4 The soldiers put them to death, and he took command of the whole kingdom.
5 Alcimus, leader of the unfaithful Jews, wanted Demetrius to appoint him high priest. So one day, he and his followers went to Demetrius
6 and brought charges against the other Jews. They said:Judas and his brothers have killed all of your trusted friends and forced us out of our country.
7 Please send an officer you can rely on and let him see the damage they have done to our property and to your kingdom. Then punish them and their followers.
8 Demetrius did as they requested and sent his trusted friend Bacchides to Judea. Bacchides was a powerful and loyal official, who was governor of the region between Egypt and the Euphrates River.
9 But Demetrius also appointed that worthless Alcimus to be high priest and sent him along with instructions to punish the people of Judea.
10 Bacchides and Alcimus led a powerful army to Judea. Then they sent Judas and his brothers some messengers who lied and promised peace.