22 But a lot of troublemakers helped him, and together they took control of the nation and did horrible things to the people.
23 When Judas found out that Alcimus and his followers were causing so much trouble, he said, “They're worse than the Gentiles.”
24 Then Judas and his soldiers went to the nearby towns of Judea, punishing the unfaithful Jews, without letting any of them escape.
25 Alcimus realized he could not oppose Judas and his powerful army. So he returned to King Demetrius and accused them of terrible crimes.
26 King Demetrius had an outstanding officer by the name of Nicanor, who hated the Jews. And the king ordered him to destroy them all.
27 When Nicanor and his large army arrived in Jerusalem, he sent messengers with false promises of peace to Judas and his brothers.
28 The messengers said, “Let's not get into a fight! A few of my bodyguards and I just want to have a friendly talk with you here in your camp.”