Books Jesus Read

56

Books Jesus Read

Now, in the 153rd year of the kingdom of the Greeks, in the second month, Alcimus commanded to be pulled down the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary, which was the work of the prophets! When his men began to destroy the wall, Alcimus fell sick with the plague and the destruction came to a halt. Alcimus was paralyzed and could no longer speak in order to give commands to his servants. He soon died in great agony. When Bacchides saw this, he pulled his army out of Jerusalem and returned to the king. Thus, Judea enjoyed rest from her enemy for two years. Afterward, the lawless in Israel rose up and accused Jonathan, saying, “Behold, Jonathan and his army are at ease and have no care. Let us send for Bacchides who will capture them in a single night!” Then they consulted with Bacchides who agreed to come with a large force and take Judah once more. Bacchides first sent letters to his allies, directing them to take Jonathan captive. The plan failed, however, when it became known to all. Moreover, Jonathan’s men found those traitors— there were about fifty of them—and put them to death. Then Jonathan and Simon withdrew with their forces to Bethbasi in the wilderness. There they rebuilt and fortified their stronghold. When Bacchides heard about what they were doing, he sent word to his sympathizers in Judah and led his forces to take Bethbasi. Camping in the wilderness, Bacchides constructed siege engines and fought against the fortress for many days.