After these events Nicanor went up to Mount Zion: After these events may be expressed as “Some time later” (Good News Bible; similarly Contemporary English Version) or “After the battle with Judas’ army.” Mount Zion refers to the hill in Jerusalem on which the Temple stood (see the comments on 1Macc 4.37).

Some of the priests came out of the sanctuary: For priests see the comments on 1Macc 1.46. The sanctuary refers to the Temple, not the surrounding area (see the comments on 1Macc 1.21). Nicanor, as a Gentile, would not be allowed in the Temple itself, so the priests came out to talk with him.

And some of the elders of the people: These were men who were recognized by the community for their integrity and leadership; they were not necessarily old men, although many of them would have been. “Leaders” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version) is an adequate translation for elders. However, there will be cultures where a similar term to elders will be natural.

To greet him peaceably: Good News Bible says “to welcome him with words of peace,” and Contemporary English Version has “welcomed him peacefully.” Both are good models.

And to show him the burnt offering that was being offered for the king: Since the burnt offering (see the comments on 1Macc 1.45) was offered in the Temple courtyard, they did not actually take Nicanor to see the sacrifice. To show him the burnt offering could mean they showed him the smoke from the altar rising above the walls or they allowed him to see it from the entranceway. This whole clause may be rendered “to show him that they were sacrificing a burnt offering on behalf of the king.”

Translators may want to rearrange the order of the clauses to make this verse clearer as follows:

• In the Temple the priests were offering a sacrifice—a burnt offering to ask Heaven [or, the One in Heaven] to treat the king with favor. Some of the priests, along with some of the leaders of the people, came out to welcome Nicanor, and show him that a sacrifice was being offered.

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.