The land had rest all the days of Simon: The land is Judea (see Revised Standard Version footnote). All the days of Simon refers to the time when Simon held the office of High Priest. Good News Bible‘s model may be slightly altered to read “The land of Judea was at peace while Simon ruled.” We may even say “No enemy attacked Judea while Simon ruled as High Priest.”

He sought the good of his nation may be rendered “He worked for what was best for his nation [or, people].”

His rule was pleasing to them may be expressed as “and they were pleased with how he governed.”

As was the honor shown him, all his days may be translated “and they were happy to honor him all his life.”

An alternative model for this verse is:

• The land of Judea was at peace while Simon ruled. He worked for what was best for his people, and they were pleased to have him as their ruler, and happy to honor him all his life.

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.