9:51 And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel.
9:52 He fortified also the city Bethsura, and Gazera, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals.
9:53 Besides, he took the chief men’s sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept.
9:54 Moreover in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets
9:55 And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes 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.
9:56 So Alcimus died at that time with great torment.
9:57 Now when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead, he returned to the king: whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years.
9:58 Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night.
9:59 So they went and consulted with him.
9:60 Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan and those that were with him: howbeit they could not, because their counsel was known unto them.