5 But in these troubled times I'm ready to die for our people, just as my brothers did.
6 I want to get even with the other nations. They hate us and have come together to destroy our people, our temple, and our families.
7 Simon's speech encouraged everyone,
8 and they shouted, “Be our leader, just like your brothers Judas and Jonathan.
9 Take command of our army, and we will obey your orders.”
10 Simon called the troops together, and they worked quickly to finish the walls and towers that protected Jerusalem on every side.
11 Simon ordered Jonathan the son of Absalom to take a large force of soldiers to the town of Joppa. Jonathan forced the people to leave, and he took over Joppa.