Good News Translation
Judas had taken the precaution of placing battle-ready troops in strategic places, in case of sudden treachery on the part of the enemy. But the two leaders had a friendly meeting.

New Revised Standard Version
Judas posted armed men in readiness at key places to prevent sudden treachery on the part of the enemy; so they duly held the consultation.

Contemporary English Version
Judas had placed armed guards at key positions around the meeting place, just in case the enemy had set a trap. But the meeting was very friendly.

New American Bible
Judas had posted armed men in readiness at strategic points for fear that the enemy might suddenly commit some treachery. But the conference was held in the proper way.

Douay-Rheims Bible
But Judas ordered armed men to be ready in convenient places, lest some mischief might be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made an agreeable conference.

But Judas ordered armed men to be ready in convenient places, lest some mischief might be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made an agreeable conference.

2 Maccabees 14:20
And when there had been a consultation thereupon, and the captain had acquainted the multitude with it, they were all of one mind to consent to covenants.

2 Maccabees 14:21
So they appointed a day upon which they might come together by themselves: and seats were brought out, and set for each one.

2 Maccabees 14:23
And Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no wrong, but sent away the flocks of the multitudes that had been gathered together.

2 Maccabees 14:24
And Judas was always dear to him from the heart, and he was well affected to the man.