50 Afterward returned Bac´chi-des to Jerusalem and, repaired the strong cites in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emma´us, and Beth–ho´ron, and Beth–el, and Timnah, Pira´thon, and Taphon, these did he strengthen with high walls, with gates, and with bars.
51 And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel.
52 He fortified also the city Beth–zur, and Gezer, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.
53 Besides, he took the chief men's sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.
54 Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Al´cimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets.
55 And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Al´cimus plagued, and his enterprises hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak any thing, nor give order concerning his house.
56 So Al´cimus died at that time with great torment.