And Simon encamped in Adida, facing the plain: Adida (see 1Macc 12.38) was strategically located almost squarely between Joppa and Jerusalem, but in the hills above the plain, where Simon would have the advantage. He could see farther, and would be able to fight from higher ground. An alternative model for this verse is:

• Simon and his men set up camp at Adida, overlooking the [coastal] plain.

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.