I release also my control of the citadel in Jerusalem and give it to the high priest: In verse 6 Demetrius ordered the Syrian soldiers in the Jerusalem fort to hand over the hostages they were holding, but did not order the soldiers themselves to leave. Here he does so. This is a major concession on the king’s part. It is interesting that he refers only to the high priest, not to Jonathan by name. Alternative models are “I am also giving up control of the Jerusalem fort, and placing it under the authority of the High Priest” and “The high priest will take over from me the control of the Jerusalem fortress” (Contemporary English Version).

That he may station in it men of his own choice to guard it: Good News Bible provides a good model here. Another possible model is “he may choose men [or, soldiers] of his own to guard it.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.