22
When Demetrius heard this, he was distressed and said,
23
"How did we manage to let Alexander get ahead of us? He has strengthened his position by making an alliance with the Jews.
24
I also will write them a friendly letter offering high positions and gifts, so that they will support me."
25
He wrote: "King Demetrius to the nation of the Jews, greetings.
26
We are delighted to learn that you have kept your obligations under our treaty, remained loyal to us, and have not gone over to the side of our enemies.
27
Now if you continue to remain loyal to us, we will reward you well.
28
We will grant you exemptions from many taxes and allow you other privileges.
29
I hereby grant all the Jewish people release and exemption from payment of regular taxes, salt taxes, and other special taxes.
30
Furthermore, from this day I release you from your obligation to pay me one third of the grain harvest and one half of the fruit harvest. From now on I will not demand these payments from Judea or from the three districts that have been added to Judea from Samaria and Galilee.
1
31
Jerusalem and its surrounding territory is to be recognized as a holy city and to be exempt from the payment of all taxes.
32
I also give up my authority over the fort in Jerusalem and place it under the High Priest, who may station there anyone he wishes to guard it.