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.
31 Jonathan agreed.
32 Bacchides plotted to kill Jonathan as soon as he found out that Jonathan was the new leader.
33 But his plan failed, because Jonathan and his brother Simon were warned and escaped with their followers to a camp near the water hole at Asphar in the desert around Tekoa.
34 On a Sabbath, Bacchides learned where the camp was, and he led his army across the Jordan River.