2 They also found out that Demetrius had put to death both King Antiochus and Lysias his guardian and was now ruling the country.
3 A man named Alcimus had earlier been appointed high priest, but when our nation was at war, he eagerly adopted the Greek way of life. Because of this, Alcimus knew he was in danger from our people and would never be high priest again.
4 So in about the year 151 of the Syrian Kingdom, Alcimus went to King Demetrius and presented him with a gold crown and a palm branch. He also handed him some olive branches from the temple area, as was the custom. However, Alcimus did not mention his desire to be high priest.
5 Some time later, Demetrius invited Alcimus to a meeting of the royal council and asked him to explain what the Jewish people were planning. Alcimus immediately took this chance to express his own crazy ideas, and he said:
6 King Demetrius, there is a devout group of Jews, who are led by Judas Maccabeus. They are nothing but rebels, and they will never stop causing trouble in your kingdom.
7 And so, I have given up the honorable position of high priest that has always been in my family.I have come here,
8 not only because I am truly concerned about your interests as ruler, but because I am eager to help my people. That foolish group of Jews has brought terrible suffering on our nation.