6 Simon made the country largerand ruled the entire region.
7 He took many prisonersand also captured the townsof Gazara and Beth-Zur.And when he took controlof the Jerusalem fortress,he removed all the idolsthat had made it unclean.No one could oppose him!
8 Life was peaceful on the farms;the earth produced grain,and fruit grew on the trees.
9 In towns the old folkstalked about the good thingsthat had happened,while young soldiers strolled byin their fancy uniforms.
10 Simon supplied the townswith food and protectionand was famous everywhere.
11 He brought peaceand great joy to Israel.
12 Everyone rested unafraidbeneath their own grapevinesand fig trees;