15
Now Alexander the king heard of all the promises which Demetrius had sent to Jonathan, and men told him of the battles that Jonathan and his brothers had fought, of the brave deeds that they had done, and of the troubles that they had endured.
16
So he said, "Shall we find another such man? Come now, we will make him our friend and ally."
17
And he wrote a letter and sent it to him, in the following words:
18
"King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greeting.
19
We have heard about you, that you are a mighty warrior and worthy to be our friend.
20
And so we have appointed you today to be the high priest of your nation; you are to be called the king's friend" (and he sent him a purple robe and a golden crown) "and you are to take our side and keep friendship with us."
21
So Jonathan put on the holy garments in the seventh month of the one hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of tabernacles, and he recruited troops and equipped them with arms in abundance.
22
When Demetrius heard of these things he was grieved and said,
23
"What is this that we have done? Alexander has gotten ahead of us in forming a friendship with the Jews to strengthen himself.
24
I also will write them words of encouragement and promise them honor and gifts, that I may have their help."
25
So he sent a message to them in the following words: "King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews, greeting.