9:51. And he placed garrisons in them, that they might wage war against Israel:
9:52. And he fortified the city of Bethsura, and Gazara, and the castle, and set garrisons in them, and provisions of victuals:
9:53. And he took the sons of the chief men of the country for hostages, and put them in the castle in Jerusalem in custody.
9:54. Now in the year one hundred and fifty-three, the second month, Alcimus commanded the walls of the inner court of the sanctuary to be thrown down, and the works of the prophets to be destroyed: and he began to destroy.
9:55. At that time Alcimus was struck: and his works were hindered, and his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak a word, nor give order concerning his house.
9:56. And Alcimus died at that time in great torment.
9:57. And Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead: and he returned to the king, and the land was quiet for two years.
9:58. And all the wicked held a council, saying: Behold Jonathan, and they that are with him, dwell at ease and without fear: now, therefore, let us bring Bacchides hither, and he shall take them all in one night.
9:59. So they went, and gave him counsel.
9:60. And he arose to come with a great army: and he sent secretly letters to his adherents that were in Judea to seize upon Jonathan, and them that were with him: but they could not, for their design was known to them.