1 Maccabees 7:27–38

²⁷So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a large force and treacherously sent to Judas and his brothers this peaceable message,^{* 28}“Let there be no fighting between you and me; I shall come with a few men to see you face to face in peace.”

²⁹So he came to Judas, and they greeted one another peaceably, but the enemy were preparing to kidnap Judas. ³⁰It became known to Judas that Nicanor^y had come to him with treacherous intent, and he was afraid of him and would not meet him again.^{* 31}When Nicanor learned that his plan had been disclosed, he went out to meet Judas in battle near Caphar-salama. ³²About five hundred of the army of Nicanor fell, and the rest^z fled into the city of David.

Nicanor Threatens the Temple

³³After these events Nicanor went up to Mount Zion. Some of the priests from the sanctuary and some of the elders of the people came out to greet him peaceably and to show him the burnt offering that was being offered for the king.^{* 34}But he mocked them and derided them and defiled them and spoke arrogantly, ³⁵and in anger he swore this oath, “Unless Judas and his army are delivered into my hands this time, then if I return safely I will burn up this house.” And he went out in great anger.^{* 36}At this the priests went in and stood before the altar and the temple; they wept and said,^*

³⁷“You chose this house to be called by your name

and to be for your people a house of prayer and supplication.^*

³⁸Take vengeance on this man and on his army,

and let them fall by the sword;

remember their blasphemies,

and let them live no longer.”