51 And he stationed garrisons in them, so that those in Israel became trained in warfare.
52 And he fortified the city of Bethzur, and of Gazara, and the stronghold, and he stationed auxiliaries in them, with supplies of rations.
53 And he took the sons of the leaders of the region for hostages, and put them in the stronghold in Jerusalem under guard.
54 Now in the second month of the one hundred and fifty-third year, Alcimus instructed that the walls of the inner court of the sanctuary be destroyed, and that the works of the prophets be destroyed. And he began to destroy them.
55 At that time, Alcimus was struck, and his works were hindered, and his mouth was closed shut, and he was weakened with paralysis, so that he was no longer able speak a word, nor to give orders concerning his house.
56 And Alcimus died at that time, in great torment.
57 And Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead. And he returned to the king. And the land was quiet for two years.