: and with that he went out in a great rage.36 Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar and the temple, weeping, and saying,37 Thou, O Lord, didst choose this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people:38 Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to continue any longer.39 So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethhoron, where an host out of Syria met him.}