2 Maccabees 14:16-18

Common English Bible

¹⁶ At the command of their leader Judas, they immediately broke camp, marched from there, and met the enemy at the village of Dessau. ¹⁷ Simon, Judas’ brother, met Nicanor in battle but was slowly losing ground because of the unexpected confusion caused by their enemies. ¹⁸ Nevertheless, when Nicanor heard that Judas’ troops were fighting bravely and courageously as they struggled for their homeland, he was somewhat afraid to decide the matter through bloodshed.