In the one hundred and seventy-second year Demetrius the king assembled his forces: In the one hundred and seventy-second year corresponds to 140 b.c. (see the comments on 1Macc 1.10). This phrase may be expressed as “In the year 172 of the Syrian Kingdom” (Contemporary English Version) or “In the year 172 when the Syrians ruled.” Demetrius the king may be rendered “King Demetrius the Second” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version). Assembled his forces may be translated “gathered his soldiers together.”

And marched into Media to secure help: For Media see the comments on 1.1. Media was at this time under the domination of the Parthians, who had seized this portion of the Syrian Empire. To secure help means that Demetrius wanted to hire some mercenary soldiers from the Parthian region. He had reason to think that the Medes would welcome his coming. Contemporary English Version says “he hoped to hire soldiers to help him” (Contemporary English Version).

So that he could make war against Trypho may be rendered “fight against Trypho.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• In the year 172 of the Syrian Kingdom, King Demetrius~II gathered his soldiers together and led them to the country of Media. He hoped to hire soldiers there to help him fight against Trypho.

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.