10 A man by the name of Apollonius decided to invade Israel. So he got together an army of Gentiles and many Samaritans.
11 When Judas learned about this, he attacked, killing Apollonius and a large number of his soldiers. The others ran for their lives.
12 Then everyone took what they wanted from the dead soldiers. Judas himself took Apollonius' sword and used it from then on.
13 Seron, the commander of the Syrian forces, heard about Judas and the many loyal troops who were always ready to fight for him.
14 Seron thought, “Judas and his soldiers are rebels. So I'll destroy them and make a name for myself everywhere in the kingdom!”
15 Then Seron led his soldiers and a large number of unfaithful Jews out of his camp to attack them.
16 While Seron and his army were going through the hills toward the town of Beth-Horon, Judas and a small force went out to attack.