26 But Alkimos, perceiving the good will that was between them, and[fn] having taken possession of the covenants that had been made, came to Demetrios and told him that Nikanor was disloyal to the government, for he had appointed that conspirator against his kingdom, Yehudah, to be his successor. 27 The king, falling into a rage, and being exasperated by the false accusations of that most wicked man, wrote to Nikanor, signifying that he was displeased at the covenants, and commanding him to send Makabi (Maccabaeus) prisoner to Antiokeia in all haste. 28 When this message came to Nikanor, he was confounded, and was very troubled at the thought of annulling the articles that had been agreed upon, the man having done no wrong; 29 but because there was no opposing the king, he watched his time to execute this purpose by strategy. 30 But Makabi, when he perceived that Nikanor was behaving more harshly in his dealings with him, and that he had become ruler in his customary bearing, understanding that this harshness came not of good, gathered together not a few of his men, and concealed himself from Nikanor.

31 But the other,[fn] when he became aware that he had been bravely defeated by the strategy of Yehudah,[fn] came to the great[fn] and holy temple, while the priests were offering the usual sacrifices, and commanded them to hand over the man. 32 When they declared with oaths that they had no knowledge where the man was whom he sought, 33 he stretched out his right hand towards the sanctuary, and swore this oath: “If you won’t deliver up to me Yehudah as a prisoner, I will level this temple[fn] of God even with the ground, break down the altar, and I will erect here a temple to Dionusos for all to see.

34 And having said this, he departed. But the priests, stretching forth their hands towards heaven, called upon him who always fights for our nation, in these words: 35 “You, Oh master of the universe, who in yourself have need of nothing, were well pleased that a sanctuary of your habitation[fn] should be set amongst us. 36 So now, Oh holy master of all holiness, keep undefiled forever this house that has been recently cleansed.”