36 The priests returned to the temple courtyard, where they stared at the temple and the altar. Then with tears in their eyes, they prayed:
37 “You have chosen this templeas the place where your peoplemust worship in your name.
38 Defeat Nicanor and his army!Destroy them in battle.Don't ever forgethow they insulted you,and don't let them live!”
39 Nicanor led his troops out of Jerusalem, and they camped near the town of Beth-Horon, where they were joined by a force of Syrian soldiers.
40 After Judas and his army of 3,000 soldiers set up camp near the town of Adasa, Judas prayed:
41 Our God, a long time ago the king of Assyria sent messengers to insult you. But your angel slaughtered 185,000 of his soldiers.
42 Destroy Nicanor's army today, and it will show our enemies that Nicanor cannot get away with disgracing your temple.