33 And after these events, Nicanor ascended to mount Zion. And some of the priests of the people went out to greet him in peace, and to show him the holocausts that were offered for the king.
34 But he mocked and despised them, and he defiled them. And he spoke arrogantly,
35 and he swore with anger, saying, "Unless Judas and his army have been delivered into my hands, when I return in peace, I will burn this house." And he went out with great anger.
36 And the priests went in and stood before the face of the altar and the temple. And weeping, they said:
37 "You, O Lord, have chosen this house so that your name may be invoked in it, so that it may be a house of prayer and supplication for your people.
38 Accomplish vindication with this man and his army, and let them fall by the sword. Remember their blasphemies, and do not allow them to continue."
39 Then Nicanor departed from Jerusalem, and he positioned his camp near Bethhoron, and an army of Syria met him there.