16 Judas ordered his troops to march at once to the village of Dessau, where they attacked Nicanor.
17 Judas' brother Simon also ordered his troops into the battle, but for the moment they were retreating because of a surprise move on the part of Nicanor's army.
18 Meanwhile, someone told Nicanor just how fearless Judas and his soldiers were, and how fiercely they defended their nation. So Nicanor changed his mind about trying to defeat them in battle,
19 and instead he sent Posidonius, Theodotus, and Mattathias to make peace with them.
20 After the details of a peace treaty had been decided, Nicanor informed his troops, and they made an agreement.
21 Then Judas and Nicanor chose a day to meet privately. And when that day arrived, a chariot came out of each camp, and fancy chairs were set up.
22 Judas had placed armed guards at key positions around the meeting place, just in case the enemy had set a trap. But the meeting was very friendly.