Alcimus Plots Intrigues against the New King.

       Three years later, Judas and his followers were informed that Demetrius, the son of Seleucus, had sailed into the harbor of Tripolis with a powerful army and a fleet, and that he had taken control of the country after having done away with Antiochus and his guardian Lysias.

       Now a man named Alcimus, a former high priest who had willfully incurred defilement at the time of the revolt, realized that there was no possible way that his safety could be assured or that he could again have access to the holy altar. Therefore, he went to King Demetrius about the year one hundred and fifty-one and presented him with a crown of gold and a palm branch, in addition to some of the customary olive branches from the temple. On that occasion, he kept silent. However, he found an opportunity to further his mad scheme when Demetrius invited him to a meeting of the council and questioned him about the dispositions and the intentions of the Jews. He replied:

       "Those Jews who are called Hasideans and are led by Judas Maccabeus are warmongers who foment sedition and prevent the kingdom from achieving a state of tranquility. That is why, although I have been deprived of my ancestral dignity--I am referring to the high priesthood--I have now come here, first out of my genuine concern for the interests of the king, and second, because of my regard for my compatriots, since our entire nation has been afflicted severely because of the irresponsible conduct of these people I have mentioned. When you have ascertained the truth of these facts, O king, may it please you to make provision for the welfare of our country and our oppressed people, exhibiting the same gracious kindness that you extend to all. For as long as Judas remains alive, it will be impossible for the state to enjoy the condition of peace."

       When he had said this, the rest of the King's Friends, all of whom were hostile to Judas, added further fuel to the fire, inflaming the anger of Demetrius even more.

       The king immediately chose Nicanor, who had been in command of the elephants, and appointed him as governor of Judea. Then, he sent him forth with orders to put Judas to death, to disperse his followers, and to install Alcimus as high priest of the great temple.

       The Gentiles throughout Judea, who had fled from the attacks of Judas, now flocked to join Nicanor, confident that the misfortunes and calamities of the Jews would mean prosperity for themselves.

2 MACCABEES: chapter 14, verses 1 - 14