1 Maccabees 11:61
“By Gaza, which is interpreted "strength," is signified the stubbornness of unbelievers, in which the deceived minds of the wicked are enclosed, because they do not consent to yield to the truth. Jonathan overwhelmed it and burned the cities around it, just as the teachers of Christ on every side pressure the faithless…”
61From whence he went to Gaza, but they of Gaza shut him out; wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.
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59His brother Simon also he made captain from the place called The ladder of Tyrus unto the borders of Egypt.
60Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him: and when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.
— 1 Maccabees 11:61 —
62Afterward, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.
63Now when Jonathan heard that Demetrius’ princes were come to Cades, which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country,