27 Newlyweds sang about deathand mournedon their wedding day.
28 The land itself felt sorrow,and everyone in Israelwas terribly ashamed.
29 Two years later, Antiochus sent an officer to collect taxes from the towns in Judea. The officer led a strong army to Jerusalem,
30 and he lied to the people by promising peace. They believed him, but suddenly he attacked Jerusalem, damaging the city and killing many of its people.
31 After taking everything he wanted, he set fire to the city, destroying its houses and walls.
32 His soldiers even dragged away women, children, and livestock.
33 Antiochus ordered his army to build a fortress in Jerusalem and put up high, thick walls and strong towers.