New Military Operations^[a]

Chapter 5

War against Nearby Tribes. ¹ When the Gentiles in the surrounding area heard that the altar had been rebuilt and the sanctuary had been rededicated, they became greatly angered. ² They determined to destroy the descendants of Jacob who were living in their midst, and they began to persecute and massacre the people. ³ Then Judas made war on the descendants of Esau at Akrabattene^[b] in Idumea because they were besieging the Israelites. He inflicted on them a massive defeat, overcame them, and took their spoils. ⁴ He also remembered the wickedness of the sons of Baean,^[c] who had proved to be a snare and a stumbling block to the people with their ambushes on the roads. ⁵ Having blockaded them in their towers, he vowed to effect their total destruction. Then he set ablaze their towers with all the people in them. ⁶ Next, he crossed over to attack the Ammonites,^[d] where he was confronted by a strong army and a large crowd of people, with Timothy as their leader. ⁷ He engaged in many battles with them, and they were crushed and struck down. ⁸ After capturing Jazer^[e] and its villages, he returned to Judea.