1 When the holy city was living in harmony, and people observed the laws strictly because of Onias the high priest, who was devoted to God and hated evil,
1
When the holy city was living in harmony, and people observed the laws strictly because of Onias the high priest, who was devoted to God and hated evil,
2
the kings used to honor the place and glorify the temple by sending the best gifts.
3
Seleucus the king of Asia even supplied all expenses for the sacrificial service from his own revenues.
4
But a certain Simon from the tribe of Benjamin, who had been appointed administrator of the temple, had a difference of opinion with the high priest about the management of the city market.
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Since he wasn't able to overcome Onias, he went to Thraseas' son Apollonius, who was governor of Coele-Syria and Phoenicia at that time.