6:18. Now they that were in the castle, had shut up the Israelites round about the holy places: and they were continually seeking their hurt, and to strengthen the Gentiles.
6:19. And Judas purposed to destroy them: and he called together all the people, to besiege them.
6:20. And they came together, and besieged them in the year one hundred and fifty, and they made battering slings and engines.
6:21. And some of the besieged got out: and some wicked men of Israel joined themselves unto them.
6:22. And they went to the king, and said: How long dost thou delay to execute judgment, and to revenge our brethren?
6:23. We determined to serve thy father, and to do according to his orders, and obey his edicts:
6:24. And for this they of our nation are alienated from us, and have slain as many of us as they could find, and have spoiled our inheritances.
6:25. Neither have they put forth their hand against us only, but also against all our borders.
6:26. And behold they have approached this day to the castle of Jerusalem to take it, and they have fortified the strong hold of Bethsura:
6:27. And unless thou speedily prevent them, they will do greater things than these, and thou shalt not be able to subdue them.