12:53. Then all the heathens that were round about them, sought to destroy them. For they said:
12:54. They have no prince, nor any to help them: now therefore, let us make war upon them, and take away the memory of them from amongst men.
1 Machabees Chapter 13
Simon is made captain general in the room of his brother. Jonathan is slain by Tryphon. Simon is favoured by Demetrius: he taketh Gaza, and the castle of Jerusalem.
13:1. Now Simon heard that Tryphon was gathering together a very great army to invade the land of Juda, and to destroy it.
13:2. And seeing that the people was in dread and in fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and assembled the people,
13:3. And exhorted them, saying: You know what great battles I and my brethren, and the house of my father, have fought for the laws, and the sanctuary, and the distresses that we have seen:
13:4. By reason whereof all my brethren have lost their lives for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.
13:5. And now far be it from me to spare my life in any time of trouble: for I am not better than my brethren.
13:6. I will avenge then my nation and the sanctuary, and our children, and wives: for all the heathens are gathered together to destroy us out of mere malice.