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. 19And Judas purposed to destroy them: and he called together all the people, to besiege them. 20And they came together, and besieged them in the year one hundred and fifty, and they made battering slings and engines. 21And some of the besieged got out: and some wicked men of Israel joined themselves unto them. 22And they went to the king, and said: How long dost thou delay to execute judgment, and to revenge our brethren? 23We determined to serve thy father, and to do according to his orders, and obey his edicts: 24And 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. 25Neither have they put forth their hand against us only, but also against all our borders. 26And behold they have approached this day to the castle of Jerusalem to take it, and they have fortified the strong hold of Bethsura: 27And unless thou speedily prevent them, they will do greater things than these, and thou shalt not be able to subdue them.