20 And they came together and besieged them in the one hundred and fiftieth year, and they made catapults and other machines.
21 And certain ones of these, who were besieged, escaped. And some of the impious out of Israel joined themselves to them.
22 And they went to the king, and they said: "How long will you not act with judgment and vindicate our brothers?
23 We resolved to serve your father, and to walk according to his precepts, and to obey his edicts.
24 And because of this, the sons of our people have alienated themselves from us, and they have put to death as many of us as they could find, and they have torn apart our inheritances.
25 And they have not extended their hand against us only, but also against all within our borders.
26 And behold, this day they have taken a position near the stronghold of Jerusalem to occupy it, and they have fortified the stronghold of Bethzur.