24 The crops had failed that year, and everyone in the whole country joined these troublemakers.
25 Bacchides appointed some godless people to rule the country,
26 and they searched carefully for any followers of Judas. Then they brought them to Bacchides, who laughed as he punished them.
27 The troubles in Israel were worse now than they had been since the time God had stopped sending prophets.
28 The followers of Judas got together and said to Jonathan:
29 Ever since your brother Judas died, we haven't had anyone like him to lead us into battle against enemies like Bacchides or against our own people who hate us.
30 So today we have chosen you to take the place of Judas. Be our ruler and lead us in battle.