Good News Translation
When Apollonius heard what had happened, he took 3,000 cavalry and a large army of infantry and pretended to retreat south toward Azotus. However, relying upon the strength of his cavalry, he marched into the plain with his main force,

Contemporary English Version
When Apollonius found out that they had taken Joppa, he brought 3,000 cavalry and a large force of soldiers to the town of Azotus. He wanted the Jews to think he was only passing through the town. So he led his troops out to the nearby valley, where he was sure his cavalry could protect the soldiers.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And Apollonius heard of it, and he took three thousand horsemen, and a great army.

And Apollonius heard of it, and he took three thousand horsemen, and a great army.

1 Maccabees 10:75
And they pitched their tents near Joppe, but they shut him out of the city: because a garrison of Apollonius was in Joppe, and he laid siege to it.

1 Maccabees 10:76
And they that were in the city being affrighted, opened the gates to him: so Jonathan took Joppe.

1 Maccabees 10:78
And he went to Azotus, as one that was making a journey, and immediately he went forth into the plain: because he had a great number of horsemen, and he trusted in them. And Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, and they joined battle.

1 Maccabees 10:79
And Apollonius left privately in the camp a thousand horsemen behind them.