Judas' Later Regional Campaigns

Several regional governors would not let the people live in peace. Then men of Joppa tricked Jewish families into boats and drowned many of them at sea. When Judas heard, he called on God as righteous Judge, attacked the harbour by night, burned boats, and struck the killers. He withdrew when the town gates were shut, intending to return.

When Judas learned that the people of Jamnia meant to do the same kind of harm, he struck there at night as well and burned the harbour and fleet. Then, on the way against Timotheus, he fought a hard battle with Arabians. With God's help he prevailed, and afterwards made peace with them when they offered friendship, livestock, and further help.

Next Judas attacked Caspin, a fortified city whose people mocked and blasphemed. Calling on the great Sovereign, Judas and his men took it by the will of God. After travelling on, they reached Charax among the Jews called Tubieni. Timotheus was gone, but he had left a strong garrison, and Judas' captains Dositheus and Sosipater destroyed it.

Judas divided his army and hurried after Timotheus, who had a very large force and had sent women, children, and baggage into the fortress of Carnion. When Judas' first division appeared, fear came on the enemy and they fled in confusion. Judas pursued them, and many were killed. Later Timotheus fell in with Dositheus and Sosipater and begged for his life, saying he held relatives of some of their men. After he confirmed an agreement to restore them unharmed, they let him go.

After that, Judas marched against Carnion and the temple of Atergatis, then against Ephron, another strong city defended by many people and weapons. Calling on the Sovereign who breaks enemy strength, they took the city. From there they went toward Scythopolis, but the local Jews told how kindly that city had treated them in hard times. So Judas' force gave thanks and went up to Jerusalem as the feast of weeks approached.

After Pentecost, Judas marched again, this time against Gorgias the governor of Idumaea. In the fighting, a few Jews fell. Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company, nearly captured Gorgias alive, but a Thracian horseman wounded him and Gorgias escaped to Marisa. As the battle wore on, Judas called on the Lord and raised the ancestral battle cry with hymns. Gorgias' troops were put to flight, and Judas' army reached Adullam, purified themselves, and kept the Sabbath there.