10 And Nicanor undertook by the sale of the captive Jews to make up for the king the tribute of two thousand talents which he was to pay to the Romans.
11 And immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea coast, inviting them to buy Jewish slaves, promising to allow fourscore and ten slaves for a talent, not expecting the judgement that was to follow upon him from the Almighty.
12 But tidings came to Judas concerning the inroad of Nicanor; and when he communicated to them that were with him the presence of the army,
13 they that were cowardly and distrustful of the judgement of God ran away and left the country.
14 And others sold all that was left over to them, and withal implored the Lord to deliver them that had been sold as slaves by the impious Nicanor or ever he met them;
15 and this, if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants made with their fathers, and because he had called them by his reverend and glorious name.
16 And Maccabaeus gathered his men together, six thousand in number, and exhorted them not to be stricken with dismay at the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen who came wrongfully against them; but to contend nobly,