He said: Following the above model for verse 13, this verse could begin with “He then thought [or, said to himself].”

I will make a name for myself and win honor in the kingdom may be expressed as “This is my chance to become well known and respected all over the kingdom” or “… to make people all over the kingdom know about me and respect me.”

I will make war on Judas and his companions may be rendered “I will go to war [or, fight] against Judas and his men.”

Who scorn the king’s command may be expressed as “who refuse to obey the king.”

A model using indirect speech for this verse is:

• He [Seron] then saw his chance to become famous and honored throughout the kingdom, and decided to go to war [or, fight] against Judas and his men, since they refused to obey the king.

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.