75 The two brothers surrounded the town of Joppa, because Apollonius had soldiers there. No one would let them in at first.
76 But they attacked and frightened the people into opening the gates; then they took command of the town.
77 When Apollonius found out that they had taken Joppa, he brought 3,000 cavalry and a large force of soldiers to the town of Azotus. He wanted the Jews to think he was only passing through the town. So he led his troops out to the nearby valley, where he was sure his cavalry could protect the soldiers.
78 Jonathan followed Apollonius to Azotus, and a battle broke out
79 when 1,000 of Apollonius' cavalry suddenly left their hiding places and attacked from behind.
80 The cavalry surrounded Jonathan's troops and shot arrows at them from early morning until late afternoon.
81 But Jonathan's forces held their ground, and he told them to keep fighting until the enemy cavalry wore themselves out.