53 He took as hostages the sons of the leading people of the country and put them in custody in the citadel at Jerusalem.
54 In the one hundred and fifty-third year, in the second month, Alcimus ordered the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary to be torn down, thus destroying the work of the prophets. But he only began to tear it down.
55 Just at that time Alcimus was stricken, and his work was interrupted; his mouth was closed and he was paralyzed, so that he could no longer utter a word or give orders concerning his household.
56 Alcimus died in great agony at that time.
57 Seeing that Alcimus was dead, Bacchides returned to the king, and the land of Judah was at rest for two years.
58 Then all the lawless took counsel and said: “Jonathan and those with him are living in peace and security. Now then, let us have Bacchides return, and he will capture all of them in a single night.”
59 So they went and took counsel with him.