1 Simon's son John went from Gazara at the time and told his father what Cendebeus had done.
2 Then Simon met with John and Judas, his two oldest sons, and said to them:My brothers and I, and everyone else in my father's family, have fought for our people ever since we were young. God blessed us when we fought, and we rescued Israel many times.
3 I am an old man now. But God has shown kindness by letting you become mature enough to lead our people in battle, just as my brothers and I have done. I pray that God will be with you as you fight!
4 John immediately left to attack Cendebeus with 20,000 foot soldiers and cavalry from Judea. That night, the troops made camp at Modein.
5 Then early the next morning, they went out to the valley and stopped beside a flooding stream. On the other side of it, a large number of soldiers and cavalry were moving toward them.
6 John lined up his troops for battle. He waded into the stream first, because he knew his soldiers were afraid of the water. They watched John, then followed him across.