1. Now when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it,

2. And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem, and gathered the people together,

3. And gave them exhortation, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I, and my brethren, and my father’s house, have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen.

4. By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel’s sake, and I am left alone.

5. Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.

6. Doubtless I will avenge my nation, and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.

7. Now as soon as the people heard these words, their spirit revived.

8. And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.

9. Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever, thou commandest us, that will we do.

10. So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.

11. Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absolom, and with him a great power, to Joppa: who casting out them that were therein remained there in it.

12. So Tryphon removed from Ptolemaus with a great power to invade the land of Judea, and Jonathan was with him in ward.

13. But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.

14. Now when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up instead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,

15. Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king’s treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.

16. Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.

17. Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people:

18. Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.

19. So he sent them the children and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled neither would he let Jonathan go.

20. And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place, wheresoever he went.

21. Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals.

22. Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night: but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.

23. And when he came near to Bascama he slew Jonathan, who was buried there.

24. Afterward Tryphon returned and went into his own land.

25. Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.

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