18 Nevertheless Nikanor, hearing of the valour of those who were with Yehudah, and their courage in fighting for their country, shrank from bringing the matter to the decision of the sword. 19 Therefore he sent Posidonios, Theodotos, and Matityah (Mattathias) to give and receive pledges of friendship. 20 So when these proposals had been long considered, and the leader had made the troops[fn] acquainted with them, and it appeared that they were all of like mind, they consented to the covenants. 21 They appointed a day on which to meet together by themselves. A chariot came forward from each army. They set up seats of honour. 22 Yehudah stationed armed men ready in convenient places, lest perhaps there should suddenly be treachery on the part of the enemy. They held a conference as was appropriate. 23 Nikanor waited in Yerushalem (Jerusalem), and did nothing to cause disturbance, but dismissed the flocks of people that had gathered together. 24 He kept Yehudah always in his presence. He had gained a hearty affection for the man. 25 He urged him to marry and have children. He married, settled quietly, and took part in common life.