But he found an opportunity that furthered his mad purpose: He found an opportunity that furthered may be rendered “he found a way that enabled him” or “he found a way that would give him the opportunity.” His mad purpose, that is, his crazy plans, are presented in verses 6-10. He wanted Judas Maccabeus killed.

When he was invited by Demetrius to a meeting of the council and was asked about the disposition and intentions of the Jews: These two clauses may be placed at the beginning of the verse (see our model below). The council was probably not a formal body, but a group of men whose advice the king wanted, so Good News Bible says “a meeting of his advisers.” It would be only natural that the king would ask the advice of the High Priest about affairs in Judea, especially if the High Priest was in town. The disposition … of the Jews refers to Jewish feelings about their place in the Seleucid Empire. Were they comfortable with it? Did they oppose it? How upset were they? The intentions of the Jews refers to any plans the Jews might have to act on their feelings. Did they intend to rebel?

He answered may be rendered “so he said.”

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• Later, however, Demetrius invited him to a meeting with his advisers, and asked him about feelings in Judea and what the Jews intended to do. This gave Alcimus the chance to put his foolish [or, crazy] plans into effect, so he said….

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.