Demetrius heard that Nicanor had fallen with his forces in battle, and he sent Bacchides and Alcimus again into the land of Judah a second time, and the right wing of his army with them.
ExplanationCommentary
Verse 1. Time. About a year after Nicanor’s death, (Calmet. 7:50. and 2 B. 15:38. Worthington.) or in the same year, A. 3843; ( Calmet.) so that the Romans had not time to send Judas assistance. Bible.—Josephus (xii. 17.) erroneously supposes that Alcimus was dead, and Judas his successor, while Simon was the civil ruler and general. He afterwards (B. xx. 8.) asserts that Jonathas was next high priest to Alcimus, who certainly officiated after the death of Judas. verse 54.—Bacchides had been already in Judea. Calmet. 7:8. Now the right wing, composed of the best troops, and usually commanded by the prince when he was present, is entrusted to him.