17
So he wrote a letter, and sent it to him according to these words, saying:
18
King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, greeting.
19
We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and fit to be our friend:
20
Now therefore we make thee this day high priest of thy nation, and that thou be called the king's friend, (and he sent him a purple robe, and a crown of gold,) and that thou be of one mind with us in our affairs, and keep friendship with us.
21
Then Jonathan put on the holy vestment in the seventh month, in the year one hundred and threescore, at the feast day of the tabernacles: and he gathered together an army, and made a great number of arms.
22
And Demetrius heard these words, and was exceeding sorry, and said:
23
What is this that we have done, that Alexander hath prevented us to gain the friendship of the Jews to strengthen himself?
24
I also will write to them words of request, and offer dignities, and gifts: that they may be with me to aid me.
25
And he wrote to them in these words: King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews, greeting.
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Whereas you have kept covenant with us, and have continued in our friendship, and have not joined with our enemies, we have heard of it, and are glad.
27
Wherefore now continue still to keep fidelity towards us, and we will reward you with good things, for what you have done in our behalf.