29 That night, Judas and his army left Bozrah and went straight to the fortress of Dathema,
30 where they arrived early the next morning. More Gentiles than could be counted were attacking the fortress with ladders and weapons to break through the walls.
31 Judas knew that the battle had begun, because shouts to God and trumpet blasts were coming from the fortress.
32 So he told his army, “Today you must fight for your people!”
33 Judas divided his army into three groups. Then a signal was blown on the trumpet, and the troops shouted prayers as they attacked the enemy from behind.
34 When Timothy and his army realized that Judas Maccabeus was leading the attack, they tried to escape. But he attacked them fiercely, and about 8,000 of them were slaughtered that day.
35 Judas led his army to the town of Maapha, which they attacked and captured. Then after killing the men and boys and taking everything of value, they burned the town.