Ptolemy Philopator at the temple
8 The Jews had sent elders and members of the council to greet him, to bring gifts of friendship, and to congratulate him on recent events. As a result he was even more eager to come to them as soon as possible.
9
So he traveled to Jerusalem, sacrificed to the supreme God, made thank offerings, and did what was appropriate for the temple. As he entered the temple, he was struck with amazement at its brilliance and beauty.
10
And as he admired the orderly arrangement of the temple, he conceived a notion to enter into the holy place.
11
But they said that it wasn't right to do this since even those of their own nation weren't permitted to enter it. Not even all the priests were allowed, but only the chief priest, who was in charge over all, and he could do so only once a year. But Philopator wasn't at all persuaded.
12
Even after the law was read to him, he continued to claim that it was necessary for him to enter, saying, "Even if those persons are denied this honor, I shouldn't be."
13
He asked why, when he was entering every other sacred place, none of those present prevented him.
14
And someone said (without thinking) that he was wrong to speak of this as a sign.
15
"But even if for some reason this were true," Philopator replied, "why should I, of all people, not enter, whether they are willing or not?"