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.
9 Now you know the truth, so please be kind and generous, just as you always are, and help our oppressed people.
10 As long as Judas is alive, your kingdom will never have any peace.