1 Maccabees 16:20

¹⁸Then Ptolemy wrote these things, and sent to the king, that he should send him a host to aid him, and he would deliver him the country and cities.

¹⁹He sent others also to Gazara to kill John: and unto the tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give them silver, and gold, and rewards.

— 1 Maccabees 16:20 —

²¹Now one had run afore to Gazara, and told John that his father and brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemy hath sent to slay thee also.

²²Hereof when he heard, he was sore astonished: so he laid hands on them that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for he knew that they sought to make him away.