Menelaus supplanted Jason, obtaining his appointment from the king by the promise of a larger contribution.
This outrage, coupled with his appropriation of temple vessels, which he used as bribes, raised against Menelaus the senate and the people of Jerusalem.
His brother and deputy was killed in a serious riot, and an accusation was laid against Menelaus before Antiochus.
Menelaus held the citadel and Jason was unable to establish himself in the city.
Though Jason had fled, it was necessary to storm the city; the drastic measures which Menelaus advised seem to indicate that the poorer classes had been roused to defend the Temple from further sacrilege.