| I Maccabees 6:47
| Then they seeing the strength of the king and the fierceness of his army, turned away from them.
| Them. Judas thought proper to retire to the temple, which alone was fortified, and in his power. The citadel of Sion held for the king, and the city was defenceless. Only what lay to the north of Bethsura was then called Judea. The Idumeans occupied the rest. Eupator blockaded the temple, and besieged Bethsura, which he took, ver. 41. This siege is related more at length, 2 Machabees 12:19. It cost the king a great deal. (Calmet)
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