2 Maccabees 14:3–10

And Alcimus, a former high-priest, who had voluntarily polluted himself in days when there was no trafficking ⁽with the Gentiles⁽, and who therefore judged he was no longer safe and that he was now debarred entirely from the holy altar, came to king Demetrius in the hundred and fifty-first year with the present of a golden crown and palm, and, in addition to these customary gifts, some of the olive-branches from the temple. The first day he said nothing. But when he did get a chance of furthering his infatuated enterprise, on being summoned to confer with Demetrius and being asked about the temper and aims of the Jews, he replied: It is the Jews called Hasidaeans, led by Judas Maccabaeus, who are keeping up the feud and stirring sedition; they will not let the kingdom settle down in peace. Wherefore, deprived of my ancestral glory—I mean, the high-priesthood—I have now come hither, primarily from a sincere concern for the king’s interests, and secondly from anxiety on behalf of my own fellow-citizens; for the recklessness of the aforesaid party has involved our nation in no small misfortune. Acquaint thyself, O king, with the details of this business, and take measures on behalf of our country and our sorely tried nation, according to the gracious kindness which thou showest to all. For as long as Judas is alive, it is impossible for the State to be at peace.